Sec. 40. In selecting the three (3) 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 three (3) most highly qualified candidates from among all those eligible individuals considered. To be eligible for nomination as a judge of the Allen superior court, a person must meet the qualifications listed in section 10 of this chapter.

(2) As an aid in choosing the three (3) most qualified candidates, the commission shall in writing evaluate each eligible individual it considers on the following factors:

(A) Law school record, including any academic honors and achievements.

(B) Contributions to scholarly journals and publications, legislative draftings, and legal briefs.

(C) Activities in public service, including:

(i) writings and speeches concerning public or civic affairs that are on public record, including campaign speeches or writing, 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 candidate's profession.

(D) Legal experience, including the number of years 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) An individual may not be evaluated before the individual states in writing that the individual desires to hold a judicial office that is or will be created by a vacancy.

(4) The political affiliations of a candidate may not be considered.

[Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-5.1-38.1.]

As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12.