How many people serve in this Role?
5 Justices of the Supreme Court, 1 who will become Chief Justice (see Chief Justice for more information on this role)
Who can run for this Role?
Must have at least 1 year of experience participating in Youth and Government.
Main Role and Responsibilities
Supreme Court Justices serve in the Youth and Government Weekend’s highest court. Mirroring the role of Maine’s Supreme Judicial Court, justices are responsible for deciding legal disputes and interpreting rules and constitutional principles. Justices hear appeals, interpret the law, and make decisions based on legal arguments rather than personal opinions.
The main responsibilities of Supreme Court Justices:
- Review cases brought before the court regarding the constitutionality of Bills or amendments
- Study the Constitution and laws to determine how the law applies to the situation being argued
- Ask questions during oral arguments of Attorney General, Advocates and other participants to better understand each side’s reasoning
- Discuss and deliberate with other Justices to reach a decision
- Write or help prepare court opinions to explain the reasoning behind the court’s ruling
- Maintain fairness and neutrality—Justices do not argue for either side but rather act as impartial judges
What skills are important for this role?
- Critical thinking
- Public speaking
- Knowledge of government
- Ability to listen objectively
Does this Role attend the Leadership Training beginning on Thursday?
Yes!
Election/Selection Procedure
Justices are a unique selection process that mirrors how Maine Supreme Court Justices are selected. Justices are named at Closing Ceremony and serve the following year.
- Interested candidates will complete the Supreme Court Justice Google Application
- Complete all the required information
- Explain why you would be a good Supreme Court Justice
- Deadline will be noon on Saturday
- Candidates will be interviewed by the Youth Governor on Saturday afternoon
- Youth Governor will select the slate of 5 Justices
- Youth Governor will nominate 1 Justice to be the Chief Justice
- On Sunday morning the Senate will confirm the Youth Governor’s Nominations
- The new Supreme Court Justices will be announced and sworn in on Sunday at Closing Ceremony
