Just as it is important to care about who serves as your Governor or state legislator, the people who are elected to the West Virginia Supreme Court serve an important role within the checks and balances of state government.

Members of the West Virginia Supreme Court have the ability to strike down laws and order government officials to take certain actions. They have tremendous influence on how government operates and how it impacts your life. Because many court decisions are made by a one-vote majority (a 3-2 vote), it is crucial to know that all of the justices you are electing to the Supreme Court share your beliefs and values and will act on your behalf. 

The West Virginia Supreme Court, which is located in the City of Charleston, plays a critical role because it is West Virginia's highest court. Because judges in West Virginia are chosen by election, it is important to understand general information about the Supreme Court and the current justices on the bench, and to also learn about the Supreme Court candidates during an election season.

2010 West Virginia Supreme Court Races
On the West Virginia Supreme Court five justices are elected to 12-year terms in partisan elections provided that they have practiced law for at least 10 years. The chief justice position is chosen annually by members of the court. It is the Governor that appoints justices to fill any and all vacancies. An appointee must run in the next election if he or she wishes to remain in office.

Biographies of the Justices
The West Virginia Supreme Court consists of five justices. Supreme Court justices are elected for twelve-year terms. The five Supreme Court justices hear appeals of decisions over all matters decided in the circuit courts, including criminal convictions affirmed on appeal from magistrate court and appeals from administrative agencies. To learn more about each of the West Virginia Supreme Court Justices, read their biographies at the link below.
http://www.state.wv.us/wvsca/justices.htm

Supreme Court Overview
One of the most fundamental questions of law is whether a given court has jurisdiction to preside over a given case. Jurisdiction refers to the right and power to interpret and apply the law. The Supreme Court of Appeals is West Virginia’s highest court and the court of last resort. West Virginia is one of only 11 states with a single appellate court. The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia is the busiest appellate court of its type in the United States. To learn more about the types of cases heard by the Supreme Court and other interesting facts, visit the link below.
http://www.state.wv.us/wvsca/Supreme.htm