Washington
Washington’s highest court is the Washington Supreme Court. The court has seven justices, one associate chief justice, and one chief justice, who is chosen for a four-year term by a majority of the members of the court. (Source: Washington Constitution)
Judicial Selection
Washington Supreme Court justices are selected through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected justice serves a six-year term. Justices may seek additional terms through nonpartisan elections. When a seat opens in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a candidate to fill the vacancy. The appointed justice holds office until Washington’s next general election. The elected justice serves the remainder of the unexpired term. There are no term limits. The mandatory retirement age is 75.
State Constitution
Washington’s first and only state constitution was adopted in 1889. As of January 1, 2022, it had 108 amendments. (Source: Council of State Governments)
Filters
State Courts Should Reject Federal Precedent When Interpreting State Contract Clauses
Only one state has interpreted its contract clause differently than the federal counterpart — representing a failure on the part of advocates and judges who believe in state constitutional independence.
Why State Constitutions Matter on Election Day
Two new explainers examine voting rights under state constitutions and how state courts oversee ballot initiatives.
Voting Rights Under State Constitutions, Explained
All but one state constitution affirmatively establishes a right to vote.
Washington Voters Used Their Constitutional Recall Power to Remove School Board Members
The Washington Supreme Court approved the recall effort despite the state constitution’s strict requirements for recalling officials.
Florida Supreme Court Hears Pivotal Abortion Case
The conservative court is being asked to revisit precedents protecting abortion rights.
In Maine, a 'Second Amendment for Food'?
A case challenging a Sunday hunting ban will help define the scope of a new constitutional amendment.
Protecting Against Extreme Punishments
The Supreme Court's Eighth Amendment jurisprudence has come to obscure what started as robust state constitutional protections.
When Do State Courts Depart from Federal Precedents?
State courts have varying and sometimes unclear rules for interpreting their constitutions independently.