Davis Appoints 5 Appeals Court Justices

Gov. Gray Davis on Tuesday appointed five state appeals court justices, including two in Los Angeles, leaving just one vacancy on the 105-member court.

Davis critics have accused the governor of trying to pack the bench before the Oct. 7 recall election, fearing that he could be removed from office.

The latest appointees include Los Angeles County Superior Court Judges Madeleine I. Flier and Laurie D. Zelon, named to the 2nd District Court of Appeal in Los Angeles.

All of the governor's appellate court appointments must be confirmed by the California Commission on Judicial Appointments.