NC H1398

Changes the method for designating the senior resident superior court judge in multi-judge districts from automatic seniority-based selection to discretionary appointment by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

The Chief Justice must consider seniority, experience, and management competence when appointing senior resident superior court judges and must consult with resident superior court judges, district court judges, district bar members, court clerks, district attorneys, and public defenders.

In single-judge districts, the sole regular resident superior court judge automatically serves as the senior resident superior court judge.

Senior resident superior court judges appointed under the new system serve at the pleasure of the Chief Justice and may be removed from the position.

Senior resident superior court judges serving in multi-judge districts on October 1, 2010 continue to serve until they vacate their judicial seat, with the new appointment process applying to subsequent vacancies.