The pursuit of justice in Arizona's courtrooms is a much-watched tableau where the actors may soon change; the Commission on Appellate Court Appointments has put out the call for public input on the selection of new judges for two vacancies in the Arizona Court of Appeals Division One.
The vacancies arise following the departure of Hon. Jennifer B. Campbell through retirement and Hon. Maria Elena Cruz, following her appointment to the Arizona Supreme Court, shining a spotlight on a diversified roster of candidates that include Andrew J. Becke, Kimberly A. Cromwell, Veronika Fabian, Eliza Beth Johnson, Michael D. Latham, Michael P. McGill, John D. Napper, and Danalyn E. Savage, each bringing their own legal acumen to the fore at a time when the public's voice can sway judicial choices.
According to the Arizona Court press release, residents of Arizona can review the applications and resumes of these candidates on the Commission's website before the formal interview process, ensuring transparency in proceedings that often seem shrouded in courthouse obscurity.
The Commission's meeting on March 20 will be open to the public, starting at 8:30 a.m. in the Arizona State Courts Building, with interviews broadcast in Conference Room 101. The agenda will be published at least seven days in advance on the Commission's website, allowing timely public participation in the decision-making process.
Public commentary isn't just accepted but encouraged - individuals can present their viewpoints at the meeting or submit written thoughts via email to [email protected], or snail mail addressed to 1501 W. Washington, Suite 221, Phoenix, AZ 85007, though for consideration, such musings must be received by March 17, and, importantly, anonymous remarks will not be weighed in the Commission's deliberations.
At the end of this evaluative corridor, Gov. Katie Hobbs will be presented with at least three nominees for each open seat, a selection forged through a synthesis of professional assessment and citizen deliberation, the outcome of which will chart the jurisprudential course for Arizona's appellate bench well into the future.
