Rule 16-702 - Conference of Circuit Judges(a) Existence; Membership; Terms. There is a Conference of Circuit Judges. The Conference consists of the Circuit Administrative Judge of each judicial circuit and one additional circuit court judge from each judicial circuit elected by the incumbent circuit court judges in that circuit. The elected members shall serve for a term of two years. If a vacancy occurs because an elected member resigns from the Conference, leaves judicial office, or is appointed to another judicial office, the incumbent circuit court judges in that judge's judicial circuit shall elect a replacement member to serve for the balance of the unexpired term.(b) Chair and Vice Chair. The Conference shall elect from its members a Chair and a Vice Chair. The election shall be held every two years, but an interim election shall be held if necessary because an incumbent chair or vice chair ceases to be a member of the Conference.(c) Meetings; Quorum. The Conference shall meet at least four times a year. A majority of the authorized members of the Conference shall constitute a quorum.(d) Duties.(1)Administration Policies. The Conference shall work collaboratively and in consultation with the Judicial Council in developing recommendations affecting the administration of the circuit courts, including: (A) programs and practices that will enhance the administration of justice in the circuit courts;(B) the level of operational and judicial resources for the circuit courts to be included in the Judiciary budget;(C) recommending, opposing, or commenting on legislation or Rules that may affect the circuit courts; and(D) the compensation and benefits for circuit court judges.(2)Consultants. With the approval of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the Conference may retain consultants in matters relating to the circuit courts.(3)Consultation With Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The Conference may nominate to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court circuit court judges for membership on committees and bodies of interest to the circuit courts.(4)Majority Vote. The Conference and the Executive Committee of the Conference each shall carry out its duties pursuant to a majority vote of its authorized membership.(e) Executive Committee.(1)Appointment; Authority The Conference may appoint an Executive Committee, which shall have the full authority of the Conference to act when the Conference is not in session. The actions of the Executive Committee shall be reported fully to the Conference at its next meeting.(2)Quorum. A majority of the authorized membership of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum.(3)Convening the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall convene at the call of the Conference Chair. In the absence of the Chair, the Vice Chair may convene the Executive Committee.(f) Conference Staff. The Administrative Office of the Courts shall serve as staff to the Conference and its Executive Committee. This Rule is derived from former Rule 16-108(2016).
Adopted June 6, 2016, eff. 7/1/2016; amended March 30, 2021, eff. 7/1/2021; amended April 21, 2023, eff. 4/1/2023.