New York
New York’s highest court is the Court of Appeals of New York. The court has six associate judges and one chief judge. The chief judge is appointed according to the same procedures as the associate judges. (Source: New York Constitution)
Judicial Selection
The governor nominates a Court of Appeals judge from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority of the state senate. An appointed judge serves a 14-year term. Judges may stand for reappointment to additional 14-year terms in the same appointment process. To fill an interim vacancy, the governor nominates a candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The nominee must be confirmed by a majority of the state senate. There are no term limits. The mandatory retirement age is 70.
State Constitution
New York has had four state constitutions adopted between 1777 and 1894. As of January 1, 2024, it had 233 amendments. (Source: John Dinan, 2024)
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State Court Oral Arguments to Watch for in April
Issues on the dockets include ranked-choice voting, de facto life sentences, so-called “shadow” foster care, and defamation against a drag performer.
The Tenacious Power of Constitutional Torts
Despite hurdles, civil rights litigation is a critical tool for people who have been harmed by the government and for those seeking long-lasting change.
Pennsylvania Faces a Moment of Truth for Life Without Parole
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is considering whether requiring life in prison without the possibility of parole for so-called felony murder is unconstitutional.
Who’s Hiring State Supreme Court Clerks?
State-by-state information to aid law students and young attorneys in securing a state clerkship.
How Does State and Local Law Impact Mayor Mamdani’s Policy Agenda?
New York City needs state cooperation for initiatives like free childcare and buses.
Religious Freedom and Abortion
Religious liberty protections have been steadily extended in both state and federal court over the last two decades. In some states, plaintiffs are arguing religious liberty includes a right to an abortion, with some success.
U.S. Supreme Court Asserts New Shadow Docket Powers Over State Courts
A stay granted in a New York redistricting case expands the Supreme Court’s emergency docket to encompass countless state court rulings.
State Law Gives Litigators Extra Tools to Counter Originalism
Unique features of state courts allow lawyers to go beyond arguments available in federal courts.