Virginia
Virginia’s highest court is the Supreme Court of Virginia. The court has six justices and one chief justice, who is chosen by a majority of the members of the court. (Source: Virginia Constitution)
Judicial Selection
The legislature votes to appoint justices to 12-year terms on the Supreme Court of Virginia. Justices may stand for reappointment by the legislature to additional terms in the same appointment process. When a seat opens in the middle of a justice’s term, the legislature votes to appoint a judicial candidate to fill the vacancy. The appointed justice serves a 12-year term. If the legislature is not in session, the governor may appoint a candidate to serve until the next legislative session. There are no term limits. The mandatory retirement age is 73.
State Constitution
Virginia has had six state constitutions adopted between 1776 and 1970. As of January 1, 2022, it had 54 amendments. (Source: Council of State Governments)
Filters
Voting Rights Under State Constitutions, Explained
All but one state constitution affirmatively establishes a right to vote.
The Neglected State Constitutional Protections Against Extreme Punishments
Two new law review articles explore the origins of antipunishment clauses in Pennsylvania and North Carolina.
Washington Supreme Court Unanimously Upholds the State’s Voting Rights Act
The high court forcefully rejected a constitutional challenge to state law protections against discrimination in local elections.
The Racist History of State Constitutions Taking Voting Rights from People Convicted of Crimes
Two court decisions raise questions about whether modifying discriminatory provisions can wash away their dubious histories.