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
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.
Getting Racial Bias Off the Jury
Washington innovates on peremptory strikes.
State Court Takeaways from Dobbs
State courts should reassert their role as primary guarantors of liberty.
California Supreme Court to Consider Prosecutorial Discretion Over “Three-Strikes” Law
The Los Angeles district attorney is contesting a requirement that he must seek higher sentences.