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, 2026, it had 235 amendments. (Data on file with John Dinan, Wake Forest University.)
New York’s First Constitution Was a Reaction to British Rule
Filters
How Courts Evaluate Election Day Requests to Keep Polls Open Late
Various factors, including the harm to voters and the option for tailored and limited relief, play into whether judges will allow voting to continue past the scheduled closing time.
State Court Oral Arguments to Watch for in May
Issues on the dockets include mid-decade redistricting, defendants’ access to social media evidence, and mandatory judicial retirement.
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.
How Are State Judges Selected?
Thirty-eight states use elections as part of their system for choosing high court judges.
A Conversation with New York Judge Wavny Toussaint
The first Trinidadian-American judge elected in New York spoke about mentorship, judicial service, and the impact courts have on everyday New Yorkers.
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.
Closing Remarks
Transcript of panel from Symposium: State Constitutions and the Limits of Criminal Punishments
State Court Oral Arguments to Watch for in April
Issues on the dockets include ranked-choice voting, de facto life sentences, so-called “shadow” foster care, and defamation against a drag performer.