Michigan
Michigan’s highest court is the Michigan Supreme Court. The court has six associate justices and one chief justice, who is selected by the members of the court. (Source: Michigan Supreme Court)
Judicial Selection
Michigan Supreme Court justices are chosen through a nonpartisan election (though candidates may be nominated at political party conventions), where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected justice serves an eight-year term and may seek additional terms through nonpartisan elections. When a seat opens in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a candidate to fill the vacancy. The appointed justice holds office until Michigan’s next general election. The elected justice serves the remainder of the unexpired term. There are no term limits, but a justice may not be appointed or elected after age 70.
State Constitution
Michigan has had four state constitutions adopted between 1835 and 1963. As of January 1, 2024, it had 37 amendments. (Source: John Dinan, 2024)
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The Active Environmental Agendas of State Attorneys General
The U.S. Supreme Court this week paved the way for Democratic attorneys general to proceed with suits against fossil fuel companies under state law.
Executive Orders and Threatened Cuts Challenge Public Education and the Courts
Education rights expert Joshua Weishart discusses the effects of Trump’s education policy changes and how states are pushing back.
State Constitutional Resources We Love
For those who want to know more about state constitutions, a compilation of tools including case databases, interactive maps, and more.
Protecting Youth in the Criminal Justice System
A man sentenced to life in prison at 18 years old explains why state laws that funnel kids into the adult system are unjust and short-sighted.
State Court Cases to Look for in 2025
Courts across the country will issue major rulings this year that will impact abortion rights, criminal justice, and more.
What the SCOTUS Term Means for State Courts
Some of the Court’s most important holdings — including on abortion, gun restrictions, and presidential immunity — have implications for state courts and constitutions.
How the Most Important Judicial Races of 2024 Played Out
The North Carolina race has not yet been called, as the Republican candidate is challenging the eligibility of thousands of voters in litigation that remains pending.
State Court Oral Arguments to Watch for in January
Issues on the dockets include large-capacity magazines, conversion therapy, and “regulation without representation.”