News

Study shows legal aid efforts have positive economic impact in state
December 20, 2017

Three civil legal assistance programs have an annual economic impact of $73.4 million in Mississippi, according to a recent economic impact study.

Chancellor Carter Bise appointed to Advisory Committee on Rules
December 19, 2017

Chancellor Carter Bise of Gulfport has been appointed to the Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Rules. He will join the Rules Advisory Committee Jan. 1.

Supreme Court makes appointments to Bar Complaint Tribunal
December 19, 2017

The Mississippi Supreme Court has appointed five new members to the Bar Complaint Tribunal, and reappointed one member.

Chief Justice makes appointments to Commission on Judicial Performance
December 19, 2017

Chief Justice Bill Waller, Jr. of the Mississippi Supreme Court has appointed Cornelia Gayden of Summit as a lay member of the Commission on Judicial Performance.

Michigan child welfare experts offer assistance for Mississippi foster care
December 12, 2017

Mississippi officials hope to learn from Michigan ways to improve training of child welfare workers and the judiciary to increase access to federal funding for children in foster care.

Hinds Circuit Drug Court graduation set for December 13
December 11, 2017

Corrections Commissioner Pelicia Hall will be the guest speaker at the Dec. 13 graduation ceremony of the Hinds County Circuit Drug Court. The ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. on the second floor of the Hinds County Courthouse at 407 East Pascagoula Street in Jackson.

Funeral service for Judge Rip Prichard will be held Dec. 7 in Picayune
December 4, 2017

A funeral service for former Circuit Judge Robert Ingram “Rip” Prichard III will be held Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017, at 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Picayune. Visitation is scheduled for noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 7 at the church. Burial will be in New Palestine Cemetery. McDonald Funeral Home in Picayune is handling arrangements.

Eighth Circuit Drug Court graduation set for December 5
November 22, 2017

Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Bill Waller Jr. will be the guest speaker at the Eighth Judicial District Drug Court graduation on Dec. 5. The ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. at Pine Grove Pentecostal Church, 3379 Pine Grove Road near Walnut Grove.

Drug Courts receive treatment grants
November 21, 2017

Two federal grants will allow the Third and Fourth Circuit Drug Courts to add mental health screening and treatment for Drug Court participants. Grant funds also assist the 15th Circuit Drug Court in expanding treatment services.

Conference of Chancery Judges selects officers
November 9, 2017

Tenth District Chancellor M. Ronald Doleac of Hattiesburg was elected chair of Mississippi’s Confer-ence of Chancery Judges on Oct. 26 at the Fall Trial and Appellate Judges Conference in Jackson.

Court of Appeals to visit Mississippi State University on Nov. 15
October 30, 2017

The Mississippi Court of Appeals will convene on the campus of Mississippi State University Nov. 15 to hear oral arguments. A three-judge panel will hold court in the Hunter Henry Center at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Judges Westbrooks, Owens and Wise honored as Trailblazers
October 25, 2017

Court of Appeals Judge Latrice Westbrooks and Hinds County Chancellors Denise Owens and Patricia Wise were among women lawyers honored as Legal Trailblazers by the Metro Jackson Black Women Lawyers Association on Oct. 19.

Judge Sean Tindell takes Court of Appeals oath of office
October 17, 2017

Court of Appeals Judge Sean Tindell of Gulfport is a man of integrity and honor, Gov. Phil Bryant said Tuesday before his appointee took the oath of office in Jackson.

Tindell to take Court of Appeals oath of office Oct. 17
October 13, 2017

Newly appointed Court of Appeals Judge Sean J. Tindell will take the oath of office at 10 a.m. Oct. 17 at the Gartin Justice Building in Jackson.

Court of Appeals to visit Rust College on Nov. 2
October 9, 2017

The Mississippi Court of Appeals will convene on the campus of Rust College on Nov. 2 at 11 a.m. to hear oral arguments.

Kitchens becomes Presiding Justice of Mississippi Supreme Court
October 4, 2017

State Supreme Court Justice James W. Kitchens of Crystal Springs has been elevated to the position of Presiding Justice.

115 new lawyers admitted to the Mississippi Bar
October 2, 2017

Circuit Judge Smith Murphey of Batesville welcomed 115 new lawyers to the Mississippi Bar during the Fall Bar Admission Ceremony Sept. 28 at Thalia Mara Hall in Jackson.

Bicentennial Moot Court Competition between Mississippi College School of Law and the University of Mississippi School of Law
September 27, 2017

Webcast of the Bicentennial Moot Court Competition between Mississippi College School of Law and the University of Mississippi School of Law.

