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Judicial Selection Methods in the States
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Supreme Court Elective System: Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election (6 year term) Court of Civil Appeals Elective System: Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election (6 year term) Court of Criminal Appeals Elective System: Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election (6 year term) Circuit Court* Elective System: Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election (6 year term) *[Compiler's Note: Four counties in Alabama use a judicial nominating commission only to fill midterm vacancies on the Circuit Court.] Back to top of page Supreme Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 3 Years Method of Retention: Retention Election (10 year term) Court of Appeals Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 3 Years Method of Retention: Retention Election (8 year term) Superior Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 3 Years Method of Retention: Retention Election (6 year term) Back to top of page Supreme Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 2 Years Method of Retention: Retention Election (6 year term) Court of Appeals Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 2 Years Method of Retention: Retention Election (6 year term) Superior Court (county pop. greater than 250,000Pima & Maricopa counties only) Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 2 Years Method of Retention: Retention Election (4 year term) Superior Court (county pop. less than 250,000) Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 4 Years Method of Retention: Re-election (4 year term) Back to top of page Supreme Court Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 8 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 8 year terms Court of Appeals Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 8 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 8 year terms Circuit Court Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 4 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 4 year terms Chancery Court and Probate Court* Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 6 year terms *[Compiler's Note: Combination judges for circuit/chancery serve for 4 year terms.] Back to top of page Supreme Court Appointive System: Gubernatorial Appointment without Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 12 Years Method of Retention: Retention Election (12 year term) Courts of Appeal Appointive System: Gubernatorial Appointment without Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 12 Years Method of Retention: Retention Election (12 year term) Superior Court Elective System: Non-Partisan Election* Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Nonpartisan Election (6 year term)** *[Compiler's Note: The California constitution provides that local electors may choose gubernatorial appointments instead of nonpartisan election to select superior court judges. As of June 2000, no counties have chosen gubernatorial appointments.] **[Compiler's Note: If the election is uncontested, the incumbent's name does not appear on the ballot.] Back to top of page Supreme Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 2 Years Method of Retention: Retention Election (10 year term) Court of Appeals Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 2 Years Method of Retention: Retention Election (8 year term) District Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 2 Years Method of Retention: Retention Election (6 year term) Back to top of page Supreme Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 8 Years Method of Retention: Commission reviews incumbent's performance on noncompetitive basis; governor renominates and legislature confirms Appellate Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 8 Years Method of Retention: Commission reviews incumbent's performance on noncompetitive basis; governor renominates and legislature confirms Superior Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 8 Years Method of Retention: Commission reviews incumbent's performance on noncompetitive basis; governor renominates and legislature confirms Back to top of page Supreme Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 12 Years Method of Retention: ** Court of Chancery Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 12 Years Method of Retention: ** Superior Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 12 Years Method of Retention: ** *[Compiler's Note: Merit Selection established by executive order in Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. In all other jurisdictions merit selection established by constitutional or statutory provision.] **[Compiler's Note: Incumbent reapplies to nominating commission and competes with other applicants for nomination to the governor. The governor may reappoint the incumbent or another nominee. The Senate confirms the appointment.] Back to top of page Court of Appeals Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 15 Years Method of Retention: Reappointment by judicial tenure commission* Superior Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 15 Years Method of Retention: Reappointment by judicial tenure commission* *[Compiler's Note: Initial appointment is made by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate. Three months prior to the expiration of the term of office, the judge's performance is reviewed by the tenure commission. Those found "Exceptionally Well Qualified" or "Well Qualified" are automatically reappointed. If a judge is found to be "Qualified" the President may nominate the judge for an additional term (subject to Senate confirmation). If the President does not wish to reappoint the judge, the District of Columbia Nomination Commission compiles a new list of candidates.] Back to top of page Supreme Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 1 Year Method of Retention: Retention Election (6 year term) District Court of Appeal Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 1 Year Method of Retention: Retention Election (6 year term) Circuit Court Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 6 year terms Back to top of page Supreme Court Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 6 year terms Court of Appeals Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 6 year terms Superior Court Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 4 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 4 year terms *[Compiler's Note: Georgia uses a judicial nominating commission to fill midterm vacancies on all levels of court. ] Back to top of page Supreme Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 10 Years Method of Retention: Reappointed to subsequent term by the Judicial Selection Commission (10 year term) Intermediate Court of Appeals Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 10 Years Method of Retention: Reappointed to subsequent term by the Judicial Selection Commission (10 