reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-16. Mandate - When to issue without cost.

Any cause pending in the Supreme Court or Criminal Court of Appeals which has been finally disposed of and where nothing remains to be done but to send down to the trial court the mandate and where the costs are in such cases exhausted the mandate shall issue without further costs.
Added by Laws 1927, c. 102, p. 164, § 3.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-16.1. Administrative Director of the Courts.

A. As provided in Section 6 of Article VII of the Oklahoma Constitution, there shall be appointed by the Supreme Court an Administrative Director of the Courts, who shall serve at the pleasure of the Supreme Court to assist the Chief Justice in performance of administrative duties.
B. The Administrative Director of the Courts shall be responsible for and have control over matters concerning the budget, personnel, technology, purchases and other administrative operations over all courts of this state, including the Court of Civil Appeals and the Court of Criminal Appeals, and performing such additional duties as may be assigned by the Chief Justice.
Added by Laws 1968, c. 379, § 1, eff. July 1, 1968. Amended by Laws 2021, c. 537, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2021.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-16.5. Travel and lodging expenses of Nominating Commissioneers - Reimbursement - Approval.

Members of the Judicial Nominating Commission shall be reimbursed for their necessary travel and lodging expenses while performing their duties as such Commissioners as provided by the State Travel Reimbursement Act. A member shall certify his expenses to the Administrative Director and, upon the latter's approval thereof, the State Treasurer shall issue his reimbursing warrant, to be paid out of any funds appropriated for such purpose.
Added by Laws 1968, c. 379, § 5, eff. July 1, 1968. Amended by Laws 1979, c. 47, § 7, emerg. eff. April 9, 1979.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-16.6. Court on the Judiciary members - Expenses - Prosecutors - Compensation - Witness fees and expenses.

A. A member of the Court on the Judiciary shall certify his actual and necessary travel expenses to the Administrative Director of the Courts, and, upon the latter's approval thereof reimbursement shall be as provided by the State Travel Reimbursement Act, the State Treasurer shall issue a warrant, to be paid out of any funds appropriated for such purpose. Prosecutors before the Court on the Judiciary shall certify to the Administrative Director of the Courts the amount that has been allowed as compensation by the Court, and upon the latter's approval thereof, the State Treasurer shall issue a warrant, to be paid out of any funds appropriated for such purpose. Any claim certified for payment by the trial division of the Court on the Judiciary or by any of its members, when disapproved by the Administrative Director of the Courts, may be reviewed by the appellate division of that Court under such rules of procedure as that division shall prescribe. The appellate division shall have exclusive power over claims that are disapproved by the Administrative Director of the Courts. Its decision in the matter shall be final.
B. 1. Any employee of the state or any political subdivision thereof who is subpoenaed as a witness to testify before the Court on the Judiciary on any matter related to their employment shall receive reimbursement for expenses in the same manner and to the same extent as is prescribed in Section 84.1 of Title 28 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
2. Any other person subpoenaed as a witness to testify before the Court on the Judiciary shall receive the fees prescribed in Section 81 of Title 28 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
3. All fees and reimbursement for expenses provided for in this subsection shall be payable from funds appropriated to the State Supreme Court for the use of the Court on the Judiciary, subject to the approval of the Administrative Director of the Courts.
Added by Laws 1968, c. 379, § 6, eff. July 1, 1968. Amended by Laws 1976, c. 271, § 8, emerg. eff. June 15, 1976; Laws 1979, c. 47, § 8, emerg. eff. April 9, 1979; Laws 1986, c. 153, § 1, emerg. eff. May 5, 1986.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-16.7. Secretary to presiding judge of judicial administrative district.

The Supreme Court may authorize the presiding judge of each judicial administrative district to employ a full-time secretary.
Added by Laws 1968, c. 379, § 7, eff. Jan. 13, 1969. Amended by Laws 1985, c. 237, § 1, operative Aug. 1, 1985.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-16.11. Annual reports.

The Administrative Director of the Courts is requested to submit a report to the Legislature each year commencing in January, 1970 (and in each January thereafter), on the following subjects:
(a) Whether or not the boundaries of the district court judicial districts should be changed. If a change is recommended, the report should indicate the counties that should be included in each district.
(b) The number of district judges and associate district judges that should be authorized for each judicial district.
(c) If the formula for the number of special judges to be allowed to each judicial administrative district should be changed.
(d) The case load pending in each district court judicial district.
(e) The number of cases heard on their merits by each judge of the district court during the preceding year.
(f) In making the above report, said Administrative Director shall, along with whatever other criteria he uses in making the report, consider the area involved in the judicial district and the distances involved between the places where court is held in said district.
Added by Laws 1969, c. 118, § 1, emerg. eff. April 3, 1969.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-22. Division of state into judicial administrative districts.

