Whereas, the Chief Judge has determined that panels consisting of three judges provides the most judicious method to discharge the Circuit Court's responsibility under Administrative Order No. 2.1090 and that petitions for issuance of writs will be most efficiently handled by a single judge;
 
    NOW THEREFORE, it is

     ORDERED

 1. Each appellate case shall be assigned to an appellate panel consisting of three circuit judges, one of which shall be a judge assigned to one of the Circuit Court Criminal Divisions.

 2. The Chief Judge shall assign each panel in the General Assignment of Judges Order.

 3. Panelists seeking recusal or for other reasons requesting removal from the panel shall obtain coverage for the panel and notify the Chief Judge at least 30 days prior to the sitting of the panel of the conflict and the proposed covering judge.  Only Circuit Judges may provide coverage for an appellate panel.    Ultimately, conflicts, recusals, or scheduling conflicts requiring reassignment of panelists shall be resolved by the Chief Judge.

 4. Petitions for issuance of writs assigned to the Appellate Division will be assigned to the Administrative Judge of the Appellate Division, rather than to a panel.

 5. This order rescinds Administrative Order 2.1099(1) entitled "Assignment of Appellate Panels" dated June 14, 1993.

 ORDERED on November 23rd, 1999.

       /s/
      ROBERT P. CATES, CHIEF JUDGE