WPRO News and the Associated Press

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – Rhode Island residents will be given a chance to comment before the state interviews judicial candidates for the Family and District courts.

The Providence Journal reports the Judicial Nominating Commission changed its rules last week.

Under the old system, the candidates would be interviewed before any public hearing. The change gives the panel an opportunity to hear any public concerns before they question the candidates.

The state plans to begin advertising Monday for the lifetime tenure District Court seat that was held by Judge Frank J. Cenerini before his retirement Oct. 31.

There also will be a vacancy on the Family Court after Judge Francis J. Murray Jr. steps down at the end of the year.