Arizona
Arizona’s highest court is the Arizona Supreme Court. The court consists of five justices, one vice chief justice, and one chief justice. The chief justice and vice chief justice are selected by a majority of the court. The chief justice serves a five-year term and the vice chief justice’s term is determined by the court. (Source: Arizona Supreme Court)
Judicial Selection
The governor appoints Arizona Supreme Court justices from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. After at least two years on the court, the justice can stand for a six-year term in an unopposed yes/no retention vote in Arizona’s next general election. Justices can stand for additional terms through retention elections. The governor fills interim vacancies from a list provided by the judicial nominating commission. The mandatory retirement age is 70.
State Constitution
Arizona’s first and only constitution was adopted in 1911. As of January 1, 2024, it had 160 amendments. (Source: John Dinan, 2024)
Filters
Florida Supreme Court Hears Pivotal Abortion Case
The conservative court is being asked to revisit precedents protecting abortion rights.
The Neglected State Constitutional Protections Against Extreme Punishments
Two new law review articles explore the origins of antipunishment clauses in Pennsylvania and North Carolina.
Justices Spar Over Judicial and Legislative Power in Iowa Abortion Ruling
The decision preserves a lower court order blocking a six-week abortion ban.
Challenging Anti-Trans Legislation Under State Constitutions
Though advocates have found early success in federal courts, they may find even more effective ways to protect LGBTQ+ rights through state courts.
How Do State Constitutions Evolve?
The Washington Supreme Court’s changing interpretation of its state “Privileges or Immunities” Clause shows how state courts can diverge from federal precedent over time.
Getting Racial Bias Off the Jury
Washington innovates on peremptory strikes.
NC Supreme Court Upholds Law Barring People on Probation and Parole from Voting
While state courts have been skeptical of judicial remedies, momentum for legislative responses is growing.
3 Takeaways About Abortion Litigation Since Dobbs
Dozens of legal cases around the country are challenging abortion bans.