Mississippi Courts

April 2015 Published by the Administrative Office of Courts Tallahatchie County Courthouse restoration finished

The bench is tiny, and the J.W. Milam of murder in the South,” Cochran said. acquittal, Bryant and Milam jury room has two doors, one slaying of Emmett Till. The Till, 14, of Chicago, was admitted in a paid magazine wooden and the second a Emmett Till Interpretative visiting relatives in the Delta interview that they had beat screen door. When juries Center across the street cap- when he and his cousins went and shot Till, tied a gin fan deliberated in the days before tures the history of the slay- to a country store near Mon- around his neck and dumped air conditioning, the judge ing and the trial. ey. Till whistled at Bryant’s his body into the Tallahatchie would clear the courtroom The Emmett Till Memorial wife as she tended the store. River. and open the wood door on Commission, which moved Till was awakened in the Airicka Gordon Taylor, the jury room to bring in a the courthouse restoration middle of the night and founding director of the Ma- breeze, leaving only the and interpretative center dragged from his uncle’s mie Till Mobley Memorial screen door to keep out the from idea to reality, hosted a house, beaten and dumped Foundation, was somber. mosquitoes. ceremony at the courthouse into the Tallahatchie River. She vividly remembered Recently completed reno- on March 21. Mamie Till Mobley insisted Mobley’s grief over the loss vation of the Tallahatchie Sen. Thad Cochran told the on an open casket funeral for of her only child. And she County Courthouse in packed courtroom, “It is im- her only child so that the remembered the powerful Sumner returned the second portant to reflect on its histo- world could see what had love and determination of the floor courtroom and jury de- ry, what has the courthouse happened. A few months woman who helped raise her. liberation room to the way it done and seen.” Till’s story after they walked free with an “Coming here this time looked in September 1955, “helped galvanize the Civil was very difficult and emo- when an all white, all male Rights movement across the tional because of the reason,” jury deliberated for a little nation, and especially in the she said. She bristled at oth- more than an hour before ers’ characterization of the acquitting Roy Bryant and event as a celebration. “How Page 2 April 2015

can you celebrate this?” But Commission member Jes- Commission member that if we could have cooper- sadness was tempered by the sie Jaynes celebrated the Frank Mitchener said that ation of both races to restore spot’s place in history. memory of Jerome Little, the Little, the first African- the courthouse, it would build “Mamie didn’t want Emmett man who started the effort to American president of the relations. It’s obvious that to die in vain,” she said. restore the courthouse, and Tallahatchie County Board of Jerome Little was a man of “How can you reform with- moved the effort forward. Supervisors, wanted to create vision.” out knowing where you came The dedication was the reali- a memorial to the life of Em- Longtime newspaper col- from? We have to remember zation of Little’s dream. “He mett Till and the legacy of umnist Bill Minor sat close to the past in order to educate was very passionate about it the Civil Rights era. “He the spot from which he re- our children.” until the day he died.” thought, and he was right, ported the 1955 trial for the

Sen. Thad Cochran speaks during dedication ceremony. Journalist Bill Minor, at right, talks to Airicka Gordon Frank Mitchener is seated at right. Taylor after the dedication ceremony. April 2015 Page 3

New Orleans Times- his children came in Picayune. He looked over the the judge’s entrance mingling, diverse crowd after and squeezed into a the ceremony and remarked spot along the wall to on what a different picture it watch the program. presented. Sixty years ago, “that was unthinkable.” Dur- ing the Bryant and Milam trial, the county sheriff didn’t want to let African-American journalists into the court- room. “All of us are together and that’s the way it needs to be,” Jaynes said. Thacker Mountain Radio Hour recorded its weekly music program from the courtroom before the dedica- tion. Mississippi music leg- end Dorothy Moore wowed Music legend Dorothy Moore sings “Misty Blue” before courthouse dedication March 21. the audience with her famous “Misty Blue” and two other “I grew up around and played hits. The Tutwiler Communi- in this courthouse.” He re- ty Center Student Blues Band called ringing the courthouse and the Thacker Mountain bell to watch the pigeons fly band, the Yalobushwhackers, out of the tower. His parents’ performed. home is down the street. “It’s nice to see the court- He convened court there house in better repair,” Cir- for the first time after the cuit Judge Smith Murphey V renovation, empaneling a said before he and three of grand jury.

