News

Judge Skinner to head Hinds County Drug Court
December 18, 2006

Hinds County Court Judge William Skinner will be the new head of the Hinds County Drug Court, said Senior Circuit Judge Swan Yerger.

Rankin County Youth Drug Court begins operation
December 18, 2006

The Rankin County Youth Court has established a Drug Court. Nine teenagers have been enrolled since late November, and the number is expected to grow to 12 by the end of the week.

Drug Courts in Hinds, Madison and Warren counties schedule graduations
December 18, 2006

Three Drug Court graduations are scheduled this week.

Ninth Circuit Drug Court graduation is Monday, Dec. 18
December 15, 2006

The Ninth Circuit Court District Drug Court will celebrate a graduation at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18, in the second floor courtroom of the Warren County Courthouse.

Madison County Juvenile Drug Court graduation is Dec. 18
December 14, 2006

The Madison County Juvenile Drug Court will celebrate a graduation at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18, at the Madison County Courthouse at 128 W. North Street in Canton.

Chief Judge King reappointed as head of Court of Appeals
December 13, 2006

Judge Leslie D. King of Greenville has been reappointed to a four-year term as Chief Judge of the Mississippi Court of Appeals.

Forrest and Perry County Drug Court graduation is Dec. 11
December 8, 2006

Fourteen participants in the 12th Circuit Adult Drug Court are expected to graduate in a ceremony scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11, at the Saenger Theater in Hattiesburg.

Supreme Court makes appointments to Board of Bar Admissions
December 4, 2006

Attorney Ann Bowden-Hollis of Ocean Springs has been appointed to the Mississippi Board of Bar Admissions.

32 adoptions finalized in Hinds, Harrison and Washington counties
November 21, 2006

Thirty-two children, including several sets of siblings, were adopted in Hinds, Harrison and Washington counties on Nov. 17 in ceremonies celebrating National Adoption Day.

Because of a scheduled power outage as part of the construction of the new building, the web site of the Supreme Court of Mississippi will be down and unusable from 5:30 p.m. on Friday, November 10, 2006, until 8:00 a.m. on Monday, November 13, 2006.
November 9, 2006
Access to Justice Commission will meet on Nov. 15
November 8, 2006

The Mississippi Access to Justice Commission will meet on Wednesday, Nov. 15, at the Mississippi Bar Center at 643 North State Street in Jackson.

6th Circuit Drug Court celebrates graduation
November 7, 2006

The 6th Judicial Circuit Adult Drug Court will celebrate its second graduation with a ceremony at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9, at the Adams County Courthouse in Natchez. The graduation will be held in the Chancery Courtroom on the second floor.

11th Circuit Drug Court celebrates graduation
November 7, 2006

The 11th Circuit Drug Court will celebrate its second graduation with a ceremony at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 14, at the Coahoma County Courthouse in Clarksdale. The graduation will be held in the Circuit Courtroom.

Public Defender Task Force to meet Nov. 9
November 6, 2006

The Mississippi Public Defender Task Force will meet at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9, at the Mississippi Bar Center at 643 North State Street in Jackson.

Public Statement - Special Committee on Judicial Campaign Intervention
November 1, 2006

Pursuant to Canon 5F(3)(d) of the Code of Judicial Conduct, the Special Committee on Judicial Election Campaign Intervention herin releases the following public statement.

12th Circuit Drug Court asks Sen. Cochran to support national funding
October 28, 2006

HATTIESBURG – Circuit Judge Robert Helfrich and participants in his Drug Court met Saturday, Oct. 28, with Sen. Thad Cochran in Hattiesburg to seek his support for national funding for drug courts.

Tribal Court makes presentation at state judicial conference
October 27, 2006

CHOCTAW – Chief Justices of the Mississippi Supreme Court and the Choctaw Supreme Court shared the podium Wednesday, Oct. 25, in a program designed to acquaint state trial court judges with the workings of the tribal courts.

100th Bar Memorial Service honors 65 lawyers
October 17, 2006

The Mississippi Bar and the Mississippi Supreme Court on Tuesday, Oct. 17, paid tribute to 65 Mississippi lawyers who died during the past year.

DeSoto County Drug Court program begins operation
October 13, 2006

Ten DeSoto County offenders with histories of drug abuse are enrolled in a newly created Drug Court. The program is expected to be expanded to include defendants from Panola, Tallahatchie, Tate and Yalobusha counties by January 2007.

Pittman family presents former Chief Justice’s portrait to Supreme Court
October 10, 2006

Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice James W. Smith Jr. said his predecessor, Edwin Lloyd Pittman, led the court through tough times.

