Who has the authority to appoint state judges in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, the authority to appoint state judges, specifically those who occupy temporary or specialized positions, lies with the Governor. This appointment process is important as it allows the executive branch the power to fill judicial vacancies that may arise between election cycles.

The Governor's role in the appointment of judges is particularly significant for filling seats of judges who can no longer serve due to various reasons like retirement or resignation. Following the appointment, these judges typically serve until the next scheduled election, at which time they must run to retain their position.

While the other choices involve various roles in the legislative and judicial processes, the specific power to appoint judges is uniquely held by the Governor, reflecting the checks and balances built into the North Carolina government. This mechanism allows for a level of responsiveness in maintaining the judiciary, ensuring that the judicial branch can remain adequately staffed while also remaining accountable to the electorate through the subsequent election process.