Pennsylvania Justice Resigns Following Criminal Conviction

Facing sentencing for a corruption conviction and a house resolution calling for her impeachment, Justice Joan Orie Melvin announced her resignation, effective May 1. The vacancy could be filled in one of two ways: Governor Tom Corbett could appoint a new justice with senate confirmation, or Chief Justice Ronald Castille could tap a senior judge to fill the seat. Supporters of judicial selection reform are optimistic that these developments will lend momentum to efforts to move to merit selection of the state's appellate judges.