The Court originally had limited jurisdiction to hear criminal cases; hence, the designation of Court of "Special" Appeals. The Court's jurisdiction has expanded over the years. It now has exclusive initial appellate jurisdiction over any reviewable judgment, decree, order, or other action of the circuit and orphans' courts. The Court also considers applications for leave to appeal in such areas as post conviction, habeas corpus matters involving denial of or excessive bail, continued hospitalization of insane or incompetent defendants, inmate grievances, appeals from criminal guilty pleas, violations of probation and denial of victim rights.