BICENTENNIAL OF MISSISSIPPI’S JUDICIARY AND LEGAL PROFESSION
September 22, 2017

This year marks the Bicentennial for the State of Mississippi. The judiciary and legal profession are a proud part of this celebration. Our founders understood the importance of the judiciary and the legal profession.

Justice Dickinson bids farewell to Supreme Court, gets ready to lead Child Protection Services
September 15, 2017

Presiding Justice Jess Dickinson on Thursday reflected on almost 14 years of service on the Mississippi Supreme Court and prepared for the challenge of leading the Department of Child Protection Services.

Chief Justice of the United States to visit Jackson Sept. 27 for Judiciary Bicentennial
September 14, 2017

The Chief Justice of the United States, John G. Roberts Jr., will visit the Mississippi Supreme Court on Sept. 27 to celebrate the Bicentennial of the Mississippi Judiciary.

Justice David Ishee to take Supreme Court oath September 18
September 13, 2017

Justice David Ishee will take the oath of office as the newest member of the Mississippi Supreme Court at 2 p.m. Sept. 18 in the second floor En Banc Courtroom at the Supreme Court in Jackson.

Special Judge appointed to 10th District Circuit Court
September 11, 2017

The Mississippi Supreme Court on Monday, Sept. 11, appointed retired Court of Appeals Judge Larry E. Roberts to serve temporarily as a special circuit judge of the 10th Circuit Court District after the sudden death of Circuit Judge Justin Cobb.

Circuit Judge Justin Cobb died Sept. 9, 2017
September 11, 2017

Circuit Judge Justin Cobb of Meridian collapsed while jogging on Saturday, Sept. 9, and died at Rush Foundation Hospital. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Sept. 12, at First Baptist Church in Meridian. Visitation is at 9 a.m. and the funeral is at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens for family only. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home in Meridian is in charge of arrangements.

Ceremony to honor Justice Jess Dickinson set for Sept. 14
September 11, 2017

The Mississippi Supreme Court will honor Presiding Justice Jess H. Dickinson at a ceremony at 3 p.m. Sept. 14 in the En Banc Courtroom at the Gartin Justice Building in Jackson. A reception will follow in the second floor lobby.

Ms.freelegalanswers.org marks first year of service
September 1, 2017

The free legal information website ms.freelegalanswers.org recently marked one year of operation, and its creators are working to spread the word about the service for low-income people.

Indian Child Welfare Act training explains law and human impact
August 28, 2017

Angel Smith was born in 1978, the year Congress passed the Indian Child Welfare Act. The federal mandate to preserve Native American children’s connections to their families and tribal culture has defined her life.

Five new members join Access to Justice Commission
August 23, 2017

The Mississippi Supreme Court has appointed five new members to the Access to Justice Commission and reappointed three.

Free legal clinic scheduled for Sept. 14 at south Jackson church
August 23, 2017

New Horizon Church International will host a free legal assistance clinic on Sept. 14 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the church at 1770 Ellis Avenue in Jackson.

Librarian of Congress wants to borrow Curious George
August 18, 2017

The U.S. Librarian of Congress would like to borrow and exhibit the University of Southern Mississippi’s Curious George manuscripts and materials.

Supreme Court makes appointments to Bar Complaint Tribunal
August 18, 2017

The Mississippi Supreme Court has appointed three new members to the Bar Complaint Tribunal, and reappointed three members.

State Drug Court conference set for Aug. 23-25 in Natchez
August 18, 2017

The Mississippi Association of Drug Court Professionals Thirteenth Annual Conference is scheduled for Aug. 23-25 at the Natchez Convention Center.

Renovated Pearl River County Circuit Courtroom reopens Aug. 21
August 18, 2017

Pearl River County Circuit Court will convene in a newly renovated courtroom on Monday, Aug. 21, at the County Courthouse in Poplarville. Circuit Judge Prentiss Harrell will preside over an opening ceremony at 8:30 a.m.

Andy Taggart to speak at 3rd District Drug Court graduation Aug. 15
August 14, 2017

Andy Taggart will be the guest speaker at the Third Judicial District Drug Court graduation Aug. 15 at the Lafayette County Courthouse in Oxford. The ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. in the main courtroom.

Librarian of Congress to visit Jackson Aug. 18 and 19
August 9, 2017

The Librarian of Congress will visit the State Law Library at 9 a.m. Aug. 18 to help celebrate the Law Library’s upcoming 2018 Bicentennial. The Law Library is located at the Supreme Court at 450 High Street in Jackson.

