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
Pennsylvania’s Indigent Defense Crisis Goes to Court
Pennsylvania is not the only state struggling to meet its constitutional obligations to provide representation to people who can’t afford it.
Judicial Deference to Agency Expertise in the States
Almost all state courts recognize the importance of agencies’ expertise in policymaking.
SCOTUS’s 2nd Amendment Decision Leaves Open Questions for State Courts
The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the disarmament of a domestic abuser in United States v. Rahimi, but litigation over where to draw the line will continue.
State Supreme Courts May Abolish Life Without Parole For 'Felony Murder'
People serving life in prison in Colorado, Michigan, and Pennsylvania for murder — even though they never meant to kill anyone — are arguing their sentences are unconstitutionally cruel.
Three U.S. Supreme Court Cases that Transformed State Judicial Elections
Judicial elections have become major political battlegrounds — complete with dark money, special interests, and attack ads — thanks to several U.S. Supreme Court decisions.
Ballot Initiatives that Protect Abortion Rights Depend on Fair State Courts
From interpreting language to determining legality, state courts play a large role in efforts to protect abortion through ballot initiatives.
Every State Supreme Court Justice in One Searchable Database
A new resource from the State Law Research Initiative lets users sort the nation’s high court justices by state, professional background, party affiliation, and more.
State and Local Courts Struggle to Fight Increasing Cyberattacks
Attacks in at least eight states over the last 18 months have crippled court systems, delayed justice, and cost millions.