Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Alabama Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The appointed justice holds office until Alabama’s next general election more than one year after she was appointed, unless the remainder of the seat’s term runs out before then. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a partisan election. The elected justice serves a six-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected justice serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting justice approaching the end of her term may seek additional six-year terms through participating in a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve; however, a justice may not be appointed or elected after turning 70.
" Alaska,AK,State Supreme Court,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Alaska Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed justice has at least three years of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Alaska’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves a 10-year term. She may stand for additional 10-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" Arizona,AZ,State Supreme Court,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Arizona Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed justice has at least two years of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Arizona’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves a six-year term. She may stand for additional six-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" Arkansas,AR,State Supreme Court,No,No,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Arkansas Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The appointed justice holds office until Arkansas’ next general election more than four months after she was appointed, unless the remainder of the seat’s term runs out before then. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected justice serves an eight-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected justice serves an eight-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting justice approaching the end of her term may seek additional eight-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve; however a justice loses retirement benefits if elected or appointed to judicial office after age 70.
" California,CA,State Supreme Court,No,No,Yes,Yes,,Commission on Judicial Appointments,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,Yes,Yes,,Commission on Judicial Appointments,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,No,No,No,No,No,No,Yes,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the California Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the Commission on Judicial Appointments, which consists of the Chief Justice, Attorney General of California, and the senior presiding justice of the state’s courts of appeal.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor appoints a judicial candidate. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the Commission on Judicial Appointments, which consists of the Chief Justice, Attorney General of California, and the senior presiding justice of the state’s courts of appeal.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed justice has at least one year of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of California’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves a 12-year term. She may stand for additional 12-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Colorado,CO,State Supreme Court,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Colorado Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed justice has at least two years of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Colorado’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves a 10-year term. She may stand for additional 10-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 72.
" Connecticut,CT,State Supreme Court,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,House & Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,House & Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes ,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,House & Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Connecticut Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor nominates a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state House and Senate. An appointed justice serves an eight-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state House and Senate. An appointed justice serves an eight-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting justice approaching the end of her term may stand for reappointment to additional eight-year terms in the same appointment process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" Delaware,DE,State Supreme Court,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Interim Selection: When a seat on the Delaware Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate. An appointed justice serves a 12-year term.
First Full Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate. An appointed justice serves a 12-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting justice approaching the end of her term may stand for reappointment to additional twelve-year terms in the same appointment process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
Note:The Delaware Constitution stipulates that the five-member court is required to have three justices from one major political party and two from the other.
" District of Columbia,DC,State Supreme Court,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on a District of Columbia Court of Appeals becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the president nominates a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The president’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the U.S. Senate. An appointed judge serves a 15-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the president appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The president’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the U.S. Senate. An appointed judge serves a 15-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may stand for review by a tenure commission, which rates them “well qualified,” “qualified,” or “unqualified.” A judge rated “well qualified” has their 15-year term automatically renewed. A judge rated “qualified” may be re-nominated by the President for an additional term subject to Senate confirmation. A judge rated “unqualified” may not be reappointed.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 74.
" Florida,FL,State Supreme Court,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Florida Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed justice has at least one year of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Florida’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves a six-year term. She may stand for additional six-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve. There is a mandatory retirement age of 70 but a justice who has already served one half of the seat’s term is permitted to complete the remainder of the term.
" Georgia,GA,State Supreme Court,Yes,Nonbinding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Georgia Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The governor receives a list of candidates vetted and recommended by the judicial nominating commission but is not required to select a candidate from the list. The appointed justice holds office until Georgia’s next general election more than six months after she was appointed, unless the remainder of the seat’s term runs out before then. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected justice serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected justice serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting justice approaching the end of her term may seek additional six-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Hawaii,HI,State Supreme Court,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Commission Reappoints,No,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Commission Reappoints,No,No,No,No,No,No,Yes,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Hawaii Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor nominates a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial selection commission. The governor’s selection must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate. The appointed justice serves a 10-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial selection commission. The governor’s selection must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate. The appointed justice serves a 10-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting justice approaching the end of a full term may stand for reappointment by the state’s judicial selection commission to additional 10-year terms.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" Idaho,ID,State Supreme Court,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Idaho Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The appointed justice holds office for the remainder of the seat’s term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected justice serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting justice approaching the end of her term may seek additional six-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Illinois,IL,State Supreme Court,No,No,No,No,No,,No,No,No,Yes,Supreme Court Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Partisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,No,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Illinois Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the remaining justices of the court appoint a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The appointed justice holds office until the next general election more than 60 months after she was appointed, unless the remainder of the seat’s term runs out before then. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a partisan election. The elected justice serves a 10-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the vacancy is filled through a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected justice serves a 10-year term.
Additional Terms: An elected justice approaching the end of a full term may seek additional 10-year terms through standing in an unopposed yes/no retention vote.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Indiana,IN,State Supreme Court,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Indiana Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed justice has at least three years of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Indiana’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves a 10-year term. She may stand for additional 10-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 75.
" Iowa,IA,State Supreme Court,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Iowa Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed justice has at least one year of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Iowa’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves an eight-year term. She may stand for additional eight-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 72.
" Kansas,KS,State Supreme Court,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Kansas Supreme Court opens up in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed justice has at least one year of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Kansas’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves a six-year term. She may stand for additional six-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve; however, a justice may not be appointed or re-elected after turning 75.
" Kentucky,KY,State Supreme Court,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Kentucky Supreme Court opens up in the middle of a justice's term, the governor appoints a judge from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The appointed justice holds office until Kentucky’s next general election more than three months after she was appointed, unless the remainder of the seat’s term runs out before then. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected justice serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected justice serves an eight-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting justice approaching the end of her term may seek additional eight-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Louisiana,LA,State Supreme Court,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,Yes,Hybrid,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Partisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Partisan Elections,No,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Louisiana Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the remaining justices of the court appoint a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. Within a year, the governor calls a special election to fill the seat. The judge appointed in the interim by the supreme court may not run in the special election. During the special election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a partisan election. The elected justice serves a 10-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected justice serves an 10-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting justice approaching the end of her term may seek additional 10-year terms through participating in a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve; however, a justice may not be appointed or elected after turning 70.
" Maine,ME,State Supreme Court,Yes,Nonbinding Commission,Yes,Yes,Joint Committee,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Nonbinding Commission,Yes,Yes,Joint Committee,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Nonbinding Commission,Yes,Yes,Joint Committee,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Maine Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The governor receives a list of candidates vetted and recommended by the judicial nominating commission but is not required to select a candidate from the list. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by joint legislative committee recommendation, subject to the ability of the Senate to override the committee recommendation by a 2/3 vote. An appointed justice serves a seven-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement), the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The governor receives a list of candidates vetted and recommended by the judicial nominating commission but is not required to select a candidate from the list. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate. An appointed justice serves a seven-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting justice approaching the end of her term may stand for reappointment to additional seven-year terms in the same appointment process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Maryland,MD,State Supreme Court,Yes,Nonbinding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Nonbinding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,No,No,No,No,No,No,Yes,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Maryland Court of Appeals (the state’s highest court) becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The governor receives a list of candidates vetted and recommended by the judicial nominating commission but is not required to select a candidate from the list. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The governor receives a list of candidates vetted and recommended by the judicial nominating commission but is not required to select a candidate from the list. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed judge has at least one year of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Maryland’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves a 10-year term. She may stand for additional 10-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" Massachusetts,MA,State Supreme Court,Yes,Nonbinding Commission,Yes,Yes,,Governor's Council,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Nonbinding Commission,Yes,Yes,,Governor's Council,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,,,,,,,,,,,,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Massachusetts Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The governor receives a list of candidates vetted and recommended by the judicial nominating commission but is not required to select a candidate from the list. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the Governor’s Council, consisting of elected district representatives and the lieutenant governor. An appointed justice serves a single term until mandatory retirement at age 70.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement), the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The governor receives a list of candidates vetted and recommended by the judicial nominating commission but is not required to select a candidate from the list. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the Governor’s Council, consisting of elected district representatives and the lieutenant governor. An appointed justice serves a single term until mandatory retirement at age 70.
