Massachusetts
Massachusetts’ highest court is called the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. The court has six justices and one chief justice. The chief justice is chosen according to the same procedures as the associate justices. (Source: Supreme Judicial Court Justices)
Judicial Selection
The governor nominates candidates to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. The governor receives a list of candidates from a judicial nominating commission but is not required to select a candidate from the list. The nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the governor’s council, consisting of elected district representatives and the lieutenant governor. An appointed justice serves a single term until mandatory retirement at age 70. To fill an interim vacancy, the governor receives a list of candidates from the judicial nominating commission but is not required to select a candidate from the list. The nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the governor’s council. An appointed justice serves a single term until mandatory retirement at age 70.
State Constitution
Massachusetts’ first and only constitution was adopted in 1780. As of January 1, 2024, it had 121 amendments. (Source: John Dinan, 2024)
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2024’s Most Significant State Constitutional Cases
Legal experts identified the most important cases that advanced state constitutional rights this year.
Montana’s Climate Change Lawsuit May See Sequels Across America
Courts in Montana, Hawaii, and New Mexico have been receptive to claims by youth plaintiffs that failures to protect the environment violate state constitutions.
We Need to Know More About State Supreme Court Cases
State high courts interpret laws that impact some of the most intimate parts of our lives. Communities have a right to know what’s on the docket.
'She Said I Was Irredeemable:' A Second Chance for Youth Sentenced to Life
A handful of state supreme courts have announced broader sentencing protections for young people than available under the federal Constitution.
State Court Oral Arguments to Watch for in December
Issues on the dockets include school funding, protection of children in foster care, and the death penalty.
Voters in California, Colorado, and Hawaii Signal Support for Marriage Equality
As federal same-sex marriage rights appear increasingly vulnerable, voters are removing discriminatory language from their state constitutions.
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.