For Immediate Release | April 5, 2022
Forkner, Kenworthy, Molter nominees for Supreme Court vacancy
The Indiana Judicial Nominating Commission has selected Justin P. Forkner, Hon. Dana J. Kenworthy, and Hon. Derek R. Molter as the three nominees for the upcoming vacancy on the Indiana Supreme Court. Chief Justice Rush, on behalf of the Commission, will submit a report to Governor Eric Holcomb in the upcoming days. After officially receiving the list of nominees, the Governor has 60 days to make his selection.
On February 28 and March 1, the Commission conducted interviews of nineteen applicants and named ten as finalists. The finalists were interviewed in person for a second time on April 5. After deliberating in an executive session, the Commission publicly voted to send the three nominees to the Governor. The Commission considered applicants' legal education, writings, reputation in the practice of law, and other pertinent information. Applications and information about the vacancy can be found online.
According to the Indiana Constitution and state statute, the seven-member Judicial Nominating Commission must recruit and select candidates to fill vacancies on Indiana appellate courts. Details on the Commission, including membership, are online. The position on the Supreme Court will be available with the upcoming retirement of Justice Steven David.