Chancery Clerk Anita Greenwood, at left, talks to John La- The jury deliberation room stands empty at the Tallahatchie mar and Justice Ann Lamar. Circuit Judge Smith Murphey County Courthouse in Sumner. V is at back, left. Page 4 April 2015

Court language interpreter certified after AOC training

Russian-born Galina Lo- bodina came to Jackson State University in 2004 to teach English as a second language to international students. In February, her bilingual mas- tery earned her a spot as the first court interpreter to be trained and certified under the state’s own program. Lobodina, 36, who was born in Volzhsky, Russia, is the state’s only certified Rus- sian language court interpret- er. Court of Appeals Chief Judge Joe Lee administered the court interpreter’s oath to Lobodina on Feb. 11 during a ceremony in the Supreme Court En Banc Courtroom. “We are honored that you Chief Judge Joe Lee administers the court interpreter’s oath to Galina Lobodina. have successfully completed this program and that you are ly trained and credentialed in who preceded Gordon as co- ment I realized what it might here today,” Judge Lee said other states, then accepted ordinator of the interpreter be like to be someone who before administering the oath. through reciprocity in Missis- program, said that Mississip- cannot speak English, who “This is just such a pivotal sippi. Among those was pi saw a 105 percent increase has a limited knowledge of moment here in Mississippi Hernan Augusto Silva Zetina, in Spanish speakers and a the English language, sitting for our courts,” said Admin- who drove from his home in more than 40 percent increase in the courtroom having their istrative Office of the Courts Memphis to attend the cere- in Asian language speakers fate decided for them and Deputy Director Ta’Shia S. mony. Three other interpret- between 2000 and 2010. they are not understanding Gordon, who oversees the ers certified in Mississippi “We are a growing, diverse what is going on.” court interpreter certification also live in Tennessee. state and we need this” inter- AOC developed the Mis- program. “ I’m just happy Four recently registered preter program, she said. sissippi Court Interpreter that we have such great, qual- court interpreters also were Counts said she experi- Credentialing Program to ified interpreters here in Mis- recognized at the ceremony. enced what it might be like to assist the courts in their en- sissippi.” They are Luis E. Diaz of be a person of limited Eng- deavor to provide equal ac- Twelve interpreters are Jackson, Herminia Leal of lish proficiency when she put cess to justice for limited currently credentialed by the Gulfport, Blanca Love of on a training seminar for pro- English proficiency individu- Administrative Office of Brandon and John D. Mora spective interpreters. During als. The AOC program pro- Courts. Among the others, of Noxapater. All are regis- lunch, she was surrounded by vides judges in state courts 10 speak Spanish, and one tered Spanish language inter- about 30 people. Everyone with a list of language inter- speaks Mandarin Chinese. preters. chatted in Spanish – except preters who have demonstrat- Seven interpreters who were Mississippi Electronic her. “It was very humbling to ed proficiency in oral inter- certified earlier were original- Courts Director Lisa Counts, me,” she said. “At that mo- pretation of court proceedings April 2015 Page 5

Judge Roberts receives MSU Distinguished Jurist Award

Circuit Judge James L. degree from the University of which would have begun in Roberts Jr. of Pontotoc was Mississippi School of Law. January 1993, but took office honored as the 2014 recipient Judge Roberts’ career of early by gubernatorial ap- of Mississippi State Universi- public service began shortly pointment. He resigned from ty’s Distinguished Jurist after he graduated from law the Supreme Court in 1999 to Award. The annual award is school. He was county pros- make an unsuccessful run for given by the MSU Pre-Law ecutor for 12 years. Gov. Bill governor. He then served as Society. Allain appointed him Com- Pontotoc Municipal Judge. Judge Roberts earned a missioner of Public Safety in He considered it a service to Masters of Business Admin- 1984. He was appointed his community. istration from Mississippi chancellor of the 1st Chancery He has served as Circuit State University in 1968. He Court District in 1988. He Judge of the seven-county 1st has a Bachelor of Arts from was elected to the Supreme Circuit District since January Millsaps College and a law Court in 1992 for a term 2007.

