Amendment 80, Â§16 describes the qualifications for an Arkansas Supreme Court justice: 1  A justice of the Supreme Court shall be a licensed attorney for at least eight years immediately preceding the date of assuming office. 2  The justices of the Supreme Court shall be elected by the qualified electors of the State and shall serve eight-year terms. The seven Arkansas Supreme Court justices are elected in statewide non-partisan races, and serve staggered terms, such that it is unlikely all members of the court would be replaced in one election. In the event a member of the court fails to serve the entire term of office, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the governor of Arkansas.