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)
Filters
Voting Rights Under State Constitutions, Explained
All but one state constitution affirmatively establishes a right to vote.
The Federalization Dimension in Takings
The U.S. Supreme Court does not always lead and state courts do not always follow.
Victims’ Rights Meet State Constitutions
The Maryland Supreme Court is considering appeals in the murder case of Adnan Syed, made famous by the “Serial” podcast.
State Constitutional Law After Dobbs and Bruen
Supreme Court rulings can expand or contract the space for state constitutional law.
The Neglected State Constitutional Protections Against Extreme Punishments
Two new law review articles explore the origins of antipunishment clauses in Pennsylvania and North Carolina.
When Do State Courts Depart from Federal Precedents?
State courts have varying and sometimes unclear rules for interpreting their constitutions independently.
Washington Supreme Court Unanimously Upholds the State’s Voting Rights Act
The high court forcefully rejected a constitutional challenge to state law protections against discrimination in local elections.
School Funding Case Shows Challenges of Upholding Certain Rights in Court
An ideological shift on the North Carolina Supreme Court could upend a landmark decision in a long-running battle for adequate public education spending under the state’s constitution.