News

49 new Justice Court judges to take office in January
December 20, 2019

Forty-nine new Justice Court judges recently completed two weeks of intensive judicial training in Jackson. The judges will take office in January.

Special Committee on Judicial Election Campaign Intervention appointed
December 18, 2019

Five members have been appointed to the Special Committee on Judicial Election Campaign Intervention

Chief Justice appoints Judge Bruhl to Commission on Judicial Performance, names Judge Curry as alternate member
December 17, 2019

Chief Justice Mike Randolph has appointed Walthall County Justice Court Judge Ryan Bruhl as a member of the Commission on Judicial Performance, and appointed Forrest County Justice Court Judge Wes Curry as an alternate member of the Commission.

Chief Justice discusses expansion plans for intervention courts
December 11, 2019

Twenty-one Hinds Circuit Drug Court graduates on Wednesday pushed the statewide total of intervention court graduates past 5,600 during the past eight years.

Circuit Judge Christopher Collins to resign Jan. 1
December 6, 2019

Circuit Judge Christopher A. Collins of Union has announced that he will resign from the bench effective Jan. 1, 2020.

Retired Chancellor William G. Willard Jr. died November 25
December 4, 2019

Retired Chancellor William G. Willard Jr. of Clarksdale died Nov. 25, 2019, at Peter’s Reef, Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman, while scuba diving with his family. He was 72.

Supreme Court reappoints six to Advisory Committee on Rules
November 27, 2019

Chief Justice Mike Randolph, acting on behalf of the Supreme Court sitting En Banc, signed an order reappointing two judges and four attorneys to serve on the Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Rules.

Chief Justice Randolph to speak to Hinds Circuit Drug Court graduation Dec. 11
November 25, 2019

Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Randolph will be the guest speaker during the Hinds Circuit Drug Court graduation on Dec. 11 at 6 p.m.

Chief Justice Randolph to speak to Picayune Rotary Club December 10
November 25, 2019

Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Randolph will speak to the Picayune Rotary Club on Dec. 10 at noon at the Senior Center of South Pearl River County in Picayune.

Retired Court of Appeals Chief Judge Billy Bridges died Nov. 25
November 25, 2019

Retired Mississippi Court of Appeals Chief Judge Billy G. Bridges died on Nov. 25 at his home in Brandon.

Chief Justice Randolph to speak to Columbia Rotary Club Nov. 26
November 7, 2019

Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Randolph will speak to the Columbia Rotary Club Nov. 26 at noon at the Magnolia Grille.

Chief Justice Randolph to speak to McComb Exchange Club Nov. 14
November 7, 2019

Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Randolph will return to McComb to speak to the Exchange Club Nov. 14 at noon at the Golden Corral Restaurant.

Chief Justice Randolph to speak at guardianship and conservatorship CLE program in Meridian
November 7, 2019

Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Randolph will speak at 12:15 p.m. Nov. 8 at the MSU Riley Center in Meridian during a continuing legal education program.

Jackson County adoption celebrations set for Nov. 8 and Nov. 19
November 6, 2019

Eighteen foster children in Jackson County will be adopted during two Adoption Day ceremonies scheduled for Nov. 8 and Nov. 19 at the Old Jackson County Courthouse in Pascagoula.

Chief Justice Randolph to speak at Gautier High School Veterans Breakfast Nov. 8
November 5, 2019

Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Randolph will be the guest speaker at the annual Gautier High School Veterans Breakfast on Nov. 8. Breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m. in the cafeteria, and the program will begin at 8:15 a.m.

Chief Justice Randolph to speak to Poplarville Rotary Club Nov. 6
November 5, 2019

Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Randolph will speak to the Poplarville Rotary Club at noon Nov. 6 at the Pearl River Community College Cafeteria.

Chancery Judges elect conference officers
October 30, 2019

Chancellor Haydn Roberts of Brandon has been elected chair of the Conference of Chancery Court Judges. Chancellor Rhea Sheldon of Purvis was elected vice-chair, and Chancellor Larry Little of Oxford was elected secretary-treasurer.

Court of Appeals to visit three college campuses in November
October 29, 2019

The Mississippi Court of Appeals will convene on three college campuses in November. Three-judge panels will hear oral arguments at Mississippi State University on Nov. 6, at the Utica Campus of Hinds Community College on Nov. 13, and at Rust College in Holly Springs on Nov. 19.

Supreme Court seeks public comments on possible revision to Code of Judicial Conduct
October 11, 2019

The Mississippi Supreme Court is seeking public comments as it considers whether to revise Canon 5 of the Code of Judicial Conduct.

Stephen Burrow appointed to Ethics Commission
October 10, 2019

Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Randolph has appointed attorney Stephen W. Burrow of Pascagoula to the Mississippi Ethics Commission.

