New Mexico Court of Appeals



The New Mexico Court of Appeals (in case citation, N.M. Ct. App.) is the intermediate-level appellate court for the state of New Mexico.

History
The court of appeals was created by a constitutional amendment submitted to the electorate in a special election held on September 28, 1965. The original enabling legislation established a court consisting of four judges. The court was expanded to five judges in 1972 and seven judges in 1978. In 1991, it was again expanded to ten judges, where it remains today.

Jurisdiction
The court has general appellate jurisdiction over the state district courts and certain state agencies. The only exceptions to this grant of jurisdiction are:


 * criminal cases in which the death penalty or life imprisonment is sought,
 * Appeals from the Public Regulation Commission, and
 * Cases involving the writ of habeas corpus.

These cases are directly reviewed by the New Mexico Supreme Court.

Composition
Ten judges sit on the court, each with their own paralegal and law clerk. However, the Court is moving towards a two-law clerk system.