The governor is seeking applications for five vacancies on the Commission on Appellate Court Appointments. All vacancies are for non-attorney members of the public. Applications will be accepted until Dec. 12.
The commission is responsible for recommending to the governor new judges and justices for the Arizona Court of Appeals and the Arizona Supreme Court. The commission, led by the supreme court’s chief justice, is composed of five attorneys and 10 non-attorneys. Members serve four-year terms and must be confirmed by the senate.
The Arizona Constitution requires non-attorney members to meet the following criteria:
* Members have lived in Arizona for at least five years.
* Members cannot be judges, retired judges or admitted to practice before the Supreme Court.
* Members must not hold any governmental office, elected or appointed, for profit.
* Members must have been registered with the same political party, or as an independent, for at least two continuous years immediately preceding appointment.
The Arizona Constitution also prohibits having more than two non-attorney commission members from the same county. The commission currently has two members from Pinal County and is not accepting applications from Pinal County residents at this time. Law also requires the commission to be politically balanced; currently, candidates of all political affiliations may apply.
Arizonans interested in applying may do so online. Call the Governor’s Office of Boards and Commissions at (602) 542-2449 or (800) 253-0883 for an application by mail.
