California
California’s highest court is the Supreme Court of California. The court has six associate justices and one chief justice, who is appointed under the same procedures as the associate justices. (Source: California Judicial Branch)
Judicial Selection
The governor nominates candidates to the Supreme Court of California who must be confirmed by a majority of the commission on judicial appointments. The commission consists of the chief justice, the state attorney general, and the senior presiding justice of the state’s courts of appeal. Once confirmed, the nominee stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of California’s next general election. Justices serve 12-year terms and may seek additional terms through an unopposed yes/no retention vote. There are no term limits, and there is no mandatory retirement age.
State Constitution
California has had two constitutions adopted in 1849 and 1879. As of January 1, 2024, it had 541 amendments. (Source: John Dinan, 2024)
Filters
When Can States Prosecute Federal Agents?
Federal precedent permits such prosecutions in limited circumstances, but the legal bar remains high.
New Year Scholarship Roundup: Federal-State Conflict, State Courts, and Election Administration
Several new articles explore state power in times of federal-state and interstate conflict.
The Path Not Taken in Federal Takings Law
Debates from 19th century state conventions explain why some constitutions allow takings for “private use.”
Michigan High Court Could Break New Ground in Limiting Excessive Sentences
Michigan could be the first state to rule that life-without-parole sentences for people convicted of “felony murder” are unconstitutional.
Who’s Hiring State Supreme Court Clerks?
State-by-state information to aid law students and young attorneys in securing a state clerkship.
Federalism and State Constitutional Rights in 2026
The killing of Renee Good by a federal immigration agent thrust into the spotlight questions about when and how states can hold federal officials accountable.
Voting Rights and Democracy in State Courts
Transcript of panel from Symposium: The Power of State Constitutional Rights
State Constitutional Amendments and State Conventions
Transcript of panel from Symposium: The Power of State Constitutional Rights