Delaware
Delaware’s highest court is the Delaware Supreme Court. The court has four justices and one chief justice. The chief justice is nominated by the governor for a 12-year term and must be confirmed by the state senate. (Source: Delaware Constitution)
Judicial Selection
The governor nominates a candidate to the Delaware Supreme Court from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The nominee must be confirmed by a majority of the state senate. Justices serve 12-year terms and may seek reappointment to additional terms in the same appointment process. The governor appoints interim candidates from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The nominee must be confirmed by a majority of the state senate. An appointed justice serves a 12-year term. There are no term limits nor is there a mandatory retirement age.
State Constitution
Delaware has had four constitutions adopted between 1776 and 1897. As of January 1, 2022, it had 152 amendments. (Source: Council of State Governments)
Filters
The Neglected State Constitutional Protections Against Extreme Punishments
Two new law review articles explore the origins of antipunishment clauses in Pennsylvania and North Carolina.
What Happens When State and Local Laws Conflict
Cases involving abortion, gun control, and public health pivoted on state preemption standards.