THE STATE OF GEORGIA

EXECUTIVE ORDER

BY THE GOVERNOR:

WHEREAS:

WHEREAS:

WHEREAS:

WHEREAS:

WHEREAS:

ORDERED:

ORDERED:

The quality of our system of administering justice is determined by the quality of
the judicial officers elected and appointed to serve within our judicial system; and

It is the responsibility and the duty of the Governor under Article VI, Section VII,
Paragraph III, of the Georgia Constitution to appoint duly qualified persons to fill
vacancies in the courts arising during the Governor’s term of office; and

It is essential that the Governor fills judicial vacancies with men and women of
the highest capacity whom by temperament, ability and integrity will freely,
impartially, and independently interpret the law and administer justice; and

Judicial candidates demonstrating excellence should be drawn from a cross-
section of our community, reflecting the diversity of our citizenry; and

A non-partisan, non—political judicial nominating commission composed of
outstanding lawyers and laypersons in aid to the discretion reposed in the
Governor, drawn from all quarters of the State and a cross—section of its diverse
population best ensures the highest quality of judicial appointments.

NOW, THEREFORE, BY VIRTUE OF THE POWER VESTED IN ME AS GOVERNOR
OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA, IT IS HEREBY

That there is created the Judicial Nominating Commission for the State of
Georgia. The Commission shall make nominations to fill vacancies on all courts
of record in the State.

IT IS FURTHER

That the Commission shall consist of members that have demonstrable
knowledge of the judicial system and experience in the needs and operation of
Georgia courts. Members who are members of the Bar shall have appropriate
experience relevant with the courts as former judges, former magistrates, trial
counsel, government counsel, or corporate counsel and shall be members of
the State Bar of Georgia in good standing. Members who are not members of the
Bar shall be familiar with the attributes that best qualify a person for
appointment as a judicial officer.