Judicial changes proposed at Legislature
by admin on 25/02/10 at 7:30 am
The Associated Press
By Lawrence Messina
February 24, 2010
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — From revamping Supreme Court elections to raising the bar for county magistrates, West Virginia lawmakers are advancing a number of proposals this session to change the state’s judicial branch.
The House of Delegates unanimously passed one bill Wednesday that would allow for special courts in the state’s larger judicial circuits to handle complicated business disputes.
Speaker Richard Thompson has championed the concept as attractive to employers.
“In the 15 states that have business courts, there has been a very positive response from the business community,” the Wayne County Democrat said in a statement. “Such business courts are best suited for complex commercial cases, which can then be better managed and mediated.”
A study of the state’s judiciary commissioned by Gov. Joe Manchin had touted possible benefits from such courts, while recommending further review in its November report.
That report also proposed creating a committee to recommend appointees whenever the governor must fill an open court seat. The House voted 90-8 to create an eight-member Judicial Vacancy Advisory Commission, making permanent an informal practice by Manchin and some of his recent predecessors.
