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)
Filters
Very Close Race for North Carolina Supreme Court Seat
Key judicial races in other states brought an expanded Democratic majority in Michigan and solidified GOP control in Ohio.
What We Learned From State Ballot Measures
The results of 2024's state ballot measures reveal mixed voter opinions on abortion, workers’ rights, and direct democracy.
What Litigation After the 2020 Election Can Tell Us About 2024
Efforts to disqualify mail-in ballots and unfounded allegations of voter fraud dominated post-election litigation in 2020. Similar efforts are possible this month.
Lawsuit Challenges New Rules for Election Certification in Georgia
The plaintiffs say the rules are meant to delay or prevent certification of accurate and fair elections.
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.
Is a Life Sentence for 'Felony Murder' Unconstitutional?
The Pennsylvania high court heard oral arguments about whether the sentence violated the state constitution the same week that Colorado’s supreme court rejected similar claims.
How Elections Are Certified in Battleground States
State laws require officials to certify results, and safeguards are in place should someone fail to fulfill that obligation.
Colorado Supreme Court Rejects Challenge to ‘Felony-Murder’ Rule
The court disagreed that life in prison for a murder committed by an accomplice is an unconstitutionally cruel sentence.