Teitelman’s death sets up a process that likely will give Gov.-elect Eric Greitens, a Republican, the opportunity to select a replacement for the seven-member high court.

The selection of Supreme Court judges is governed by Missouri’s nonpartisan court plan. Under that process, a committee headed by Supreme Court Chief Justice Patricia Breckenridge will set out a schedule for attorneys to apply for the position. That panel interviews the applicants and submits three names to the governor, who has 60 days to choose a finalist.

Typically, however, the application, interview and selection process takes longer than the 41 days left in Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon’s term.

The selection committee comprises the chief justice, three attorneys chosen by their fellow lawyers and three Missouri residents appointed by the governor. Of the citizen members, the term of Cheryl Darrough of Columbia ends Dec. 31, giving Nixon the ability to keep his fingerprints on the panel before he leaves on Jan. 9.

In a statement, Nixon said, “Judge Teitelman will be remembered not only for his breaking new ground as the first legally blind judge to sit on Missouri’s highest court, but also for his legal skills and his passion for justice. He truly listened to, and never forgot, those who needed justice the most.”