Lawsuit filed to block search for new Hawaii Supreme Court justice

### September 11, 2009[edit]

Hawaii: James Bickerton, a member of the Hawaii Judicial Selection Commission, has filed a lawsuit against the chairwoman of the Commission, Sheri Sakamoto.

Sakamoto began proceedings to notify the public about the impending vacancy on the high court, and to solicit applications for the opening. Current chief justice Ronald Moon will reach 70, the age of mandatory retirement in the state, in 2010. The deadline for applicants set by Sakamoto is October 5, 2009, just 16 business days after notifications are scheduled to begin running and 11 months prior to the vacancy occurring. Bickerton's suit alleges that provides "insufficient time for many applicants to do the groundwork and preparation with friends, family, colleagues and business associates necessary to submit their names for this vital public service position". He also takes issue with Sakamoto beginning the replacement process without discussing the matter with the Commission.[1]

## Footnotes[edit]

1. ↑ "Suit filed over 'unilateral' move to fill justice post" Honolulu Advertiser, September 11, 2009

Hawaii courts

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Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals • U.S. District Court: District of Hawaii • U.S. Bankruptcy Court: District of Hawaii

State courts:

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State resources:

Courts in Hawaii • Hawaii judicial elections • Judicial selection in Hawaii