Proposal calls for recording all JNC interviews.

The Bar Board of Governors has asked the Judicial Nominating Procedures Committee to develop a rule that would allow the recording of all judicial candidate interviews conducted by the state's judicial nominating commissions.

The board acted at its May 28 meeting in Hollywood on a proposal by board member Jennifer Coberly. Coberly had suggested the recording idea at the board's April meeting, but governors then voted to seek the input of the JNPC and the Judicial Administration, Selection, and Tenure Committee.

Richard Doran, chair of the JNPC, told the board that a survey of his committee found 17 members in favor of recording candidate interviews, 14 opposed, three abstaining, and nine not voting. (On JAST, three supported, seven opposed and one was mixed.)

"I think the committee is prepared to continue looking at this," Doran said, adding they could take up the proposal at the June meeting.

He also said the committee values its job of providing training for JNC members. "We will continue to work hard on that. We are enthusiastic about the role we have in the Bar," Doran said.

Coberly made the motion to task the JNPC with drawing up an amendment to the JNC Uniform Rules of Procedure to provide for recording all JNC interviews using court reporters who have agreed to volunteer their services.

She said she hoped the new proposed...