Minnesota
Minnesota’s highest court is called the Minnesota Supreme Court. The court has six associate justices and one chief justice. The chief justice is chosen in the same manner as the associate justices. (Source: Minnesota Constitution)
Judicial Selection
Minnesota Supreme Court justices are chosen to serve a six-year term through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. Justices may seek additional terms through nonpartisan elections. When a seat becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a candidate to fill the vacancy. The justice holds office until Minnesota’s next general election more than one year after the appointment, unless the remainder of the seat’s term runs out before then. Multiple candidates may vie for a six-year term in a nonpartisan election. There are no term limits. The mandatory retirement age is 70.
State Constitution
Minnesota’s first and only constitution was adopted in 1857. As of January 1, 2024, it had 121 amendments. (Source: John Dinan, 2024)
Filters
Takings Clause Victory Would Not Fix Michigan’s Tax Foreclosure System
Cases challenging the constitutionality of government profits from foreclosure sales distort real sources of injustice.
Where Abortion Rights Could Be on the Ballot in 2024
As many as 14 states could have abortion-related constitutional amendments on the ballot this year.
The New Battle Over Youth Disenfranchisement
Laws curbing same-day registration and student ID use could stifle youth voter turnout.
State Supreme Court Oral Arguments to Watch for in April
Issues on the dockets include voting rights, abortion rights, and separation of powers.
Minnesota Supreme Court Considering Voting Rights Restoration Law
The court appears poised to leave in place the law, which returns the right to vote to as many as 60,000 people.
Minnesota Provides Stronger Search and Seizure Protections Than Fourth Amendment
A recent decision demonstrates the importance of state constitutions providing their own bases for remedies, not just protecting rights.
State Equal Rights Amendments Can Protect Reproductive Rights Post-Dobbs
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court held that a Medicaid ban on abortion is sex discrimination under the state’s ERA.
Unpacking the Legal Challenges to Trump’s Ballot Eligibility
The vast majority of cases aiming to remove Trump from the ballot have been dismissed, but without deciding whether he’s eligible to hold the presidency.