Supreme Court
Cases
About the Courts
The North Dakota Supreme Court has five justices. Each justice is elected for a ten-year term in a nonpartisan election. The terms of the justices are staggered so that only one judgeship is scheduled for election every two years. However, in the case of the retirement or death of a justice during the term of office, the Governor can appoint to fill the term for two years, when the person must then run for election.
Each justice must be a licensed attorney and a citizen of the United States and North Dakota. One member of the Supreme Court is selected as Chief Justice by the justices of the Supreme Court and the District Court Judges. The Chief Justice's term is for five years or until the justice's elected term on the court expires. The Chief Justice's duties include presiding over Supreme Court arguments and conferences, representing the judiciary at official state functions, and serving as the administrative head of the judicial system.
North Dakota Supreme Court
600 E Boulevard Ave
Bismarck, ND 58505-0530
info@ndcourts.gov
Office of the Clerk
Phone: (701) 328-2221
North Dakota Supreme Court News
Passing of the gavel ceremony to be held Jan. 6
The passing of the gavel ceremony from Chief Justice Jon J. Jensen to Chief Justice-elect Lisa K. Fair McEvers will take place at 3:00 P.M. on Jan. 6. in the Supreme Court Courtroom in Bismarck.
New opinions: December 18, 2025
The Supreme Court has issued 18 new opinions.
Judges, attorneys apply for Supreme Court vacancy
Twelve judges and attorneys have applied to be considered for appointment to the North Dakota Supreme Court to fill the vacancy that will be created by the retirement of Justice Daniel J. Crothers.
ND Courts Seeks Public and Stakeholder Input for Website Redesign
The North Dakota Courts Website Project Workgroup is seeking feedback from judges, court staff, attorneys, justice partners, and the public as it begins evaluating potential updates to the NDcourts.gov website.