Left to right are Hernan Augusto Silva-Zetina, Galina Lobodina, Ta’Shia Gordon, Georgina Barvier’ and Luis E. Diaz.

and sight translation of docu- fied interpreter represents the Building Seminar dates are the Community Development ments. The credentialing pro- highest level of credentials June 17-18 in Long Beach at Foundation Center. gram provides two levels of issued by the state for court the University of Southern For more information, con- proficiency: registered and language interpreters. Mississippi Gulf Park Cam- tact Ta’Shia Gordon at 601- certified. Becoming a certi- Upcoming Ethics and Skill pus and Oct. 7-8 in Tupelo at 576-4632.

Page 6 April 2015

Judge Hudson appointed Jurist in Residence to assist Youth Courts

One of Mississippi’s most assist its juvenile courts. Jurist to assist the Mississippi experienced juvenile court Judge Hudson will visit a Supreme Court in performing judges has become an adviser Texas Jurist in Residence in its supervisory role with re- to Youth Courts statewide. May to learn more about that spect to effective administra- John N. Hudson of state’s program. “I’m a firm tion of justice in Youth Natchez, who retired in De- believer in replicating things Courts, serve as a liaison to cember after 31 years as Ad- that work instead of wasting the Department of Human ams County Court and Youth a lot of time and creating Services and other state agen- Court Judge, became Jurist in things that may or may not cies involved in child protec- Residence April 1. His job is work,” he said. tion, and provide training to to assist Youth Courts across Mississippi’s Youth Court Youth Court judges. the state in dealing with structure, staffing and re- Justice Pierce said, “I am abused, neglected and delin- sources vary greatly across extremely pleased that Judge quent children. the state. In the 21 counties Hudson will be Mississippi's “I will be a resource person which have a County Court, first Jurist in Residence.... intent is to continue to sup- for all Youth Court judges,” those judges oversee the Judge Hudson will be an as- port what we feel is a very he said. Youth Court. The Chancery set to our Youth Courts and strong strategy.” “The purpose is to help Courts have jurisdiction over to the Supreme Court as we Blanco said Judge Hud- bring some uniform practices Youth Court in 61 counties ensure the best possible out- son’s extensive work in the to the way children are treat- which do not have a County comes for Mississippi's chil- past on juvenile justice im- ed in the courts throughout Court. Chancellors appoint dren. I also want to thank provement initiatives makes the state,” Judge Hudson local attorneys as part-time Casey Family Programs for him ideally suited to become said. “My priority is to be a Youth Court referees. funding this position for a the state’s first Jurist in Resi- resource to help local Youth Rankin County Court and year and for Casey's commit- dence. He has extensive ex- Courts become more effec- Youth Court Judge Thomas ment to our children.” perience and is well respect- tive and efficient.” Broome, Chairman of the Seattle-based Casey Fami- ed. “He is an invaluable re- It is hoped that the Jurist in Council of Youth Court Judg- ly Programs has committed to source,” she said. Residence can assist Youth es, said having the Jurist in provide $60,000 to fund the Judge Hudson has been a Courts to achieve quicker Residence “will be an excel- Mississippi Jurist in Resi- leader and innovator in Youth permanency for children who lent opportunity to get some dence position for a year, Court reform. On the state come into the custody of the expertise developed in areas with the expectation of level, he played a significant Department of Human Ser- of the state which may be providing future funding. role in the expansion of com- vices, and to ensure better lacking.” Casey Family Programs is the munity services to meet the outcomes for children. The position of Jurist in nation’s largest private foun- educational, emotional and Judge Hudson hopes to Residence was created on the dation focused entirely on physical needs of delinquent, serve as a mentor, help with recommendation of the Com- foster care and improving the abused and neglected chil- training in best practices, and mission on Children’s Jus- child welfare system. dren in the community and in to locate and access commu- tice, which Judge Broome co- Isabel Blanco of Miami, the improvement of the juve- nity and other resources to chaired with Supreme Court senior director and lead stra- nile justice systems. In assist Youth Courts. Justice Randy Pierce. The tegic consultant for Casey Natchez, he developed one of The Jurist in Residence Commission’s December Family Programs in Missis- the first five adolescent of- position is patterned after a 2013 report called for, among sippi, said, “Certainly our fender programs in Mississip- similar program created by other things, establishment of intent is to have a longer sup- pi, the first juvenile drug the Texas Supreme Court to a state position of Resident port for this capacity. Our court in the state, one of the April 2015 Page 7

