Alabama
Alabama’s highest court is the Supreme Court of Alabama. The court has eight associate justices and one chief justice. Justices serve six-year terms and are selected by popular vote. (Source: Alabama Supreme Court; Alabama Constitution)
Judicial Selection
Justices on the Supreme Court of Alabama are elected to six-year terms through partisan elections, and they may seek additional terms through partisan elections. There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve. The governor fills interim vacancies when a seat opens before the end of a term. The appointed justice holds office until Alabama’s next general election more than two years after they were appointed. Justices may not be appointed or elected after age 70.
State Constitution
Alabama has had seven constitutions adopted between 1819 and 2022. As of January 1, 2024, had 0 amendments. (Source: John Dinan, 2024)
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State Supreme Court Elections to Watch in 2024
Key races in Michigan, Montana, Kentucky, and Ohio will shape state law on reproductive rights, criminal justice, and much more.
Alabama IVF Ruling Puts Spotlight on Fetal Personhood Rights
The decision is an extension of fetal personhood protections that have existed and been enforced in Alabama — and many other states — since before Dobbs.
South Carolina High Court Hears Challenge to Firing Squads and Electric Chair
States have increasingly turned to antiquated, painful methods of execution in response to shortages of lethal injection drugs.
Texas Supreme Court to Hear Arguments Over Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for Transgender Minors
Families of transgender children are asking the court to reinstate a temporary injunction blocking the ban.
The Writ of Mandamus in State Courts
The centuries-old remedy is increasingly used to force hotly contested political issues before state courts.
Kansas Online Court System Faces Long Recovery Time After Cyberattack
Constitutional Amendment Processes in the 50 States
Challenging Anti-Trans Legislation Under State Constitutions