New Mexico Supreme Court announces new term

The New Mexico Supreme Court on Tuesday announced its next term will begin on Sept. 4 and will include 45 cases, as well as any necessary expedited appeals.

According to a news release, the court’s first cases will include a challenge to the state Public Regulation Commission’s approval of Public Service Company of New Mexico’s plan to install smart meters for its electric customers (New Mexicans for Utility Safety v. N.M. Public Regulation Commission); an appeal in a medical malpractice case involving the state Superintendent of Insurance’s refusal to pay court-approved settlements from a state fund (Murphy v. N.M. Superintendent of Insurance); and a state appeal of the dismissal of a criminal case in which a defendant was committed for treatment in order to attempt restoring competency in order to stand trial (State v. Carter).

The state Supreme Court, which completed its 2025-2026 term consisting of 65 cases in July, will hold oral arguments in September, October and December and will issue decisions for the forthcoming term on or before July 15, 2027. A schedule and livestream is available on the court’s website.

“The Court’s term system ensures a timely resolution of cases,” Chief Justice Julie J. Vargas said in a statement. “This benefits the parties in the case as well as trial courts, which may need to conduct further proceedings after legal issues are decided on appeal.”