Director of Treatment Services understands struggle

There he sat, on a hard jail their struggles. That had been hol and drug abuse preven- bunk. It was his second arrest his life until his 2002 arrest. tion and treatment. The man on a drug possession charge. “It had been 15 years since I who spent his early years His phone call to his father, a had been not high,” he said. using drugs has made a career state trooper, had been short. Stovall also knows a lot of directing drug treatment His father said “good luck” about change and second and recovery. and hung up on him. chances. He is a living exam- Stovall challenged the Recounting his early diffi- ple. As Director of Treatment Family Drug Court graduates culties to five Rankin Coun- Services in the Bureau of to be examples for others ty Family Drug Court gradu- Alcohol and Drug Services of who struggle, and to extend a ates and their families in Pe- the Department of Mental helping hand. The changes lahatchie on March 24, Mark Health, he is in charge of the they have made in their own Stovall clearly understood state’s public system of alco- lives affect their families. Stovall urged them to reach farther. “It’s just an amazing op- portunity to change people’s lives,” he said. “I hope you change the community. What two first family drug courts, and GPS tracking. He served anthropic organizations par- you do – it’s about helping a regional family first re- as chair of the Juvenile De- ticularly associated with chil- people to live again.” source center providing par- tention Alternatives Initia- dren and youth. He recounted the day of his enting and character re- tive Task Force for the state Judge Hudson earned a sentencing hearing, when he sources to children and their of Mississippi. The task Bachelor of Arts degree and watched the man ahead of families, a GED program force developed alternatives law degree from the Univer- him get sentenced to prison. located in the Youth Court to detention for juveniles sity of Mississippi. He prac- Both were charged with pos- building for individuals in- statewide and developed li- ticed law in Natchez from session of methamphetamine. volved in the court system, a censing standards for all ju- 1975 until 1983, serving as He expected that prison was Court Appointed Special Ad- venile detention centers to public defender and city pros- where he was headed too. vocacy, CASA, program for ensure that detained youth are ecutor as well as a trustee in When it was his turn for sen- abused and neglected chil- held in appropriate facilities. U.S. Bankruptcy Court. tencing, the Coahoma County dren, and provisions for edu- At Jefferson Street United In July 1983, Governor Circuit Court judge asked if cational instruction of youth Methodist Church, he has William Winter appointed he had anything to say. By in detention. served as coordinator of him to serve as Adams Coun- then, Stovall had been drug- He served as chair of the youth for more than 30 years, ty Court Judge. He retired free for a year. He had been Mississippi Council of Youth helping to develop a full an- from the County Court bench talking to high school stu- Court Judges 1993-2000, and nual program of spiritual de- in December 2014. dents about drug addiction. as legislative liaison for the velopment, missions and fel- Judge Hudson is a lifelong He was trying to change. To Council 2000 through 2014. lowship. He is state coordi- resident of Natchez. He will his surprise, he got probation, Recently, he led efforts to nator for United Methodist continue to live in Natchez, and a second chance. develop alternatives to deten- youth ministry. He volunteers but will travel and visit courts The Rankin County Family tion for juveniles including a at Habitat for Humanity, the across the state in his new job Drug Court program had local community service pro- Community Stew Pot and as Jurist in Residence. supervised and supported gram, intensive supervision other local and national phil- these parents for up to 18 Page 8 April 2015

