Attorneys hoping to become interim successor to retiring Circuit Court Judge Charles Haston in the 31st Judicial District, including Van Buren and Warren counties, must apply by the end of the business day April 22 to be considered, Cornelia Clark, administrative director of the courts, said Tuesday. Haston, a judge since 1974, announced he will retire effective May 1.
Voters will choose a permanent successor in the August general election to fill Haston's unexpired term ending Aug. 31, 2006. Applications to fill the interim judicial position are available from the Administrative Office of the Courts, 511 Union Street, Suite 600, Nashville 37219 or by calling Lisa Hazlett at 615-741-2687.
The original and 18 copies must be submitted to the commission through the Administrative Office of the Courts.
Under state law, the 17-member Judicial Selection Commission will meet within 60 days of the May 1 vacancy to conduct a public hearing and interview applicants for the interim appointment. The commission will submit three names to Gov. Don Sundquist, who may appoint one of the recommended applicants.
Clark said her office is working with the commission to set a meeting date which will be as soon as possible after May 1. The commission meeting and public hearing will be in McMinnville, she said.
"Anyone who wishes to serve the remaining four years of the unexpired term must file as a candidate for election, notwithstanding what happens in the appointment process," Clark said.
Chief Justice Frank Drowota, working with the Administrative Office of the Courts, will designate judges to hear cases in the 31st Judicial District from May 1 until the vacancy is filled, Clark said.(04/02/2002)