Administrative Office of Courts
Investiture of Judge Roberts set for Jan. 24 in Meridian An investiture ceremony for newly appointed Court of Appeals Judge Larry E. Roberts is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, in Meridian. The ceremony will be held at the Kahlmus Auditorium at the Meridian Campus of Mississippi State University. Court of Appeals Chief Judge Leslie D. King will administer the ceremonial oath of office, preside over the enrobing of Judge Roberts and speak on behalf of the Court of Appeals. Judge Roberts took the oath of office Jan. 10 before members of the Court of Appeals in Jackson. It is traditional to have a formal investiture ceremony, including a ceremonial administering of the oath, at a later time. Speakers for the investiture ceremony are expected to include Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice James W. Smith Jr., 10th Circuit Court Judge Robert W. Bailey, Rep. E. Gregory Snowden and Lauderdale County Bar Association President Robert H. Compton. Judge Bailey will welcome guests and introduce other speakers. Gov. Haley Barbour appointed Judge Roberts, 56, of Meridian, to the Court of Appeals on Jan. 4. Judge Roberts fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Billy G. Bridges of Brandon on Dec. 31, 2005. The unexpired term for Court of Appeals District Three is for three years, ending in January 2009. Judge Roberts said, “I’m just very honored to be chosen. I’ve dedicated the past 27 years of my life to the duties of being a judge....I consider it an honor and a privilege.” Judge Roberts was elected Lauderdale County Court Judge in 1978 at the age of 29. Gov. Bill Allain appointed him as circuit judge for the 10th Circuit Court District effective Dec. 31, 1986. He served for 19 years in the circuit court district which includes Clarke, Kemper, Lauderdale and Wayne counties. Judge Roberts earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Mississippi in 1970, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1973. He was admitted to the Mississippi Bar May 1, 1973. He engaged in the general practice of law in Meridian from May 1973 until December 1978. Judge Roberts served as a U.S. Army reservist for 20 years. He served on active duty for almost a year during Operation Desert Storm in 1990 and 1991. He was assigned to the 1181st USA Transportation Terminal Unit in Meridian. He retired in 1994 with the rank of lieutenant colonel. #### |
