Confirmation Hearing for Justice Kennard Set
The state Judicial Appointments Commission will hold a confirmation hearing April 5 in Los Angeles on the nomination of Appellate Justice Joyce L. Kennard to the California Supreme Court, it was announced Tuesday.
The commission’s quick action opened the way for Kennard to take office less than four weeks after she was named by Gov. George Deukmejian to succeed Justice John A. Arguelles, who retired March 1.
If confirmed as expected, Kennard would be sworn in immediately and be able to take the bench when the court hears arguments in pending cases during the week of April 10 in Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, Arguelles will remain temporarily with the court to conclude work on cases in which he has participated.
Kennard’s nomination must be approved by the majority of the three-member commission, which currently includes Chief Justice Malcolm M. Lucas, Atty. Gen. John K. Van de Kamp and Appellate Justice Lester W. Roth of Los Angeles, senior presiding justice of the state Court of Appeal.
The commission said it will receive written communications from individuals who want to comment on the nomination until March 31. Those who want to testify before the commission on April 5 must file a request in writing, including a summary of their testimony, the commission said. The hearing is set to begin at 1:30 p.m.
Kennard, 47, now a member of the state Court of Appeal in Los Angeles, was nominated to the high court by Deukmejian last Saturday.
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