At Brownstone Law, we specialize in appellate litigation, providing exceptional representation to clients navigating New Hampshire’s appellate court system. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to delivering meticulous and effective advocacy to achieve the best possible outcomes.
New Hampshire Appellate Court System Overview
Unlike many states, New Hampshire does not have an intermediate appellate court. The New Hampshire Supreme Court serves as the state’s sole appellate court, reviewing decisions from lower courts and addressing significant legal questions impacting the state. The court is composed of the Chief Justice and four Associate Justices, all of whom sit in Concord.
Caseload and Statistics
The New Hampshire Supreme Court manages a substantial caseload annually. For instance, in fiscal year 2004, the court had 346 pending and reinstated cases, received 898 new filings, and disposed of 721 cases. At the end of that year, 523 cases remained pending.
Rules of Appellate Procedure
Appeals in New Hampshire are governed by the Rules of the Supreme Court of the State of New Hampshire. These rules outline procedures for filing appeals, including timelines, formatting requirements for briefs, and guidelines for oral arguments. Adherence to these rules is essential for the successful progression of an appeal.
Process for Appealing a Case
- Notice of Appeal: File a notice of appeal with the clerk of the trial court within 30 days after the date on the clerk’s notice of the final decision or when the sentence was pronounced.
- Preparation of the Record: The appellant must ensure that the record on appeal, including transcripts and relevant documents, is prepared and transmitted to the Supreme Court.
- Briefs: The appellant submits an initial brief outlining legal arguments and alleged errors in the trial court’s decision. The appellee responds with their brief, and the appellant may file a reply brief if necessary.
- Oral Argument: In some cases, the court may schedule oral arguments, allowing attorneys to present their positions and answer justices’ questions.
- Decision: After reviewing the materials and arguments, the court issues a written opinion, which may affirm, reverse, or remand the case.
High-Profile Cases
The New Hampshire Supreme Court has presided over several notable cases:
- Blanchflower v. Blanchflower (2003): The court ruled that sexual relations between two females, one of whom is married, do not constitute adultery under New Hampshire law.
- Transgender Student Privacy Case (2024): The court upheld a ruling that protects the privacy of transgender and gender-nonconforming students, ensuring they can disclose their gender identity to their families when they are ready.
- Dartmouth Professors’ Murder Case (2024): The court considered the appeal of Robert Tulloch, who, as a teenager, was sentenced to life without parole for the 2001 murders of Dartmouth professors Half and Susanne Zantop.
Contact Information
New Hampshire Supreme Court
- Address: 1 Charles Doe Drive, Concord, NH 03301
- Phone: (603) 271-2646
- Website: New Hampshire Supreme Court
- Coordinates: 43.2201° N, 71.5493° W
Brownstone Law: Your Appellate Advocates
At Brownstone Law, we are dedicated to guiding clients through the complexities of the appellate process in New Hampshire. Our team of experienced attorneys is committed to providing exceptional representation, ensuring that your case is presented with the utmost precision and expertise.
