15-3A-2. Creation of offices; eligibility; application; appointment.

There is created the office of Senior Appellate Court Justice and the office of Senior Appellate Court Judge. Any Justice of the Supreme Court or Judge of the Court of Appeals who retires pursuant to the provisions of laws of the state retirement system applicable to such Justice or Judge at the time of such Justice’s or Judge’s retirement may, at such Justice’s or Judge’s option, be eligible for appointment by the Governor to the office of Senior Appellate Court Justice or Judge. Any former member of the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals who is retired or who retires on or after March 26, 1987, pursuant to the laws of the retirement system applicable to such Justice or Judge at the time of such Justice’s or Judge’s retirement may, at such Justice’s or Judge’s option, become eligible for appointment to the office of Senior Appellate Court Justice or Judge upon written application being made to the Governor. All persons appointed to the office of Senior Appellate Court Justice or Judge shall hold such office for life, subject to the same laws, rules, and regulations for removal or discipline of sitting members of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. A Senior Appellate Court Justice or Judge, while holding that office, shall not be eligible for election or appointment to any other nonjudicial public office in this state, and such Senior Appellate Court Justice or Judge may not practice law during such Justice’s or Judge’s tenure as a Senior Appellate Court Justice or Judge. For purposes of this Code section, participation as an arbitrator shall not be deemed the practice of law.