Availability of indigent parent representation increases
October 7, 2019

Six counties in north Mississippi will begin providing attorneys to represent indigent parents in abuse and neglect proceedings in Youth Courts.

New Webster County Courthouse holds open house
October 7, 2019

Several hundred people crowded the halls of the new Webster County Courthouse in Walthall on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 6, as county officials held an open house.

Chief Justice Randolph to speak to McComb Lions Club October 8
October 1, 2019

Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Randolph will speak to the McComb Lions Club on Oct. 8 at noon at the Golden Corral Restaurant.

Oct. 6 open house set for new Webster County Courthouse in Walthall
September 30, 2019

An open house is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, at the new Webster County Courthouse at 6333 Mississippi Highway 9 in Walthall.

Chief Justice Randolph to speak at 17th Circuit Drug Court graduation
September 27, 2019

Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Randolph will speak at the 17th Circuit Drug Court graduation on Oct. 16 at 2 p.m. at the Desoto County Courthouse, 2535 Highway 51 in Hernando.

Copiah County native honored as nation's first female federal trial judge
September 20, 2019

Burnita Shelton Matthews' brothers were lawyers, but her father wanted her to be a musician. There were no women lawyers or judges in Copiah County, or in Mississippi 100 years ago.

Pro Bono awards honor those who provide legal assistance to the poor
September 16, 2019

Chancellor Deborah Gambrell of Hattiesburg was honored Sept. 12 as the recipient of the Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project's Beacon of Justice Award.

Sept. 16 ceremony in Hazlehurst will honor nation's first female federal trial judge
September 11, 2019

A ceremony scheduled for 11 a.m. Sept. 16 at the Copiah County Courthouse in Hazlehurst will commemorate the life and service of Burnita Shelton Matthews, a Copiah County native who was the nation's first woman to serve as a federal trial court judge.

Chief Justice Randolph to speak to Brookhaven civic clubs Sept. 11
September 6, 2019

Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Randolph will be the guest speaker on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at noon at a joint meeting of Brookhaven civic clubs.

Three reappointed to Board of Bar Admissions
September 6, 2019

Members of the Mississippi Supreme Court reappointed attorneys Marcie Fyke Baria of Bay St. Louis, Pieter Teeuwissen of Jackson and Gwendolyn Baptist-Rucker of Southaven to the Board of Bar Admissions on Sept. 5.

Court language interpreter seminar set for September 12-13 in Jackson
August 29, 2019

The Mississippi Administrative Office of Courts will introduce bilingual speakers to the requirements for court interpreting during a seminar scheduled for Sept. 12-13 in Jackson.

ABA recognizes Mississippi Bar for conducting free legal clinics statewide
August 28, 2019

The American Bar Association recently recognized statewide efforts across Mississippi to provide civil legal representation to the poor.

Access to Justice Commission to meet on September 3 in Jackson
August 28, 2019

The Mississippi Access to Justice Commission will meet on Sept. 3 at 10 a.m. at the Mississippi Bar Center at 643 North State Street in Jackson.

Supreme Court makes appointments to Bar Complaint Tribunal
August 26, 2019

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

Indian Child Welfare Act Conference set for August 13 at Choctaw
August 6, 2019

The Ninth Annual Indian Child Welfare Act Conference will be held Aug. 13 at the Silver Star Convention Center at Choctaw. The President of the National American Indian Court Judges Association, Chief Judge Richard Blake of Hoopa, Calif., will be the keynote speaker.

Guardianship clinic in Gulfport helps 39 children
August 2, 2019

Grandparents, other relatives and caring friends were able to establish guardianships for 39 children at a free guardianship clinic in Gulfport this week.

Supreme Court reappoints six members to Access to Justice Commission
July 31, 2019

The Mississippi Supreme Court recently reappointed six veteran members and two new members to the Access to Justice Commission.

More than 130 seek legal help at Hinds County Family Law Clinic
July 26, 2019

A Hinds Chancery Courtroom and the third floor lobby were packed on Friday as people waited to get free legal help to establish guardianships for school enrollment, expunge records and file for divorce.

Free family law clinic offered July 26 in Jackson
July 23, 2019

A free Family Law Clinic is scheduled for July 26, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the Third Floor of the Hinds County Chancery Court, 316 South President Street, Jackson.

Justice Maxwell, Judge McDonald and Judge Adams reappointed to judicial education committee
July 19, 2019

Supreme Court Justice James D. Maxwell II of Oxford, Court of Appeals Judge Deborah A. McDonald of Fayette and Leflore County Court Judge Kevin Adams of Greenwood have been re-appointed to the Com-mittee on Continuing Judicial Education.

Chief Justice appoints Judge Emfinger to Commission on Judicial Performance, names Judge Collins as alternate member
July 19, 2019

Chief Justice Mike Randolph has appointed Circuit Judge John Emfinger of Brandon as a member of the Commission on Judicial Performance, and appointed Circuit Judge Christopher Collins of Union as an al-ternate member of the Commission.

