Court tileNASHVILLE -- Tennessee officials announced today they are extending the application process for the pending Criminal Court vacancy in the state's 9th Judicial District, which includes Loudon, Meigs, Morgan and Roane counties.
So far, just two attorneys have applied to the Governor's Council for Judicial Appointments for the vacancy, created by Judge E. Eugene Eblen's plan to retire effective Dec. 31. The new deadline is noon on Sept. 8.
Under Gov. Bill Haslam's Executive Order No. 41, which created and governs the appointments council, the panel must forward three names to the governor for his consideration.
Typically, the council interviews and screens more than three attorneys and forwards three nominees to the governor.
Beginning at 9 a.m. on Sept. 25, the council will interview qualified applicants in the Raider Room at Roane State Community College in Harriman. The public meeting will include a hearing during which the public may express objections to any applicant.
Applicants must be licensed attorneys who are at least 30 years old, lived in the state for five years and be a resident of the 9th Judicial District.
The application is available at www.TNCourts.gov. Additional information can be found at www.tncourts.gov/administration/judicial-resources