State supreme courts are the highest courts in their respective state judicial systems. They often review important questions of state law, interpret state constitutions and hear appeals from lower courts. How justices reach the bench varies: states may use nonpartisan or partisan elections, retention elections, merit selection, legislative selection or gubernatorial appointment.
First, identify your state’s selection system
Do not assume that every state elects its highest-court justices in the same way. Some states hold competitive elections; others ask voters whether a sitting justice should remain in office, or use an appointment process. The ballot wording and term lengths depend on state law.
The National Center for State Courts provides background on state court systems. For the rules that apply to your ballot, use the official state court and election websites.
What state supreme court justices do
Justices review legal questions presented in cases; they do not function as legislators or campaign managers. They may interpret statutes, review lower-court decisions and decide constitutional disputes. The cases a court can hear and the vote needed for a decision depend on law and court rules.
How to research a judicial candidate
- Read the candidate’s official biography and professional qualifications.
- Review published opinions or decisions where the candidate has served as a judge.
- Check the court’s official website for case records and opinions.
- Look for reputable reporting that explains the legal issue and procedural history.
- Review campaign-finance disclosures where available, remembering that a contribution alone does not prove how a judge will decide a case.
Be careful with claims about a single ruling
A headline may omit the legal question, procedural posture or controlling precedent. Read the opinion or a reliable explanation of what the court actually decided. A judge may agree with one party on a narrow issue without endorsing every position that party holds.
Why these races can matter
State supreme courts can resolve disputes over state constitutional rights, election rules, criminal procedure, property, education and government powers. But judges decide cases within legal limits; they do not simply enact a candidate’s campaign platform after taking office.
For context on judicial decisions at the federal level, use the U.S. Supreme Court’s official website and read our Supreme Court term review.
Bottom line
Before voting in a judicial contest, verify the selection method, read official biographies and review relevant court records. Use the ballot guide to determine whether you are choosing a candidate or voting on retention.