Court of Appeals Chief Judge Donna Barnes honored as trailblazer
July 18, 2019

Mississippi Court of Appeals Chief Judge Donna M. Barnes was honored July 11 as a trailblazer among women lawyers.

Judge Keith Starrett honored with 2019 Chief Justice Award
July 12, 2019

Today U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett for the Southern District of Mississippi, Eastern Division (Hattiesburg) received the 2019 Chief Justice Award. Judge Starrett divides his time between his residences in Hattiesburg and McComb.

Governor signs GAP Act to protect children and vulnerable adults
May 29, 2019

Gov. Phil Bryant on Wednesday, May 29, signed the Mississippi Guardianship and Conservatorship Act, which will provide stronger protections for children and vulnerable adults.

Judge Cory Wilson says judicial service is a way of "paying it forward"
May 24, 2019

Judge Cory Wilson at his investiture on May 20 in Jackson thanked the Governor for the opportunity to serve on the Mississippi Court of Appeals.

Hinds Circuit Drug Court graduation set for May 28
May 24, 2019

Rep. Alyce Griffin Clarke will be honored during the Hinds Circuit Drug Court graduation ceremony on May 28. 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.

Investiture ceremony for Judge Cory Wilson set for May 20
May 16, 2019

An investiture ceremony will be held for Mississippi Court of Appeals Judge Cory Wilson on May 20 at 4 p.m. in the Supreme Court En Banc Courtroom at the Gartin Justice Building, 450 High Street in Jackson.

Child safety training emphasizes teamwork
May 15, 2019

This week, teams of child protection professionals from across the state gathered for training aimed at improving the child welfare system.

Teamwork for child safety training to be presented in Oxford, Madison and Gulfport
May 10, 2019

Teams of child protection professionals who work to safeguard the welfare of abused and neglected children will gather for a day of training in Oxford on May 13, in Madison on May 14 and in Gulfport on May 15.

15th Circuit Drug Court graduation set for May 17
May 9, 2019

U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith will be the guest speaker at the 15th Circuit Drug Court graduation ceremony on May 17 at 10 a.m. at Main Street Baptist Church in Hattiesburg.

Chief Justice Randolph congratulates Drug Court graduates
May 8, 2019

Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Randolph congratulated 18 graduates of the Eighth Judicial District Drug Court during a ceremony on May 7 in Sebastopol.

Circuit, County Court judges elect conference officers
May 6, 2019

Circuit Judge Lisa P. Dodson of Gulfport has been elected chair of the Conference of Circuit Court Judges. Circuit Judge Kelly Luther of Ripley was elected vice-chair, and Circuit Judge Tony Mozingo of Oak Grove was re-elected secretary-treasurer.

Chief Justice Randolph to speak at 8th Circuit Drug Court graduation
May 3, 2019

Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Randolph will speak at the Eighth Judicial District Drug Court graduation on May 7 at 1 p.m. The ceremony will be held at Pine Grove Pentecostal Church in Sebastopol.

Commission on Guardianship and Conservatorship to discuss new law to protect children and vulnerable adults
May 2, 2019

The Commission on Guardianship and Conservatorship will meet at 10 a.m. May 3 at the Gartin Justice Building, 450 High Street in Jackson to discuss the recent passage of legislation which will guard and protect vulnerable children and adults.

Judge David McCarty calls for equal justice for all
March 29, 2019

Mississippi Court of Appeals Judge David Neil McCarty used the occasion of his investiture ceremony to call upon lawyers to provide more free legal services to the poor, and to urge equal justice for all in a diverse culture.

Investiture ceremony for Judge David McCarty set for March 27
March 19, 2019

An investiture ceremony will be held for Judge David Neil McCarty on March 27 at 10 a.m. in the Court of Appeals Courtroom at the Gartin Justice Building in Jackson.

Court of Appeals to visit Mississippi Valley State University April 9
March 15, 2019

The Mississippi Court of Appeals will convene on the campus of Mississippi Valley State University on April 9 at 1 p.m. to hear oral arguments.

Commission on Children's Justice names four Champions for Children
March 8, 2019

The Commission on Children's Justice on March 7 recognized four Champions for Children.

Free family law clinics scheduled across the state
March 8, 2019

More than 20 free family law clinics are scheduled around the state, and many more are expected to be held this year to help poor people resolve civil legal issues.

Commission on Children's Justice requests funding to increase parent representation
March 7, 2019

The Commission on Children's Justice on March 7 asked the Mississippi Legislature to increase the appropriation for legal representation of indigent parents in Youth Courts.

Chief Justice Randolph praises volunteer work, promises timely decisions by veteran jurists
March 4, 2019

On Friday, March 1, 2019, Chief Justice Mike Randolph remarked how blessed he was to lead a court of veteran jurists.

