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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Florida Supreme Court to Decide Whether Marijuana Legalization Can Be Put to Voters
The interplay between state and federal drug laws is at the center of the case.
Voting Rights Under State Constitutions, Explained
All but one state constitution affirmatively establishes a right to vote.
Victims’ Rights Meet State Constitutions
The Maryland Supreme Court is considering appeals in the murder case of Adnan Syed, made famous by the “Serial” podcast.
Florida Supreme Court Hears Pivotal Abortion Case
The conservative court is being asked to revisit precedents protecting abortion rights.
New Hurdles for Citizen Ballot Initiatives
Ohio legislators aim to head off an abortion rights constitutional amendment.
Constitutional Amendment Processes in the 50 States
States offer multiple paths for amending their constitutions, which are much easier to change than the federal Constitution.
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.
Washington Supreme Court Unanimously Upholds the State’s Voting Rights Act
The high court forcefully rejected a constitutional challenge to state law protections against discrimination in local elections.