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, 2026, it had 77 amendments. (Data on file with John Dinan, Wake Forest University.)
The New Jersey Constitution: A Tool of Good Governance, Not Partisan Politics
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The Many Versions of State Constitutional Lockstepping
The practice of interpreting state constitutions identically to their federal counterpart is often criticized in blanket terms. But the ways state courts lockstep vary widely.
How State Courts Can Help Deflect the Supreme Court’s Latest Blow to Multiracial Democracy
State courts need not import a federal doctrine directing judges to avoid issuing rulings that could change election rules in the runup to an election.
“State Capture” and the Role of State Courts
State constitutions offer powerful tools for combatting control of state and local institutions by private interests.
Michigan Supreme Court to Hear Rare Lawsuit Between Legislative Chambers
The case arose after a new Republican majority in the Michigan House refused to send several bills passed by a previous Democratic-controlled legislature to the governor to become law.
State Courts Offer Protection Against Pregnancy Discrimination
Courts in almost two dozen states have rejected the U.S. Supreme Court’s reasoning that discrimination based on pregnancy is not sex discrimination.
Can States Ban Federal Officers from Wearing Masks?
The answer likely boils down to whether courts believe masking is necessary for the federal government to do its job.
How Are State Judges Selected?
Thirty-eight states use elections as part of their system for choosing high court judges.
State Efforts to Allow Lawsuits Against Federal Officials Gain Speed
The approach of the proposed laws is legally sound, textually grounded, and more viable than many assume.