Oregon's judicial branch of government deliberates on civil, criminal and constitutional issues. Oregon judges review the actions of the executive and legislative branches of government for compliance with the Oregon Constitution.

Oregon state courts include the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Tax Court, and 36 circuit courts in 27 judicial districts. These state courts are part of the Oregon Judicial Department.

The Chief Justice of the Oregon Supreme Court is the administrative head and chief executive officer of the Oregon Judicial Department. The Chief Justice supervises the state court system, makes rules and issues orders to carry out the duties of the office, appoints the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals and the presiding judges of the state trial courts, adopts rules that establish procedures for all state courts, and supervises the statewide fiscal plan and budget for all state courts.