Oklahoma
Supreme Court
Oklahoma’s highest court for civil matters is the Oklahoma Supreme Court. The court has seven justices, one chief justice, and one vice-chief justice. The court selects a chief justice and a vice chief justice every two years. (Source: Oklahoma Supreme Court)
Judicial Selection
The governor appoints Oklahoma Supreme Court justices from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. After at least one year on the court, a justice may stand for a six-year term in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Oklahoma’s next general election. Justices may stand for additional terms in the same retention process. To fill an interim vacancy, the governor appoints a candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. There are no term limits, nor is there a mandatory retirement age.
Court of Criminal Appeals
Oklahoma’s highest court for criminal matters is the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. The court has three judges, one presiding judge, and one vice-presiding judge. The presiding judge is selected for a two-year term by members of the court. (Source: Justia)
Judicial Selection
The governor appoints Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals judges from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. After at least one year on the court, a judge may stand for a six-year term in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Oklahoma’s next general election. Judges may stand for additional six-year terms in the same retention process. When a seat on the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. There are no term limits, nor is there a mandatory retirement age.
State Constitution
Oklahoma’s first and only state constitution was adopted in 1907. As of January 1, 2024, it had 200 amendments. (Source: John Dinan, 2024)
Filters
The Curious Case of Oklahoma Search and Seizure
Because Oklahoma has two constitutional masters, it simultaneously has two different doctrines of search and seizure.
Very Close Race for North Carolina Supreme Court Seat
Key judicial races in other states brought an expanded Democratic majority in Michigan and solidified GOP control in Ohio.
Voters Across the Country Amend Their Constitutions
Through ballot measures, voters expressed policy preferences on issues including abortion, drug legalization, and same-sex marriage.
2024 Ballot Measures to Watch
Voters will decide whether to amend their state constitutions with measures focusing on abortion, election procedures, minimum wage policy, and more.
A Rallying Cry Against Lockstepping
When state supreme courts peg their constitutions to federal interpretations, they erode the rule of law, undermine federalism, and limit rights protection.
To Prevent Chaos and Confusion, Judges Must Prepare for Election Emergencies
In advance of the election, judges should educate themselves on election administration and develop emergency response procedures that will enable creation of effective remedies.
When Does the U.S. Supreme Court Review State Supreme Court Decisions?
State courts have the final word on state law, but when federal law is involved, it can be complicated.
All Law Students Should be Educated About State Constitutions
Law professors planning lessons for the new academic year should consider incorporating state constitutions into the first-year constitutional law course.