(a) The governing body of the municipality shall, by vote of a majority of its members, appoint judges of the municipal court.
(b) The term of office of each full-time municipal judge shall be for a term of four years. The term of office of a municipal judge other than a full-time municipal judge shall be two years. The term of either full-time or part-time municipal judges shall continue until a successor has been appointed and qualified.
(c) In the event that a municipality has more than one judge, the mayor shall designate a presiding judge, who shall have such additional duties and powers and be entitled to receive such additional compensation as provided by ordinance.
(d) Each judge must be licensed to practice law in this state and must be a qualified elector of the state. No judge shall be otherwise employed in any capacity by the municipality during his term of office.
(e) The office of a municipal judge shall be vacant if he dies, resigns or is removed, and vacancies shall be filled by the municipal governing body in the same manner as original appointments are made.
(f) Each municipal judge shall, before assuming office, take and sign the oath provided by the Constitution, and a copy thereof shall be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State, the Administrative Director of Courts and the clerk of the municipality; provided, that failure to file as required by this subsection shall not render invalid any act, order or judgment of said judge.
(g) Municipal judges shall be subject to all grounds of disqualification from hearing specific cases as are applicable to circuit judges.
(h) No full-time municipal judge shall, during his continuance in office, engage in the practice of law or receive any remuneration for his judicial service, except the salary and allowances authorized by the municipality.
Last modified: May 3, 2021