Rule 4. JUDICIAL COUNCIL

(a) Appointment. There shall be a judicial council consisting of the chief justice and not more than 15 other members appointed by this court. Except as provided by subsection (c) below, each member shall serve for a term of 3 years. Any vacancy shall be filled by the court for the unexpired term. The membership shall be fairly representative, including laymen as well as judges and lawyers.

(b) Functions. The council shall serve in an advisory capacity only, shall give continuing consideration to the administration of justice in the courts of the state, and shall make reports and recommendations biennially to this court and also whenever deemed advisable by this court.

(c) Continuing functions. The chief justice may, in his discretion, allow any member whose term has expired to continue to work with the council to complete a project or matter with which the member has been involved. The former member may vote upon the project or matter only if the council is composed of fewer than 15 members.

(d) Quorum. A majority of the total membership shall constitute a quorum. No action shall be taken unless a quorum is present. A majority vote of the members present shall be necessary to make any action of the Council valid. The Chief Justice shall abstain from voting on any measure, except in the event of a tie. The Chief Justice’s attendance shall be counted to determine a quorum.

(Renumbered September 1984; amended effective October 23, 1996; amended effective October 13, 1998.)