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
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.
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 Supreme 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.