Agreement and Plan of Acquisition between Clearworks.Net, Inc., Clearworks Integration Services, Inc., United Computing Group, Inc., United Consulting Group, Inc., and the shareholders of United Computing Group, Inc. and United Consulting Group, Inc.
The Missouri Plan of Acquisition refers to a unique and comprehensive system for appointing judges in the state of Missouri, United States. It is a model recognized and adopted by many other states as well. The plan aims to ensure a fair and impartial selection process, promoting merit-based qualifications rather than relying solely on political considerations. Under the Missouri Plan of Acquisition, there are primarily two types of judgeship: appellate judgeship and trial judgeship. Appellate judgeship include positions on the Missouri Supreme Court, the Missouri Court of Appeals, and the Eastern District of the Missouri Court of Appeals. Trial judgeship encompass positions in circuit courts, associate circuit courts, municipalities, and other local courts. The selection process for judges under the Missouri Plan of Acquisition involves the following key steps: 1. Nominating Commission: A nonpartisan commission is established, comprising both lawyers and non-lawyers. The commission members are appointed by the governor, the Missouri Bar, and the state's appellate judges. The composition varies depending on the type of judgeship. 2. Vacancy Announcement: When a position becomes available, the Judicial Selection Commission publishes the vacancy and invites applications from qualified candidates. 3. Candidate Screening: The commission thoroughly evaluates the applications and conducts comprehensive background checks, including reviewing legal experience, education, and references. This screening process is typically extensive and ensures that only the most competent and suitable candidates move forward. 4. Interviews: After the initial screening, the commission interviews the shortlisted candidates. These interviews provide an opportunity for candidates to showcase their legal knowledge, experience, and demeanor, enabling the commission to assess their suitability for the position. 5. Selection Process: Following the interviews, the commission submits a list of three most qualified candidates to the governor. The governor then has 60 days to appoint one of the nominees. If the governor fails to make an appointment within the specified time, the selection is delegated to the Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court. 6. Retention: Once appointed, judges serve an initial term but are subject to a retention election at the end of their term. During the retention election, voters decide whether the judge should be retained for another term. This allows the public to have a say in the continuation of judges' tenures. The Missouri Plan of Acquisition has been praised for its emphasis on merit, independence, and transparency in the judicial selection process. It aims to minimize political influence and ensures that judges are chosen based on their qualifications and ability to administer justice fairly. By adopting this plan, Missouri has set an example for other states to follow, maintaining a strong and independent judiciary that benefits the citizens by upholding the rule of law.
The Missouri Plan of Acquisition refers to a unique and comprehensive system for appointing judges in the state of Missouri, United States. It is a model recognized and adopted by many other states as well. The plan aims to ensure a fair and impartial selection process, promoting merit-based qualifications rather than relying solely on political considerations. Under the Missouri Plan of Acquisition, there are primarily two types of judgeship: appellate judgeship and trial judgeship. Appellate judgeship include positions on the Missouri Supreme Court, the Missouri Court of Appeals, and the Eastern District of the Missouri Court of Appeals. Trial judgeship encompass positions in circuit courts, associate circuit courts, municipalities, and other local courts. The selection process for judges under the Missouri Plan of Acquisition involves the following key steps: 1. Nominating Commission: A nonpartisan commission is established, comprising both lawyers and non-lawyers. The commission members are appointed by the governor, the Missouri Bar, and the state's appellate judges. The composition varies depending on the type of judgeship. 2. Vacancy Announcement: When a position becomes available, the Judicial Selection Commission publishes the vacancy and invites applications from qualified candidates. 3. Candidate Screening: The commission thoroughly evaluates the applications and conducts comprehensive background checks, including reviewing legal experience, education, and references. This screening process is typically extensive and ensures that only the most competent and suitable candidates move forward. 4. Interviews: After the initial screening, the commission interviews the shortlisted candidates. These interviews provide an opportunity for candidates to showcase their legal knowledge, experience, and demeanor, enabling the commission to assess their suitability for the position. 5. Selection Process: Following the interviews, the commission submits a list of three most qualified candidates to the governor. The governor then has 60 days to appoint one of the nominees. If the governor fails to make an appointment within the specified time, the selection is delegated to the Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court. 6. Retention: Once appointed, judges serve an initial term but are subject to a retention election at the end of their term. During the retention election, voters decide whether the judge should be retained for another term. This allows the public to have a say in the continuation of judges' tenures. The Missouri Plan of Acquisition has been praised for its emphasis on merit, independence, and transparency in the judicial selection process. It aims to minimize political influence and ensures that judges are chosen based on their qualifications and ability to administer justice fairly. By adopting this plan, Missouri has set an example for other states to follow, maintaining a strong and independent judiciary that benefits the citizens by upholding the rule of law.