They are either elected or appointed, depending on the how the state selects its judges, and the level of the court. There are advantages and disadvantages to both these systems.

A judge who runs for election is likely to feel responsible to the public whose lives are directly affected by court decisions, and less likely to be swayed by the power of a Governor who has appointed him. Because an elected judge will sometimes make decisions based on the popular opinions of voters, appointed judges are often more qualified than elected ones.