Arizona Constitution Article 6 - JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT
📜 Arizona Constitution – Article 6: Judicial Department
Article 6 of the Arizona Constitution establishes the structure, powers, and functions of the Judicial Department of the state. It defines how courts are organized, judges are selected, and the judiciary operates to uphold laws and justice in Arizona.
🔹 Key Provisions of Article 6:
Section 1 – Judicial Power
Judicial power is vested in one Supreme Court, Superior Courts, and other courts as provided by law.
Courts have authority to interpret laws, resolve disputes, and uphold the Constitution.
Section 2 – Supreme Court
Establishes the Arizona Supreme Court as the highest court.
Defines the number of justices (usually five to seven) and their terms.
Supreme Court has appellate jurisdiction and supervisory authority over lower courts.
Section 3 – Superior Courts
Superior Courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction in each county.
They handle civil, criminal, family, probate, and other cases.
Section 4 – Other Courts
Legislature may establish lower courts (such as municipal or justice courts).
These courts handle specific types of cases as defined by law.
Section 5 – Judicial Selection and Terms
Judges of the Supreme Court and Superior Courts are selected through a merit system (often called the “Arizona Plan”), involving nomination, appointment, and retention elections.
Terms and qualifications of judges are defined.
Section 6 – Judicial Discipline
Provides mechanisms for disciplining judges for misconduct or incapacity.
Section 7 – Judicial Salaries and Retirement
Sets rules for judicial salaries and retirement benefits.
📌 Purpose and Importance:
Establishes a balanced, independent judiciary to administer justice fairly.
Ensures a merit-based system for selecting judges, aiming to reduce political influence.
Defines court jurisdiction to streamline the judicial process in the state.
🧠 In Simple Terms:
Article 6 creates Arizona’s court system, explains how judges are chosen and serve, and sets rules so courts can fairly interpret laws and deliver justice.
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