Arkansas Supreme Court

Arkansas Supreme Court. The Arkansas Supreme Court is the court of last resort and the highest judicial body in the U.S. state of Arkansas. Its decisions are final on all matters of state law, though they may be reviewed by the Supreme Court of the United States on issues of federal law. The court, established by the Constitution of Arkansas of 1836, convenes primarily in the Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock, Arkansas.

History

The court was created upon Arkansas achieving statehood in 1836, with its first session held in the Arkansas Territory capital of Little Rock, Arkansas. The original court consisted of three justices, including the first Chief Justice, Daniel Ringo. Its early history was marked by instability, including a period from 1845 to 1864 where it was temporarily abolished and its duties assumed by the Arkansas Circuit Courts. The court was re-established under the 1864 Constitution adopted during the American Civil War. Significant evolution occurred in the 20th century, including the construction of the Arkansas State Capitol where it now resides and the expansion of its membership to seven justices in 1925. Landmark moments include the court's role during the Little Rock Integration Crisis, where it initially resisted but later complied with federal mandates from the Warren Court.

Composition and selection

The court is composed of seven justices, one of whom is elected by the members to serve as Chief Justice. All justices are selected through nonpartisan elections for staggered eight-year terms. If a midterm vacancy occurs, the Governor of Arkansas appoints a replacement, who must then stand for election at the next general election. To be eligible for the office, a justice must be a licensed attorney, at least 30 years old, and a resident of Arkansas for at least two years. The Arkansas Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission oversees ethical conduct. The current court includes Chief Justice Dan Kemp and Associate Justices Courtney Rae Hudson, Karen R. Baker, Shawn A. Womack, Rhonda K. Wood, Barbara W. Webb, and Cody Hiland.

Jurisdiction and powers

The court exercises both appellate and limited original jurisdiction as defined by the Constitution of Arkansas and the Arkansas Code. It has mandatory appellate jurisdiction over cases involving the death penalty, certiorari from the Arkansas Court of Appeals, and matters concerning the interpretation of the state constitution. It holds discretionary jurisdiction to review decisions from the Arkansas Court of Appeals and other lower courts via petitions for review. The court's original jurisdiction includes writs of quo warranto, habeas corpus, and mandamus against state officials. It also possesses general supervisory authority over all inferior state courts and the Arkansas Bar Association, including the power to regulate attorney admissions and discipline. Its rulings establish binding precedent for all courts within Arkansas.

Notable cases

Throughout its history, the court has decided several pivotal cases. In *State v. Eureka Springs Road Improvement District No. 1* (1914), it upheld the constitutionality of special taxing districts. The case of *Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka* (1954) precipitated state-level challenges, notably in *Aaron v. Cooper* (1956), where the court initially resisted but was ultimately overruled by the Supreme Court of the United States in *Cooper v. Aaron* (1958). In *U.S. Term Limits, Inc. v. Thornton* (1994), an Arkansas case, the state court's decision was reversed by the Rehnquist Court. More recently, *Pulaski County v. Arkansas* (2010) addressed state funding for public schools. The court has also ruled on contentious issues such as voter ID laws and the Ten Commandments display at the Arkansas State Capitol.

Current justices

The bench, as of 2023, comprises seven justices. Chief Justice Dan Kemp, first elected in 2016, previously served as a circuit judge in Stone County, Arkansas. Associate Justice Courtney Rae Hudson, elected in 2010, is a former judge on the Arkansas Court of Appeals. Associate Justice Karen R. Baker, elected in 2010, served on the Arkansas Court of Appeals and as a circuit judge in Perry County, Arkansas. Associate Justice Shawn A. Womack, elected in 2016, is a former Arkansas State Senator and circuit judge. Associate Justice Rhonda K. Wood, elected in 2014, served on the Arkansas Court of Appeals. Associate Justice Barbara W. Webb, elected in 2020, is a former circuit judge and chaired the Arkansas Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission. Associate Justice Cody Hiland, appointed in 2022 by Governor Asa Hutchinson, previously served as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas.

Category:Arkansas state courts Category:State supreme courts of the United States Category:1836 establishments in Arkansas