The Constitution of the State of New Mexico provides for the qualifications and selection of district judges. To hold the office of district judge a person must be at least thirty-five years old and been in the actual practice of law at least six years preceding assumption of office. A district judge is initially appointed by the Governor of the State of New Mexico. The judge must stand for one partisan election. After that, each judge shall be subject to retention or rejection on a nonpartisan ballot. Retention of the judicial office shall require at least 57 percent of the vote cast on the question of retention or rejection. Each district judge shall be subject to retention or rejection at the general election every sixth year. Every judicial district has a chief judge selected by the judges of that district for a term of three years.

Jurisdiction

THE DISTRICT COURT is a court of general jurisdiction charged with the responsibility of adjudicating all felony offenses, all domestic relations matters, civil litigation, such as personal and property damage suits, probate matters, property actions, mental illness hearings, processing of all juveniles referred to the court, and other actions where citizens may seek judicial relief. The district court has supervisory control and appellate jurisdiction over inferior courts and tribunals.

Judges in the Fifth Judicial District serve in all three counties.

The district court is a court of record. All records are permanent.

Funding

The New Mexico Judicial System made up of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Administrative Office of the Courts, District Courts, Metropolitan Court and Magistrate Courts is funded by the State of New Mexico. By law, facilities are provided to the district courts by the counties.

The New Mexico Judicial System is a bargain. The entire judicial system budget accounts for only 2.25% of the total state budget.

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