The state is hereby divided into judicial administrative districts as follows:
1. Northeastern. District Court Judicial Districts, Numbers Ten (10), Eleven (11), Twelve (12), and Thirteen (13).
2. Southeastern. District Court Judicial Districts, Numbers Sixteen (16), Seventeen (17), Nineteen (19), and Twenty-five (25).
3. Oklahoma-Canadian Counties. District Court Judicial Districts, Numbers Seven (7) and Twenty-six (26).
4. Northwest-Panhandle. District Court Judicial Districts, Numbers One (1), Two (2), and Four (4).
5. South-Central. District Court Judicial Districts, Numbers Twenty (20), Twenty-one (21), and Twenty-two (22).
6. Tulsa-Pawnee Counties. District Court Judicial District, Number Fourteen (14).
7. East-Central. District Court Judicial Districts, Numbers Fifteen (15), Eighteen (18), and Twenty-four (24).
8. North-Central. District Court Judicial Districts, Numbers Eight (8), Nine (9), and Twenty-three (23).
9. Southwestern. District Court Judicial Districts, Numbers Three (3), Five (5), and Six (6).
Added by Laws 1968, c. 39, § 1, eff. Jan. 13, 1969. Amended by Laws 1983, c. 118, § 1, operative July 1, 1983; Laws 1993, c. 292, § 1, eff. July 1, 1993.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-23. Authorization to make rules or orders relating to District Courts.

The Supreme Court is authorized by rule or order to:
(1) Provide for the election by the district and associate district judges within each administrative district of a district judge as presiding judge of the administrative district.
(2) Fix the administrative powers of the presiding judge, including but not limited to rules under which the presiding judge may assign judges to hold court outside of their own district but within the administrative district. Where not inconsistent with the rules of the Supreme Court, the presiding judge of the judicial administrative district may adopt rules that are calculated to bring about a more speedy and efficient administration of justice within his administrative district, including the appropriate times and places of holding court.
(3) Provide for meetings of the presiding judges of the administrative districts to discuss any matters calculated to bring about a better and more efficient administration of justice.
(4) Prescribe the times and places where the district court may hold court. When authorizing the holding of court in a city other than the county seat, the Supreme Court may provide the times when the office of the court clerk in such other cities shall be open for the transaction of business.
(5) Adopt rules relating to the assignment of district judges, associate district judges and special judges to hold court anywhere in the state and authorizing the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to make such assignments.
(6) Provide for meetings of the judges within an administrative district for the purpose of coordinating their work, the discussion of their dockets and work loads, the determination of what judges may be available for assignment outside of their own districts, and other matters calculated to bring about a better and more efficient administration of justice.
(7) Make all such other rules and orders as may appear advisable to better equalize the work load of the various judges and bring about a more speedy and efficient administration of justice within the state.
(8) The Supreme Court shall provide by rules the minimum number of jury and nonjury terms to be held in each county during any one year.
Added by Laws 1965, c. 210, § 1. Amended by Laws 1968, c. 144, § 1, eff. January 13, 1969.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-25. Promulgation of rules to promote transparency of the judicial selection process.

The Judicial Nominating Commission shall promulgate rules to promote transparency of the selection process of nominees for judicial office. The rules shall be prominently published on the Judicial Nominating Commission's website.
Added by Laws 2021, c. 111, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2021.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-30.1. Establishment - Jurisdiction - Certiorari.

There is hereby established an intermediate appellate court to be known as the Court of Civil Appeals of the State of Oklahoma which shall have the power to determine or otherwise dispose of any cases that are assigned to it by the Supreme Court. Its decisions, when final, shall neither be appealable to the Supreme Court nor be subject to reexamination by another division of the Court of Civil Appeals or by the Judges of that Court sitting en banc. The Court of Civil Appeals shall have jurisdiction to issue writs of habeas corpus, mandamus, quo warranto, certiorari, prohibition, or any other process when this may be necessary in any case assigned to it by the Supreme Court. A decision of the Court of Civil Appeals may be reviewed by the Supreme Court if a majority of its Justices direct that a writ of certiorari be granted, and the Supreme Court may, by order, recall a case from the Court of Civil Appeals.
Added by Laws 1968, c. 157, § 1. Amended by Laws 1970, c. 247, § 1, emerg. eff. April 15, 1970; Laws 1996, c. 97, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1996.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-30.2. Number of divisions - Number of judges - Assignment and transfer.

The Court of Civil Appeals shall, upon the members being elected and qualified, consist of four permanent divisions. Two divisions shall sit in Tulsa County and two divisions shall sit in Oklahoma County. Each division shall consist of three Judges, at least two of whom shall concur in any decision and each division shall select a presiding Judge who shall act in that capacity without additional compensation. The assignment of Judges to the divisions shall be effected by the Supreme Court. Judges may be transferred from one division to another.
Added by Laws 1970, c. 247, § 2, emerg. eff. April 15, 1970. Amended by Laws 1982, c. 336, § 1, emerg. eff. June 2, 1982; Laws 1996, c. 97, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 1996.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-30.2A. Salaries.

