Mandate completed: Former Arizona Supreme Court Head ends service on Moldovan vetting panel
Scott Bales, the former President of the Supreme Court of Arizona, USA, will conclude his term with the Judicial Evaluation Commission of the Republic of Moldova on December 31. He has submitted a request to the Parliament in Chisinau to be relieved of his position due to retirement.
According to the Commission, Scott Bales, who has 40 years of experience in the field of law, played a crucial role in developing the standards for the external evaluation of judges in the Republic of Moldova and in strengthening the organizational framework for vetting processes.
“His most valuable legacy is found in the people he trained and the professional standards he established. We thank him for his mentorship and dedication and wish for this new chapter in his life to be filled with valuable experiences,” stated the message from the Commission.
Scott Bales expressed that he will continue to follow the Commission's work and the Republic of Moldova's journey toward European Union accession. He looks forward to returning to Chișinău.
The Judicial Evaluation Commission is responsible for verifying the ethical and financial integrity of judges, candidates for judicial positions, and members of the Superior Council of Magistracy. The Commission assesses and compares declared income and expenses against actual holdings.
The Commission consists of six members—three nationals and three internationals—appointed by Parliament with the approval of three-fifths of the elected deputies.
Scott Bales has chaired the Commission since June 2023. During his tenure, the Commission has completed over 100 evaluations of judges, candidates for judicial positions, and members of the Superior Council of Magistracy.
