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Supreme Court

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
[email protected]

Office of the Clerk

Phone: (701) 328-2221

North Dakota Supreme Court News

Chief Justice McEvers provides keynote address at Boys State

Chief Justice Lisa Fair McEvers provided the keynote address at Boys State and served on a panel discussion at Girls State

Orders of Adoption

Orders of Adoption have been issued by the Supreme Court

Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC Educator Experience visits Court

The Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC Educator Experience program visited the Supreme Court on June 16, 2026

Job Announcement: Staff Attorney - State Court Administrator

A job announcement for a Staff Attorney for the Office of the State Court Administrator located in Bismarck has been posted.

Job Announcement: Juvenile Youth Coordinator - Fargo

A job announcement for a Part-Time Juvenile Youth Coordinator located in Fargo has been posted.