Indian Child Welfare Act Conference set for August 10 at Choctaw
August 3, 2017

The Seventh Annual Indian Child Welfare Act Conference will be held Aug. 10 at the Silver Star Con-vention Center at Choctaw.

Four reappointed to Board of Certified Court Reporters
July 27, 2017

The Mississippi Supreme Court has reappointed four members of the Board of Certified Court Reporters.

Youth Drug Court begins operation in Attala, Neshoba and Winston counties
July 24, 2017

Attala, Neshoba and Winston counties will launch a juvenile drug court Aug. 1.

Dean Deborah Bell is 2017 recipient of Chief Justice Award
July 14, 2017

Deborah H. Bell, interim dean of the University of Mississippi School of Law, is the recipient of the 2017 Chief Justice Award.

Rescue 100 foster parent training scheduled July 28-30 in Wesson
July 12, 2017

Rescue 100, three days of intense training for new foster parents, is scheduled for July 28-30 at Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Wesson.

Free family law clinic scheduled for July 6 in Tupelo
June 29, 2017

Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Bill Waller Jr. will speak at a free family law clinic July 6 at 4 p.m. at the Lee County Justice Center in Tupelo.

Portrait ceremony scheduled for June 30 in Magnolia
June 26, 2017

Four former judges and a district attorney will be honored during a portrait hanging ceremony at 10 a.m. June 30 at the Pike County Courthouse in Magnolia.

Court language interpreter ceremony scheduled for June 29
June 23, 2017

Mississippi Supreme Court Justice Jim Kitchens will administer the court interpreter’s oath at 2 p.m. June 29 to the first Spanish speaking court language interpreter to be trained and certified under the state’s own program.

14th Circuit Drug Court to conduct trauma training for law officers
June 9, 2017

The Fourteenth Circuit Drug Court will conduct trauma training for area law enforcement officers June 13 and 14 at the Drug Court office at 3162 Old Industrial Road in McComb.

Circuit Judge Mark Duncan to be sworn in June 6
June 2, 2017

Newly appointed Circuit Judge Mark Duncan of Philadelphia will be sworn in Tuesday, June 6 at 1 p.m. at the Neshoba County Courthouse.

Lamar County Circuit Court to begin e-filing May 30
May 26, 2017

Electronic filing of court documents will become mandatory in Lamar County Circuit Court on May 30. Voluntary electronic filing began May 22.

Public comments sought regarding consideration of class action rule
May 23, 2017

The Mississippi Supreme Court’s Rules Committee on Civil Practice and Procedure has asked for public comments on a proposal to create a class action rule similar to that in federal courts.

Networking luncheons to raise awareness of free civil legal services
May 23, 2017

Organizers of free civil legal clinics are working to increase public awareness of the services available to assist poor people. Informational program luncheons for community leaders are scheduled across north Mississippi starting May 24 at noon at the Union County Chancery Court, 109 East Main Street in New Albany.

Judge Latrice Westbrooks named Outstanding Woman Lawyer of 2017
May 23, 2017

Mississippi Court of Appeals Judge Latrice A. Westbrooks of Lexington was honored Friday, May 19, as Outstanding Woman Lawyer of 2017 by the Mississippi Women Lawyers’ Association.

Retiring Circuit Judge Vernon Cotten honored
May 19, 2017

A long line of people stretched outside the National Guard Armory in Carthage Thursday afternoon as colleagues, friends and well-wishers gathered at a retirement ceremony honoring Circuit Judge Vernon R. Cotten.

Hinds Circuit Drug Court graduation set for May 23
May 17, 2017

Fourteen people are expected to graduate for the Hinds County Circuit Drug Court on May 23. The ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. on the second floor of the Hinds County Courthouse at 407 East Pascagoula Street in Jackson.

Commission on Guardianship and Conservatorship begins work
May 12, 2017

The Mississippi Commission on Guardianship and Conservatorship met May 10 to begin work to develop recommendations to improve the way the courts protect children, vulnerable adults and estates.

Court language intepreter seminar set for June 21-22 in Long Beach
May 10, 2017

A seminar for prospective court language interpreters will be held June 21 and 22 at the University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Campus, 730 East Beach Boulevard in Long Beach.

Commission on Guardianship and Conservatorship to meet May 10
May 9, 2017

The Mississippi Commission on Guardianship and Conservatorship will meet for the first time on May 10 at 10 a.m. at the Gartin Justice Building, 450 High Street in Jackson. The meeting will be held in the first floor training room.

14th Circuit Drug Court graduation is May 15 in Summit
May 8, 2017

Mississippi Supreme Court Presiding Justice Jess H. Dickinson will be the guest speaker at the 14th Circuit Drug Court graduation at 2 p.m. May 15 at Southwest Mississippi Community College in Summit. The ceremony will be held in the Horace Holmes Student Union Hall.