A. For fiscal year 2021 and each fiscal year thereafter, except as otherwise provided by the Board on Judicial Compensation after the effective date of this act, the following judicial officers shall receive compensation for their services, payable monthly as follows:
1. The Presiding Judge of the Court of Civil Appeals shall receive an annual salary of One Hundred Fifty-five Thousand Four Hundred Fifty-nine Dollars ($155,459.00); and
2. A Judge of the Court of Civil Appeals shall receive an annual salary of One Hundred Fifty-two Thousand Six Hundred Thirty-two Dollars ($152,632.00).
B. Any increase in salary provided for in subsection A of this section must be paid from existing available funds.
Added by Laws 1997, c. 384, § 5, eff. Jan. 1, 1998. Amended by Laws 2000, c. 37, § 4, eff. Jan. 1, 2001; Laws 2004, c. 499, § 5, eff. July 1, 2005; Laws 2015, c. 399, § 2; Laws 2021, c. 341, § 2, emerg. eff. April 28, 2021.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-30.3. Disqualification of judge.

No Judge of the Court of Civil Appeals shall participate in the consideration or decision of any case if the Judge has presided at the trial of that case or acted in it as an attorney for one of the litigants. The Supreme Court shall prescribe the procedure to be followed when a member of the Court of Civil Appeals is disqualified to hear a case.
Added by Laws 1970, c. 247, § 3, emerg. eff. April 15, 1970. Amended by Laws 1996, c. 97, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 1996.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-30.4. Procedure and practice - Costs.

A. The Supreme Court shall, by rule, prescribe the procedure and practice in the Court of Civil Appeals, the procedure in bringing writs of certiorari to the Court of Civil Appeals, and the scope of review to be afforded on certiorari to that Court. Subject to law and the rules of the Supreme Court, the Court of Civil Appeals may promulgate its own rules.
B. There shall be deposited with the Clerk of the Supreme Court as costs for the filing of a petition for certiorari to the Supreme Court One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) of which no rebate or refund of any part thereof may be made; provided, the Supreme Court, by rule, may prescribe the procedure for affording access to the Supreme Court, on certiorari and without deposit of costs, to those indigent persons who are deemed by it entitled thereto.
Added by Laws 1970, c. 247, § 4, emerg. eff. April 15, 1970. Amended by Laws 1986, c. 223, § 17, operative July 1, 1986; Laws 1996, c. 97, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 1996.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-30.5. Opinions - Publications.

The Court of Civil Appeals shall effect disposition of cases assigned to it by a written opinion prepared in such form as the Supreme Court prescribes. No opinion of the Court of Civil Appeals shall be binding or cited as precedent unless it shall have been approved by the majority of the justices of the Supreme Court for publication in the official reporter. The Supreme Court shall direct which opinion or decision, if any, of the Court of Civil Appeals shall be published in the unofficial reporter. Opinions of the Court of Civil Appeals which apply settled precedent and do not settle new questions of law shall not be released for publication in the official reporter.
Added by Laws 1970, c. 247, § 5, emerg. eff. April 15, 1970. Amended by Laws 1971, c. 85, § 1, emerg. eff. April 16, 1971; Laws 1996, c. 97, § 6, eff. Nov. 1, 1996.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-30.6. Clerk.

The Clerk of the Supreme Court shall serve as Clerk of the Court of Civil Appeals.
Added by Laws 1970, c. 247, § 6, emerg. eff. April 15, 1970. Amended by Laws 1996, c. 97, § 7, eff. Nov. 1, 1996.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-30.7. Quarters.

The Oklahoma County divisions of the Court of Appeals shall be quartered in Oklahoma City. Suitable quarters and maintenance for the Tulsa division of the Court of Appeals shall be provided for by the State of Oklahoma, under the supervision of the Administrative Director of the Courts.
Added by Laws 1970, c. 247, § 7, emerg. eff. April 15, 1970. Amended by Laws 1982, c. 336, § 2, emerg. eff. June 2, 1982.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-30.8. Travel expenses.

Travel expenses of Judges of the Court of Civil Appeals incurred in performing their duties shall be reimbursed pursuant to the State Travel Reimbursement Act, Section 500.1 et seq. of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
Added by Laws 1970, c. 247, § 8, emerg. eff. April 15, 1970. Amended by Laws 1996, c. 97, § 8, eff. Nov. 1, 1996.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-30.11. Congressional Districts.

Judges of the Court of Civil Appeals shall be elected or appointed from the Congressional Districts with the boundaries as they exist at the time the Judge is elected or appointed to office; however, should the boundaries of the six Congressional Districts be revised and elections for the office of United States Representative be conducted using the revised boundaries, then the revised boundaries shall also be used in the conduct of any elections required for the office of Judge of the Court of Civil Appeals; except that Judges of the Court of Civil Appeals seeking retention shall be retained in the original Congressional District from which they were elected or appointed; provided, however, nothing in this section shall be construed to require a change of residence of a Judge of the Court of Civil Appeals seeking retention. Should the number of Congressional Districts be increased or decreased the sections which define the area of each of the six Congressional Districts shall remain in effect for the purpose of this act, and at that time the sections shall be renumbered and codified in this title of the Oklahoma Statutes following this act.
Added by Laws 1970, c. 247, § 11, emerg. eff. April 15, 1970. Amended by Laws 1982, c. 115, § 1, emerg. eff. April 6, 1982; Laws 1991, c. 286, § 14, eff. July 1, 1991; Laws 1996, c. 97, § 9, eff. Nov. 1, 1996.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-30.15. Election or appointment of Judges - Experience and qualifications - Terms of office.

