North Carolina
North Carolina’s highest court is the Supreme Court of North Carolina. The court has six associate justices and one chief justice. The chief justice is chosen through election. (Source: North Carolina Constitution)
Judicial Selection
Justices on the Supreme Court of North Carolina are selected through a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected justice serves an eight-year term. Justices may seek additional terms through partisan elections. When a seat opens in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a candidate to fill the vacancy. The appointed justice holds office until North Carolina’s next general election more than 60 days after the vacancy occurred. The elected justice serves the remainder of the unexpired term. There are no term limits. The mandatory retirement age is 72.
State Constitution
North Carolina has had three state constitutions adopted between 1776 and 1970. As of January 1, 2024, it had 41 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.
Trump’s Threats to Withhold Disaster Relief Undermine Federalism Principles
The administration’s attempt to extract promises from states in exchange for federal funds also disregards established law preventing federal overreach into state matters.
A 'Bombshell' Ruling on Education Funding in Wyoming
As the Trump administration tries to assert unprecedented influence over education, the ruling reminds us that most educational policy is set at the state and local levels.
In North Carolina, an Attempt to Overturn a Supreme Court Election
The losing candidate for a seat on the high court is trying to have more than 60,000 valid votes thrown out.
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.
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.
Justices Battle for Control of the Arkansas Supreme Court
A series of disagreements — and resulting disciplinary investigations — threaten to undermine the public’s trust in the court.
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.