Supreme Court
Who We
Are
The Delaware Supreme Court is the highest court in the State of Delaware. The Court has final appellate jurisdiction in criminal cases in which the sentence exceeds certain minimums, in civil cases as to final judgments and for certain other orders of the Court of Chancery, the Superior Court, and the Family Court. The Supreme Court has discretionary jurisdiction to issue writs of prohibition, quo warranto, certiorari, mandamus or to accept appeals of certain non-final orders or certified questions.
Supreme Court
News
January 5, 2026
Supreme Court Justice Karen L. Valihura to step down in July
Justice Karen L. Valihura has informed Gov. Matt Meyer that she does not intend to seek reappointment to the Delaware Supreme Court when her term expires in July. “After a great deal of thought, I have decided that I will not apply for a second term,” wrote Justice Valihura. “For me, being a Justice on our State’s Supreme Court has been the highest honor and privilege. And I have the great satisfaction of knowing that I have given ‘my all’ to the call of justice and to the goal of completing my full twelve-year term.” She intends to continue her legal career in another phase “to continue to serve the public.”
October 20, 2025
The Delaware Supreme Court to temporarily move oral arguments to Kent County Courthouse during courthouse renovation and repairs
Starting this week, the Delaware Supreme Court will hear oral arguments at the Kent County Courthouse in Dover, Delaware. The move to Courtroom 1 in the adjacent courthouse is required due to interior renovations and exterior repair work at the Delaware Supreme Court building on the Green in Dover. The temporary move is expected to last several months. Attorneys scheduled to appear before the Court should check with the Court Clerk for updates.
September 9, 2025
Chief Justice Seitz and Vice Chancellor Laster speak to directors and the Taiwan Bench and Bar about corporate governance issues
Delaware Supreme Court Chief Justice Collins J. Seitz, Jr. and Vice Chancellor J. Travis Laster traveled to Taiwan to speak to corporate directors and Taiwan’s legal community about emerging issues in corporate governance, corporate law and the role of the Delaware courts in resolving business disputes. The visit continues a 20-year tradition of international exchange with Taiwan.
Arms of the
Supreme Court
Board of Bar Examiners
Considers applications for admission and results of examinations for admissions to the Delaware State Bar.
The Delaware Bar Examination will consist of the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), two Multistate Performance Tests (MPT) and four essay questions on such subjects as listed in Board Rule 12. In addition the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) is required (see Board Rule 8 for time restriction).
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Commission on Continuing Legal Education
This commission regulates legal education compliance for members of the Delaware State Bar Commission on Continuing Legal Education. In addition, the Commission reviews and processes CLE providers` applications for program approval.
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Lawyers Fund for Client Protection
The Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection is a fund created by the Delaware Supreme Court to provide monetary relief to clients who have suffered financial losses as a result of the dishonest conduct of lawyers. While acts of attorney dishonesty are the exceptions and not the rule, the Fund was established to show the good faith of all members of the Delaware Bar.
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Office of Disciplinary Counsel
The Office of Disciplinary Counsel ("ODC") is an Arm of the Supreme Court of Delaware, which assists the Court in regulating the practice of law. In this capacity, the ODC is charged with evaluating, investigating, and, if warranted, prosecuting lawyer misconduct. All complaints regarding a Delaware lawyer's conduct should be directed to the ODC.
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Commission on Law & Technology
The Commission was created to develop and publish guidelines and best practices regarding the use of technology and the practice of law. The Commission was created by Order of the Supreme Court on July 1, 2013, and became effective on September 15, 2013. The Delaware Supreme Court then re-established and re-focused the commission by order on Nov. 27, 2023. The Commission is composed of members who are appointed by the Court and serve three year terms.
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