Judicial selection in Louisiana
| Judicial selection in Louisiana | |
 | |
| Louisiana Supreme Court | |
| Method: | Partisan election of judges |
| Term: | 10 years |
| Louisiana Courts of Appeal | |
| Method: | Partisan election of judges |
| Term: | 10 years |
| Louisiana District Courts | |
| Method: | Partisan election of judges |
| Term: | 6 years |
| Louisiana Family Courts | |
| Method: | Partisan election of judges |
| Term: | 6 years |
| Louisiana Juvenile Courts | |
| Method: | Partisan election of judges |
| Term: | 6 years |
| Louisiana Justice of the Peace Courts | |
| Method: | Partisan election of judges |
| Term: | 4 years |
Contents |
Judicial selection in Louisiana occurs through the partisan election of judges.
Supreme Court
The seven justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court are elected to serve ten year terms.
If a midterm vacancy occurs, the vacancy is filled by Supreme Court appointment. However, within one year of the opening, a special election is held to fill the seat. If the Supreme Court has appointed a successor, that judge may not run for the seat in the special election.
The chief justice is the justice on the court with the most seniority. When she or he retires, the justice with the most seniority becomes chief justice.
In order to serve on the court, one must be:
- licensed to practice law in the state for at least ten years;
- a resident of the district representing for at least one year;
- under the age of 70. [1]
Court of Appeals
All aspects of selection are the same on the Louisiana Courts of Appeal as on the Louisiana Supreme Court. [1]
District Courts
The 217 judges of the Louisiana District Courts are chosen via partisan elections to serve six year terms.
Midterm vacancies are filled the same as on the Supreme Court.
The chief judge of each court is chosen by the other judges of that court. The terms vary by court.
In order to serve on this court, one must be:
- licensed to practice law in the state for at least eight years;
- a resident of the district represented for at least one year; and
- under the age of 70. [1]
Limited jurisdiction courts
Judges of the Louisiana Family Courts, Louisiana Juvenile Courts, and Louisiana Parish Courts are elected in partisan elections.
In order to serve these courts, one must meet the same requirements as on the Louisiana District Courts. [2]
Justice of the Peace Courts
Judges of the Louisiana Justice of the Peace Courts are elected in partisan elections.
In order to serve on these courts, one must be:
- a local resident for at least two years;
- a state resident for at least two years; and
- under the age of 70. [2]
Support for judicial elections
While there are vocal opponents of judicial elections, a well-know Louisiana political commentator notes that:"The real effect of campaign contributions is to help elect candidates who share views with contributors rather than to cause a justice, once elected to a ten-year term, to reshape his or her judicial philosophy on a case-by-case basis in order to follow the money."[3]
See also
- State Supreme Court elections
- Courts in Louisiana
- Louisiana judicial elections
- Campaign finance requirements for Louisiana judicial elections
External links
- Shreveport Times editorializes against judicial elections, September 21, 2008
- American Judicature Society, History of Reform Efforts: Louisiana, Formal Changes Since Inception
References
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