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, 2024, it had 108 amendments. (Source: John Dinan, 2024)
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The Untold Story of 150 Years of Women in State Judiciaries
A focus on the U.S. Constitution and federal judges has obscured a longer and more complex history of women serving on state benches — and how state constitutions mattered in their rise.
What We're Watching in the 2026 Elections
State Court Report’s new Election 2026 hub provides coverage of major legal and judicial developments shaping this election cycle.
State Supreme Court Races to Watch in 2026
More than thirty states will hold elections for supreme court seats this year, including Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Montana where court decisions have been political flashpoints.
Case Trends: State Courts Grapple with Gun Rights
Multiple courts last year upheld state laws that restricted the right to bear arms. Courts also struggled to interpret related U.S. Supreme Court decisions.
The Path Not Taken in Federal Takings Law
Debates from 19th century state conventions explain why some constitutions allow takings for “private use.”
New Year Scholarship Roundup: Federal-State Conflict, State Courts, and Election Administration
Several new articles explore state power in times of federal-state and interstate conflict.
Michigan High Court Could Break New Ground in Limiting Excessive Sentences
Michigan could be the first state to rule that life-without-parole sentences for people convicted of “felony murder” are unconstitutional.
Who’s Hiring State Supreme Court Clerks?
State-by-state information to aid law students and young attorneys in securing a state clerkship.