Source:  Press Release, 4/5/11

Gov. Bev Perdue today signed Executive Order 86 which establishes the North Carolina Judicial Nominating Commission, a non-partisan advisory group that will seek and identify qualified candidates to fill statewide judicial vacancies. The governor was joined by Former Chief Justices James Exum, Henry Frye, I. Beverly Lake and Burley Mitchell at a signing ceremony today in the Capitol.
The governor’s action is one more step towards her goal of setting government straight and bringing more transparency and accountability to state government services.

Starting July 1, when a vacancy occurs in certain state judicial offices, the Judicial Nominating Commission will nominate three qualified applicants, and the governor will appoint one to the open position.
“The people appointed as judges arguably have more impact on the lives of North Carolinians, day in and day out, than any other position filled by appointment,” said Perdue. “It is crucial that the people of North Carolina know those selected to serve on the bench are not only well qualified and fair, but also well respected by their peers and communities. There is no place for politics when it comes to choosing the state’s most honored and influential legal servants.”

The executive order requires the Commission to publicize and recruit qualified candidates; consider diversity, gender, ethnicity, geography and professional experience; and hold public hearings to receive input from the people of North Carolina.

“We applaud Governor Perdue for her commitment to seeking input from the legal and non-legal community in the appointment of judges to fill vacancies in the court,” said Damon Circosta, executive director of the N.C. Center for Voter Education. “By allowing for a wide variety of voices in the selection process, the nominating commission can help ensure that North Carolina has a well-qualified, fair and diverse judiciary.”

The Committee will recommend candidates for the offices of Chief Justice and Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Judge of the Court of Appeals, and Judge of the Superior Court.

The governor will appoint eight attorneys, eight non-attorneys and two that can be either. Former Chief Justices will serve in an advisory capacity, but can also be appointed as voting members of Commission.