Additional Terms: Not applicable. Justices serve a single term.
Age/Term Limits: Justices are appointed for a single term with a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" Michigan,MI,State Supreme Court,No,No,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Michigan Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The appointed justice holds office until Michigan’s next general election. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election (though candidates may be nominated at political party conventions). The elected justice serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election (though candidates may be nominated at political party conventions), where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected justice serves an eight-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting justice approaching the end of her term may seek additional eight-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election (though candidates may be nominated at political party conventions), where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve; however, a justice may not be appointed or elected after turning 70.
" Minnesota,MN,State Supreme Court,No,No,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Minnesota Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The appointed justice holds office until Minnesota’s next general election more than one year after she was appointed, unless the remainder of the seat’s term runs out before then. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected justice serves a six-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected justice serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting justice approaching the end of her term may seek additional six-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" Mississippi,MS,State Supreme Court,Yes,Nonbinding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Mississippi Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The governor receives a list of candidates vetted and recommended by the judicial nominating commission but is not required to select a candidate from the list. If less than half of the vacated term remains, the appointed justice serves the remainder of the unexpired term. If more than half of the term remains, the appointed justice holds office until Mississippi’s next general election more than nine months after she was appointed. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected justice serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected justice serves an eight-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting justice approaching the end of her term may seek additional eight-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Missouri,MO,State Supreme Court,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Missouri Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed justice has at least one year of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Missouri’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves a 12-year term. She may stand for additional 12-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" Montana,MT,State Supreme Court,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,"Nonpartisan, Retention",No,Hybrid,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,Yes,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Montana Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate. The appointed justice holds office until Montana’s next general election. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected justice serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected justice serves an eight-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting justice approaching the end of her term may seek additional eight-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. If no candidates register to challenge the incumbent judge she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Nebraska,NE,State Supreme Court,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Nebraska Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed justice has at least three years of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Nebraska’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves a six-year term. She may stand for additional six-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Nevada,NV,State Supreme Court,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Nevada Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The appointed justice holds office until Nevada’s next general election. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected justice serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected justice serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting justice approaching the end of her term may seek additional six-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" New Hampshire ,NH,State Supreme Court,Yes,Nonbinding Commission,Yes,Yes,,Executive Council,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,,Executive Council,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,,,,,,,,,,,,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the New Hampshire Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor selects a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission, but is not required to select a candidate from the list. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the Executive Council, a five-member body whose members are chosen in partisan elections every two years. An appointed justice serves a single term until mandatory retirement at age 70.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement), the governor selects a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the Executive Council, a five-member body whose members are chosen in partisan elections every two years. An appointed justice serves a single term until mandatory retirement at age 70.
Additional Terms: Not applicable. Justices serve a single term.
Age/Term Limits: Justices are appointed for a single term with a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" New Jersey,NJ,State Supreme Court,No,No,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the New Jersey Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor nominates a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate. An appointed justice serves a seven-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement), the governor nominates a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate. An appointed justice serves a seven-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting justice approaching the end of her first term may stand for reappointment in the same appointment process. A reappointed justice serves a second term until mandatory retirement at age 70.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" New Mexico,NM,State Supreme Court,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,"Partisan, Retention",No,Hybrid,No,No,No,No,No,No,Yes,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the New Mexico Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. An appointed justice serves until the next general election. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a partisan election. The elected judge serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Additional Terms: A sitting justice must compete in a partisan election during the first general election after her appointment. If she is successful in the partisan election, she serves the remainder of the seat's eight year term. A justice approaching the end of that full term may stand in an unopposed yes/no retention vote. If retained by the voting public (at least 57% affirmative votes) she serves another eight-year term. She may stand for additional eight-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" New York,NY,State Supreme Court,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the New York Court of Appeals (the state’s highest court) becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor nominates a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate. An appointed judge serves a 14-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate. An appointed judge serves a 14-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may stand for reappointment to additional 14-year terms in the same appointment process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" North Carolina,NC,State Supreme Court,No,No,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Partisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Partisan Elections,No,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the North Carolina Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The appointed justice holds office until North Carolina’s next general election more than 60 days after the vacancy occurred. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a partisan election. The elected justice serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected justice serves an eight-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting justice approaching the end of her first full term may seek additional eight-year terms through participating in a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 72.
" North Dakota,ND,State Supreme Court,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Hybrid,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the North Dakota Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. Alternatively, the governor may fill the seat by calling for a special election. An appointed justice holds office until North Dakota’s next general election more than two years after she was appointed, unless the remainder of the seat’s term runs out before then. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected justice serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected justice serves a 10-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting justice approaching the end of her term may seek additional 10-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Ohio,OH,State Supreme Court,No,No,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Ohio Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The appointed justice holds office until Ohio’s next general election more than 40 days after the vacancy occurred, unless the remainder of the term concludes within a year of said election, in which case the appointed justice serves the remainder of the unexpired term. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election (preceded by a partisan primary). The elected justice serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election (preceded by a partisan primary), where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected justice serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting justice approaching the end of her term may seek additional six-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election (preceded by a partisan primary), where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve; however, a justice may not be appointed or elected after turning 70.
" Oklahoma,OK,State Supreme Court,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Oklahoma Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed justice has at least one year of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Oklahoma’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves a six-year term. She may stand for additional six-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Oregon,OR,State Supreme Court,No,No,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Oregon Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The appointed justice holds office until Oregon’s next general election. During the general election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected justice serves a six-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected justice serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting justice approaching the end of her term may seek additional six-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 75.
" Pennsylvania,PA,State Supreme Court,No,No,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Partisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,No,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The governor’s selection must be confirmed by a two-thirds vote of the state Senate. The appointed justice holds office until the next municipal election more than 10 months after the vacancy opened, unless the remainder of the seat’s term runs out before then. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a partisan election. The elected justice serves a 10-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the vacancy is filled through a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected justice serves a 10-year term.
Additional Terms: An elected justice approaching the end of a full term may seek additional 10-year terms through standing in an unopposed yes/no retention vote.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" Rhode Island,RI,State Supreme Court,Yes ,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,House & Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,House & Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,,,,,,,,,,,,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Rhode Island Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor selects a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state House and Senate. An appointed justice serves a single life term with no mandatory retirement age.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement), the governor selects a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state House and Senate. An appointed justice serves a single life term with no mandatory retirement age.
