The James A. Byrne Courthouse in Philadelphia. (Photo: Wilipedia)

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has called for public input on the upcoming reappointment of U.S. Magistrate Judge Carol Sandra Moore Wells.

A notice issued Tuesday by Chief Judge Juan R. Sánchez said:

"The current term of office of United States Magistrate Judge Carol Sandra Moore Wells at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is due to expire on June 2, 2020. The United States District Court is required by law to establish a panel of citizens to consider the reappointment of a magistrate judge to a new eight-year term.

"The duties of a magistrate judge in this court include the following: (1) conduct of most preliminary proceedings in criminal cases; (2) trial and disposition of misdemeanor cases; (3) conduct of various pretrial matters and evidentiary proceedings on delegation from a district judge; and (4) trial and disposition of civil cases upon consent of the litigants."

According to Wells' court biography, she was born in 1949 and earned her law degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Law in 1985. From 1978 to 1984, she served the duel role of founder and teacher at Lotus Academy, while also serving as the law clerk and office manager of Nichols, Nichols, Clark & Newkirk. From 1985 to 1987, she was an associate at Pincus, Verlin, Hahn & Reich. From 1987 until 1996, Wells worked for the city of Philadelphia as an assistant city solicitor, deputy city solicitor and senior attorney, before being appointed as a magistrate judge.

The notice said that public comments as to whether the incumbent judge should keep her position should be sent by Dec. 20 to:

Kate Barkman, Clerk of Court 2609 United States Courthouse 601 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19106

Submissions should contain the heading, "ATTN: Human Resources Department Magistrate Judge Reappointment," according to the notice.