Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals

The Court of Criminal Appeals is one of Oklahoma’s three appellate courts, along with the Supreme Court and Court of Civil Appeals. An appellate court hears appeals from lower court decisions.

The Court of Criminal Appeals is the only appellate court with jurisdiction over criminal cases and thus serves as the final court of appeal for criminal matters. The Court of Criminal Appeals hears appeals from district court decisions. The Court of Criminal Appeals was created by statute in 1918 and currently has five members, with Judge Scott Rowland currently serving as Presiding Judge. Justice candidates are  appointed by the Governor from a list of three candidates selected by the Judicial Nominating Commission. Justices are up for a retention election every six years.