Portrait of former Chief Justice Pittman to be unveiled
October 6, 2006

A portrait of former Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Edwin Lloyd Pittman will be unveiled in the third floor lobby of the Gartin Justice Building, 450 High Street in Jackson, at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 10.

Lawyers provide more than 50,000 hours of pro bono service
October 4, 2006

Mississippi lawyers provided 54,582 hours of free legal representation and contributed $150,583 toward legal services for the poor during the past year, according to the Mississippi Bar’s preliminary report to the state Supreme Court.

Commission begins work to improve civil legal access for the poor
September 13, 2006

Thousands of poor people have no financial means to go to court to seek help for civil legal issues, a member of the Mississippi Supreme Court told a diverse group of more than 30 people gathered Wednesday, Sept. 13, to discuss access to justice and work toward solutions.

Access to Justice Commission will meet Wednesday, Sept. 13
September 12, 2006

The Mississippi Access to Justice Commission will begin to develop a unified strategy to improve poor peoples’ access to the civil courts in a meeting scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, at the Mississippi Bar Center at 643 North State Street in Jackson.

Hinds County Drug Court to graduate largest class ever on Sept. 12
September 8, 2006

At least 15 people are scheduled to graduate from the Hinds County Drug Court on Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 6 p.m. The ceremony will be in the second floor east wing courtroom at the Hinds County Courthouse at 407 East Pascagoula Street in Jackson.

Judge Michael Taylor appointed to State Drug Court Advisory Committee
August 24, 2006

The Mississippi Supreme Court has appointed 14th Circuit Court Judge Michael M. Taylor of Brookhaven to the State Drug Court Advisory Committee.

Public Defender Task Force to meet Aug. 24
August 22, 2006

The Mississippi Public Defender Task Force will meet at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 24, at the Mississippi Bar Center at 643 North State Street in Jackson.

4th Circuit Drug Court schedules graduation and prepares to expand program
August 16, 2006

The Fourth Circuit Drug Court Program is preparing for a graduation on Monday, Aug. 21, in Greenwood. The ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. in the Circuit Courtroom at the Leflore County Courthouse at 310 West Market Street.

Judges participate in ethics and professionalism programs for law students
August 15, 2006

Mississippi Supreme Court Presiding Justice William L. Waller Jr. of Jackson will give the keynote addresses to first year law students at orientation programs on Wednesday, Aug. 16, at Mississippi College and on Thursday, Aug. 17, at the University of Mississippi.

Ninth Circuit Drug Court graduation is Monday, Aug. 14
August 10, 2006

The Ninth Circuit Court District Drug Court will celebrate the graduation of three of its program participants at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 14, in the second floor courtroom of the Warren County Courthouse. The courthouse is located at 1009 Cherry Street in Vicksburg.

USM law fellowship names Chief Justice Smith as Distinguished Public Servant
July 31, 2006

A University of Southern Mississippi organization established to promote interest in careers in the legal profession has honored Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice James W. Smith Jr. as its first recipient of the Distinguished Public Servant Award.

Forrest and Perry County Drug Court graduation is July 30
July 26, 2006

The 12th Circuit Adult Drug Court program in Forrest and Perry counties will hold a graduation ceremony Sunday, July 30, at 3 p.m. in the Saenger Theater in Hattiesburg.

Chief Justice Award recipients announced
July 10, 2006

Mississippi College School of Law Dean James H. Rosenblatt and the late Supreme Court Administrator Stephen J. Kirchmayr are the recipients of the 2006 Chief Justice Awards.

Supreme Court creates Mississippi Access to Justice Commission
June 29, 2006

The Mississippi Supreme Court, in an effort to promote equal access to the courts, has created the Mississippi Access to Justice Commission to address civil legal representation of the poor.

Jackson County Drug Court to hold first graduation June 30
June 28, 2006

The Jackson County Drug Court will hold its first graduation at 3 p.m. Friday, June 30, in the second floor courtroom of the old Jackson County Courthouse at 3104 Magnolia Street in Pascagoula.

Mississippi’s new drug court coordinator to speak at national conference
June 21, 2006

Mississippi’s new state drug court coordinator is among the speakers for this year’s National Association of Drug Court Professionals conference in Seattle, Wash.

Civil Legal Assistance funds to be distributed this week
June 21, 2006

Supreme Court Justice Oliver E. Diaz Jr. on Friday, June 23, will visit the future Gulfport branch office of the Mississippi Center for Legal Services and deliver a $32,200 check to assist in civil legal representation of poor people. Justice Diaz is scheduled to make the presentation at 10 a.m. at the office under construction at 520 East Pass Road, Suite J, in Gulfport.

