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)
Filters
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.
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.
How Do State Constitutions Evolve?
The Washington Supreme Court’s changing interpretation of its state “Privileges or Immunities” Clause shows how state courts can diverge from federal precedent over time.
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.
Getting Racial Bias Off the Jury
Washington innovates on peremptory strikes.
Washington Supreme Court to Hear Challenge to State Voting Rights Act
Oral argument is set for May 11 in a challenge under the 14th Amendment and state constitution.