New Mexico
New Mexico’s highest court is the New Mexico Supreme Court. The court has four justices and one chief justice. The chief justice is appointed according to the same procedures as the associate justices. (Source: New Mexico Constitution)
Judicial Selection
The governor appoints New Mexico Supreme Court justices from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. An appointed justice must compete in a partisan election during the first general election after appointment. If elected, the justice serves the remainder of the seat’s eight-year term. At the end of that term, justices may stand in an unopposed yes/no retention vote. If retained by at least 57 percent affirmative votes, the justice serves another eight-year term. Justices may stand for additional terms in the same retention process. To fill an interim vacancy, the governor appoints a candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. An appointed justice serves until the next general election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a partisan election. The elected judge serves the remainder of the unexpired term. There are no term limits, nor is there a mandatory retirement age.
State Constitution
New Mexico’s first and only state constitution was adopted in 1911. As of January 1, 2024, it had 177 amendments. (Source: John Dinan, 2024)
Filters
Voting Rights Under State Constitutions, Explained
All but one state constitution affirmatively establishes a right to vote.
New Mexico Supreme Court Hints at a Big Constitutional Change
A footnote in a recent opinion could signal a new method for analyzing state constitutional claims.
Trends to Watch in State Abortion Litigation
Courts are considering new foundations for abortion rights, while incremental challenges may slowly chip away at Dobbs.
The Greening of State Constitutions
Courts play an increasingly important role in enforcing states’ environmental rights amendments.
Status of Partisan Gerrymandering Litigation in State Courts: A Mid-Year Roundup
Ahead of 2024, voters have increasingly turned to state courts to challenge gerrymandered districts.
Utah Supreme Court to Hear Gerrymandering Challenge
State courts in Utah are the latest to consider whether partisan gerrymandering gives rise to an actionable claim under state law.
Gender Equality Under State Constitutions
A new Center for Reproductive Rights resource details sex discrimination claims under state constitutions.
North Carolina Supreme Court Unleashes Partisan Gerrymandering
The court also upheld voter ID and felony disenfranchisement.