The California Court System is huge. It is the largest in the United States serving more than 39 million citizens. This large system needs more than 2,000 California judges to hear the large number of cases that go through the California Court System.
Superior Court Judges
By far, the majority of the California Judges are Superior Court Judges. There are more than 1,700 Superior Court Judges. Judges are elected in a county-wide election for a six-year term. When the term expires, the judge will run for a retention election.
To qualify as a superior court judge, the candidate must be a California licensed attorney or have served as a California judge for the last ten years prior to the election.
Court of Appeal Judges
There are 105 Court of Appeal Justices. Justices of the California Court of Appeal are appointed by the governor and then confirmed for the judicial appointment. The Justice must be confirmed by the public with a retention election during the next general election. If the Justice is voted in, then the Justice will serve a 12-year term. At the end of the term, the Justice must be voted in again.
To qualify for an appointment, the candidate must be a California licensed attorney for at least ten years or have served as a California judge for the last ten years immediately prior to the appointment. immediately prior to the appointment.
Supreme Court Justices
The California Supreme Court consist of one Chief Justice and six Associate Justices. Each Justice is appointed by the governor and then confirmed. Once the nomination is confirmed the Justice holds the position for 12 years. At the end of their 12-year term, the Justice will participate in the retention election for the next 12-year term.
To qualify for an appointment, the candidate must be a California licensed attorney for at least ten years or have served as a California judge for the last ten years.
