In his remarks before a joint session of the General Assembly, Moyer proposed forming a commission to recommend alternatives for selecting judges on the courts of appeal and the Supreme Court. The Commission on Judicial Selection and Qualifications would be composed of representatives of the legislature, the governor's office, the chief justice, labor, business and interested civic organizations and the organized bar. The panel would report its recommendations by early next year. He proposed legislation requiring more frequent reporting of contributions to judicial campaigns. The chief justice also supports a measure that would require attorneys to practice law for at least 10 years before qualifying to become a judge.
Current law calls for six years.
The task force will be expected to develop uniform standards and financial accountability for the guardian ad litem programs across the state. Common Pleas Judge David Ellwood of Guernsey County will chair the nine-member panel. The chief justice asked for legislation aimed at curbing attorneys from pocketing insurance settlements intended for their clients. He said approximately 20 percent of the total compensation paid from the Clients' Security Fund resulted from a lawyer's theft of insurance settlement checks. Moyer requested legislation requiring insurance companies to notify clients that a settlement check for a claim has been sent to the attorney.