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)
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How Courts Oversee Ballot Initiatives
State courts — and to some degree federal courts — play a significant role in every stage of the direct democracy process.
Legislative Efforts to Abolish Qualified Immunity Yield Mixed Results
Colorado and New Mexico have enacted laws to hold police and other officials accountable for state constitutional violations, while other states have broadened immunities.
State Constitutional Conventions Explained
The nation’s first constitutional convention in decades may take place in Louisiana this summer.
New Findings Highlight Lack of Diversity on State Supreme Courts
More data and further scholarship is needed to devise policies for promoting a state bench that adequately represents the varied background of the public.
Fight Over Employment Status of Uber and Lyft Drivers Moves Through State Courts
Ridehail and delivery drivers are pushing for greater workplace protections in California and Massachusetts.
The Right to Protest and State Constitutions
First Amendment analogues could offer distinct rights for protesters.
Scholarship Roundup: End of Semester Edition
Recent articles address states taking policy questions away from courts, standing in election cases, and state shadow dockets.
A Conversation with Justice Goodwin H. Liu of the California Supreme Court
Liu spoke about how judicial decisions affect citizens, the state’s system of direct democracy, and the importance of educating law students about state courts.