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
No State Actor, No Problem
Unlike the U.S. Constitution, state constitutions can impose obligations on private actors.
South Dakota Supreme Court Broadens ‘Marsy’s Law’ in Dispute Over Victim’s Diary
The case involved interpretation of the state’s constitutional amendment providing crime victims’ rights akin those of criminal defendants.
Protecting Youth in the Criminal Justice System
A man sentenced to life in prison at 18 years old explains why state laws that funnel kids into the adult system are unjust and short-sighted.
State Constitutions Have a Role to Play in the Housing Crisis
Voters in multiple states approved constitutional amendments last year to address housing affordability and access.
Texas Suit Against New York Doctor Ushers in New Era of Abortion Litigation
The Texas attorney general alleges a New York physician broke Texas law when she mailed abortion-inducing medication to a woman in Texas.
What the SCOTUS Term Means for State Courts
Some of the Court’s most important holdings — including on abortion, gun restrictions, and presidential immunity — have implications for state courts and constitutions.
California Lawsuits Test Boundaries of the Right to Protest
Students and faculty have sued UCLA and UC Santa Cruz for shutting down encampments.
Can Sanctuary Cities Survive the Second Trump Administration?
Whether local governments must comply with federal immigration policy largely depends on state law.