Article 6: Judicial Department

The judicial power of the State of San Andreas shall be vested in a Supreme Court, and in such inferior courts as the Legislature may from time to time ordain and establish. The judicial power shall extend to all cases in law and equity arising under this Constitution and the laws of this State.

(a) The Supreme Court shall have original jurisdiction in all cases concerning public officials and in cases where the State is a party. It shall have appellate jurisdiction over all other cases as may be prescribed by law. The Supreme Court shall also have general superintending control over all inferior courts.

(b) The Supreme Court will consist of no more than nine (9) justices. Each justice will be appointed by the Governor, from a list of 3 people provided by the Judicial Nominating Commission, and must be confirmed by 55% of the legislature. To qualify, justices must have practiced law in the State of San Andreas for at least ten (10) years immediately prior to their appointment and throughout their service on the Supreme Court. Justices will serve an initial two (2) year term, followed by retention elections every eight (8) years thereafter. No justice may serve more than a total of twenty-six (26) years in office.

The Court of Appeals shall serve as the first court of appeals. The Court of Appeals shall have appellate jurisdiction over decisions made in the local or county courts, as may be prescribed by law. The Court of Appeals shall also have jurisdiction over multiple counties within their respective judicial districts. Each Judge will be appointed by the Judicial Nominating Commission, and must be confirmed by 55% of the legislature. Judges will serve an initial two (2) year term, followed by retention elections every six (6) years thereafter. No judge may serve more than a total of twenty-six (26) years in office.

The District Trial Courts shall have original jurisdiction over nearly all categories of civil and criminal cases, including felony criminal cases, equity cases, domestic relations cases, and all civil cases. The District Trial Court shall be the first to hear any case within its jurisdiction. Each Judge will be appointed by the Judicial Nominating Commission, and must be confirmed by 50% of the legislature. Judges will serve an initial two (2) year term, followed by a retention election four (4) years thereafter. No judge may serve more than a total of thirty-four (34) years in office.

There shall be a Judicial Nominating Commission to assist in the selection and appointment of judges and justices for the courts of this State. The Commission shall review all applications from qualified candidates and shall select the most suitable individuals for available judicial positions.

The Commission shall be composed of twenty (20) members, who shall be elected by the qualified voters of the State of San Andreas. A member of the Commission must be a civilian, be at least forty-five (45) years of age, and a resident of the State of San Andreas for at least ten (10) years immediately preceding the election. The members shall serve a term of two (2) years and may serve for a maximum of two (2) consecutive terms.

There shall be a Commission on Judicial Discipline responsible for protecting the public from improper judicial conduct and for preserving the integrity of the judicial process. The Commission shall investigate complaints of judicial misconduct or disability and shall provide for the fair and expeditious disposition of such matters. The Commission shall be composed of twenty (20) attorneys from around the State. A member of the Commission must have been licensed to practice law in the State of San Andreas for at least five (5) years prior to their election. Members shall be elected to a term of four (4) years and may serve for a maximum of sixteen (16) years in total.

There shall be a State Court Administrator to assist in the administration of the Judicial Branch and its officers. The Administrator shall ensure that the judiciary remains fair, impartial, and courteous to all citizens. The State Court Administrator shall be nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Legislature. The incumbent must be a licensed attorney with the State of San Andreas and shall be responsible for upholding the values of Integrity, Discipline, and Transparency. The Administrator shall be bound to maintain exemplary model behavior before nomination and while in office.