Governor Corbett Issues Statement on Resignation of Justice Orie Melvin

Governor Corbett Issues Statement on Resignation of Justice Orie Melvin

Harrisburg – Governor Tom Corbett today issued the following statement on
receiving a letter of resignation from State Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie Melvin:
“I believe the decision by Justice Orie Melvin to resign is the correct one. This will
save taxpayers the time and expense of impeachment proceedings in the House
and Senate, and allow legislators to focus on other important issues.’’

Corbett has 90 days from May 1, the date the vacancy occurs on the state Supreme
Court, to submit a nominee to fill the vacancy. This nominee, upon confirmation by
two-thirds of the Senate, will serve until Jan. 5, 2016. A successor will be elected in
November 2015.

“I will submit a nominee to the Senate as soon as practical within that time frame
to bring our Supreme Court back to its full complement of seven justices,” Corbett
said.