Governor Hassan Creates Judicial Selection Commission by Executive Order

Governor Maggie Hassan signed an executive order establishing a judicial selection commission to advise her in filling vacancies on the state's courts. Hassan is the third New Hampshire governor to create such an entity. The first was Governor Jeanne Shaheen in 2000, a response at least in part to the impeachment of a supreme court justice. Hassan has appointed eleven members to the bipartisan commission, including three non-attorneys. Judicial appointments must be confirmed by a five-member executive council. New Hampshire is one of four states whose constitutions call for gubernatorial appointment of all judges, but whose governors have established a nominating commission by executive order to recommend well-qualified candidates.