Hawaii
Hawaii’s highest court is the Supreme Court of the State of Hawaii. The court has four associate justices and one chief justice. The chief justice is appointed under the same procedures as the associate justices. (Source: Hawaii Constitution)
Judicial Selection
The governor nominates a candidate to the Supreme Court of the State of Hawaii from a list provided by a judicial selection commission. The governor’s selection must be confirmed by a majority of the state senate. The appointed justice serves a 10-year term. Justices may stand for reappointment by the state’s judicial selection commission to additional terms. The governor nominates a judicial candidate to fill an interim vacancy from a list provided by a judicial selection commission. The governor’s selection must be confirmed by a majority of the state senate. The appointed justice serves a 10-year term. The mandatory retirement age is 70.
State Constitution
Hawaii’s first and only constitution was adopted in 1950. As of January 1, 2024, it had 114 amendments. (Source: John Dinan, 2024)
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The History of Same-Sex Marriage in the United States, and What Might Come Next
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Issues on the dockets include partisan gerrymandering, fines and fees imposed on indigent defendants, and bans on flavored tobacco and online vision tests.
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A look at Marumoto’s trailblazing career, in celebration of May’s Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month.
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Washington Supreme Court Hears Challenge to Ban on Large-Capacity Magazines
The court must navigate confusing U.S. Supreme Court precedent in evaluating the ban.
A Practical Guide to Using State History to Overcome Federal Precedent
Lawyers often waive state constitutional claims by failing to make arguments that diverge from federal case law. An originalism-style approach may provide alternatives.