Rule 10.602. Selection and term of presiding judge

(a) Selection

(1) Courts with three or more judges

(2) Two-judge courts

(b) Requisite experience and waiver A presiding judge must have at least four years of experience as a judge, unless this requirement is waived by a majority vote of the judges of the court. Nomination and selection of a presiding judge should take into consideration the judge’s:

(1) Management and administrative ability;

(2) Interest in serving in the position;

(3) Experience and familiarity with a variety of trial court assignments;

(4) Ability to motivate and educate other judicial officers and court personnel;

(5) Ability to evaluate the strengths of the court’s bench officers and make assignments based on those strengths as well as the best interests of the public and the court; and

(6) Other appropriate factors.

(c) Term A presiding judge in a court with two judges must be elected for a term of not less than one year. A presiding judge in a court with three or more judges must be elected for an initial term of not less than two years. The presiding judge may be elected for additional terms. The court may change the duration of the initial or additional term by local rule or policy so long as the initial term is not less than the duration specified in this rule. A presiding judge may be removed by a majority vote of the judges of the court.

(d) Assistant presiding judge and acting presiding judge

(1) The court may elect an assistant presiding judge.

(2) If the court’s internal local rule or policy does not provide for the designation of an acting presiding judge to serve if the presiding judge is absent or unable to act, the presiding judge must designate one.

(3) The court should provide the assistant presiding judge with training to foster an orderly succession to the office of presiding judge.

(e) Caseload adjustment To the extent possible, the judicial caseload should be adjusted to provide the presiding judge with sufficient time and resources to devote to the management and administrative duties of the office.

Committee Notes

(Subd (a) amended effective January 1, 2007; previously amended effective January 1, 2005.)

(Subd (b) amended effective January 1, 2007; previously amended effective January 1, 2005.)

(Subd (c) amended effective January 1, 2007; previously amended effective January 1, 2005.)

(Subd (d) amended effective January 1, 2007; previously amended effective January 1, 2005.)