Additional Terms: Not applicable. Justices serve a single term.
Age/Term Limits: Justices are appointed for a single life term with no mandatory retirement age.
" South Carolina,SC,State Supreme Court,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,Yes,No,No,No,Hybrid,Yes,Binding Commission,No,No,No,,Yes,No,No,No,Legislative Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,No,No,No,,Yes,No,No,No,Legislative Appointment,No,No,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the South Carolina Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the Legislature votes to appoint a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. If less than one year remains of the unexpired term the governor may appoint a judicial candidate instead. The appointed justice serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement), the Legislature votes to appoint a judicial candidate, selected from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission, to a 10-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting justice approaching the end of a full term may stand for reappointment by the Legislature to additional 10-year terms in the same appointment process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 72.
" South Dakota,SD,State Supreme Court,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the South Dakota Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed justice has at least three years of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of South Dakota’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves an eight-year term. She may stand for additional eight-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" Tennessee,TN,State Supreme Court,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,House & Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,House & Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Tennessee Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor nominates a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state House and Senate.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor nominates a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state House and Senate.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed justice has at least 30 days of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Tennessee’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves an eight-year term unless she was first appointed to fill an unexpired term, in which case she serves the remainder of the unexpired term. She may stand for additional eight-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Texas,TX,State Supreme Court,No,No,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Partisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Partisan Elections,No,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Texas Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The governor’s selection must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate. The appointed justice holds office until Texas’ next general election. During the general election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a partisan election. The elected justice serves a six-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected justice serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting justice approaching the end of her term may seek additional six-year terms through participating in a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve; however, a justice may not stand for election after turning 75. A justice who turns 75 during the first four years of her six-year term must vacate the seat at the end of the calendar year of the term’s fourth year. A justice who turns 75 in the final two years of the seat’s term is permitted to complete the remainder of her term.
" Utah,UT,State Supreme Court,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Utah Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor nominates a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor nominates a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed justice has at least three years of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Utah’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves a 10-year term. She may stand for additional 10-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 75.
" Vermont,VT,State Supreme Court,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,Yes,No,No,No,Legislative Appointment,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Vermont Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor nominates a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate. An appointed judge serves a six-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement or non-retention), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate. An appointed judge serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may stand for reappointment to additional six-year terms, in which a case a vote of the General Assembly is held and the judge is retained unless a majority of the votes are against retention.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 90.
" Virginia,VA,State Supreme Court,No,No,Yes,No,No,,Yes,No,No,No,Hybrid,No,No,No,No,No,,Yes,No,No,No,Legislative Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,Yes,No,No,No,Legislative Appointment,No,No,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Virginia Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the Legislature votes to appoint a judicial candidate to fill the empty seat. The appointed justice serves a 12-year term. If the Legislature is not in session, the governor may appoint a judicial candidate to serve until the next legislative session.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement), the Legislature votes to appoint a judicial candidate to a 12-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting justice approaching the end of a full term may stand for reappointment by the Legislature to additional 12-year terms in the same appointment process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" Washington,WA,State Supreme Court,No,No,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Washington Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The appointed justice holds office until Washington’s next general election. During the general election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected justice serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected justice serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting justice approaching the end of her term may seek additional six-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 75.
" West Virginia,WV,State Supreme Court,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the West Virginia Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The appointed justice holds office until West Virginia’s next general election. During the general election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected justice serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected justice serves a 12-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting justice approaching the end of her term may seek additional 12-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Wisconsin ,WI,State Supreme Court,Yes,Nonbinding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The governor receives a list of candidates vetted and recommended by the judicial nominating commission but is not required to select a candidate from the list. The appointed justice holds office until Wisconsin’s next spring election when no other justice is to be elected. If the vacancy occurs between December 1 and the date of the spring election, the appointed justice stands for election in the second succeeding spring election (or later, if another justice is to be elected) instead. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected justice serves a 10-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected justice serves a 10-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting justice approaching the end of her term may seek additional 10-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Wyoming,WY,State Supreme Court,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Wyoming Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed justice has at least one year of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Wyoming’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves an eight-year term. She may stand for additional eight-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" Alabama,AL,Intermediate Appellate Courts,No,No,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Partisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Partisan Elections,No,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Alabama Courts of Civil or Criminal Appeals becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The appointed judge holds office until Alabama’s next general election more than one year after she was appointed, unless the remainder of the seat’s term runs out before then. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a partisan election. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional six-year terms through participating in a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve; however, a judge may not be appointed or elected after turning 70.
" Alaska,AK,Intermediate Appellate Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Alaska Court of Appeals becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed judge has at least three years of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Alaska’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves an eight-year term. She may stand for additional eight-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" Arizona,AZ,Intermediate Appellate Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Arizona Court of Appeals becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed judge has at least two years of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Arizona’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves a six-year term. She may stand for additional six-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" Arkansas,AR,Intermediate Appellate Courts,No,No,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Arkansas Court of Appeals becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The appointed judge holds office until Arkansas’ next general election more than four months after she was appointed, unless the remainder of the seat’s term runs out before then. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional six-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve; however a judge loses retirement benefits if elected or appointed to judicial office after age 70.
" California,CA,Intermediate Appellate Courts,No,No,Yes,Yes,,Commission on Judicial Appointments,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,Yes,Yes,,Commission on Judicial Appointments,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,No,No,No,No,No,No,Yes,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the California Courts of Appeal becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the Commission on Judicial Appointments, which consists of the Chief Justice, Attorney General of California, and the senior presiding justice of the affected court of appeal.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor appoints a judicial candidate. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the Commission on Judicial Appointments, which consists of the Chief Justice, Attorney General of California, and the senior presiding justice of the affected court of appeal.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed justice has at least one year of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of California’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves a 12-year term. She may stand for additional 12-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Colorado,CO,Intermediate Appellate Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Colorado Court of Appeals becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed judge has at least two years of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Colorado’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves an eight-year term. She may stand for additional eight-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 72.
" Connecticut,CT,Intermediate Appellate Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,House & Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,House & Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,House & Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Connecticut Appellate Court becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor nominates a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state House and Senate. An appointed judge serves an eight-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state House and Senate. An appointed judge serves an eight-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may stand for reappointment to additional eight-year terms in the same appointment process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" Delaware,DE,Intermediate Appellate Courts,,,,,,,,,,,Not Applicable,,,,,,,,,,,Not Applicable,,,,,,,,,,,,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,Delaware has no intermediate appellate court.
District of Columbia,DC,Intermediate Appellate Courts,,,,,,,,,,,Not Applicable,,,,,,,,,,,Not Applicable,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,The District of Columbia has no intermediate appellate court.
Florida,FL,Intermediate Appellate Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Florida District Courts of Appeal becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed judge has at least one year of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Florida’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves a six-year term. She may stand for additional six-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve. There is a mandatory retirement age of 70 but a judge who has already served one half of the seat’s term is permitted to complete the remainder of the term.