Family Drug Court recognizes parents rebuilding their lives

Judge Thomas Broome, who supervises the Family Drug Court and a separate Juvenile Drug Court. Judge Broome expects the struggles. “We are taking some of the most difficult cases. Those are high risk,” he said. “Usually the parents come in because the children have been removed from the home due to issues surround- ing drugs and alco- hol....These are people who have hit the wall and know they have only one direction to go to save their families.” Family drug courts address drug and alcohol problems Heather Pitts, Director of Region Eight Alcohol and Drug Services, visits with a mother and that are the underlying causes child who participated in Rankin County Family Drug Court. of abuse and neglect, delin- quency, domestic strife, months. They had pieced tion. Before his arrest, he At the ceremony, Family crime and other problems. their families back together sold real estate. After he got Drug Court team members The family drug courts deal after losing custody of chil- out of jail, his work was more recognized five graduates with juveniles, parents and dren due to problems rooted down to earth: planting flow- present, and two who were their extended families in in alcohol and drug abuse. ers on a landscaping crew. unable to attend. One grad- efforts to address substance “I believe in treatment. I His marriage failed. “I’d uate received accolades for abuse without separating believe in drug courts....I’m have left me if I had been in his absence. He had received children from their families. almost envious,” Stovall said her shoes,” he said. a promotion at work. He was The March 24 graduates of the drug court program. Tough breaks, family at training.. included a husband and wife. There was no drug court in stress and the struggles of Heather Pitts, director of Another graduate’s spouse is Coahoma County in 2002. everyday life make it easy to Region Eight Alcohol and still working through the pro- Stovall’s chance at success slip back into drug use, and Drug Services, singled out gram. The seven graduates depended on a mean proba- the availability of drugs is a one graduate for dedication are parents of 11 children tion officer who nicknamed temptation. He recalled find- and determination. “You are ranging from 14 months to him “Snowball.” She once ing a stash long forgotten in the reason I come to work age 17, said Drug Court threatened to shoot him when his own home. He called a every day.” Counselor Donna Smith. he tried to hug her. They kept drug treatment sponsor who Not everybody sailed Sixteen adults remain in each other busy for two and a was a mentor. He was vul- through. Some took 18 the program. They are parents half years of probation. She nerable and scared. months. “You have starts and of 28 children. Eleven more hugged him when he got his Staying clean and sober is stops, slips and falls. That’s people are currently being conviction expunged. a choice. “I choose. Nobody how recovery works,” said assessed through Region It wasn’t an easy transi- makes me stay clean but me.” Rankin County Youth Court Eight Mental Health. April 2015 Page 9

