Supreme Court of the Realm

The State Supreme Court (: Corte Suprema Estatal) is the highest in Ventora. It may choose or decline to hear matters appealed to it from a high court of justice or the senior-most court in a duchy. Decisions of the State Supreme Court are not subject to review by any other court. Since 1961, with the end of Ventora's monarchy, decisions taken by the court are no longer subject to review by the. Although not exclusive to it, the State Supreme Court is the primary court for interpreting the Fundamental Law, the country's.

Composition
Nine magistrates (magistrados/as) sit on the State Supreme Court: three are professional judges appointed for life by the Regent with consent of the Grand Council of State, three are elected professional judges, and three are elected assessors. The People's Assembly elects the non-appointed judges and assessors to staggered 12 year terms. Candidates for magistrate must have at least 15 years of experience as a professional judge or assessor.

Facilities
Formal proceedings of the State Supreme Court take place in its Chambers on the ninth floor of the Palace of Justice (Alcázar de Justicia). In general, attendance is limited to representatives of the parties to the proceedings. If space is available, however, members of the public may attend on a pre-approved, first-come, first-served basis. The magistrates deliberate in non-public session which may take place in Chambers or in a deliberation room.

Each magistrate has their own office suite with clerks and conference rooms. The magistrates share administrative and research staff. They have priority access to the State Judiciary Library maintained by the Judicial Assistancy, the independent agency which administers the national judicial service in Ventora. The Judicial Assistancy provides much of the staff and support services for the State Supreme Court. The Gendarmerie provides protective services for the magistrates and the Palace of Justice.

Jurisdiction
The State Supreme Court has to hear matters regarding allegations of treason or espionage by the regent, governor general, or any of the commissioners. The court also has discretion to exercise original jurisdiction in matters between duchies if it so chooses.

All other matters heard before the court come as decisions on appeal from a national high court or the senior court in a ducal judiciary. The State Supreme Court may decline to hear any proceeding on appeal in which case the lower court's rendering stands. Traditionally, the State Supreme Court limits its docket to questions of national significance or concerning the meaning of the Fundamental Law or certain s.

While other courts may interpret the Fundamental Law, their decisions do not establish any formal legal precedent. On the other hand State Supreme Court opinions concerning the meaning of portions the Fundamental Law have a legal basis. They may be applicable in future legal considerations. The State Supreme Court may also take the decision to invalidate all or portions of laws it finds inconsistent with the language and intent of Fundamental Law.