Arkansas Constitution Article 7 - Judicial Department
Arkansas Constitution – Article 7: Judicial Department
Overview:
Article 7 of the Arkansas Constitution establishes the structure, powers, and functions of the judicial branch of state government. It defines the court system, outlines judicial powers, and provides rules for the selection, terms, and duties of judges.
Key Sections and Summaries:
§ 1 – Judicial Power
Judicial power in Arkansas is vested in:
A Supreme Court
A Court of Appeals (created later by amendment)
Circuit Courts
County Courts
Justices of the Peace
And other courts created by the General Assembly.
§ 2 – Supreme Court
Composed of Chief Justice and six associate justices.
Has appellate jurisdiction and some original jurisdiction.
Judges are elected by the people and serve 8-year terms.
§ 3 – Supreme Court – General Superintending Control
The Supreme Court has general supervisory authority over all lower courts in the state.
§ 4 – Circuit Courts
Circuit Courts are the principal trial courts of general jurisdiction.
Each judicial circuit has one or more elected judges.
Jurisdiction includes civil and criminal matters, equity cases, and appeals from lower courts.
§ 5 – County Courts
County Courts handle county administrative matters, such as infrastructure, finances, and some probate matters.
§ 6 – Justices of the Peace
Serve in Justice of the Peace Courts, which are limited jurisdiction courts.
Handle small claims and minor criminal offenses.
§ 7 – Clerks
Clerks of the courts are elected officials and responsible for court records and administration.
§§ 8–23 – Additional Provisions
These sections deal with:
Jurisdictional rules
Terms of office
Impeachment and removal
Judicial elections and qualifications
Compensation of judges
Rules for appeals
✅ Key Takeaways:
Arkansas has a multi-tiered court system, with power ultimately residing in the Arkansas Supreme Court.
Judges at most levels are elected, not appointed.
The General Assembly may create additional courts as needed.
The structure supports a balance between state-level oversight and local-level adjudication.
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