Two Judges shall be appointed or elected to the Court of Civil Appeals from each of the six congressional districts of the State of Oklahoma.
A. Each Judge of the Court of Civil Appeals shall have, prior to election or appointment, a minimum of four (4) years' experience as a licensed practicing attorney, or as a judge of a court of record, or both, within the State of Oklahoma; shall be a qualified elector of the respective district; and shall have such additional qualifications as may be prescribed by statute. Judges of the Court of Civil Appeals shall continue to be licensed attorneys while in office.
B. The terms of office of the Judges of the Court of Civil Appeals shall be six (6) years and shall begin on the second Monday of January following their election. Those appointed or elected to fill vacancies shall assume office immediately upon qualifying for the office.
Added by Laws 1987, c. 33, § 1, emerg. eff. April 20, 1987. Amended by Laws 1996, c. 97, § 11, eff. Nov. 1, 1996.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-30.16. Judge's declaration of candidacy - Ballot question.

At the General Election next before a term expires, any Judge of the Court of Civil Appeals may seek retention in office by filing with the Secretary of State, not less than sixty (60) days before the date of the election, a declaration of candidacy to succeed himself or herself. At the election, there shall be submitted to the qualified electors of the state, on a separate ballot, without party designation, this question:
"Shall (Here insert name of Judge) of the Court of Civil Appeals be retained in Office?"
/ /
YES
/ /
NO
The question shall be decided by a majority of those voting thereon. If the decision is "yes" the Judge shall be retained in office for the next ensuing six-year term. If the decision is "no", or if no declaration of candidacy is filed, the office shall be vacant upon expiration of the term then being served, and the former Judge shall not be eligible for appointment to succeed himself or herself. Retention in office may be sought for successive terms without limit as to number, except for retirement as may be provided by the Legislature for a maximum retirement age.
Added by Laws 1987, c. 33, § 2, emerg. eff. April 20, 1987. Amended by Laws 1996, c. 97, § 12, eff. Nov. 1, 1996.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-30.17. Vacancies.

In case a Judge of the Court of Civil Appeals dies, retires, resigns, or is removed from office, the Governor shall fill the vacancy by appointment from the congressional district where the vacancy exists of a person having the required qualifications. The Judicial Nominating Commission shall choose and submit to the Governor and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court three nominees, each of whom has previously notified the Commission in writing that he or she will serve as a Judge if appointed. The Governor shall appoint one of the nominees to fill the vacancy, but if he fails to do so within sixty (60) days the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court shall appoint one of the nominees, the appointment to be certified by the Secretary of State.
Added by Laws 1987, c. 33, § 3, emerg. eff. April 20, 1987. Amended by Laws 1996, c. 97, § 13, eff. Nov. 1, 1996.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-30.18. Election and term of Judges.

Each Judge of the Court of Civil Appeals elected before or after the passage of this act shall, unless removed for cause, serve out the term for which he or she is elected and those Judges serving at the date of the passage of this act, whose office comes under the provision of this act on the date of the expiration of the term, shall be deemed to have been appointed as provided herein and eligible to file a declaration of candidacy to succeed themselves as provided in this act. If retained in office, the term of each such Judge shall be six (6) years commencing the second Monday in January following the election.
The term and election of each Judge appointed to fill a vacancy after the passage of this act shall be as follows: If the appointed Judge has served or will have served twelve (12) months on or before the next General Election following appointment, he or she may file for election for the remainder of the term for which he or she was appointed, or for a six-year term, whichever is applicable, within the time and in the manner elected Judges file their candidacy under this act. If the appointed Judge has not served or will not have served twelve (12) months on or before the next General Election following appointment, he or she shall continue in office until the second General Election following appointment and may file for election for the remainder of the term or for a six-year term, whichever is applicable, as herein provided.
Added by Laws 1987, c. 33, § 4, emerg. eff. April 20, 1987. Amended by Laws 1996, c. 97, § 14, eff. Nov. 1, 1996.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-30.19. Judges' contribution to, or holding office in political party prohibited.

No Judge of the Court of Civil Appeals shall make, directly or indirectly, any contribution to or hold office in a political party.
Added by Laws 1987, c. 33, § 5, emerg. eff. April 20, 1987. Amended by Laws 1996, c. 97, § 15, eff. Nov. 1, 1996.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-31. Judges - Qualifications - Salaries.

