Seal of The State Bar of California

Frequently Asked Questions: Judicial Nominees Evaluation

What is the Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation? What is the role of the JNE Commission? What, if any, information on a candidate can the State Bar release and when can it do so? Can the JNE Commission nominate or appoint judges? How many members serve on the JNE Commission? How are they appointed? When was JNE established? Who handled its function before its existence? How long is the evaluation process? What are the qualities and attributes considered by the JNE Commission in the evaluation process? What are the ratings? Can the Governor appoint a candidate whom the JNE Commission finds not qualified? Can a candidate request review of a not qualified rating? What percent of candidates have been found not qualified? How many JNE Commission members are assigned to investigate a candidate? What does the JNE Commission do to gather information about a proposed candidate? Is the candidate given an opportunity to refute and/or respond to any negative comments received by the investigating commissioners? Does the JNE Commission interview the candidates in person?