Drug Court judge, coordinator to speak at national conference
June 20, 2006

A national audience on Friday will hear how basketball and softball fit into the Forrest and Perry County Drug Court recovery program.

Supreme Court distributes Civil Legal Assistance funds
June 15, 2006

Members of the Mississippi Supreme Court will deliver checks totaling $75,000 this week and next to programs which provide civil legal assistance to poor people.

Supreme Court revises CLE requirements and extends reporting deadline to August 31, 2007, for attorneys residing in or having offices located in six counties: Hancock, Harrison, George, Jackson, Pearl River, and Stone
June 15, 2006

The Commission on Continuing Legal Education previously entered an order combining the requirements and reporting deadline for the 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 reporting years, with such hours to be reported by August 15, 2006.

19th Circuit Drug Court graduation is Thursday, June 1
May 30, 2006

Nine people from George and Greene counties are scheduled to graduate from the 19th Judicial District Drug Court at 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 1. The ceremony will be conducted in the courtroom on the second floor of the George County Courthouse in Lucedale. The Courthouse is located at 355 Cox St.

Supreme Court approves new local rules for the 4th Circuit Court District
May 25, 2006

This matter is before the Court en banc on the Petition To Rescind Local Rules filed by the Honorable Betty W. Sanders of the Fourth Circuit Court District. The Fourth Circuit Court District requests that the existing local rules be rescinded and replaced with a new set of local rules. The Fourth Circuit Court District also seeks approval of the proposed new local rules. The proposed new local rules are attached as Exhibit A.

Supreme Court appoints two special judges for Hinds County Circuit Court
May 24, 2006

The Mississippi Supreme Court on Wednesday, May 24, appointed two special judges to help expedite criminal cases in Hinds County Circuit Court and relieve the criminal case backlog.

California judge to deliver third shipment for storm-ravaged Gulf Coast
May 24, 2006

A California judge who has spearheaded efforts to provide equipment and furnishings for courts and other public agencies on the Mississippi Gulf Coast will return Thursday, May 25, with a truckload of donated office furniture and computers.

Supreme Court adopts rule to help fund legal assistance for poor
May 22, 2006

The Mississippi Supreme Court on May18 took another step intended to help fund access to justice for the poor when it ordered most private practice attorneys to place certain client and third party funds into interest-bearing accounts.

Supreme Court approves petition to rescind local rules for the Seventeenth Chancery Court District
May 16, 2006

This matter is before the Court en banc on the Petition to Rescind Local Rules filed by the Honorable George Ward of the Seventeenth Chancery Court District. Having considered the petition, the Court finds that it should be granted and the previously adopted local rules 95-1 and 95-2 should be repealed.

Public Defender Task Force to meet May 18
May 16, 2006

The Mississippi Public Defender Task Force will meet at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 18, at the Mississippi Bar Center at 643 North State Street in Jackson.

14th District Drug Court graduation is Monday, May 15
May 12, 2006

The 14th Circuit Court District Drug Court will hold a graduation ceremony on Monday, May 15, at 1:30 p.m. at the Horace Holmes Student Union Hall at Southwest Mississippi Community College in Summit.

Justice Randolph to speak at law enforcement memorials
May 12, 2006

Mississippi Supreme Court Justice Michael K. Randolph will be the guest speaker at law enforcement memorial services in Hattiesburg on Wednesday, May 17, and in Byram on Thursday, May 18.

National drug policy adviser calls for drug testing in schools
May 4, 2006

ROBINSONVILLE, MS – Drug testing in schools is an effective tool to identify children who need help and deter illegal drug use, one of the nation’s top drug control policy advisers told a conference of Mississippi drug court judges, staff and treatment providers on Thursday, May 4.

National drug policy leaders to speak at Mississippi conference
May 1, 2006

One of the nation’s top drug control policy advisers and a leader of the national drug court movement are among the speakers for the Mississippi Association of Drug Court Professionals Conference May 3-5. The MADCP Conference will be held at the Grand Casino Conference Center at Robinsonville, near Tunica.

Governor signs case docket management and electronic filing system legislation for state courts
April 26, 2006

Gov. Haley Barbour on Monday, April 24, signed legislation which establishes a funding mechanism for the development of a comprehensive computerized case docket management and electronic filing system for state courts.

Pontotoc County celebrates restoration of historic courtroom
April 25, 2006

A community’s history is priceless, and the preservation efforts reflected in the restoration of the Pontotoc County Courthouse will serve the community for future generations, judges and other public officials told a crowd gathered Sunday, April 23, to commemorate the completion of the second floor courtroom renovation.