The Court of Criminal Appeals shall consist of five (5) Judges, any three of whom shall constitute a quorum, and the concurrence of three Judges shall be necessary to a decision of said Court. Said Judges shall have the same qualifications and receive the same salaries as Justices of the Supreme Court.
R.L. 1910, § 1759. Amended by Laws 1987, c. 185, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1987; Laws 1997, c. 384, § 6, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Laws 2004, c. 449, § 6, eff. July 1, 2005.
NOTE: Laws 2004, c. 442, § 1 repealed by Laws 2005, c. 1, § 11, emerg. eff. March 15, 2005.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-31.1. Name of court.

(a) The name of the "Criminal Court of Appeals" of this state is hereby changed to "Court of Criminal Appeals".
(b) Every place in the statutes of this state that the name of said court appears as the " Criminal Court of Appeals" the reference shall be deemed to be to the "Court of Criminal Appeals".
Added by Laws 1959, p. 107, § 1, emerg. eff. March 11, 1959.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-31.2. Salaries.

A. For fiscal year 2021 and each fiscal year thereafter, except as otherwise provided by the Board on Judicial Compensation after the effective date of this act, the following judicial officers shall receive compensation for their services, payable monthly as follows:
1. The Presiding Judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals shall receive an annual salary of One Hundred Sixty-six Thousand Seven Hundred Sixty-five Dollars ($166,765.00); and
2. A Judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals shall receive an annual salary of One Hundred Sixty-one Thousand One Hundred Twelve Dollars ($161,112.00).
B. Any increase in salary provided for in subsection A of this section must be paid from existing available funds.
Added by Laws 1997, c. 384, § 4, eff. Jan. 1, 1998. Amended by Laws 2000, c. 37, § 5, eff. Jan. 1, 2001; Laws 2004, c. 499, § 7, eff. July 1, 2005; Laws 2015, c. 399, § 3; Laws 2021, c. 341, § 3, emerg. eff. April 28, 2021.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-32. When court or members disqualified.

When said court, or any member thereof, shall be disqualified under the Constitution and laws of this state to hear and determine any case or cases in said court, the same shall be certified to the Governor of the state, who shall immediately commission the requisite number of persons learned in the law for the trial and determination of such case or cases.
R.L. 1910, § 1760.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-33. Districts - Nomination, appointment and retention of Judges.

A. The state is hereby divided into five (5) Court of Criminal Appeals Judicial Districts. From each of said districts candidates for Judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals shall be nominated and appointed in the manner provided by Article VII-B of the Oklahoma Constitution. All Judges of the Court of Criminal Appeals may seek retention in office pursuant to the provisions of Section 2 of Article VII-B of the Oklahoma Constitution and each Judge shall be voted for by the qualified voters of the state at large.
B. Beginning July 1, 2020, the boundaries of the Court of Criminal Appeals Judicial Districts shall be the boundaries of the five Oklahoma Congressional Districts as constituted on January 8, 2019, as follows:
1. The Court of Criminal Appeals Judicial District No. 1 shall embrace and include Congressional District No. 1;
2. The Court of Criminal Appeals Judicial District No. 2 shall embrace and include Congressional District No. 3;
3. The Court of Criminal Appeals Judicial District No. 3 shall embrace and include Congressional District No. 2;
4. The Court of Criminal Appeals Judicial District No. 4 shall embrace and include Congressional District No. 5; and
5. The Court of Criminal Appeals Judicial District No. 5 shall embrace and include Congressional District No. 4.
C. Each Judge in office on July 1, 2020, shall serve the term for which the Judge was appointed or retained in office by retention ballot and until his or her successor is appointed and qualified, unless the Judge vacates the office prior to the end of his or her term or is removed from office as provided by law. Any Judge in office on July 1, 2020, shall be eligible for retention in the same office for succeeding terms.
R.L. 1910, § 1761. Amended by Laws 1935, p. 28, § 1, emerg. eff. May 2, 1935; Laws 1987, c. 185, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1987; Laws 2019, c. 154, § 3, eff. Jan. 1, 2020.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-35. Term of office of Judges - Organization of Court of Criminal Appeals.

A. Except as otherwise provided for in this subsection, the term of office for Judges of the Court of Criminal Appeals shall be six (6) years. The initial term of office for the Judge in Court of Criminal Appeals Judicial District No. 4, who shall be the Judge occupying the Court of Criminal Appeals Northern District on October 31, 1987, shall expire on the second Monday in January, 1989. The initial term of office for the Judge in Court of Criminal Appeals Judicial District No. 2, who shall be the Judge occupying the Court of Criminal Appeals Southern District on October 31, 1987, shall expire on the second Monday in January, 1991. The initial term of office for the Judge in Court of Criminal Appeals Judicial District No. 1, who shall be the Judge occupying the Court of Criminal Appeals Eastern District on October 31, 1987, shall expire on the second Monday in January, 1993. The Governor shall appoint a Judge for Court of Criminal Appeals Judicial District No. 5 whose initial term shall commence on the second Monday in January, 1989, and expire on the second Monday in January, 1995, and a Judge for Court of Criminal Appeals Judicial District No. 3 whose initial term shall commence on the second Monday in January, 1989, and expire on the second Monday in January, 1997.
B. The Court of Criminal Appeals shall organize at the first session following the second Monday in January next after each biennial election. The Judges shall choose from among their members a Presiding Judge and a Vice Presiding Judge who shall be Presiding Judge and Vice Presiding Judge of the said Court for the next two (2) years.
C. The organization of the Court of Criminal Appeals existing on October 31, 1987, shall continue until the second Monday in January, 1989.
R.L. 1910, § 1763. Amended by Laws 1987, c. 185, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 1987.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-37.1. Legal secretary as marshal.

