If you are applying for judicial initial appointment, judicial reappointment or judicial elevation, an application and interview are required. The Judicial Selection Commission (JSC) decides whether to recommend you to the Governor. The next steps depend on whether you applied for an initial appointment, a judicial elevation, or a reappointment.
Steps after an interview for initial appointments and judicial elevations
If JSC recommends you:- We send your name and application to the Office of the Governor.
- During each legislative session, the Governor has the opportunity to nominate judges for appointment.
- You may be selected to meet with the Governor’s office. After that interview, you may be recommended for appointment.
- The Governor may also choose not to nominate you. In that case, your name remains on the list of qualified candidates until one of the following happens:
- You turn 70 years old
- You ask to have your name removed from the list
- You pass away
- If the Governor nominates you, the Connecticut General Assembly Judiciary Committee holds a public hearing and asks you questions.
- The Judiciary Committee votes to confirm the candidate’s appointment. If that vote is successful, both chambers of the legislature vote to approve the appointment.
- Once appointed by the legislature, the judge is sworn into office and begins an eight-year term.
If JSC does not recommend you:
You may apply again.
Steps after an interview for reappointment
If JSC recommends you for reappointment:- We send your name and application to the Office of the Governor.
- During the legislative session following your JSC interview, the Governor may nominate you to serve another eight-year term.
- The Connecticut General Assembly Judiciary Committee holds a public hearing and asks you questions.
- The Judiciary Committee votes to confirm your reappointment. If that vote is successful, both chambers of the legislature vote to approve your reappointment.
- Once reappointed by the legislature, you are sworn into office and begin another eight-year term.
Additional resources