The Text

The court of claims is continued and shall be a court of record. It shall consist of the three judges now in office, who shall hold their offices until the expiration of their respective terms, and their successors who shall be appointed by the governor by and with the advice and consent of the senate and who shall hold office for nine years. The legislature may further increase the number of judges of the court of claims by permanent or temporary appointment but not to exceed five in all. The additional judges heretofore appointed shall continue to serve until the first day of January, one thousand nine hundred and eighteen, or such earlier date as shall be determined pursuant to law. The court shall have power to appoint and remove a clerk and such court stenographers and attendants as the legislature may provide. The judges shall continue to receive from the state their present compensation and allowances until the legislature shall otherwise provide. The court shall have the jurisdiction now exercised by it and such additional jurisdiction to hear and determine claims against the state or between conflicting claimants as the legislature may provide. The judges of the court may separately take testimony in relation to any claim, but no award shall be made except by a majority of the whole court. The court may establish rules to govern its own procedure.