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News Release - October 5, 2020

Gov. Newsom Selects Justice Martin Jenkins (Ret.) for California Supreme Court

FROM THE OFFICE OF GOV. GAVIN NEWSOM—Governor Gavin Newsom today announced his nomination of Justice Martin Jenkins (Ret.) for Associate Justice of the California Supreme Court.

Justice Jenkins has held several prominent state and federal judicial positions throughout his career. He would be the first openly gay California Supreme Court justice and only the third African American man ever to serve on the state’s highest court. It has been 29 years since an African American man has served on the California Supreme Court.

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Feature - September 23, 2020

Reflections on the Life and Legacy of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Over the past week, justices of the California Supreme Court have reflected on the personal impact U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg had on their lives and careers.

"It feels impossible to overestimate the importance that Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg had on my generation of female lawyers and jurists," wrote Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye. "She was one of ours."

Justice Goodwin Liu with Justice Ginsburg

Frequently Asked Question

How are justices of the Supreme Court selected?

One Chief Justice and 6 associate justices are appointed by the Governor, confirmed by the Commission on Judicial Appointments, and confirmed by the public at the next general election. A justice also comes before the voters at the end of his or her 12-year term. To be eligible for appointment, a person must have been a member of the State Bar of California or a judge of a court in this state for at least 10 years.