The Court of Criminal Appeals may appoint one of its legal secretaries as marshal of the Court. The legal secretary so appointed shall perform such services without additional compensation.
Added by Laws 1943, p. 249, § 1, emerg. eff. Feb. 8, 1943. Amended by Laws 1968, c. 294, § 3, eff. July 1, 1968.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-38. Clerk of court - Deposit to cover costs.

The Clerk of the Supreme Court shall be ex officio Clerk of the Court of Criminal Appeals, and shall perform like services as he performs for the Supreme Court. In all cases filed in the Court of Criminal Appeals, and at the time of filing same, there shall be deposited with said Clerk as costs in said cause, Fifty Dollars ($50.00). Said sum shall cover all Court costs in said case and no rebate of any part thereof shall be made.
R.L. 1910, § 1767. Amended by Laws 1927, c. 102, p. 164, § 2; Laws 1983, c. 273, § 5, operative July 1, 1983.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-41. Habeas corpus and other writs - Rules of court.

Said Court and Judges thereof shall have the power to issue writs of habeas corpus; and under such regulations as may be prescribed by law, issue such writs as may be necessary to exercise its jurisdiction; and may prescribe and promulgate such rules for the government of said Court as it may deem necessary.
R.L. 1910, § 1770.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-43. Trial by jury in contempt proceedings, when.

In all cases where the Criminal Court of Appeals has caused attachment to issue against any person for the violation of any order or mandate issued by said Court, if said person, after he has been brought before said Court under such proceedings, shall demand a trial by jury in such case, the same shall be given in the same manner as required of the Supreme Court in similar cases.
R.L. 1910, § 1772.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-44. Return of mandate when lower court loses jurisdiction.

When the court from which an appeal is taken shall be deprived of jurisdiction of the cause pending such appeal, and when such case shall have been determined by the Criminal Court of Appeals, the mandate of the Criminal Court of Appeals shall be returnable to the court of which jurisdiction has been given over said cause.
R.L. 1910, § 1773.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-45. Costs in cases less than felonies.

In every State case of a less grade than a felony in which an appeal is taken to the Criminal Court of Appeals, and the judgment of the court below is affirmed against the defendant, all fees due the clerk of said court in said case shall be adjudged against the defendant and his sureties on his recognizance, for which execution shall issue as in other cases of appeal to the Criminal Court of Appeals. Should such case be reversed by the Criminal Court of Appeals and a new trial be had in the court below and the defendant convicted, then the costs aforesaid in favor of the Clerk of the Criminal Court of Appeals shall be taxed by the court below against the defendant, and a certified copy of said bill of costs by the Clerk of the Criminal Court of Appeals, filed in the court below, shall be sufficient to require said costs to be taxed and collected as other costs against the defendant in the court below.
R.L. 1910, § 1774.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-48. Opinions to be delivered to reporter.

As soon as the opinions are recorded, the original, together with the records and papers in each case to be reported, shall be delivered by the Clerk of said Court to State Reporter. The Clerk shall take his receipt for the same, but the Reporter shall return to said Clerk the said opinions, records and papers when he shall have finished using them.
R.L. 1910, § 1777.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-49. Opinions - Form - Filing.

The decisions of the Court of Criminal Appeals shall be in such form as the Court shall specify. They shall be filed with the papers in the case and shall be treated as part of the record in the case; provided, that a mandate shall not be sent to the court below until a decision has been filed in the office of the Clerk of the Supreme Court.
Added by Laws 1968, c. 119, § 1, emerg. eff. April 3, 1968.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-55. Qualification rules for court-appointed attorney.

No later than August 1, 1993, the Court of Criminal Appeals shall establish qualification rules for determining when a defendant in a criminal case shall be entitled to a court-appointed attorney.
It is the intent of the Oklahoma Legislature that a criminal defendant shall be entitled to an individualized determination of bail as guaranteed by the Oklahoma Constitution.
Added by Laws 1983, c. 273, § 14, operative July 1, 1983. Amended by Laws 1993, c. 298, § 4, eff. July 1, 1993; Laws 2018, c. 194, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2018.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-60.1. Emergency Appellate Division - Establishment - Powers - Decisions - Recall of case from emergency panel - Conduct of proceedings.

