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)
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The Active Environmental Agendas of State Attorneys General
The U.S. Supreme Court this week paved the way for Democratic attorneys general to proceed with suits against fossil fuel companies under state law.
Executive Orders and Threatened Cuts Challenge Public Education and the Courts
Education rights expert Joshua Weishart discusses the effects of Trump’s education policy changes and how states are pushing back.
New Jersey Considers Challenge to its Ban on Fusion Voting
The practice, which allows multiple political parties to nominate the same candidate for the same office, ensures third parties can meaningfully participate in the electoral process.
State Constitutional Resources We Love
For those who want to know more about state constitutions, a compilation of tools including case databases, interactive maps, and more.
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.