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.