" Georgia,GA,Intermediate Appellate Courts,Yes,Nonbinding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Georgia Court of Appeals becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The governor receives a list of candidates vetted and recommended by the judicial nominating commission but is not required to select a candidate from the list. The appointed judge holds office until Georgia’s next general election more than six months after she was appointed, unless the remainder of the seat’s term runs out before then. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected judge serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional six-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Hawaii,HI,Intermediate Appellate Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Commission Reappoints,No,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Commission Reappoints,No,No,No,No,No,No,Yes,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor nominates a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial selection commission. The governor’s selection must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate. The appointed judge serves a 10-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial selection commission. The governor’s selection must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate. The appointed judge serves a 10-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of a full term may stand for reappointment by the state’s judicial selection commission to additional 10-year terms.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" Idaho,ID,Intermediate Appellate Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Idaho Court of Appeals becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The appointed judge holds office for the remainder of the seat’s term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional six-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Illinois,IL,Intermediate Appellate Courts,No,No,No,No,No,,No,No,No,Yes,Supreme Court Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Partisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,No,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Illinois Appellate Court becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the justices of the state supreme court appoint a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The appointed judge holds office until the next general election more than 60 months after she was appointed, unless the remainder of the seat’s term runs out before then. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a partisan election. The elected judge serves a 10-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the vacancy is filled through a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a 10-year term.
Additional Terms: An elected judge approaching the end of a full term may seek additional 10-year terms through standing in an unopposed yes/no retention vote.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Indiana,IN,Intermediate Appellate Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Indiana Court of Appeals becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed judge has at least three years of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Indiana’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves a 10-year term. She may stand for additional 10-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 75.
" Iowa,IA,Intermediate Appellate Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Iowa Court of Appeals becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed judge has at least one year of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Iowa’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves a six-year term. She may stand for additional six-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 72.
" Kansas,KS,Intermediate Appellate Courts,No,No,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,No,No,No,No,No,No,Yes,No,"Filling an Interim : When a seat on the Kansas Court of Appeals opens up in the middle of a judge's term, the governor nominates a judicial candidate for the empty seat on the bench. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor nominates a judicial candidate for the empty seat on the bench. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed judge has at least one year of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Kansas’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves a four-year term. She may stand for additional four-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve; however, a judge may not be appointed or re-elected after turning 75.
" Kentucky,KY,Intermediate Appellate Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Kentucky Court of Appeals opens up in the middle of a judge's term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The appointed judge holds office until Kentucky’s next general election more than three months after she was appointed, unless the remainder of the seat’s term runs out before then. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected judge serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves an eight-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional eight-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Louisiana,LA,Intermediate Appellate Courts,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,Yes,Hybrid,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Partisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Partisan Elections,No,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Louisiana Court of Appeals becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the justices of the state supreme court appoint a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. Within a year, the governor calls a special election to fill the seat. The judge appointed in the interim by the supreme court may not run in the special election. During the special election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a partisan election. The elected judge serves a 10-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a 10-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional 10-year terms through participating in a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve; however, a judge may not be appointed or elected after turning 70.
" Maine,ME,Intermediate Appellate Courts,,,,,,,,,,,Not Applicable,,,,,,,,,,,Not Applicable,,,,,,,,,,,Not Applicable,,,,,,,,,Maine has no intermediate appellate court.
Maryland,MD,Intermediate Appellate Courts,Yes,Nonbinding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Nonbinding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,No,No,No,No,No,No,Yes,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Maryland Court of Special Appeals becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor nominates a judicial candidate for the empty seat on the bench. The governor receives a list of candidates vetted and recommended by the judicial nominating commission but is not required to select a candidate from the list. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The governor receives a list of candidates vetted and recommended by the judicial nominating commission but is not required to select a candidate from the list. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed judge has at least one year of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Maryland’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves a 10-year term. She may stand for additional 10-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" Massachusetts,MA,Intermediate Appellate Courts,Yes,Nonbinding Commission,Yes,Yes,,Governor's Council,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Nonbinding Commission,Yes,Yes,,Governor's Council,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,,,,,,,,,,,Not Applicable,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Massachusetts Appeals Court becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The governor receives a list of candidates vetted and recommended by a judicial nominating commission but is not required to select a candidate from the list. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the Governor’s Council, consisting of elected district representatives and the lieutenant governor. An appointed judge serves a single term until mandatory retirement at age 70.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The governor receives a list of candidates vetted and recommended by a judicial nominating commission but is not required to select a candidate from the list. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the Governor’s Council, consisting of elected district representatives and the lieutenant governor. An appointed judge serves a single term until mandatory retirement at age 70.
Additional Terms: Not applicable. Judges serve a single term.
Age/Term Limits: Judges are appointed for a single term with a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" Michigan,MI,Intermediate Appellate Courts,No,No,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Michigan Court of Appeals becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The appointed judge holds office until Michigan’s next general election. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected judge serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional six-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve; however, a judge may not be appointed or elected after turning 70.
" Minnesota,MN,Intermediate Appellate Courts,No,No,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Minnesota Court of Appeals becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The appointed judge holds office until Minnesota’s next general election more than one year after she was appointed, unless the remainder of the seat’s term runs out before then. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional six-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" Mississippi,MS,Intermediate Appellate Courts,Yes,Nonbinding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Mississippi Court of Appeals becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The governor receives a list of candidates vetted and recommended by the judicial nominating commission but is not required to select a candidate from the list. If less than half of the vacated term remains, the appointed judge serves the remainder of the unexpired term. If more than half of the term remains, the appointed judge holds office until Mississippi’s next general election more than nine months after she was appointed. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected judge serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves an eight-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional eight-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Missouri,MO,Intermediate Appellate Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Court of Appeals becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed judge has at least one year of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Missouri’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves a 12-year term. She may stand for additional 12-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" Montana,MT,Intermediate Appellate Courts,,,,,,,,,,,Not Applicable,,,,,,,,,,,Not Applicable,,,,,,,,,,,Not Applicable,,,,,,,,,Montana has no intermediate appellate court.
Nebraska,NE,Intermediate Appellate Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Nebraska Court of Appeals becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed judge has at least three years of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Nebraska’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves a six-year term. She may stand for additional six-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Nevada,NV,Intermediate Appellate Courts,,,,,,,,,,,Not Applicable,,,,,,,,,,,Not Applicable,,,,,,,,,,,Not Applicable,,,,,,,,,Nevada has no intermediate appellate court.
New Hampshire,NH,Intermediate Appellate Courts,,,,,,,,,,,Not Applicable, ,,,,,,,,,,Not Applicable,,,,,,,,,,,Not Applicable,,,,,,,,,New Hampshire has no intermediate appellate court.
New Jersey,NJ,Intermediate Appellate Courts,No,No,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,Yes,Hybrid,No,No,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,Yes,Hybrid,No,No,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Hybrid,No,No,No,No,No,No,Yes,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the appellate division of the New Jersey Superior Court becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the chief justice of the state supreme court appoints a replacement judge from the trial division of the superior court to the empty seat on the bench. An appointed judge serves a seven-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the chief justice of the state supreme court appoints a judge from the trial division of the superior court to the empty seat on the bench. An appointed judge serves a seven-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her first term may stand for reappointment in the same appointment process. A reappointed judge serves a second term until mandatory retirement at age 70.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" New Mexico,NM,Intermediate Appellate Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,"Partisan, Retention",No,Hybrid,No,No,No,No,No,No,Yes,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the New Mexico Court of Appeals becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. An appointed judge serves until the next general election. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a partisan election. The elected judge serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge must compete in a partisan election during the first general election after her appointment. If she is successful in the partisan election, she serves the remainder of the seat's eight year term. A judge approaching the end of that full term may stand in an unopposed yes/no retention vote. If retained by the voting public (at least 57% affirmative votes) she serves another eight-year term. She may stand for additional eight-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" New York,NY,Intermediate Appellate Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the appellate division of the New York Supreme Court becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a replacement justice from a list of sitting trial court justices provided by the judicial nominating commission. An appointed justice serves a 5-year term or the remainder of their supreme court term, whichever is shorter.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement), the governor appoints a replacement justice from a list of sitting trial court justices provided by the judicial nominating commission. An appointed justice serves a 5-year term or the remainder of their supreme court term, whichever is shorter.
