Arkansas Supreme Court Decisions
Established in 1836, the Arkansas Supreme Court derives its authority from Article 7, Section 4 and Amendment 80, Section 2 of the Arkansas Constitution. It consists of seven justices, including a Chief Justice, a Vice Chief Justice, and five Associate Justices. In addition to reviewing appeals from lower courts and conducting special proceedings under Article 6 of the Arkansas Constitution, the Court oversees lower state courts and attorneys in Arkansas.
To be eligible to serve as a justice on the Arkansas Supreme Court, a candidate must be at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen, and a resident of Arkansas for more than two years. They must have practiced law for at least the last eight years, and they must have good moral character. Justices are elected in eight-year terms, but the Governor of Arkansas has the authority to make interim appointments if a seat becomes vacant in the middle of a term. A justice who receives an interim appointment cannot run for that seat in the next election. The same election rules apply to the Chief Justice and the Vice Chief Justice as to the Associate Justices.
The judicial discipline and disability commission in Arkansas may recommend the removal, suspension, censure, or retirement of a justice. However, the Arkansas Supreme Court will make the final decision on whether to follow this recommendation. A justice alternatively may be removed if they are impeached by the Arkansas House of Representatives in a majority vote and then convicted by the Arkansas Senate in a two-thirds vote. After the conviction, the Governor will make the final decision on whether to remove the justice.
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Recent Decisions From the Arkansas Supreme Court
Date: November 30, 2023
Citation: 2023 Ark. 175
Docket Number: CV-23-340
Justia Opinion Summary: In this fifth appeal before the Supreme Court regarding a class action lawsuit stemming from two circuit court orders denying Appellant's motion to enforce arbitration agreements and its motion to compel class members…
Date: November 30, 2023
Citation: 2023 Ark. 175
Docket Number: CV-23-340
Date: November 30, 2023
Citation: 2023 Ark. 172
Docket Number: CR-23-32
Justia Opinion Summary: The Supreme Court affirmed the judgment of the circuit court denying Appellant's petition for leave to proceed in forma pauperis, for extraordinary writ, and to set aside and vacate his judgment, holding that Appellant…
Date: November 30, 2023
Citation: 2023 Ark. 170
Docket Number: CV-23-424
Justia Opinion Summary: The Supreme Court dismissed Appellant's appeal from the dismissal of his petition for writ of habeas corpus under Ark. Code Ann. 16-112-101, holding that the circuit court did not err in dismissing the petition. The…
Date: November 30, 2023
Citation: 2023 Ark. 171
Docket Number: CV-23-425
Justia Opinion Summary: The Supreme Court affirmed the judgment of the circuit court dismissing Petitioner's petition for a writ of habeas corpus, holding that the circuit court did not err in concluding that Petitioner had failed to state a…
Date: November 30, 2023
Citation: 2023 Ark. 169
Docket Number: CV-23-57
Justia Opinion Summary: The Supreme Court dismissed Appellant's appeal from the dismissal of his petition for writ of habeas corpus filed pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. 16-112-101, holding that the circuit court properly dismissed the petition for…
Date: November 16, 2023
Citation: 2023 Ark. 167
Date: November 16, 2023
Citation: 2023 Ark. 168
Date: November 16, 2023
Citation: 2023 Ark. 165
Docket Number: CV-23-95
Justia Opinion Summary: The Supreme Court dismissed this interlocutory appeal of a vacated class certification order and directed the circuit court to remand the case to address motions to compel arbitration, holding that this appeal was…
Date: November 9, 2023
Citation: 2023 Ark. 162
Docket Number: CR-22-253
Justia Opinion Summary: The Supreme Court dismissed this petition brought by Petitioner for writ of certiorari and writ of habeas corpus alleging that the circuit court violated Ark. R. Crim. P. 8 and 9, holding that the petition was moot. The…
Date: November 9, 2023
Citation: 2023 Ark. 160
Docket Number: CV-22-143
Justia Opinion Summary: The Supreme Court held that Ark. Code Ann. 12-9-301, which provides immunity from both suit and liability for certain officials "except to the extent that they have be covered by liability insurance," does not apply to a…
Date: November 9, 2023
Citation: 2023 Ark. 159
Docket Number: cv-22-600
Justia Opinion Summary: The Supreme Court vacated the order of the court of appeals granting the Grand Lodge's motion to dismiss Plaintiff's appeal from the circuit court order dismissing the complaint based on Plaintiff's failure to file a…
Date: November 9, 2023
Citation: 2023 Ark. 163
Docket Number: CV-23-51
Justia Opinion Summary: The Supreme Court affirmed the order of the circuit court denying Appellant's motion for order to waive record fees in a suit brought under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) against the University of Arkansas at…
Date: November 9, 2023
Citation: 2023 Ark. 164
Docket Number: D-23-599
Date: November 2, 2023
Citation: 2023 Ark. 157
Docket Number: CR-22-776
Justia Opinion Summary: The Supreme Court affirmed Appellant's conviction of capital murder, aggravated robbery, theft of property, and a firearm sentencing enhancement, holding that Appellant was not entitled to relief on his allegations of…
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