Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s highest court is the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. The court has five justices and one chief justice, who is the longest-serving member of the court. (Source: Pennsylvania Constitution)
Judicial Selection
Justices on the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania are selected to a 10-year term through a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. Justices may seek additional 10-year terms through standing in an unopposed yes/no retention vote. When a seat opens in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a candidate to fill the vacancy. The governor’s selection must be confirmed by a two-thirds vote of the state senate. The appointed justice holds office until the next municipal election more than 10 months after the vacancy opened, unless the remainder of the seat’s term runs out before then. The elected justice serves a 10-year term. There are no term limits. The mandatory retirement age is 75.
State Constitution
Pennsylvania has had five state constitutions adopted between 1776 and 1968. As of January 1, 2024, it had 36 amendments. (Source: John Dinan, 2024)
Filters
State Court Oral Arguments to Watch for in October
Issues on the dockets include mail-in voting, line-item vetoes, and life-without-parole sentences.
Pennsylvania High Court Invalidates Attempt to Impeach Reform-Minded Philadelphia Prosecutor
The impeachment effort was part of a troubling trend around the country of increasing attacks on the independence of local prosecutors.
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.
State ERAs Take Center Stage
Nevada became the second state in as many months to issue a major abortion ruling based on the state constitution’s equal rights amendment.
Lawsuit Challenges New Rules for Election Certification in Georgia
The plaintiffs say the rules are meant to delay or prevent certification of accurate and fair elections.
Scholarship Roundup: September 2024 Back to School Edition
New articles and books cover a wide range of topics related to state constitutions, judiciaries, state-level democracy, and more.