Way cleared for newest Oklahoma Supreme Court justice to take the bench
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February 28, 2011
Oklahoma: On Tuesday, February 15, the Oklahoma Supreme Court issued a ruling striking down a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the state Judicial Nominating Commission. The issue began with Oklahoma City attorney Jerry Fent, who filed a lawsuit claiming that the commission was unconstitutional based on the fact that some of its members were chosen from congressional districts that are no longer in existence. The state Supreme Court, however, struck down this lawsuit with a ruling that said the validity of the commission's decisions are based on agreement by the majority of its members and not by any changes to the constitution.[1]
The lawsuit had threatened recent judicial appointments which could have been nullified had the Supreme Court ruled differently, however, the ruling guaranteed that these appointment remain valid. One important appointment that could have been affected was that of Noma Gurich, the newest appointee to the state Supreme Court. Gurich, who was sworn in later on the day of the ruling, has stated that it was her decision to wait to join the court until the lawsuit was resolved.[1][2]
See also
External links
- NewsOK.com "Ruling paves way for new Oklahoma Supreme Court justice," February 16, 2011
- World Capitol Bureau "State high court ruling opens door for next justice," February 15, 2011</ref>
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