TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Allan Ramsaur on Apr 9, 2015

The Senate Judiciary Committee, which wrapped up work for the session last night, approved plans to implement the confirmation process for appellate judges and a plan to establish a Trial Court Vacancy Commission that would submit names to the governor to fill vacancies on trial courts. The confirmation process would include recommendations from committees in each house of the General Assembly and be followed by separate votes in each body. A rejection vote by both houses would be required to prevent the governor’s appointee from being confirmed. The selection panel for vacant trial court positions would run much like the judicial nominating commission that sunset in 2013. The governor would appoint from three nominees from the group appointed by the two speakers. The 17-member panel would include at least 10 lawyers. A copy of the draft amendment is believed to carry all of the material provisions.