year term) Circuit Court and Family Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 10 Years Method of Retention: Reappointed to subsequent term by the Judicial Selection Commission (10 year term) Back to top of page Supreme Court Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 6 year terms Court of Appeals Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 6 year terms District Court Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 4 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 4 year terms *[Compiler's Note: Idaho uses a judicial nominating commission to fill midterm vacancies on all levels of court.] Back to top of page Supreme Court Elective System: Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 10 Years Method of Retention: Retention Election (10 year term) Appellate Court Elective System: Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 10 Years Method of Retention: Retention Election (10 year term) Circuit Court Elective System: Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Retention Election (6 year term) Back to top of page Supreme Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 2 Years Method of Retention: Retention Election (10 year term) Court of Appeals Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 2 Years Method of Retention: Retention Election (10 year term) Circuit Court (not including Vanderburgh County) Elective System: Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 6 year terms Circuit Court (Vanderburgh County only) Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 6 year terms Superior Court (not including Allen, Lake, St. Joseph, or Vanderburgh Counties) Elective System: Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 6 year terms Superior Court (Allen and Vanderburgh Counties only) Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 6 year terms Superior Court (Lake* and St. Joseph Counties only) Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 2 Years Method of Retention: Retention Election (6 year term) *[Compiler's Note: Three of the judges in Lake County run in partisan elections for 6 year terms then have to be re-elected for additional terms.] Back to top of page Supreme Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 1 Year Method of Retention: Retention Election (8 year term) Court of Appeals Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 1 Year Method of Retention: Retention Election (6 year term) District Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 1 Year Method of Retention: Retention Election (6 year term) Back to top of page Supreme Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 1 Year Method of Retention: Retention Election (6 year term) Court of Appeals Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 1 Year Method of Retention: Retention Election (4 year term) District Court (seventeen districts) Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 1 Year Method of Retention: Retention Election (4 year term) District Court (fourteen districts) Elective System: Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 4 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 4 year terms Back to top of page Supreme Court Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 8 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 8 year terms Court of Appeals Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 8 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 8 year terms Circuit Court Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 8 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 8 year terms *[Compiler's Note: Kentucky uses a judicial nominating commission to fill midterm vacancies on all levels of court.] Back to top of page Supreme Court Elective System: Partisan Election* Initial Term of Office: 10 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 10 year terms Court of Appeals Elective System: Partisan Election* Initial Term of Office: 10 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 10 year terms District Court Elective System: Partisan Election* Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 10 year terms *[Compiler's Note: Louisiana judicial elections are partisan inasmuch as the candidates' party affiliations appear on the ballot. However, two factors lead a somewhat nonpartisan character to these elections: (1) primaries are open to all candidates; and (2) judicial candidates generally do not solicit party support for their campaigns.] Back to top of page Supreme Judicial Court Appointive System: Gubernatorial Appointment without Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 7 Year Method of Retention: Reappointment by governor, subject to legislative confirmation Superior Court Appointive System: Gubernatorial Appointment without Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 7 Years Method of Retention: Reappointment by governor, subject to legislative confirmation Back to top of page Court of Appeals Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: ** Method of Retention: Retention Election (10 year term) Court of Special Appeals Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: ** Method of Retention: Retention Election (10 year term) Circuit Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: ** Method of Retention: Nonpartisan Election (15 year term)*** *[Compiler's Note: Merit Selection established by executive order in Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. In all other jurisdictions merit selection established by constitutional or statutory provision.] **[Compiler's Note: Until the first general election following the expiration of one year from the date of the occurrence of the vacancy.] ***[Compiler's Note: May be challenged by other candidates.] Back to top of page Supreme Judicial Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: to age 70 Method of Retention: NA Appeals Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: to age 70 Method of Retention: NA Trial Court of Massachusetts Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: to age 70 Method of Retention: NA *[Compiler's Note: Merit Selection established by executive order in Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. In all other jurisdictions merit selection established by constitutional or statutory provision.] Back to top of page Supreme Court* Elective System: Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 8 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 8 year terms Court of Appeals Elective System: Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 6 year terms Circuit Court Elective System: Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 6 year terms *[Compiler's Note: Candidates for the Michigan Supreme Court are nominated at party conventions, but in general elections, party affiliations are not listed on the ballot. Candidates, however, most often run with party endorsements.] Back to top of page Supreme Court Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 6 year terms Court of Appeals Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 6 year terms