The state Judicial Selection Commission will meet May 1 in McMinnville for a public hearing and to interview applicants hoping to succeed retiring Circuit Court Judge Charles Haston in the 31st Judicial District, including Van Buren and Warren counties. The meeting, beginning at 9 a.m., will be in the Tennessee Room at the Holiday Inn Express, 809 Sparta Street. During the public hearing portion of the meeting, the 17-member commission will consider written and oral comments concerning applicants, who also may address the members.
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 by the end of the business day April 22.
Under state law, the Judicial Selection Commission will submit three names to Gov. Don Sundquist, who may appoint one of the recommended applicants. 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, said Cornelia Clark, administrative director of the courts. She said Haston also will conclude some cases after May 1.