New Mexico § 35-2-3 - Qualification; certificate of magistrate qualification

§ 35-2-3. Qualification; certificate of magistrate qualification

A. Within fifteen days after each general election, the administrative office of the

courts shall notify each apparently successful candidate for the office of magistrate

of the requirements for qualification. Within thirty days after election or appointment, each apparently successful candidate

and each appointee shall file with the administrative office of the courts an application

for certificate of magistrate qualification. The application shall be in a form prescribed by the administrative office of the

courts and shall include: (1) the oath of office prescribed by the constitution for public officers subscribed

to by the applicant; (2) the applicant's certificate of election or appointment; and (3) evidence of the applicant's possession of personal qualifications required by

law. B. Each applicant for a certificate of magistrate qualification who has not previously

held such a certificate shall attend a qualification training program conducted by

the administrative office of the courts as a prerequisite to the issuance of the applicant's

first certificate. The administrative office of the courts shall prescribe the content of the qualification

training program so as to inform applicants with reference to judicial powers and

duties. C. Upon approval of the application and, when required, upon the applicant's attendance

at a qualification training program, the administrative office of the courts shall

certify the applicant's initial qualification in accordance with the requirements

of law by issuing to the applicant a “certificate of magistrate qualification”. Each magistrate shall post the certificate in a conspicuous place in the magistrate's

courtroom. D. If not sooner suspended or revoked as provided by law, each certificate of magistrate

qualification automatically expires at the end of the term to which the magistrate

is elected or appointed or when the magistrate's successor in office is qualified,

whichever is later. E. Any magistrate who fails to complete the requirements for initial qualification

within forty-five days of election or appointment shall be held to have resigned the

magistrate's office. The chief district judge shall certify the existence of any magistrate vacancy to

the governor and notify the administrative office of the courts.