The Supreme Court consists of a Chief Justice and six associate ­justices.  The Chief Justice, who represents the state at large, is appointed by the Governor from a statewide list of candidates selected by a judicial nominating commission.  The six remaining associate justices are chosen by the same judicial nominating commission procedure but each represents one of six districts.  These judicial districts are approximately equal in population and are redistricted by the Legislature after each census.

The Supreme Court’s basic responsibilities are to hear appeals and provide administrative leadership for the state judicial system.  The Supreme Court has the authority to be the original court in which a case is heard under certain circumstances.  The Supreme Court also hears all appellate cases regarding the death penalty, the sentence of life imprisonment, or constitutional questions.  Upon the granting of a petition for further review, a Court of Appeals case is moved to the Supreme Court for review.

Besides appeals, the Supreme Court is responsible for the regulation of the practice of law in Nebraska.  The Supreme Court handles the admission of attorneys to the Nebraska State Bar Association, as well as attorney discipline.  This membership is mandatory in order to practice law within the state.  Another responsibility of the Supreme Court includes the monitoring and appointment of attorneys to serve on local committees of inquiry, as well as state committees on discipline and professional responsibility.