§ 33-33-49-13.4 — Judicial selection committee nomination procedure

Indiana § 33-33-49-13.4

• Jurisdiction: Indiana
• Art. 33: COURT SYSTEM ORGANIZATION IN EACH
• Ch. 49: Marion County

Text

4. (a) When the committee learns that a
vacancy exists or will exist on the court, the committee shall nominate
three (3) candidates to the governor to fill the vacancy in accordance
with this section.
(b) In making a nomination under this section or a recommendation
concerning retention under section 13.7 of this chapter, the committee
shall consider the following factors with respect to a candidate:
(1) Law school record, including any academic honors and
achievements.
(2) Contribution to scholarly journals and publications, legislative
drafting, and legal briefs.
(3) Activities in public service, including:
(A) writings and speeches concerning public or civic affairs
that are on public record, including but not limited to campaign
speeches or writing, letters to newspapers, and testimony before
public agencies;
(B) efforts and achievements in improving the administration
of justice; and
(C) other conduct relating to the individual's profession.
(4) Whether the candidate reflects the diversity and makeup of
Marion County.
(5) Legal experience, including the number of years of practicing
law, the kind of practice involved, and reputation as a trial lawyer
or judge.
(6) Probable judicial temperament.
(7) Personality traits, including the exercise of sound judgment,
ability to compromise and conciliate, patience, decisiveness, and
dedication.
(8) Membership on boards of directors, financial interest, and any
other consideration that might create conflict of interest with a
judicial office.
(9) Any other pertinent information that the committee feels is
important in selecting the best qualified individuals for judicial
office.
(c) As soon as practicable after the committee learns of a vacancy,
the committee shall publicly announce that it is accepting applications
from persons wishing to fill the vacancy. The committee shall
determine the form and content of the application, establish a timetable
for nominations, and schedule one (1) or more hearings to interview
qualified applicants and select nominees to fill the vacancy. To the
extent practicable, the committee shall endeavor to interview as many
qualified applicants as possible. However, if a large number of
applicants have applied to fill a vacancy, the committee may limit itself
to interviewing only the most qualified applicants. The committee may
conduct multiple interviews. At the conclusion of the interview
process, the committee shall nominate the three (3) most qualified
candidates and forward their names to the governor, who shall, not later
than sixty (60) days after the names of the candidates have been
forwarded, appoint one (1) of the nominees as judge. If the governor
does not make an appointment within the sixty (60) day period
described in this subsection, the chairperson of the committee shall
appoint one (1) of the nominees as judge.
(d) In no event may more than fifty-two percent (52%) of the judges
serving on the Marion superior court be members of the same political
party.

Legislative History

As added by P.L.245-2017, SEC.11.