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
New Data Shows Lack of Diversity on Many State Supreme Courts
State court benches continue to fall short of representing the racial, ethnic, and gender diversity of the communities they serve.
Scholarship Roundup: Reimagining Constitutions for the People
Scholars offer new ideas for boosting public participation in the construction and interpretation of state constitutions.
3 Takeaways About Abortion Litigation Since Dobbs
Dozens of legal cases around the country are challenging abortion bans.
Get to Know Your State's 'Baby Ninth Amendment'
State constitutions offer protections for unenumerated rights, but courts rarely act on those provisions.
Key 2022 State Supreme Court Election Results and What They Mean
In two states, the winners mean new court majorities and changed legal landscapes.
State Courts Advance Protections for Young Defendants Even as SCOTUS Slows Progress
Recent decisions show courts using state constitutions to protect young defendants’ rights.
Voters Amend State Constitutions to Enshrine New Rights
From abortion to voting rights, amendments creating new state constitutional rights were approved at the ballot box.