Hawaii Constitution Article VI The Judiciary
Here’s a summary of the Hawaii Constitution – Article VI: The Judiciary:
📜 Overview: Article VI – The Judiciary
Article VI establishes the structure, powers, and responsibilities of Hawaii’s judicial system. It ensures an independent judiciary to interpret laws and administer justice fairly within the state.
🔹 Key Provisions:
Section 1 – Judicial Power
The judicial power of Hawaii is vested in a system of courts, including:
The Supreme Court,
The Intermediate Court of Appeals,
The Circuit Courts,
The Family Courts,
The District Courts, and
Other courts or tribunals as prescribed by law.
Section 2 – Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is the highest court in Hawaii.
It has final appellate jurisdiction over all state courts.
It has authority to issue writs and review decisions of lower courts.
It supervises the practice of law and oversees attorney discipline.
Section 3 – Intermediate Court of Appeals
Established as an appellate court to hear appeals from trial courts before cases reach the Supreme Court.
Helps reduce the Supreme Court’s workload.
Section 4 – Judges’ Qualifications and Terms
Judges must meet qualifications set by law.
Appointed by the Governor from a list provided by a judicial selection commission.
Serve ten-year terms, subject to retention elections.
Section 5 – Judicial Selection Commission
An independent commission nominates qualified candidates for judicial appointment.
Ensures merit-based selection and reduces political influence.
Section 6 – Judicial Conduct and Discipline
The Supreme Court has authority to regulate judicial conduct.
Can discipline or remove judges for misconduct or incapacity.
Section 7 – Other Courts and Judges
Legislature may create other courts.
Circuit judges may hold court in other circuits if necessary.
✅ Summary:
Hawaii’s judiciary is a multi-level court system led by the Supreme Court.
Judges are appointed based on merit and confirmed by the Governor.
The judiciary operates independently with oversight over legal practice and judicial conduct.
The Intermediate Court of Appeals helps manage appellate workload.
There are provisions for judicial discipline and ethical standards.
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