Connecticut
Connecticut’s highest court is the Connecticut Supreme Court. The court has six associate justices and one chief justice. The governor appoints the chief justice from a list created by a judicial nominating commission unless the justice is already an associate justice. Nominees who are not already on the court must be confirmed by a majority of the Connecticut General Assembly. (Source: Appointment Process for Connecticut Supreme Court Justices; Connecticut General Assembly)
Judicial Selection
The governor nominates a candidate to the Connecticut Supreme Court from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The nominee must be confirmed by a majority of the general assembly. Justices serve eight-year terms and may seek reappointment to additional terms in the same appointment process. There are no term limits. The mandatory retirement age is 70.
State Constitution
Connecticut has had two constitutions adopted in 1818 and 1965. As of January 1, 2024, it had 34 amendments. (Source: John Dinan, 2024)
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Voters Across the Country Amend Their Constitutions
Through ballot measures, voters expressed policy preferences on issues including abortion, drug legalization, and same-sex marriage.
2024 Ballot Measures to Watch
Voters will decide whether to amend their state constitutions with measures focusing on abortion, election procedures, minimum wage policy, and more.
A Rallying Cry Against Lockstepping
When state supreme courts peg their constitutions to federal interpretations, they erode the rule of law, undermine federalism, and limit rights protection.
States Can Protect Unhoused People When the U.S. Supreme Court Won’t
The U.S. high court’s ruling allowing anti-camping laws underscores the importance and potential of state constitutional protections.
To Prevent Chaos and Confusion, Judges Must Prepare for Election Emergencies
In advance of the election, judges should educate themselves on election administration and develop emergency response procedures that will enable creation of effective remedies.
When Does the U.S. Supreme Court Review State Supreme Court Decisions?
State courts have the final word on state law, but when federal law is involved, it can be complicated.
All Law Students Should be Educated About State Constitutions
Law professors planning lessons for the new academic year should consider incorporating state constitutions into the first-year constitutional law course.
Scholarship Roundup: September 2024 Back to School Edition
New articles and books cover a wide range of topics related to state constitutions, judiciaries, state-level democracy, and more.