Arizona’s Supreme Court will soon have two additional judges, after Gov. Doug Ducey signed the change into law Wednesday — despite criticism from the high court’s top judge.
Chief Justice Scott Bales and other critics say changing the number the judges from five to seven allows Ducey to "pack" the court with conservative justices.
But Ducey said in a signing letter that while he appreciates those concerns, he believes the court can be more efficient and hear more cases with more judges. They’ll be selected by a commission, filled with appointees by Ducey and former Gov. Jan Brewer.
The legislation to add the new justices was sponsored by Republican state Rep. J.D. Mesnard. He said this will bring greater diversity and split power between more members. But Mesnard also said he likely would have second thoughts about expanding the court if a Democrat was governor.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