Supreme Court Adopts Guidelines for Emergency Preparedness Planning
April 25, 2006

The Mississippi Supreme Court has adopted Guidelines for Emergency Preparedness Planning.

Guidelines for Emergency Preparedness Planning
April 20, 2006

Guidelines for Emergency Preparedness Planning.

Pontotoc County Courthouse open house is April 23
April 18, 2006

Pontotoc County officials on Sunday, April 23, will hold an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. at the newly renovated Pontotoc County Courthouse. The public is invited.

Justice Graves honored by National Conference of Black Mayors
April 17, 2006

The National Conference of Black Mayors has honored Mississippi Supreme Court Justice James E. Graves Jr. as this year’s recipient of its President’s Award.

Justice Waller Named Fellow of Mississippi Bar Foundation
April 17, 2006

Mississippi Supreme Court Presiding Justice William L. (Bill) Waller Jr. of Jackson was among 15 lawyers inducted Thursday, April 13, as Fellows of the Mississippi Bar Foundation.

Judge Sanders named Fellow of Mississippi Bar Foundation
April 17, 2006

Fourth District Circuit Judge Betty W. Sanders of Greenwood was among 15 lawyers inducted Thursday, April 13, as Fellows of the Mississippi Bar Foundation.

Judge Cotten announces plans for DUI Court
April 13, 2006

Circuit Judge Vernon Cotten said he hopes that a new program to treat DUI offenders will produce safer streets and highways and help people with alcohol problems while saving money for taxpayers.

Mississippi College School of Law names Chief Justice Smith as Lawyer of the Year
April 10, 2006

The Mississippi College School of Law has honored Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice James W. Smith Jr. as its Lawyer of the Year.

8th Circuit District announces DUI Court program
April 10, 2006

The 8th Circuit District Drug Court has expanded to include special programs for DUI offenders and probation violators. Circuit Judge Vernon R. Cotten will discuss the new innovations for the Drug Court program at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 12, in the courtroom at the Leake County Courthouse in Carthage. The news media and the public are invited.

Supreme Court considers mandatory IOLTA participation
March 8, 2006

The Supreme Court is considering joining 31other states in adopting mandatory participation in IOLTA (Interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts). Mississippi currently is one of 18 states which require lawyers to participate in the IOLTA program unless they opt out.

Resolution commends life and service of former Chief Justice Armis E. Hawkins
March 2, 2006

The Mississippi Supreme Court on Wednesday, March 1, adopted a resolution commending the life and service of former Chief Justice Armis E. Hawkins. Justice Hawkins, 85, of Houston, died on Feb. 28.

Supreme Court creates Gender Fairness Advisory Study Committee
March 2, 2006

Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice James W. Smith Jr. on Thursday, March 2, issued an order which establishes a Gender Fairness Advisory Study Committee.

Resolution of the Supreme Court of Mississippi commending the life and service of Former Chief Justice Armis E. Hawkins
March 1, 2006

Resolution of the Supreme Court of Mississippi commending the life and service of Former Chief Justice Armis E. Hawkins.

Supreme Court approves Rule 1 for Local Rules for Eleventh Circuit Court District
February 2, 2006

Having considered the petition, the Court finds that the local rule will promote the fair and efficient administration of justice and that the petition should be granted.

6th District Drug Court celebrates first graduation
January 30, 2006

The 6th Judicial District Adult Drug Court will celebrate its first graduation with a ceremony at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31, at the Natchez Convention Center at 211 Main Street.

Colleagues praise Court of Appeals Judge Larry Roberts
January 25, 2006

Colleagues and friends of Court of Appeals Judge Larry Roberts praised him as dependable, fair, honest, knowledgeable, respected and wise during a Jan. 24 investiture ceremony in Meridian.

Investiture of Judge Roberts set for Jan. 24 in Meridian
January 19, 2006

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.

Judges say drug courts save money and lives
January 13, 2006

Drug courts save lives and millions of dollars, U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett, a pioneer of drug courts in Mississippi, said Friday.

Supreme Court names new editor of opinions
January 5, 2006

Attorney Wendy Keith Thompson of Jackson is the new Editor of Opinions for the Mississippi Supreme Court. Her first day on the job was Jan. 3.

Commissioner Epps to speak at Hinds Drug Court graduation
January 5, 2006

Corrections Commissioner Chris Epps will be the keynote speaker at a Hinds County Drug Court graduation on Tuesday, Jan. 10, at 6 p.m. The Drug Court graduation will be held on the second floor of the Hinds County Courthouse in Jackson.