Mississippi
Mississippi’s highest court is the Mississippi Supreme Court. The court has six associate justices, two presiding justices, and one chief justice. The chief justice is selected by seniority. (Source: Mississippi Bar Association)
Judicial Selection
Mississippi Supreme Court justices are selected for an eight-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 opens in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a candidate to fill the vacancy. If less than half of the vacated term remains, the appointed justice serves the remainder of the unexpired term. If more than half of the term remains, the appointed justice holds office until Mississippi’s next general election more than nine months after the vacancy occurred. The elected justice serves the remainder of the unexpired term. There are no term limits, nor is there a mandatory retirement age.
State Constitution
Mississippi has had four state constitutions adopted between 1817 and 1890. As of January 1, 2024, it had 127 amendments. (Source: John Dinan, 2024)
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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.
We Need to Know More About State Supreme Court Cases
State high courts interpret laws that impact some of the most intimate parts of our lives. Communities have a right to know what’s on the docket.
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.
To Prevent Chaos and Confusion, Judges Must Prepare for Election Emergencies
In advance of the election, judges should educate themselves on election administration and develop emergency response procedures that will enable creation of effective remedies.
When Does the U.S. Supreme Court Review State Court Decisions?
State courts have the final word on state law, but when federal law is involved, it can be complicated.
All Law Students Should be Educated About State Constitutions
Law professors planning lessons for the new academic year should consider incorporating state constitutions into the first-year constitutional law course.
Scholarship Roundup: September 2024 Back to School Edition
New articles and books cover a wide range of topics related to state constitutions, judiciaries, state-level democracy, and more.
States Grapple with Problematic Rule from Federal Voting Cases
The Purcell principle, which holds that federal courts should not change voting rules too close to an election, is increasingly being raised in state litigation.