Court of Appeals Judge Larry Roberts to retire June 30

Mississippi Court of Ap- where my knowledge and the Legislature. The recom- peals Judge Larry Roberts of experience of how things mendations led to passage of Meridian will retire June 30. operate at the trial court level criminal justice reform in “I think as of right now I have been helpful to the House Bill 585, signed by am the longest continuously court’s understanding of why Gov. Phil Bryant on March serving judge in the Missis- it occurred the way it oc- 31, 2014. sippi judiciary,” said Judge curred.” “It’s an honor to be asked” Roberts. “It’s just time.” Judge Roberts is the only to serve on those committees, “I’m about to be 66. I just former Circuit Court judge on he said. “I think my work want to spend time with my the Court of Appeals. Two and effort was rewarding and, family,” he said. “My wife former Chancellors serve on hopefully, helpful.” and I have decided it’s time the 10-member court. He does not have specific to go home.” Judge Roberts served on plans. He is considering serv- “I’ve been really blessed. two committees which laid ing as a senior status judge. I’m a strong Christian and I He was the youngest judge extensive groundwork for The avid duck hunter will believe the Lord has blessed of a court of record in state changes in criminal law and have time to enjoy the sea- my life beyond measure. I’m history when he was elected rules of criminal court prac- son. He enjoys a hunting just honored for the oppor- Lauderdale County Court tice. In 2011, the Uniform camp in the Delta. He and his tunity to have served.” Judge in 1978. He took office Criminal Rules Study Com- wife will have time to travel. Court of Appeals Chief in January 1979. He joked mittee, with Judge Roberts as Judge Roberts was born in Judge Joe Lee said, “During that he barely met the office co-chair, submitted its report Cleveland. His family moved his entire term on the Court requirement of having been a and recommendations to the to Pachuta and later to Merid- of Appeals, Judge Roberts lawyer for five years when he Supreme Court after more ian. He earned Bachelor of has consistently been punctu- ran for the judgeship. That than six years of work. The Business Administration and al, productive and profession- was his only contested election. proposal, pending before the law degrees from the Univer- al. His legal expertise, espe- Then-Gov. Haley Barbour Supreme Court, would create sity of Mississippi. He was cially in criminal matters, appointed Judge Roberts to a a uniform set of rules which admitted to the Mississippi will be sorely missed. He vacancy on the Court of Ap- would address every aspect Bar May 1, 1973. He en- never declined to participate peals on Jan. 4, 2006. of criminal proceedings from gaged in the general practice or to serve the court in any “I just feel very honored to initiation of charges through of law in Meridian from May manner when the need arose. have had the career I’ve had. post-trial motions. Judge 1973 until December 1978. We are proud to claim Judge I’ve steadfastly tried to be a Roberts also served on the Judge Roberts served as a Larry Roberts as a member of good judge, to make deci- legislatively created Correc- U.S. Army reservist for 20 the Court of Appeals.” sions based on what the facts tions and Criminal Justice years. He served on active Judge Roberts’ career of are and on the law as I under- Task Force in 2013. The Task duty for almost a year during nearly 37 years includes nine stand it, and to do it fairly Force was charged with de- Operation Desert Storm in and a half years on the Court and properly.” veloping policies that im- 1990 and 1991. He was as- of Appeals, 19 years as a Asked what his contribu- prove public safety, ensure signed to the 1181st USA Circuit Judge of the 10th Cir- tion to the court has been, clarity in sentencing, and Transportation Terminal Unit cuit District that includes Judge Roberts said, “To try to control corrections costs. The in Meridian. He retired in Clarke, Kemper, Lauderdale add the aspect of a seasoned Task Force reviewed sentenc- 1994 with the rank of lieuten- and Wayne counties, and trial judge to the appellate ing, corrections, and commu- ant colonel. eight years as a Lauderdale deliberative process. There nity supervision data to for- County Court judge. have been times and cases mulate recommendations to Page 10 April 2015

Circuit Judge Robert Bailey plans to retire June 30

Circuit Judge Robert W. with. We have a great district Bailey of Meridian plans to attorney staff and public de- retire June 30. fender and circuit court staff. Judge Bailey, 69, has been I’ll miss them. We are civil a Circuit judge for more than to each other and get along, 27 years in the 10th Circuit but every department stands District that includes Lauder- their ground. They do a good dale, Clarke, Kemper and job. They all respect each Wayne counties. “The time is other.” right,” he said. “I would like to be remem- He enjoys good health, and bered as being fair, giving looks forward to spending everyone a fair shot, and be- time with his wife of 41 ing strong in my decisions. I years, Missy Bailey, and with tried to explain my opinions their two children and their so everybody would under- families. They have five stand,” he said. “I’ve tried to grandchildren. be hard on the hard criminals, “The support of my family and have given the maybe not has been great in doing this so smart criminals a second job. A lot of times it’s frus- chance.” trating, and you go home Judge Bailey majored in frustrated. They had to toler- biology at the University of ate me.” Mississippi. He earned a law While he may apply to degree from the University of hear cases as a senior status Mississippi School of Law. judge, he hasn’t made any He was in private law prac- plans. “I’m going to fish and tice for 17 years before he golf a lot more than I’ve been was appointed to the Circuit able to,” he said. Court on Jan. 1, 1988. He may trade his note pad for an artist’s pad. He used to enjoy pen and ink drawing, but set that aside when his Gov. Bryant seeks applications for 3 vacancies; children were young. “It’s something I want to dabble in Application deadline is May 15 again,” he said. “I’ve got too many hob- Gov. Phil Bryant is seek- kin County. mailed to Governor’s Judicial bies. I used to dabble in art ing applications for three The Governor’s Judicial Advisory Committee, c/o work. I work out, try to stay judicial vacancies: judgeships Advisory Selection Commit- William L. Smith, Balch and healthy. We travel to Ole of the Court of Appeals Dis- tee will make recommenda- Bingham, P.O. Box 22587, Miss football games. We trict 3; the 10th Circuit of tions for appointment. Jackson, MS 39225. Appli- have a lot of things to do.” Clarke, Kemper, Lauderdale The application deadline is cations may be sent via e- He will miss the court. “I and Wayne counties; and the May 15. mail to Smith at will miss the people I work 20th Chancery Court of Ran- Applications should be [email protected]. April 2015 Page 11

