New York
New York’s highest court is the Court of Appeals of New York. The court has six associate judges and one chief judge. The chief judge is appointed according to the same procedures as the associate judges. (Source: New York Constitution)
Judicial Selection
The governor nominates a Court of Appeals judge from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority of the state senate. An appointed judge serves a 14-year term. Judges may stand for reappointment to additional 14-year terms in the same appointment process. To fill an interim vacancy, the governor nominates a candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The nominee must be confirmed by a majority of the state senate. There are no term limits. The mandatory retirement age is 70.
State Constitution
New York has had four state constitutions adopted between 1777 and 1894. As of January 1, 2024, it had 233 amendments. (Source: John Dinan, 2024)
Filters
What's at Stake with Congestion Pricing in the Courtroom?
As New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announces she’s reviving the program, litigation over the plan is ongoing.
Protecting Youth in the Criminal Justice System
A man sentenced to life in prison at 18 years old explains why state laws that funnel kids into the adult system are unjust and short-sighted.
States and the Balance of Power
States — and their courts — quietly shape and check federal power.
Fifty Unique, Ever-Changing State Constitutions
A new resource from the State Democracy Research Initiative makes the current text of all 50 state constitutions available and searchable on one site.
Choice of Law in an Era of Abortion Conflict
When a citizen of an anti-abortion state travels to another state to receive the procedure, which state’s law should apply?
Texas Suit Against New York Doctor Ushers in New Era of Abortion Litigation
The Texas attorney general alleges a New York physician broke Texas law when she mailed abortion-inducing medication to a woman in Texas.
What the SCOTUS Term Means for State Courts
Some of the Court’s most important holdings — including on abortion, gun restrictions, and presidential immunity — have implications for state courts and constitutions.
State Court Oral Arguments to Watch for in January
Issues on the dockets include large-capacity magazines, conversion therapy, and “regulation without representation.”