Statement issued Thursday:

The Indiana Judicial Nominating Commission named seven candidates as semi-finalists for the Indiana Supreme Court. After two days of public interviews, the Commission named the following candidates as semi-finalists.

Hon. Robert R. Altice, Jr., Marion Superior Court, Criminal Division 2

Hon. Cale J. Bradford, Indiana Court of Appeals

Hon. Maria D. Granger, Floyd Superior Court 3

Mr. Mark S. Massa, Indianapolis

Hon. Robyn L. Moberly, Marion Superior Court, Civil Division 5

Mr. Steven R. Schultz, Columbus

Ms. Jane A. Seigel, Indianapolis

Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard is retiring in March, leaving a vacancy on the state’s highest court. 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. The Commission is chaired by Chief Justice Shepard and includes three attorneys and three citizens.

The Commission is required to consider applicants legal education, legal writings, reputation in the practice of law, physical condition, financial interests, activities in public service and any other pertinent information. It conducted public interviews with all fifteen candidates at the State House in Indianapolis on February 8th and 9th.

After the interviews, the Commission held deliberations in executive session. The Commission voted to name the seven semi-finalists in public after the executive session. On February 22nd the Commission will interview the semi-finalists. After deliberations in executive session, the Commission will vote publicly to send the three most qualified candidates to Governor Daniels. The Governor will select Indiana's 107th justice within 60 days of receiving the list.

Abbreviated versions of the applications are available at http://courts.in.gov/jud-qual/2910.htm. The Court hosted a public viewing of the full applications with writing samples, transcripts and letters of recommendation on January 30th.