Grand Canyon Times

Outgoing Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey announced six appointments to the Arizona Court of Appeals before his term ended on Jan. 1.

“I am very pleased to announce the appointment of six new judges to the Arizona Court of Appeals,” Ducey said in a release on Dec. 29.

Ducey named six new judges to the court. First-level appeals from Superior Courts are heard by the state Court of Appeals, which hears cases including civil, criminal, juvenile, tax, and family issues, the release added.

Anni Hill Foster, Daniel Kiley and Michael Catlett were all appointed to Division I by Ducey. Michael Kelly, Christopher O'Neil and Lacey Stover Gard earned Division II appointments. Three at-large appellate seats were added to each division of the Court of Appeals, which created the vacancies, Ducey's office said.

“These new judges will provide the much needed resources for the Court of Appeals to handle its growing caseload as more and more people choose Arizona as a place to live, work, and start a business," Ducey said. "Each of these individuals are exceptionally talented and principled. They will faithfully uphold the law, defend the Constitution, and respect the separation of powers. I am proud to have these judges serve the State of Arizona on the Court of Appeals.”