Additional Terms: A sitting justice approaching the end of her term may apply for appointment to additional terms in the same appointment process (meaning she must still hold her elected position of justice at the trial court), where she is considered alongside other applicants.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" North Carolina,NC,Intermediate Appellate Courts,No,No,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Partisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Partisan Elections,No,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the North Carolina Court of Appeals becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The appointed judge holds office until North Carolina’s next general election more than 60 days after the vacancy occurred. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a partisan election. The elected judge serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves an eight-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting justice approaching the end of her term may seek additional eight-year terms through participating in a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 72.
" North Dakota,ND,Intermediate Appellate Courts,No,No,No,No,No,,No,No,No,Yes,Supreme Court Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,No,No,Yes,Supreme Court Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,No,No,Yes,Supreme Court Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,Yes,No,No,"Selection: Judges of the North Dakota Court of Appeals are chosen by the state’s supreme court justices to hear cases specifically assigned to them. The court sits in three-member panels, and its judges are chosen from among retired district judges, retired supreme court justices, and attorneys.
Age/Term Limits: There is no age limit for judges serving on the North Dakota Court of Appeals. Assignments to the court may be made for a set period, not to exceed one year, or to hear specific cases.
." Ohio,OH,Intermediate Appellate Courts,No,No,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Ohio Court of Appeals becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The appointed judge holds office until Ohio’s next general election more than 40 days after the vacancy occurred, unless the remainder of the term concludes within a year of said election, in which case the appointed judge serves the remainder of the unexpired term. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election (preceded by a partisan primary). The elected judge serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election (preceded by a partisan primary), where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional six-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election (preceded by a partisan primary), where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve; however, a judge may not be appointed or elected after turning 70.
" Oklahoma,OK,Intermediate Appellate Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the state courts of civil or criminal appeals becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed judge has at least one year of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Oklahoma’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves a six-year term. She may stand for additional six-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Oregon,OR,Intermediate Appellate Courts,No,No,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Oregon Court of Appeals becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The appointed judge holds office until Oregon’s next general election. During the general election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional six-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 75.
" Pennsylvania,PA,Intermediate Appellate Courts,No,No,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Partisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,No,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Pennsylvania Superior Court or the Commonwealth Court becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The governor’s selection must be confirmed by a two-thirds vote of the state Senate. The appointed judge holds office until the next municipal election more than 10 months after the vacancy opened, unless the remainder of the seat’s term runs out before then. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a partisan election. The elected judge serves a 10-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the vacancy is filled through a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a 10-year term.
Additional Terms: An elected judge approaching the end of a full term may seek additional 10-year terms through standing in an unopposed yes/no retention vote.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" Rhode Island,RI,Intermediate Appellate Courts,,,,,,,,,,,Not Applicable,,,,,,,,,,,Not Applicable,,,,,,,,,,,Not Applicable,,,,,,,,,Rhode Island has no intermediate appellate court.
South Carolina,SC,Intermediate Appellate Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,Yes,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,No,No,No,,Yes,No,No,No,Legislative Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,No,No,No,,Yes,No,No,No,Legislative Appointment,No,No,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the South Carolina Court of Appeals becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the Legislature votes to appoint a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. If less than one year remains of the unexpired term the governor may appoint a judicial candidate instead. The appointed judge serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the Legislature votes to appoint a judicial candidate, selected from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission, to a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of a full term may stand for reappointment by the Legislature to additional six-year terms in the same appointment process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 72.
" South Dakota,SD,Intermediate Appellate Courts,,,,,,,,,,,Not Applicable,,,,,,,,,,,Not Applicable,,,,,,,,,,,Not Applicable,,,,,,,,,South Dakota has no intermediate appellate court.
Tennessee,TN,Intermediate Appellate Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,House & Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,House & Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Tennessee Court of Appeals or the Court of Criminal Appeals becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor nominates a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state House and Senate.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor nominates a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state House and Senate.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed judge has at least 30 days of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Tennessee’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves an eight-year term unless she was first appointed to fill an unexpired term, in which case she serves the remainder of the unexpired term. She may stand for additional eight-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Texas,TX,Intermediate Appellate Courts,No,No,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Partisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Partisan Elections,No,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Texas Court of Appeals or the Court of Criminal Appeals becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The governor’s selection must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate. The appointed judge holds office until Texas’ next general election. During the general election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a partisan election. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional six-year terms through participating in a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve; however, a judge may not stand for election after turning 75. A judge who turns 75 during the first four years of her six-year term must vacate the seat at the end of the calendar year of the term’s fourth year. A judge who turns 75 in the final two years of the seat’s term is permitted to complete the remainder of her term.
" Utah,UT,Intermediate Appellate Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Utah Court of Appeals becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor nominates a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor nominates a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed judge has at least three years of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Utah’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves a six-year term. She may stand for additional six-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 75.
" Vermont,VT,Intermediate Appellate Courts,,,,,,,,,,,Not Applicable,,,,,,,,,,,Not Applicable,,,,,,,,,,,Not Applicable,,,,,,,,,Vermont has no intermediate appellate court.
Virginia,VA,Intermediate Appellate Courts,No,No,Yes,No,No,,Yes,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,Yes,No,No,No,Legislative Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,Yes,No,No,No,Legislative Appointment,No,No,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Virginia Court of Appeals becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the Legislature votes to appoint a judicial candidate to fill the empty seat. The appointed judge serves an eight-year term. If the Legislature is not in session, the governor may appoint a judicial candidate to serve until the next legislative session.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the Legislature votes to appoint a judicial candidate to an eight-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of a full term may stand for reappointment by the Legislature to additional eight-year terms in the same appointment process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" Washington,WA,Intermediate Appellate Courts,No,No,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Washington Court of Appeals becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The appointed judge holds office until Washington’s next general election. During the general election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected judge serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional six-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 75.
" West Virginia,WV,Intermediate Appellate Courts,,,,,,,,,,,Not Applicable,,,,,,,,,,,Not Applicable,,,,,,,,,,,Not Applicable,,,,,,,,,West Virginia has no intermediate appellate court.
Wisconsin,WI,Intermediate Appellate Courts,Yes,Nonbinding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the state supreme court becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The governor receives a list of candidates vetted and recommended by the judicial nominating commission but is not required to select a candidate from the list. The appointed judge holds office until Wisconsin’s next spring election when no other judge is to be elected. If the vacancy occurs between December 1 and the date of the spring election, the appointed judge stands for election in the second succeeding spring election (or later, if another judge is to be elected) instead. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional six-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Wyoming,WY,Intermediate Appellate Courts,,,,,,,,,,,Not Applicable,,,,,,,,,,,Not Applicable,,,,,,,,,,,Not Applicable,,,,,,,,,Wyoming has no intermediate appellate court.
