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District court vacancy to be filled

By Staff | Apr 28, 2017

Last week the N.D. Supreme Court issued an order saying the vacant Northeast Judicial District Court chamber in Rugby will be filled.

The chamber was vacated when former judge John C. McClintock, Jr., retired effective April 14 due to health reasons.

According to Chapter 27-25 of the N.D. Century Code, the process to fill the judgeship in Rugby begins with the creation of a six-person nomination committee. The committee submits a list of no less than two and no more than seven nominees to Gov. Doug Burgum for appointment. Within 30 days of receiving the list of nominees, the governor can choose to fill the vacancy by appointment or return the list of nominees to the committee and direct them to reconvene.

The governor can also call for a special election to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term. If the special election is called within 81 days of a general election, the special and general elections must be held at the same time.

Pierce County State’s Attorney Galen Mack said he was “pleased” the N.D. Supreme Court made the “appropriate” decision to fill the Rugby court chamber.

– Tribune Staff Report