Supreme Court Justice Jonathan J. Papik has announced that the Judicial Nominating Commission for the Fifth Judicial District's District Court will hold a public hearing on May 16, 2025. The hearing will occur at 1:00 p.m. CDT at the Platte County Courthouse in Columbus, Nebraska. This session is set to gather information on candidates vying for the District Court Judge position opened by Justice Jason M. Bergevin's appointment to the Nebraska Supreme Court.
Interested candidates for the judge vacancy can access the Judicial Vacancy Application package on the Nebraska Judicial Branch's website. Applications are due by 3:00 p.m. CDT on April 24, 2025. Candidates can submit applications electronically to nsc.jnc@nejudicial.gov or by mail as specified in the application package. It is crucial for applicants to confirm that applications are received on time, as the deadline is final. Incorrect or old email submissions may not reach the commission, potentially leaving applicants unaware of submission errors.
After the application deadline, the names of the candidates will be released in a public notice. This notice will also provide public testimony guidelines and instructions for submitting information to the Judicial Nominating Commission.
Further details, including a list of Commission members, are available on the Nebraska Judicial Branch's website. For individuals needing special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Amy Prenda, ADA Coordinator, can be contacted at (402) 471-3730 or via email.
"The Constitution of the State of Nebraska distributes the judicial power of the state among the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, district courts, and county courts," the release states, noting that all these courts function under the Supreme Court's administrative direction. Additionally, Nebraska's judicial system includes separate juvenile courts in specific counties and a statewide Workers’ Compensation Court.