Alabama,AL,Trial Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,,,No,No,No,No,Varies,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Partisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Partisan Elections,No,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,"Judicial selection in the Alabama trial courts varies by county. In all counties, vacancies that open up before the end of a term are filled by the governor. However, in eight counties, the governor appoints from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on an Alabama circuit court becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. In eight counties the candidate must come from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The appointed judge holds office until Alabama’s next general election more than one year after she was appointed, unless the remainder of the seat’s term runs out before then. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a partisan election. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional six-year terms through participating in a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve; however, a judge may not be appointed or elected after turning 70.
" Alaska,AK,Trial Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Alaska Superior Court becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed judge has at least three years of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Alaska’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves a six-year term. She may stand for additional six-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" Arizona,AZ,Trial Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Varies,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,"Nonpartisan, Retention",No,Varies,Yes,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,Yes,"Judicial selection in the Arizona trial courts differs based on a county’s population. Small-population counties may also adopt the large-county method of selection through a ballot amendment.Filling an Interim Vacancy: If the county has 250,000 or more people, when a seat on the state trial court becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. If a county has fewer than 250,000 people and has not passed a ballot amendment changing its selection method, when a seat on the state trial courts becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to serve until the next general election, where a nonpartisan election determines who will serve the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: If the county has 250,000 or more people, when a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. If a county has fewer than 250,000 people and has not passed a ballot amendment changing their selection method, when a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a four-year term.
Additional Terms: If the county has 250,000 or more people, once an appointed judge has at least two years of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Arizona’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves a four-year term. She may stand for additional four-year terms in the same retention process. If a county has fewer than 250,000 people and has not passed a ballot amendment changing their selection method, a sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional four-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" Arkansas,AR,Trial Courts,No,No,Yes,No,,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Arkansas Circuit Court becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The appointed judge holds office until Arkansas’ next general election more than four months after she was appointed, unless the remainder of the seat’s term runs out before then. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional six-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve; however a judge loses retirement benefits if elected or appointed to judicial office after age 70.
" California,CA,Trial Courts,No,No,Yes,No,,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the California Superior Court becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The appointed judge holds office until California’s next general election. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional six-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Colorado,CO,Trial Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Colorado District Courts becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed judge has at least two years of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Colorado’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves a six-year term. She may stand for additional six-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 72.
" Connecticut,CT,Trial Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,General Assembly,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,General Assembly,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes (interview and solicit comments on judges seeking re-appointment),Binding Commission Recommendations,Yes,Yes,General Assembly,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Connecticut Superior Court becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor nominates a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state House and Senate. An appointed judge serves an eight-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state House and Senate. An appointed judge serves an eight-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may stand for reappointment to additional eight-year terms in the same appointment process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" Delaware,DE,Trial Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,"Yes, The commission must recommend sitting judges for reappointment unless two thirds or more of the committee object.",Binding Commission Recommendations,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Interim Selection: When a seat on the Delaware Superior Court or Court of Chancery becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate. An appointed judge serves a 12-year term.
First Full Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate. An appointed judge serves a 12-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may stand for reappointment to additional 12-year terms in the same appointment process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
Note: The Superior Court also serves as an intermediate appellate court for appeals from the Court of Common Pleas and criminal appeals from the Family Court. The Delaware Constitution stipulates that no more than a bare majority of judges on a given court are to be of the same major political party.
" District of Columbia,DC,Trial Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission Recommendations,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on a Superior Court of the District of Columbia becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the president nominates a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The president’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the U.S. Senate. An appointed judge serves a 15-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the president appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The president’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the U.S. Senate. An appointed judge serves a 15-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may stand for review by a tenure commission, which rates them “well qualified,” “qualified,” or “unqualified.” A judge rated “well qualified” has their 15-year term automatically renewed. A judge rated “qualified” may be re-nominated by the President for an additional term subject to Senate confirmation. A judge rated “unqualified” may not be reappointed.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 74.
" Florida,FL,Trial Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Florida Circuit Courts becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The appointed judge holds office until Florida’s next general election more than one year after she was appointed, unless the remainder of the seat’s term runs out before then. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional six-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve. There is a mandatory retirement age of 70 but a judge who has already served one half of the seat’s term is permitted to complete the remainder of the term.
" Georgia,GA,Trial Courts,Yes,Nonbinding Commission,Yes,No,,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Georgia Superior Court becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The governor receives a list of candidates vetted and recommended by the judicial nominating commission but is not required to select a candidate from the list. The appointed judge holds office until Georgia’s next general election more than six months after she was appointed, unless the remainder of the seat’s term runs out before then. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected judge serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a four-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional four-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Hawaii,HI,Trial Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Commission Reappoints,No,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Commission Reappoints,No,No,No,No,No,No,Yes,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Hawaii Circuit Courts becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor nominates a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial selection commission. The governor’s selection must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate. The appointed judge serves a 10-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial selection commission. The governor’s selection must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate. The appointed judge serves a 10-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of a full term may stand for reappointment by the state’s judicial selection commission to additional 10-year terms.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" Idaho,ID,Trial Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Idaho District Court becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The appointed judge holds office for the remainder of the seat’s term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a four-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional four-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Illinois,IL,Trial Courts,No,No,No,No,,,No,No,No,Yes,Supreme Court Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Partisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,No,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Illinois Circuit Court becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the justices of the state supreme court appoint a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The appointed judge holds office until the next general election more than 60 months after she was appointed, unless the remainder of the seat’s term runs out before then. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a partisan election. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the vacancy is filled through a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: An elected judge approaching the end of a full term may seek additional six-year terms through standing in an unopposed yes/no retention vote.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Indiana,IN,Trial Courts,No,No,Yes,No,,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Partisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Partisan Elections,No,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Indiana Circuit Courts becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional six-year terms through participating in a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
Note: In Vanderburgh County, the circuit court elections are nonpartisan instead of partisan.
" Iowa,IA,Trial Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Iowa District Courts becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed judge has at least one year of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Iowa’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves a six-year term. She may stand for additional six-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 72.
" Kansas,KS,Trial Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Varies,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,"Partisan, Retention",No,Varies,No,No,No,No,No,No,Yes,Yes,"Judicial selection in the Kansas trial courts can vary by judicial district. As a default, each district’s judgeships are filled through partisan elections but a district’s voters may instead adopt a system of commission-assisted appointment followed by unopposed retention elections for additional terms. Seventeen of thirty-one judicial districts have adopted the commission-based system.Filling an Interim Vacancy: If a district has not changed its selection method, when a seat on the Kansas District Courts opens up in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor nominates a judicial candidate for the empty seat on the bench to serve until the next general election more than 30 days after she was appointed. If a district has opted for a commission-assisted system, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: If a district has not changed their selection method, when a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a four-year term. If a district has opted for a commission-assisted system, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Additional Terms: If a district has not changed its selection method, a sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional four-year terms through participating in a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. If a district has opted for a commission-assisted system, once an appointed judge has at least one year of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Kansas’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves a four-year term. She may stand for additional four-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve; however, a judge may not be appointed or re-elected after turning 75.
