1.    The supreme court may appoint any eligible person to serve as temporary judge in any court other than the supreme court, whenever the supreme court determines that the appointment is reasonably necessary and will promote the more efficient administration of justice. A person, except a retired justice of the supreme court or a retired judge of the district court, is eligible for appointment if the person is a resident of this state and has been engaged in the active practice of law in this state for a period of at least three years next preceding the appointment.

2.    An appointment under this section must be made by order of the supreme court. The supreme court shall provide, to the extent it deems necessary or desirable, rules and regulations for appointments under this section. No appointment made pursuant to this chapter may be for a duration longer than thirty calendar days.

3.    An appointment under this section does not become effective until the appointee subscribes and files in the office of the secretary of state an oath or affirmation substantially as follows:

I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the constitutions of the United States and the state of North Dakota, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of judge of the state of North Dakota to the best of my ability.