Applications accepted for Haston’s position
|
According to Lisa Hazlett of the Administrative Office of the Courts, the judgeship is open from May 1 to Aug. 31. The newly elected judge will take office Sept. 1.
Judge Haston recently announced he will step down midway through his term. A public election will be held Aug. 1, along with the regular general election, with the winner to serve the remaining four years of Haston’s unexpired term.
Hazlett said until that time, a judge will be needed for the four-month period to keep court dockets from backing up. Prior to the appointment of the interim judge by the governor, the state will provide a special judge or judges from a pool of sitting and senior judges.
Any attorney in good standing from the 31st Judicial District may apply for the interim judgeship so long as their questionnaire is received by the administrative court office by 4:30 p.m. April 22. The applications will then be reviewed by the Judicial Selection Committee and a public hearing held before recommendations are made to Gov. Don Sundquist.
Three applicants will be chosen from the applicant list to be submitted to the governor. The governor may then pick one of the names or reject them all and ask for a fresh list of candidates.
There is an outside chance the governor may make no choice, thereby leaving a special judge to fill the interim period; however, the governor normally chooses to make an appointment. If an attorney is chosen for the interim role, he or she may also run for the judgeship provided he or she qualifies by the May 16 deadline to get on the ballot.
In addition to receiving applications by mail, attorneys may obtain the applications online by accessing the administrative office’s website at http://www.-tsc.state.tn.us.
According to administrative office press officer Sue Allison, the public will be kept abreast of the selection process. The date for the public hearing has not been set.