Oklahoma Supreme Court Strikes Down Business Courts

Court Rules Against Business Court Creation

The Oklahoma Supreme Court has struck down one of Governor Kevin Stitt’s signature legislative achievements — the creation of specialized Business Courts.

The decision followed months of legal review. Justices ruled the law unconstitutional because judges appointed to the new courts would not be elected, violating the state’s founding principle that judicial officers must be chosen by voters or through constitutionally established means.

Governor Defends Original Vision

Governor Stitt had promoted the business courts as a way to streamline complex commercial litigation and attract more investment to Oklahoma. Supporters argued that quicker resolution of disputes would strengthen the state’s business climate.

Opponents, however, warned that giving the governor power to appoint judges undermines judicial independence. The court agreed, stating that legislators exceeded their constitutional authority by creating a new judicial framework outside existing law.

The ruling effectively ends the program before it began and signals that any similar plan would require a constitutional amendment or voter approval.

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