19 people graduate from Eighth Circuit Drug Court
May 8, 2017

A 35-year-old former nurse will work to regain a nursing license after completing four years in the Eighth Judicial District Drug Court.

Circuit Judge Vernon Cotten announces retirement
May 3, 2017

Circuit Judge Vernon R. Cotten of Carthage will retire from the Eighth Circuit District bench on May 31 after nearly 20 years of service.

Three state judges honored by Mississippi Bar Foundation
April 14, 2017

Circuit Judge Prentiss G. Harrell of Hattiesburg and Circuit Judge Carol L. White-Richard of Indianola were inducted as fellows of the Mississippi Bar Foundation on April 13.

Supreme Court creates Commission on Guardianship and Conservatorship
April 13, 2017

The Supreme Court on April 13 created the Mississippi Commission on Guardianship and Conservatorship to develop recommendations to improve the way the courts protect children, vulnerable adults and estates.

Court of Appeals to visit Mississippi Valley State, Alcorn and University of Mississippi
March 8, 2017

The Mississippi Court of Appeals will convene on the campus of Mississippi Valley State University on March 30 at 10 a.m. to hear oral arguments, and will visit Alcorn State University at 10 a.m. April 6.

Judge Alfonso, Judge Webster named to Drug Courts Advisory Committee
March 1, 2017

Harrison County Court Judge Margaret Alfonso of Gulfport and Circuit Judge Charles Webster of Clarksdale have been appointed to the State Drug Courts Advisory Committee.

Access to Justice Commission to meet on March 7 in Jackson
February 24, 2017

Mississippi was ranked 50th on the 2016Justice Index.The Mississippi Access to Justice Commission wants to know why, and how to improve.

Third Circuit Drug Court graduation is Feb. 14 in Oxford
February 10, 2017

A dozen north Mississippi people will give their families a powerful Valentine's Day gift when they graduate from the Third Judicial District Drug Court.

Mississippi Summit on Courts and the Military is set for Feb. 24
February 9, 2017

The Mississippi Summit on Courts and the Military is scheduled for Feb. 24 at Mississippi College School of Law, 151 East Griffith Street in Jackson.

Judge Westbrooks investiture celebrates those who shaped her life
February 2, 2017

“If I try hard enough, I can do anything. All I have to do is just try,” Mississippi Court of Appeals Judge Latrice Westbrooks told colleagues, friends and family at her investiture on Wednesday, Feb. 1, in Jackson.

Investiture of Judge Latrice Westbrooks to be held Feb. 1 in Jackson
January 31, 2017

An investiture ceremony for Court of Appeals Judge Latrice Westbrooks is scheduled for Feb. 1 at 3 p.m. at the Gartin Justice Building, 450 High Street in Jackson.

Teamwork training for child welfare professionals set for Jan. 25 in Gulfport
January 23, 2017

Teamwork training for child welfare professionals is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 25, 9a.m. to 3 p.m. at Michael Memorial Baptist Church in Gulfport.

Reentry Council to meet January 20
January 18, 2017

The Mississippi Reentry Council will meet at 2 p.m. Jan. 20 in the Training Room at the Gartin Justice Building at 450 High Street in Jackson.

Teamwork training for child welfare professionals set for Jan. 18 in Madison
January 17, 2017

Teamwork training for child welfare professionals is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 18, 9a.m. to 3 p.m. at Broadmoor Baptist Church, 1531 Highland Colony Parkway in Madison.

Justice Chamberlin praised for fairness, intellect, integrity at investiture ceremony
January 9, 2017

Judges and friends on Sunday praised new Supreme Court Justice Robert P. Chamberlin as a smart, fair, hardworking judge of high integrity.

Investiture of Justice Chamberlin set for January 8 in Hernando
January 4, 2017

An investiture ceremony for Supreme Court Justice Robert P. Chamberlin is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 8, at 1:30 p.m. at the DeSoto County Courthouse, 2535 Highway 51 South in Hernando.

Justices Chamberlin, Kitchens, Maxwell and Beam sworn in January 3
January 3, 2017

New Supreme Court Justice Robert P. Chamberlin and incumbent Justices James W. Kitchens, James D. Maxwell II and Dawn H. Beam took the oath of office today in Jackson.

Court of Appeals Judge Latrice Westbrooks sworn in January 3
January 3, 2017

New Court of Appeals Judge Latrice A. Westbrooks took the oath of office today in Jackson.