1901:
In order to help ease a large backlog of cases, the state legislature authorized Governor Rogers to appoint two new justices on a temporary basis. The only requirement for the appointments was that they be one from each of the major parties.
1905:
Rather than authorize the governor to appoint temporary justices as before, this time the legislature asked Governor Mead to appoint two new permanent justices. This brought the total number of justices to seven.
1909:
The legislature would act again to allow Governor Hay to add two more permanent positions. This brought the total number to nine, where it has since remained.
