Supreme Court of New Hampshire – Concord, NH

About the Supreme Court of New Hampshire

The Supreme Court of New Hampshire is the highest court in the state’s judicial system, located in the capital city of Concord. Established in its current form in 1876, it serves as the final court of appeal for all state cases. The Court is housed in a dedicated facility on Charles Doe Drive, overlooking the Merrimack River. It consists of a Chief Justice and four Associate Justices who are appointed by the Governor and Executive Council. This institution is responsible for correcting errors in trial court proceedings, interpreting case law and statutes, and overseeing the administration of the entire state court system.

Judicial Functions and Authority

As the sole appellate court in New Hampshire, the Supreme Court reviews appeals from the Superior Court, Circuit Court, and various administrative agencies. It does not conduct trials or hear testimony from witnesses; rather, it reviews the written record of lower court proceedings to determine if legal errors occurred. The Court also has original jurisdiction to issue writs, such as habeas corpus, mandamus, and prohibition. Furthermore, it holds the authority to issue advisory opinions at the request of the Governor, Executive Council, or State Legislature regarding the constitutionality of proposed actions.

• Appellate Review: Mandatory and discretionary review of lower court decisions.
• Administrative Oversight: Regulation of the practice of law and judicial conduct.
• Bar Admissions: Management of attorney admissions and discipline within the state.

Visitor and Filing Information

The Supreme Court building is open to the public, though security screening is mandatory for all visitors. The facility houses the State Law Library, which is a resource for legal research. Oral arguments are held periodically and are open to the public to observe. For legal professionals and self-represented litigants, the Clerk’s Office manages the filing of appeals and motions. The Court has implemented electronic filing systems for most case types to streamline the appellate process. Parking is generally available on-site for visitors conducting business with the court or attending sessions.