WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) – Navajo Nation Supreme Court Associate Justice Eleanor Shirley now has a permanent seat on the bench.

Tribal lawmakers confirmed the appointment this week during their fall session in Window Rock.

All Navajo judges and justices are appointed to a two-year probationary period, after which a committee of lawmakers either recommends permanent status or a release from duties. The tribal president is bound to appoint whomever the committee recommends, which then is subject to confirmation by the full Tribal Council.

Lawmakers on the previous council had deemed Shirley's performance unsatisfactory. But current lawmakers rescinded the resolution to deny her permanent appointment.

The high court panel typically has three members but is short one.