A. There is hereby established within the Court of Criminal Appeals an Emergency Appellate Division which shall have the power to determine or otherwise dispose of any cases assigned to it by the Court of Criminal Appeals, except cases concerning convictions for murder in the first degree as defined by Section 701.7 of Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
B. A decision of an emergency appellate panel may be reviewed by the Court of Criminal Appeals upon the filing of a Petition for Review if a majority of judges on the Court of Criminal Appeals directs that such Petition for Review shall be granted. The Court of Criminal Appeals may, by order, recall a case from an emergency appellate panel. Decisions of an emergency appellate panel shall be final unless a Petition for Review is granted.
C. The Emergency Appellate Division shall conduct its proceedings in panels of three (3) judges and shall have no en banc powers or jurisdiction.
Added by Laws 1993, c. 292, § 2, eff. July 1, 1993.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-60.2. Appointment of temporary judges of Emergency Appellate Division - Eligibility to serve - Orientation or distribution of materials.

A. In the exercise of the powers granted by Section 6 of Article VII of the Constitution of the State of Oklahoma, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court shall appoint no less than sixty (60) district judges, associate district judges or eligible special judges as temporary judges of the Emergency Appellate Division. Selections shall be made on or before July 1 of each year.
B. In order to be eligible to serve on an emergency appellate panel, a special judge must have a minimum of four (4) years of judicial experience.
C. Within thirty (30) days after assignment by the Chief Justice, the Presiding Judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals shall provide orientation or materials to all judges assigned to the Emergency Appellate Division.
Added by Laws 1993, c. 292, § 3, eff. July 1, 1993.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-60.3. Declaration of emergency - Activation of emergency panels - Assignment and disposition of cases - Number of panels - Minimum number of unassigned regular felony appeals.

A. An emergency appellate panel of the Emergency Appellate Division may be activated upon request of the Presiding Judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals when the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court declares an emergency to exist. For purposes of this section, "emergency" means any situation in which there are pending in the office of the Clerk of the Court of Criminal Appeals more than one hundred (100) regular felony appeals at issue. For purposes of this section, "at issue" means a case in which responses from both the appellant/petitioner and appellee/respondent (if such response is necessary) have been filed with the Clerk.
B. In the event an emergency is declared, the Presiding Judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals shall appoint emergency appellate panels of three (3) judges each from the judges chosen by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, select a Presiding Judge, and assign to each emergency appellate panel such cases as the Court of Criminal Appeals deems necessary. At least two judges from each emergency appellate panel must concur in any decision. The Court of Criminal Appeals may prescribe by rule where each emergency appellate panel shall sit and how each panel shall conduct its business and practice before it. The Court of Criminal Appeals shall monitor cases assigned to the Emergency Appellate Division to ensure a timely completion of cases assigned. Cases assigned to the Emergency Appellate Division shall be disposed of within ninety (90) days after assignment or returned to the Court of Criminal Appeals for further assignment resolution.
C. The Presiding Judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals shall determine the number of emergency appellate panels necessary and no emergency appellate panels may be created nor cases assigned to an emergency appellate panel when the number of unassigned regular felony appeals at issue before the Court of Criminal Appeals falls below one hundred (100).
Added by Laws 1993, c. 292, § 4, eff. July 1, 1993.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-60.4. Opinions or decisions of Emergency Appellate Division.

The opinions of the emergency appellate panels of the Emergency Appellate Division shall be written in the form prescribed by the Court of Criminal Appeals. No opinion of the Emergency Appellate Division shall be binding or cited as a precedent unless it has been approved by the Court of Criminal Appeals for publication in the official reporter. The Court of Criminal Appeals shall prescribe by rule when an opinion or decision, if any, of the Emergency Appellate Division shall be published in the official reporter.
Added by Laws 1993, c. 292, § 5, eff. July 1, 1993.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-60.5. Rules providing for duties and procedures - Compensation - Travel expenses - Transmission of case files and other relevant materials - Payment of expenses - Scope of review of Court of Criminal Appeals - Budgeting, management and administration of Emergency Appellate Division.

A. The duties and procedures of the Emergency Appellate Division shall be as provided by rules of the Court of Criminal Appeals.
B. No district judge, associate district judge, or special judge who is temporarily assigned to sit on the Emergency Appellate Division shall be entitled to additional compensation for judicial service on the Emergency Appellate Division, unless otherwise authorized by law.
C. Travel expenses of judges of the Emergency Appellate Division incurred in performing their duties shall be reimbursed pursuant to the State Travel Reimbursement Act, Section 500.1 et seq. of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes from funds appropriated to the Supreme Court for the expenses of the District Courts.
D. The Court of Criminal Appeals is authorized to expend such funds as may be necessary for the purpose of transmitting case files and other relevant materials to the judges of the Emergency Appellate Division.
E. Expenses of the Emergency Appellate Division for the purpose of transmitting case files and other relevant materials to the Court of Criminal Appeals shall be paid from the court fund on claims approved by the Court Fund Governing Board. The Emergency Appellate Division shall not incur additional expenses without the approval of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
F. The Court of Criminal Appeals shall prescribe by rule the scope of review it will afford when a Petition for Review to the Court of Criminal Appeals is filed.
G. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court shall be responsible for the budgeting, management and administration of the Emergency Appellate Division, based upon rules promulgated by the Court of Criminal Appeals and approved by the Supreme Court.
Added by Laws 1993, c. 292, § 6, eff. July 1, 1993. Amended by Laws 1994, c. 225, § 2, eff. July 1, 1994.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-61. Court of Criminal Appeals Revolving Fund.

