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
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Kelly Hutton Presents at International Association for Court Administration (IACA) Conference in Dubai
Kelly Hutton, serving as President of the National Association for Court Management (NACM), recently represented the organization on the international stage at the International Association for Court Administration (IACA) Conference in Dubai.
New Opinions: December 4, 2025
The Supreme Court has issued 8 new opinions.
Notice of Judicial Opening
The Judicial Nominating Committee is seeking applicants to fill a vacancy on the North Dakota Supreme Court, which will be vacant due to the retirement of Justice Daniel J. Crothers.
