New Jersey

New Jersey’s highest court is the New Jersey Supreme Court. The court has six associate justices and a chief justice, who is appointed by the governor. (Source: New Jersey Constitution)

Judicial Selection

Justices on the New Jersey Supreme Court are nominated by the governor. The nominee must be confirmed by a majority of the state senate. An appointed justice serves a seven-year term and may stand for reappointment for a second term that runs until mandatory retirement at age 70. To fill an interim vacancy, the governor nominates a candidate who must be confirmed by a majority of the state senate. An appointed justice serves a seven-year term and may stand for reappointment to a second term until mandatory retirement.

State Constitution

New Jersey has had three state constitutions adopted between 1776 and 1947. As of January 1, 2024, it had 77 amendments. (Source: John Dinan, 2024)