Earlier this month, Shaheen said she would study judicial appointment practices in other states with an eye toward reforming the practice in New Hampshire, the only state that didn't filter judicial candidates through a screening commission, the legislature or elections. At a press conference yesterday, Shaheen said the commission, which resembles judge selection bodies in Vermont and Maine, would help restore faith in the judiciary by searching widely for the best talent possible. More significantly, Supreme Court Chief Justice David Brock is facing possible impeachment proceedings, and Supreme Court Justice Sherman Horton could retire as early as next week. Shaheen established the commission by executive order. Changing the judicial selection process would otherwise require a constitutional amendment.
Commissioners can serve no more than two consecutive three-year terms.
The governor can reject a pool of candidates and ask the commission for a new list, but the order binds her to choosing judges recommended by the panel. The commission's short list will not be made public. Richard Hesse, acting dean of the Franklin Pierce Law Center , said Shaheen's move was a step toward ensuring a fairer appointment process. Appearing with Shaheen at the announcement was Kate Hanna, a Manchester lawyer who will serve as the commission's chairwoman. Before she became a lawyer, Hanna was a member of the House who in 1975 sponsored a bill to establish a similar judicial selection commission.