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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An Eventful Summer for State Constitutional Abortion Rights Litigation
State supreme courts addressed abortion rights head on, even as the U.S. Supreme Court punted on similar questions.
State Constitutional Conventions, Explained
The last state to hold a conventional convention was in Rhode Island in 1986.
Why Are State Constitutional Challenges to Inhumane Prison Conditions So Rare?
Weak federal protections present an opportunity for state supreme courts to apply their states’ bans on cruel punishment to prison conditions.
How State and Local Election Certification Works
The process is designed to withstand election denialism.
The Right to Petition in State Constitutions, Explained
Some states protect citizens’ right to make requests of or complaints against the government more broadly than the federal Constitution.
Kansas Supreme Court Reaffirms State Constitutional Right to Abortion
The court declined to overturn its recent holding that abortion is protected by the state constitution’s right to personal autonomy.
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.
Status of Partisan Gerrymandering Litigation in State Courts
Utah’s high court sent a closely watched challenge to the state’s congressional maps back to the lower court.