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)