There is hereby created in the State Treasury a revolving fund for the Court of Criminal Appeals to be designated the "Court of Criminal Appeals Revolving Fund". The fund shall be a continuing fund, not subject to fiscal year limitations, and shall consist of all monies received by the Court of Criminal Appeals from all other monies so designated for deposit thereto. All monies accruing to the credit of said fund are hereby appropriated and may be budgeted and expended by the Court of Criminal Appeals for duties imposed upon the Court of Criminal Appeals by law. Expenditures from said fund shall be made upon warrants issued by the State Treasurer against claims filed as prescribed by law with the Director of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services for approval and payment.
Added by Laws 2005 c. 341, § 6, eff. July 1, 2005. Amended by Laws 2012, c. 304, § 76.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-72. Quarterly accounting to Administrative Director.

The Clerk of the Supreme Court shall, on the first Monday of January, April, July and October of each year, make out and present to the Administrative Director an itemized and verified report of all fees earned and collected by the clerk during the preceding quarter, and shall transfer all monies so earned to the State Treasurer for deposit in the Supreme Court Revolving Fund.
Added by Laws 1913, c. 97, p. 161, § 4, eff. Jan. 1, 1914. Amended by Laws 1969, c. 12, § 1, emerg. eff. Feb. 6, 1969; Laws 2004, c. 443, § 2, eff. July 1, 2004; Laws 2019, c. 354, § 3, eff. July 1, 2019.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-73.5. Copies of opinions - Cost - Free copies - Disposition of monies.

From and after January 1, 1954, the new opinions of the Supreme Court, the Court of Criminal Appeals and the Court of Appeals shall be promptly furnished, at a cost of twenty-five cents ($0.25) per page, to any person, firm or corporation who shall request same in writing to the Clerk of the Supreme Court for the purpose of publishing, editing and binding the opinions. For any other purpose, other persons, firms or corporations shall be furnished, upon request in writing to the Clerk of the Supreme Court, copies of the opinions, or any instrument of record or other record filed with the Clerk of the Supreme Court, at that fee mandated by Section 31 of Title 28 of the Oklahoma Statutes, for the copying of any instrument of record or on file. Provided however, the opinions shall be furnished free of cost to the litigants involved, and to the Oklahoma Bar Association for any official publication of the Association.
All monies collected by the Clerk of the Supreme Court for the opinions and other copies shall be by the Clerk deposited monthly to the credit of the Supreme Court Revolving Fund of the State of Oklahoma.
Added by Laws 1953, p. 425, § 5. Amended by Laws 1969, c. 11, § 1, emerg. eff. Feb. 4, 1969. Renumbered from § 29 of Title 75 by Laws 1969, c. 11, § 2, emerg. eff. Feb. 4, 1969. Amended by Laws 1987, c. 3, § 1, emerg. eff. Feb. 26, 1987; Laws 1992, c. 134, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1992; Laws 2004, c. 443, § 3, eff. July 1, 2004; Laws 2019, c. 354, § 4, eff. July 1, 2019.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-78. Clerk of the Supreme Court - Appointment - Duties.

The Supreme Court shall appoint to serve at its pleasure as Clerk for that Court a person who is licensed to practice law within the State of Oklahoma. The Clerk shall keep the records, files and papers committed to his care, and record the judgments, decrees and orders of the Supreme Court, the Court of Criminal Appeals, the Court of Appeals, the Court of Bank Review and the Court on the Judiciary and perform such other services and duties as may be authorized or prescribed by the Supreme Court.
Added by Laws 1968, c. 114, § 1, eff. Jan. 13, 1969. Amended by Laws 1976, c. 271, § 12, emerg. eff. June 15, 1976.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-78.1. Rules for management and care of records, files and papers committed to Clerk of the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals, Court of Tax Review, and the Court on the Judiciary shall provide by rule, which shall have the force of law, for the retention, copying, preservation, archiving and destruction of the records, files and papers committed to the care of the Clerk of the Supreme Court by the respective courts.
Added by Laws 1992, c. 134, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1992. Amended by Laws 2004, c. 293, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-80. Judge for directing, managing and maintaining Oklahoma Court Fund Collection System.

Effective January 6, 2003, the Supreme Court may appoint a judge for the purpose of enhancing revenue collections for the courts by directing, managing and maintaining the Oklahoma Court Fund Collection System. The judge shall be a supernumerary judge and shall have the jurisdiction and authority of a district judge. Such appointment shall be for a term of four (4) years. The appointee shall be eligible for reappointment and shall be eligible to participate in the Uniform Retirement System for Justices and Judges.
Added by Laws 2002, c. 426, § 2, eff. July 1, 2002.