Access to Justice Commission to discuss child neglect and abuse prevention March 5
March 1, 2019

Federal funding to aid child neglect and abuse prevention will be discussed by the Access to Justice Commission at its March 5 meeting in Jackson.

Chief Justice Michael Randolph to speak during Mississippi Bar seminar in Hattiesburg
February 27, 2019

Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael K. Randolph will speak March 1 at 11:10 a.m. in Hattiesburg at the Lake Terrace Convention Center during the Southern Regional Bar Meeting/CLE on the Road Seminar.

Court of Appeals Judge Cory Wilson sworn in Feb. 15
February 15, 2019

New Court of Appeals Judge Cory T. Wilson was sworn in on Feb. 15 in Jackson.

Court of Appeals to visit Mississippi University for Women on Feb. 19
February 14, 2019

The Mississippi Court of Appeals will convene on the campus of Mississippi University for Women in Columbus on Feb. 19 to hear oral arguments.

Reentry Council makes recommendations for criminal justice reform
February 13, 2019

The Mississippi Reentry Council on Feb. 12 made recommendations for legislation to reduce recidivism and help former inmates find jobs.

Court of Appeals Judge Cory Wilson to take oath Feb. 15
February 12, 2019

New Court of Appeals Judge Cory T. Wilson will take the oath of office on Feb. 15 at 11 a.m. at the Gartin Justice Building in Jackson.

Chief Justice Randolph addresses Chancery Court Clerks Conference
February 5, 2019

Former Chief Justice Bill Waller Jr. brought a sense of honor, integrity and dignity to the Supreme Court, new Chief Justice Michael K. Randolph said Tuesday.

Chief Judge Donna Barnes sworn in as first woman to lead Court of Appeals
February 1, 2019

Chief Judge Donna Barnes of Tupelo on Feb. 1 was sworn in as the first woman judge to lead the Mississippi Court of Appeals.

Presiding Justice King takes on administrative responsibilities at Supreme Court
February 1, 2019

Justice Leslie D. King of Greenville took on more administrative responsibilities at the Mississippi Supreme Court on Feb. 1 when he became a Presiding Justice.

Kenneth Griffis sworn in as Supreme Court Justice Feb. 1
February 1, 2019

Justice T. Kenneth Griffis Jr. of Ridgeland took the oath of office Feb. 1 as the newest member of the Mississippi Supreme Court.

Judge Donna Barnes to become Chief Judge of Mississippi Court of Appeals
January 24, 2019

Judge Donna M. Barnes of Tupelo will become Chief Judge of the Mississippi Court of Appeals on Feb. 1.

Justice Griffis to take Supreme Court oath Feb. 1
January 24, 2019

New Supreme Court Justice T. Kenneth Griffis Jr. of Ridgeland will take the oath of office Feb. 1 at 10 a.m. in the Supreme Court En Banc Courtroom in Jackson.

Retirement ceremony for Chief Justice Waller to be held Jan. 25
January 22, 2019

A retirement ceremony honoring Chief Justice William L. (Bill) Waller Jr. will be held Jan. 25 at 11 a.m. at the Supreme Court Courthouse in Jackson.

Judge James L. Roberts Jr. lauded for public service
January 21, 2019

Judge James L. Roberts Jr. of Pontotoc was honored for his career of more than 40 years of public service on Jan. 18 as he presented his portrait to the Mississippi Supreme Court.

Court language interpreter seminar set for Jan. 31-Feb. 1
January 16, 2019

The Mississippi Administrative Office of Courts seeks bilingual speakers to work as courtroom interpreters.

Judge James Roberts Jr. to present portrait to Supreme Court Jan. 18
January 15, 2019

Judge James L. Roberts Jr. of Pontotoc will present his portrait to the Mississippi Supreme Court on Jan. 18 at 11 a.m. during a ceremony at the Supreme Court Courthouse in Jackson.

Chancellor Margaret Alfonso investiture set for Jan. 18 in Gulfport
January 15, 2019

An investiture ceremony for Chancellor Margaret Alfonso will be held Jan. 18 at 3 p.m. at the Harrison County Courthouse, 1801 23rd Avenue, Gulfport.

Reentry Council to meet January 18 in Jackson
January 15, 2019

The Mississippi Reentry Council will meet on Jan. 18 at 2 p.m. in the Training Room of the Mississippi Supreme Court at 450 High Street in Jackson.

Court of Appeals Judges Lawrence and McCarty to take oath Jan. 7
January 4, 2019

New Court of Appeals Judges Anthony N. "Tony" Lawrence III of Pascagoula and David Neil McCarty of Jackson will take the oath of office on January 7 at 11 a.m. at the Gartin Justice Building in Jackson.