District Court Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 6 year terms *[Compiler's Note: Minnesota uses a judicial nominating commission to fill midterm vacancies only on the District Court.] Back to top of page Supreme Court Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 8 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 8 year terms Court of Appeals Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 8 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 8 year terms Chancery Court Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 4 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 4 year terms Circuit Court Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 4 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 4 year terms Back to top of page Supreme Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 1 Year Method of Retention: Retention Election (12 year term) Court of Appeals Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 1 Year Method of Retention: Retention Election (12 year term) Circuit Court (excluding Jackson, Clay, Platte, Saint Louis Counties) Elective System: Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 6 year terms Circuit Court (Jackson, Clay, Platte, Saint Louis Counties only) Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 1 Year Method of Retention: Retention Election (6 year term) Back to top of page Supreme Court Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 8 Years Method of Retention: Re-election; unopposed judges run for retention District Court Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election; unopposed judges run for retention *[Compiler's Note: Montana uses a judicial nominating commission to fill midterm vacancies on all levels of court.] Back to top of page Supreme Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 3 Years Method of Retention: Retention Election (6 year term) Court of Appeals Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 3 Years Method of Retention: Retention Election (6 year term) District Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 3 Years Method of Retention: Retention Election (6 year term) Back to top of page Supreme Court Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 6 year terms District Court Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 6 year terms *[Compiler's Note: Nevada uses a judicial nominating commission to fill midterm vacancies on all levels of court.] Back to top of page Supreme Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission** Initial Term of Office: to age 70 Method of Retention: NA Superior Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission** Initial Term of Office: to age 70 Method of Retention: NA *[Compiler's Note: Merit Selection established by executive order in Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. In all other jurisdictions merit selection established by constitutional or statutory provision.] **[Compiler's Note: The Governor's nomination is subject to the approval of a five-member executive council.] Back to top of page Supreme Court Appointive System: Gubernatorial Appointment without Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 7 Years Method of Retention: Reappointment by governor (to age 70) with advice and consent of the Senate Appellate Division of Superior Court Appointive System: Gubernatorial Appointment without Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 7 Years Method of Retention: Reappointment by governor (to age 70) with advice and consent of the Senate Superior Court Appointive System: Gubernatorial Appointment without Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 7 Years Method of Retention: Reappointment by governor (to age 70) with advice and consent of the Senate Back to top of page Supreme Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: until next general election Method of Retention: * Court of Appeals Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: until next general election Method of Retention: * District Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: until next general election Method of Retention: * *[Compiler's Note: Partisan election at next general election after appointment for eight-year term for appellate judges, six-year term for district. The winner thereafter runs in a retention election for subsequent terms.] Back to top of page Court of Appeals Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 14 Years Method of Retention: * Appellate Division of the Supreme Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 5 Years Method of Retention: Commission reviews and recommends for or against reappointment by governor Supreme Court Elective System: Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 14 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 14 year terms County Court Elective System: Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 10 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 10 year terms *[Compiler's Note: Incumbent reapplies to nominating commission and competes with other applicants for nomination to the governor. The governor may reappoint the incumbent or another nominee. The senate confirms the appointment.] Back to top of page Supreme Court Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 8 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 8 year terms Court of Appeals Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 8 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 8 year terms Superior Court Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 8 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 8 year terms Back to top of page Supreme Court Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 10 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 10 year terms District Court Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 6 year terms *[Compiler's Note: North Dakota uses a judicial nominating commission to fill midterm vacancies on all levels of court.] Back to top of page OHIO* Supreme CourtElective System: Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 6 year terms Court of Appeals Elective System: Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 6 year terms District Court Elective System: Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 6 year terms *[Compiler's Note: Ohio primary elections are partisan, but in general elections, party affiliations are not listed on the ballot. Candidates, however, most often run with party endorsements and appear on party slate cards.] Back to top of page Supreme Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 1 Year Method of Retention: Retention Election (6 year term) Court of Criminal Appeals Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 1 Year Method of Retention: Retention Election (6 year term) Court of Appeals Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 1 Year Method of Retention: Retention Election (6 year term) District Court Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 4 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 4 year terms Back