Ohio
Ohio’s highest court is the Supreme Court of Ohio. The court has six justices and one chief justice. The chief justice is chosen by election for a six-year term. (Source: Ohio Constitution)
Judicial Selection
Justices on the Supreme Court of Ohio are selected through a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected justice serves a six-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 Ohio’s next general election more than 40 days after the vacancy occurred, unless the remainder of the term concludes within a year of said election, in which case the appointed justice serves the remainder of the unexpired term. If there is an election, the elected justice serves the remainder of the unexpired term. There are no term limits, however, a justice may not be appointed or elected after age 70.
State Constitution
Ohio has had two constitutions adopted in 1802 and 1851. As of January 1, 2024, it had 180 amendments. (Source: John Dinan, 2024)
Filters
Challenging Anti-Trans Legislation Under State Constitutions
Though advocates have found early success in federal courts, they may find even more effective ways to protect LGBTQ+ rights through state courts.
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.
School Funding Case Shows Challenges of Upholding Certain Rights in Court
An ideological shift on the North Carolina Supreme Court could upend a landmark decision in a long-running battle for adequate public education spending under the state’s constitution.
North Carolina Supreme Court Unleashes Partisan Gerrymandering
The court also upheld voter ID and felony disenfranchisement.
Alaska Supreme Court Strikes Down Gerrymandered Districts
A landmark decision firmly establishes that partisan gerrymandering violates the Alaska Constitution.
The Promise of State Constitutions in Restoring Jury Trials
How to bring back the “inviolate” right to a jury trial.
Remote Court Three Years Later
State courts have largely sidestepped state constitutional questions about remote criminal proceedings.
What’s Next in Wisconsin
Republican state legislators threaten to upset long-standing norms of judicial independence.