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CHARLESTON, W. Va.–State Supreme Court Chief Justice Evan Jenkins says a new 20-member advisory committee created in connection with the establishment of an Intermediate Court of Appeals in West Virginia will play a key role between now and when the new court begins on July 1.
Jenkins said the new law creating the court doesn’t call specifically for the advisory panel but it does give the Supreme Court the latitude to form one and that’s what Jenkins did recently.
He reached out to various stakeholder groups. They’ll end up with a 20-member committee.
Jenkins said a lot has already been done to create the Intermediate Court and there’s a lot to be done. He said he doesn’t want there to be any surprises.
“We want to make sure that they (advisory panel) be not only made aware of it (what’s been done) but have an opportunity to provide feedback and thought,” Jenkins said.
According to the Supreme Court’s recent announcement, “The Intermediate Court of Appeals Advisory Council will be made up of at least twenty appointees, including attorneys, judges, and representatives from the other two branches of government. The Chief Justice will extend an invitation to each of the designated organizations mentioned in the order, providing an opportunity to submit one or more recommendations of individuals to be considered for appointment to the advisory council.”
“I wanted to make sure and the Court wanted to make sure that all of the views and all of the perspectives are put on the table to fulfill our commitment to make sure the new Intermediate Court of Appeals is the best possible,” Jenkins said.
Jenkins told MetroNews in August there were many issues still under discussion for the new Court including personnel policies and where the court will operate.
“Will this be primarily situated in Charleston? How can we use the new technologies that have been really invested in over the past year and a half with COVID? How can we make sure this court is accessible and easy to interact with?” he said. “Because it will have statewide jurisdiction, and we want to make sure that people from the panhandles and any part of West Virginia can interact with the Intermediate Court of Appeals efficiently.”
Meanwhile, the governor’s judicial vacancy group has approved an application in connection with Gov. Justice’s pending appointments of the first three judges on the court. The application period ends Oct. 11.