The following is a press release issued today by Governor Joe Manchin's office:
June 15, 2009
GOVERNOR MAKES APPOINTMENTS TO INDEPENDENT JUDICIAL REFORM COMMISSION
The Honorable Sandra Day O’Connor to serve as Honorary Chairwoman
Contact: Sara Payne Scarbro, 304-558-2000
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gov. Joe Manchin today announced his appointments to the Independent Commission on Judicial Reform, including the Honorable Sandra Day O’Connor, retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice, to serve as the Honorary Chairwoman.
“We are truly honored that Justice Sandra Day O’Connor has accepted my invitation to serve as the Honorary Chairwoman of this important commission,” Gov. Joe Manchin said. “She brings special expertise and a wealth of knowledge to this panel.”
The nine-member commission will be chaired by Carte Goodwin, former general counsel for Gov. Joe Manchin and currently an attorney at Goodwin & Goodwin. Other members include: Joyce McConnell, Dean of West Virginia College of Law; Sandra Chapman, President West Virginia State Bar; Thomas Heywood, Esq.; Marvin Masters, Esq. ; Mary McQueen, President National Center for State Courts; Andy MacQueen, Esq.; John McCuskey, Esq.; and, Caprice Roberts, Associate Dean West Virginia University College of Law.
“This Independent Commission on Judicial Reform is charged with evaluating West Virginia’s judicial system and its current practices,” the governor added. “All of the appointees are extremely qualified to serve on this commission, and I look forward to reviewing their findings and presenting them to the Legislature.”
The Commission will study the need for judicial reforms, such as, but not limited to: adopting a merit-based system of judicial selection, enacting judicial campaign finance reforms or reporting requirements, creating an intermediate court of appeals, proposing constitutional amendments or establishing a court of chancery.
The commission’s findings will be presented to the governor by Nov. 15, 2009.
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