The Nebraska Supreme Court seats seven justices: Chief Justice Jeffrey J. Funke and six associate justices, one from each of the state’s Supreme Court judicial districts. Funke was elevated to Chief Justice in November 2024 after the retirement of Chief Justice Michael G. Heavican, who had served 18 years on the bench.1Nebraska Judicial Branch. Chief Justice Bids Farewell The Chief represents the state at large; each associate justice represents one of the six districts drawn by the Nebraska Constitution so that no single region dominates the court.2Nebraska Judicial Branch. Supreme Court Justices
The Seven Current Justices
- Chief Justice Jeffrey J. Funke, statewide, elevated November 2024
- Justice Stephanie F. Stacy, First District, serving since 2015
- Justice Derek R. Vaughn, Second District, appointed November 2025 after the retirement of Justice Lindsey Miller-Lerman3Nebraska Judicial Branch. Supreme Court Justice Lindsey Miller-Lerman to Retire End of October
- Justice William B. Cassel, Third District, serving since 2012
- Justice Jonathan J. Papik, Fourth District, serving since 2018
- Justice Jason M. Bergevin, Fifth District, appointed after Justice Funke’s elevation to Chief Justice
- Justice John R. Freudenberg, Sixth District, serving since 2018
How a Justice Reaches the Bench
Nebraska does not elect its Supreme Court justices in contested races. Vacancies are filled through merit selection, which begins with the Judicial Nominating Commission. The commission has eight voting members: four lawyers elected by the Nebraska State Bar Association and four non-lawyers appointed by the Governor, with a sitting Supreme Court justice chairing in a nonvoting role.4Nebraska Judicial Branch. Nebraska Supreme Court Rules – Section 1-602 Judicial Nominating Commission Members When a seat opens, the commission reviews applications, holds public hearings, and forwards at least two qualified names to the Governor.
The Governor then has 60 days to pick one of those finalists. If the Governor does not act in that window, the appointment power shifts to the Chief Justice, who chooses from the same list.5Nebraska Legislature. Nebraska State Constitution Article V-21 The new justice takes the bench right away and serves until the next retention election cycle.
How Justices Keep the Job
Nebraska justices face retention elections, not opponents. Voters answer yes or no on whether a justice should stay. The first retention vote comes at the first general election more than three years after the initial appointment. If voters approve, the justice serves a full six-year term, and the question returns to the ballot every six years after that.5Nebraska Legislature. Nebraska State Constitution Article V-21
Who votes depends on the seat. The Chief Justice is voted on statewide. Each associate justice appears only on the ballot in the judicial district they represent.5Nebraska Legislature. Nebraska State Constitution Article V-21 A justice who falls short of majority approval loses the seat, and the nominating commission begins the selection process again.
Who Can Serve
Article V, Section 7 of the Nebraska Constitution sets the baseline eligibility. A candidate must be at least 30 years old, a United States citizen, and a Nebraska resident for at least three years before selection. An associate justice must also be a resident and registered voter of the judicial district the seat represents.6Nebraska Legislature. Constitution of the State of Nebraska The constitution does not specify a minimum number of years in legal practice, though in practice the nominating commission advances only experienced attorneys.
Discipline Between Elections
Retention is not the only way a justice can lose the bench. Nebraska justices are bound by the Nebraska Revised Code of Judicial Conduct, and complaints are handled by the Judicial Qualifications Commission, which investigates any Nebraska judge, including members of the Supreme Court. Anyone can file.7Nebraska Judicial Branch. Judicial Discipline and Ethics Outcomes range from a private reprimand to a recommendation for removal, and the process runs on its own schedule rather than waiting for the next election.