§ 33-33-45-35 — Nominees; requirements of commission

In selecting the five (5) nominees to be
submitted to the governor, the commission shall comply with the
following requirements:
(1) The commission shall submit only the names of the five (5)
most highly qualified candidates from among all those eligible
individuals considered. To be eligible for nomination as a judge
of the superior court of Lake County, a person must be domiciled
in the county of Lake, a citizen of the United States, and admitted
to the practice of law in Indiana.
(2) In abiding by the mandate in subdivision (1), the commission
shall evaluate in writing each eligible individual on the following
factors:
(A) Law school record, including any academic honors and
achievements.
(B) Contribution to scholarly journals and publications,
legislative drafting, and legal briefs.
(C) Activities in public service, including:
(i) writings and speeches concerning public or civic affairs
that are on public record, including but not limited to
campaign speeches or writings, letters to newspapers, and
testimony before public agencies;
(ii) government service;
(iii) efforts and achievements in improving the administration
of justice; and
(iv) other conduct relating to the individual's profession.
(D) Legal experience, including the number of years of
practicing law, the kind of practice involved, and reputation as
a trial lawyer or judge.
(E) Probable judicial temperament.
(F) Physical condition, including age, stamina, and possible
habitual intemperance.
(G) Personality traits, including the exercise of sound judgment,
ability to compromise and conciliate, patience, decisiveness,
and dedication.
(H) Membership on boards of directors, financial interests, and
any other consideration that might create conflict of interest
with a judicial office.
(I) Any other pertinent information that the commission feels is
important in selecting the best qualified individuals for judicial
office.
(3) These written evaluations shall not be made on an individual
until the individual states in writing that the individual desires to
hold a judicial office that is or will be created by vacancy.
(4) The political affiliations of any candidate may not be
considered by the commission in evaluating and determining
which eligible candidates shall be recommended to the governor
for a vacancy on the superior court of Lake County.
(5) In determining which eligible candidates are recommended to
the governor, the commission shall consider that racial and gender
diversity enhances the quality of the judiciary.
[Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-36.]

Legislative History

As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.204-2021, SEC.8.