Tuesday, June 8, 2021
About this Event
The Indiana Judicial Nominating Commission has selected Hon. Mark K. Dudley, Derek R. Molter, and Hon. Heather A. Welch as the three nominees for the upcoming vacancy on the Court of Appeals of Indiana District Two. Chief Justice Rush, on behalf of the Commission, will submit a report to Governor Eric Holcomb in the upcoming days. After officially receiving the list of nominees, the Governor has 60 days to make his selection.
On May 13-14, the Commission conducted interviews of 23 applicants and named 12 as finalists. The finalists were interviewed in person for a second time on June 8. After deliberating in an executive session, the Commission publicly voted to send the three nominees to the Governor. The Commission considered applicants' legal education, writings, reputation in the practice of law, and other pertinent information. Applications and information about the vacancy can be found online.
According to the Indiana Constitution and state statute, the seven-member Judicial Nominating Commission must recruit and select candidates to fill vacancies on Indiana appellate courts. The position on the Court of Appeals comes with the fall retirement of Judge James S. Kirsch.