to top of page Supreme Court Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 6 year terms Court of Appeals Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 6 year terms Circuit Court Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 6 year terms Tax Court Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 6 year terms Back to top of page Supreme Court Elective System: Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 10 Years Method of Retention: Retention Election (10 year term) Superior Court Elective System: Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 10 Years Method of Retention: Retention Election (10 year term) Commonwealth Court Elective System: Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 10 Years Method of Retention: Retention Election (10 year term) Court of Common Pleas Elective System: Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 10 Years Method of Retention: Retention Election (10 year term) Back to top of page Supreme Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: Life Method of Retention: NA Superior Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: Life Method of Retention: NA Worker's Compensation Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: Life Method of Retention: NA Back to top of page Supreme Court Appointive System: Legislative Appointment Initial Term of Office: 10 Years Method of Retention: Reappointment by legislature Court of Appeals Appointive System: Legislative Appointment Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Reappointment by legislature Circuit Court Appointive System: Legislative Appointment Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Reappointment by legislature *[Compiler's Note: The Judicial Merit Selection Commission first screens candidates. The commission submits to the General Assembly the names and qualifications of the three candidates it considers best qualified. The General Assembly then must meet in joint session for the election of judges. In order to be elected, a candidate must receive a majority of the vote of the members of the General Assembly voting in joint session.] Back to top of page Supreme Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 3 Years Method of Retention: Retention Election (8 year term) Circuit Court Elective System: Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 8 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 8 year terms Back to top of page Supreme Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: until next biennial general election Method of Retention: Retention Election (8 year term) Court of Appeals Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: until next biennial general election Method of Retention: Retention Election (8 year term) Court of Criminal Appeals Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: until next biennial general election Method of Retention: Retention Election (8 year term) Chancery Court Elective System: Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 8 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 8 year terms Criminal Court Elective System: Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 8 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 8 year terms Circuit Court Elective System: Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 8 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 8 year terms Back to top of page Supreme Court Elective System: Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 6 year terms Court of Criminal Appeals Elective System: Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 6 year terms Court of Appeals Elective System: Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 6 year terms District Court Elective System: Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 4 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 4 year terms Back to top of page Supreme Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: First general election > 3 years after appointment Method of Retention: Retention Election (10 year term) Court of Appeals Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: First general election > 3 years after appointment Method of Retention: Retention Election (6 year term) District Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: First general election > 3 years after appointment Method of Retention: Retention Election (6 year term) Juvenile Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: First general election > 3 years after appointment Method of Retention: Retention Election (6 year term) Back to top of page Supreme Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Retained by vote of General Assembly (6 year term) Superior Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Retained by vote of General Assembly (6 year term) District Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Retained by vote of General Assembly (6 year term) Back to top of page Supreme Court Appointive System: Legislative Appointment without Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 12 Years Method of Retention: Reappointment by legislature Court of Appeals Appointive System: Legislative Appointment without Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 8 Years Method of Retention: Reappointment by legislature Circuit Court Appointive System: Legislative Appointment without Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 8 Years Method of Retention: Reappointment by legislature Back to top of page Supreme Court Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 6 year terms Court of Appeals Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 6 year terms Superior Court Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 4 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 4 year terms Back to top of page Supreme Court Elective System: Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 12 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 12 year terms Circuit Court Elective System: Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 8 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 8 year terms *[Compiler's Note: West Virginia uses a judicial nominating commission to fill midterm vacancies only on the Circuit Court.] Back to top of page Supreme Court Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 10 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 10 year terms Court of Appeals Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 6 year terms Circuit Court Elective System: Non-Partisan Election Initial Term of Office: 6 Years Method of Retention: Re-election for additional 6 year terms *[Compiler's Note: Wisconsin uses a judicial nominating commission to fill midterm vacancies on all levels of court.] Back to top of page Supreme Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 1 Year Method of Retention: Retention Election (8 year term) District Court Appointive System: Merit Selection through Nominating Commission Initial Term of Office: 1 Year Method of Retention: Retention Election (6 year term) |
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