Presbytery Judicial Commission (PJC)
The Judicial Commission is seven persons, chosen in accordance with constitutional provisions, to perform the duties of a Permanent Judicial Commission as specified in the Constitution. This committee is constitutionally mandated as described in D-5.000. Teaching elders and ruling elders may serve.
Term:Elections are held in even years. Members serve a six year term.
Vacancy: D-5.0104 states: Any vacancy due to resignation, death, or any other cause may be filled by the electing council, which may elect a person to fill the unexpired term at any meeting thereof.
D-5.0105 states: No person who has served on a permanent judicial commission for a full term of six years shall be eligible for reelection until four years have elapsed after the expired six-year term. No person shall serve on more than one permanent judicial commission at the same time. No person shall serve on the Permanent Judicial Commission of the General Assembly who is a member of any other entity elected by the General Assembly until that person shall have resigned such membership. The moderator, stated clerk, or any member of the staff of a council or the staff of any of its entities shall not serve on its permanent judicial commission.
D-5.0206b requires the stated clerk to keep a roster of those members of the PJC whose terms have expired within the past six years. The names shall be arranged alphabetically within classes beginning with the most recent class. Whenever the PJC reports its inability to obtain a quorum, the stated clerk shall immediately select, by rotation from that roster, a sufficient number of former members of the PJC to constitute a quorum.
Focus: The Commission exists to administer the constitutional provisions of the Rules of Discipline. If a case is heard, the time commitment can be intense over a brief period of time depending on the case.
Skills: Willingness to be available when required as cases develop. The court needs to be inclusive. Theological expertise and historical understanding of Presbyterian Church are assumed among members. Knowledge and appreciation for the Presbyterian Constitution is important. Experience in researching, listening, and examining and handling evidence are all helpful. Members should be highly respected across the presbytery. Experience as an attorney, judge, mediator, or other knowledge of civil law is extremely helpful.
Meetings: As needed.
Moderator: To be elected by PJC
Clerk: To be elected by PJC
Staff: Paul Belz-Templeman, Stated Cle