" Kentucky,KY,Trial Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Kentucky Circuit Courts opens up in the middle of a judge's term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The appointed judge holds office until Kentucky’s next general election more than three months after she was appointed, unless the remainder of the seat’s term runs out before then. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected judge serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves an eight-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional eight-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Louisiana,LA,Trial Courts,No,No,No,No,,,No,Yes,Partisan,Yes,Hybrid,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Partisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Partisan Elections,No,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Louisiana District Courts becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the justices of the state supreme court appoint a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. Within a year, the governor calls a special election to fill the seat. The judge appointed in the interim by the supreme court may not run in the special election. During the special election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a partisan election. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional six-year terms through participating in a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve; however, a judge may not be appointed or elected after turning 70.
" Maine,ME,Trial Courts,Yes,Nonbinding Commission,Yes,Yes,Joint Committee,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Nonbinding Commission,Yes,Yes,Joint Committee,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Nonbinding Commission,Yes,Yes,Joint Committee,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Maine Superior Court becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The governor receives a list of candidates vetted and recommended by the judicial nominating commission but is not required to select a candidate from the list. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by joint legislative committee recommendation, subject to the ability of the Senate to override the committee recommendation by a 2/3 vote. An appointed judge serves a seven-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The governor receives a list of candidates vetted and recommended by the judicial nominating commission but is not required to select a candidate from the list. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate. An appointed judge serves a seven-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may stand for reappointment to additional seven-year terms in the same appointment process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Maryland,MD,Trial Courts,Yes,Nonbinding Commission,Yes,No,,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Nonbinding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Maryland Circuit Courts becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor nominates a judicial candidate for the empty seat on the bench. The governor receives a list of candidates vetted and recommended by the judicial nominating commission but is not required to select a candidate from the list.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The governor receives a list of candidates vetted and recommended by the judicial nominating commission but is not required to select a candidate from the list.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed judge has at least one year of experience on the court, she stands in a nonpartisan election at the time of Maryland’s next general election. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a 15-year term. She may stand for additional 15-year terms in the same election process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" Massachusetts,MA,Trial Courts,Yes,Nonbinding Commission,Yes,Yes,,Governor's Council,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Nonbinding Commission,Yes,Yes,,Governor's Council,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,,,,,,,,,,,Not Applicable,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Massachusetts Superior Courts becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The governor receives a list of candidates vetted and recommended by a judicial nominating commission but is not required to select a candidate from the list. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the Governor’s Council, consisting of elected district representatives and the lieutenant governor. An appointed judge serves a single term until mandatory retirement at age 70.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The governor receives a list of candidates vetted and recommended by a judicial nominating commission but is not required to select a candidate from the list. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the Governor’s Council, consisting of elected district representatives and the lieutenant governor. An appointed judge serves a single term until mandatory retirement at age 70.
Additional Terms: Not applicable. Judges serve a single term.
Age/Term Limits: Judges are appointed for a single term with a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" Michigan,MI,Trial Courts,No,No,Yes,No,,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Michigan Circuit Courts becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The appointed judge holds office until Michigan’s next general election. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected judge serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional six-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve; however, a judge may not be appointed or elected after turning 70.
" Minnesota,MN,Trial Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Minnesota District Courts becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The appointed judge holds office until Minnesota’s next general election more than one year after she was appointed, unless the remainder of the seat’s term runs out before then. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional six-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" Mississippi,MS,Trial Courts,Yes,Nonbinding Commission,Yes,No,,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Mississippi Circuit Courts becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The governor receives a list of candidates vetted and recommended by the judicial nominating commission but is not required to select a candidate from the list. The appointed judge holds office until Mississippi’s next general election more than nine months after she was appointed. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected judge serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a four-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional four-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Missouri,MO,Trial Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Varies,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,"Partisan, Retention",No,Varies,No,No,No,No,No,No,Yes,Yes,"Judicial selection in the Missouri trial courts can vary by judicial circuit. As a default, each district’s judgeships are filled through partisan elections but a circuit’s voters may instead adopt a system of commission-assisted appointment followed by unopposed retention elections for additional terms. The circuits of Platte County, Clay County, Jackson County, St. Louis County, Greene County, as well as the City of St. Louis have adopted the commission-based system.Filling an Interim Vacancy: If a circuit has not changed its selection method, when a seat on the Missouri Circuit Courts opens up in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor nominates a judicial candidate for the empty seat on the bench to serve until the next general election. If a circuit has opted for a commission-assisted system, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: If a circuit has not changed its selection method, when a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term, the vacancy is filled through a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a six-year term. If a circuit has opted for a commission-assisted system, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Additional Terms: If a circuit has not changed its selection method, a sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional six-year terms through participating in a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. If a circuit has opted for a commission-assisted system, once an appointed judge has at least one year of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Missouri’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves a six-year term. She may stand for additional six-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" Montana,MT,Trial Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,"Nonpartisan, Retention",No,Hybrid,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Montana District Courts becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate. The appointed judge holds office until Montana’s next general election. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected judge serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional six-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. If no candidates register to challenge the incumbent judge she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Nebraska,NE,Trial Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Nebraska District Courts becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed judge has at least three years of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Nebraska’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves a six-year term. She may stand for additional six-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Nevada,NV,Trial Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Nevada District Courts becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The appointed judge holds office until Nevada’s next general election. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected judge serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional six-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" New Hampshire,NH,Trial Courts,Yes,Nonbinding Commission,Yes,Yes,,Executive Council,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,,Executive Council,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,,,,,,,,,,,Not Applicable,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the New Hampshire Superior Court becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor receives a list of candidates vetted and recommended by the judicial nominating commission but is not required to select a candidate from the list. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the Executive Council, a five-member body whose members are chosen in partisan elections every two years. An appointed judge serves a single term until mandatory retirement at age 70.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the governor selects a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the Executive Council, a five-member body whose members are chosen in partisan elections every two years. An appointed judge serves a single term until mandatory retirement at age 70.
Additional Terms: Not applicable. Judges serve a single term.
Age/Term Limits: Judges are appointed for a single term with a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" New Jersey,NJ,Trial Courts,No,No,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Nonbinding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the New Jersey Superior Court becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor nominates a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The governor receives a list of candidates vetted and recommended by the judicial nominating commission but is not required to select a candidate from the list. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate. An appointed judge serves a seven-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the governor nominates a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The governor receives a list of candidates vetted and recommended by the judicial nominating commission but is not required to select a candidate from the list. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate. An appointed judge serves a seven-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her first term may stand for reappointment in the same appointment process. A reappointed judge serves a second term until mandatory retirement at age 70.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" New Mexico,NM,Trial Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,"Partisan, Retention",No,Hybrid,No,No,No,No,No,No,Yes,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the New Mexico District Courts becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. An appointed judge serves until the next general election. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a partisan election. The elected judge serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge must compete in a partisan election during the first general election after her appointment. If she is successful in the partisan election, she serves the remainder of the seat's six year term. A judge approaching the end of that first full term may stand in an unopposed yes/no retention vote. If retained by the voting public (at least 57% affirmative votes) she serves another six-year term. She may stand for additional six-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" New York,NY,Trial Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Partisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Partisan Elections,No,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the New York Supreme Court (the state’s highest trial court) becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor nominates a judicial candidate from a list provided by the judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate. The appointed judge holds office until New York’s next general election more than three months after the vacancy occurred. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a partisan election (though candidates are nominated at political party conventions). The elected judge serves a 14-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Justice’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a justice’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat (though candidates are nominated at political party conventions). The elected justice serves a 14-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting justice approaching the end of her term may seek additional 14-year terms through participating in a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat (though candidates are nominated at political party conventions).
