New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s highest court is the Supreme Court of New Hampshire. The court has four associate justices and one chief justice. The chief justice is appointed according to the same procedures as the associate justices. (Source: New Hampshire Judicial Branch)
Judicial Selection
The governor nominates justices to the Supreme Court of New Hampshire from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The nominee must be confirmed by a majority of the executive council, a five-member body whose members are chosen in partisan elections every two years. An appointed justice serves a single term until mandatory retirement at age 70. To fill an interim vacancy, the governor selects a candidate for a single term from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission but is not required to select a candidate from the list. The nominee must be confirmed by a majority of the executive council.
State Constitution
New Hampshire has had two constitutions adopted in 1776 and 1784. As of January 1, 2024, it had 147 amendments. (Source: John Dinan, 2024)
Filters
State Court Cases to Look for in 2025
Courts across the country will issue major rulings this year that will impact abortion rights, criminal justice, and more.
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.
State Constitutional Protections for Transgender People After Skrmetti
A review of recent litigation in state courts provides hints about the future of trans rights.
State Court Oral Arguments to Watch for in December
Issues on the dockets include school funding, protection of children in foster care, and the death penalty.
Voters Across the Country Amend Their Constitutions
Through ballot measures, voters expressed policy preferences on issues including abortion, drug legalization, and same-sex marriage.
2024 Ballot Measures That Could Impact State Courts
Voters in key states will consider judicial retirement ages and ethics.
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.