Sec. 35. 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 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.]

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