State v. Brown

I

The administration of justice in this jurisdiction has its roots in the common law, for the People, in declaring their rights upon the founding of this State, asserted “That the Inhabitants of Maryland are entitled to the Common Law of England, * * *.” Art. 5, Declaration of Rights, Constitution of Maryland. Thus, the common law of England eñ masse, as it existed in England on 4 July 1776, and as it prevailed in Maryland either practically or potentially, except such portions thereof as were inconsistent with the spirit of the Constitution and the nature of our political institutions,…