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)
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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.
Missouri Attorney General Clashes with Prosecutor Trying to Exonerate Man on Death Row
Marcellus Williams is set to be executed in September, but the prosecutor says he was wrongfully convicted.