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" North Carolina,NC,Trial Courts,No,No,Yes,No,,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Partisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Partisan Elections,No,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the North Carolina Superior Courts becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The appointed judge holds office until North Carolina’s next general election more than 60 days after the vacancy occurred. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected judge serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves an eight-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional eight-year terms through participating in a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 72.
" North Dakota,ND,Trial Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Hybrid,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the North Dakota District Courts becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. Alternatively, the governor may fill the seat by calling for a special election. An appointed judge holds office until North Dakota’s next general election more than two years after she was appointed, unless the remainder of the seat’s term runs out before then. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected judge serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional six-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Ohio,OH,Trial Courts,No,No,Yes,No,,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Ohio Court of Common Pleas becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The appointed judge holds office until Ohio’s next general election more than 40 days after the vacancy occurred, unless the remainder of the term concludes within a year of said election, in which case the appointed judge serves the remainder of the unexpired term. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election (preceded by a partisan primary). The elected judge serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election (preceded by a partisan primary), where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional six-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election (preceded by a partisan primary), where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve; however, a judge may not be appointed or elected after turning 70.
" Oklahoma,OK,Trial Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Oklahoma District Courts becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. An appointed judge serves a four-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a four-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional four-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Oregon,OR,Trial Courts,No,No,Yes,No,,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Oregon Circuit Courts becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The appointed judge holds office until Oregon’s next general election. During the general election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional six-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 75.
" Pennsylvania,PA,Trial Courts,No,No,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Partisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,No,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The governor’s selection must be confirmed by a two-thirds vote of the state Senate. The appointed judge holds office until the next municipal election more than 10 months after the vacancy opened, unless the remainder of the seat’s term runs out before then. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a partisan election. The elected judge serves a 10-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the vacancy is filled through a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a 10-year term.
Additional Terms: An elected judge approaching the end of a full term may seek additional 10-year terms through standing in an unopposed yes/no retention vote.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" Rhode Island,RI,Trial Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,,,,,,,,,,,Not Applicable,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Rhode Island Superior Court becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor selects a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate. An appointed judge serves a single life term with no mandatory retirement age.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the governor selects a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate. An appointed judge serves a single life term with no mandatory retirement age.
Additional Terms: Not applicable. Judges serve a single term.
Age/Term Limits: Judges are appointed for a single life term with no mandatory retirement age.
" South Carolina,SC,Trial Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,,,Yes,No,No,No,Hybrid,Yes,Binding Commission,No,No,No,,Yes,No,No,No,Legislative Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,No,No,No,,Yes,No,No,No,Legislative Appointment,No,No,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the South Carolina Circuit Court becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the Legislature votes to appoint a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. If less than one year remains of the unexpired term the governor may appoint a judicial candidate instead. The appointed judge serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the Legislature votes to appoint a judicial candidate, selected from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission, to a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of a full term may stand for reappointment by the Legislature to additional six-year terms in the same appointment process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 72.
" South Dakota,SD,Trial Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the South Dakota Circuit Court becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The appointed judge serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves an eight-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional eight-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" Tennessee,TN,Trial Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Partisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Partisan Elections,No,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Tennessee trial courts becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The appointed judge serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves an eight-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional eight-year terms through participating in a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Texas,TX,Trial Courts,No,No,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Partisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Partisan,No,Partisan Elections,No,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Texas District Court becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The governor’s selection must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate. The appointed judge holds office until Texas’ next general election. During the general election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a partisan election. The elected judge serves a four-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a four-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional four-year terms through participating in a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve; however, a judge may not be appointed or elected after turning 75.
" Utah,UT,Trial Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Utah District Court becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor nominates a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor nominates a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed judge has at least three years of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Utah’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves a six-year term. She may stand for additional six-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 75.
" Vermont,VT,Trial Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,Yes,Senate,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,Yes,No,No,No,Legislative Appointment,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Vermont Superior Courts or District Courts becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor nominates a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate. An appointed judge serves a six-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement or non-retention), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The governor’s nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate. An appointed judge serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may stand for reappointment to additional six-year terms, in which a case a vote of the General Assembly is held and the judge is retained unless a majority of the votes are against retention.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 90.
" Virginia,VA,Trial Courts,No,No,Yes,No,,,Yes,No,No,No,Hybrid,No,No,No,No,No,,Yes,No,No,No,Legislative Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,Yes,No,No,No,Legislative Appointment,No,No,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Virginia Circuit Court becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the Legislature votes to appoint a judicial candidate to fill the empty seat. The appointed judge serves an eight-year term. If the Legislature is not in session, the governor may appoint a judicial candidate to serve until the next legislative session.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the Legislature votes to appoint a judicial candidate to an eight-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of a full term may stand for reappointment by the Legislature to additional eight-year terms in the same appointment process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
" Washington,WA,Trial Courts,No,No,Yes,No,,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Washington Court of Appeals becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The appointed judge holds office until Washington’s next general election. During the general election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected judge serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a four-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional four-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 75.
" West Virginia,WV,Trial Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the West Virginia Circuit Courts becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The appointed judge holds office until West Virginia’s next general election. During the general election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected judge serves the remainder of the unexpired term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves an eight-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional eight-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Wisconsin,WI,Trial Courts,Yes,Nonbinding Commission,Yes,No,,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Nonpartisan,No,Nonpartisan Elections,No,No,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Wisconsin Circuit Court becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate to the empty seat on the bench. The governor receives a list of candidates vetted and recommended by the judicial nominating commission but is not required to select a candidate from the list. The appointed judge holds office until Wisconsin’s next spring election. If the vacancy occurs between December 1 and the date of the spring election, the appointed judge stands for election in the second succeeding spring election instead. During the election, multiple candidates may vie for the seat in a nonpartisan election. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement), the vacancy is filled through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected judge serves a six-year term.
Additional Terms: A sitting judge approaching the end of her term may seek additional six-year terms through participating in a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve or an age at which they are prevented from holding office.
" Wyoming,WY,Trial Courts,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,Yes,Binding Commission,Yes,No,No,,No,No,No,No,Gubernatorial Appointment,No,No,No,No,No,,No,Yes,Retention,No,Retention Elections,Yes,No,No,No,No,No,No,No,"Filling an Interim Vacancy: When a seat on the Wyoming District Court becomes open in the middle of a judge’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Filling a Vacancy at the End of a Judge’s Term: When a seat becomes open at the end of a judge’s term (for example, due to retirement or the loss of a retention election), the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission.
Additional Terms: Once an appointed judge has at least one year of experience on the court, she stands in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Wyoming’s next general election. If retained by the voting public she serves a six-year term. She may stand for additional six-year terms in the same retention process.
Age/Term Limits: There is no limit on the number of terms a judge may serve but there is a mandatory retirement age of 70.
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