Chancellor Dan Fairly died April 3; death ruled suicide

Twentieth District Chan- will be a tremendous loss to and graduated from Belhaven cery Judge Dan Fairly, 58, of the judicial branch of govern- College and the University of Brandon died April 3. ment.” Mississippi School of Law. His death has been ruled a Gov. Phil Bryant said, He was admitted to the prac- suicide, the Mississippi Bu- “Deborah and I are saddened tice of law in January 1981. reau of Investigation said on to learn of the untimely pass- He was a partner in the firm April 9. An autopsy showed ing of Judge Fairly. I have of Wells, Marble and Hurst that he died of a self- known him for many years before his election to the inflicted gunshot wound. His during my time living in Ran- bench. He was sworn in as a body was found around 4 kin County. Deborah and I Rankin County Chancery p.m. April 3 on Mississippi are praying for his family.” Judge for the first time on Highway 43 near the Natchez Judge Fairly had taken Jan. 2, 2007. He was one of Trace, west of Barnett Reser- medical leave recently. two judges of the 20th Chan- voir in Madison County. Chief Justice Waller had cery District. Chief Justice Bill Waller appointed Senior Status kin Chancery Court after Survivors include his wife Jr. said Judge Fairly “was one Judge William R. Barnett, a Judge Fairly’s death. Gov. of 36 years, Jennifer Fairly; of the most dedicated, hard- retired Hinds County Court Bryant is expected to make son Daniel Hendrick Fairly working, selfless public serv- Judge, to hear cases in Ran- an appointment later. Jr.; daughter Christina Fairly ants that I have known. He kin County Chancery Court Daniel Hendrick "Dan" Burrage; a grandson, Knox assumed a very heavy docket Jan. 20 through March 31. Fairly was born in Jackson on McClain Fairly; a grand- with diligence, impartiality Judge Barnett was reappoint- Oct. 26, 1956. He attended daughter, Jane Graham Fair- and scholarship. His passing ed as a special judge for Ran- Jackson Preparatory School, ly; and brother Ken Fairly.

Retired Supreme Court Administrator Jack Pool died March 6

Retired Supreme Court He served under Chief Justic- Carroll Gartin Justice Build- Administrator and Counsel es Hawkins, Dan Lee, Lenore ing, which was occupied by Jack Pool, 77, died March 6, Prather, Edwin Lloyd the courts in 2008 and com- 2015, at his home in Dallas, Pittman, Jim Smith and Bill pleted in 2011. surrounded by his family. Waller Jr. His work for the At the time of his retire- A graveside service is Court earned him the Chief ment, Mr. Pool said he felt scheduled for May 2 at 3 p.m. Justice Award in 2003 and the most satisfaction from at Natchez City Cemetery. 2005. helping the court catch up on Mr. Pool retired March 15, His work included drafting a backlog of cases, revise the 2011, after serving for 11 major rule revisions while Code of Judicial Conduct and years as director of the Cen- managing daily operations of establish the offices of Capi- tral Legal staff, then more appellate courts which dis- tal Defense Counsel and Cap- than five years as Supreme pose of more than 1,000 di- ital Post-Conviction Counsel. Court Administrator and rect appeals and 7,000 mo- After he retired from the Counsel. He served under six Chief Justice Armis Hawkins tions annually. He was the court and moved to Dallas, he chief justices during his 16 hired him as director of the point person for the court in volunteered in the Court Ap- years at the court. The late Central Legal staff in 1994. the construction of the new pointed Special Advocates Continued, Page 12 Page 12 April 2015

Former Chief Justice Roy Noble Lee died Jan. 21

Former Chief Justice Roy ship to the enactment of leg- Noble Lee, 99, who served islation that created the Ad- on the Mississippi Supreme ministrative Office of Courts Court for 16 years, died Jan. and the Court of Appeals. 21 at his home in Forest. The Court of Appeals, as he A funeral service was held predicted, has been an excel- Jan. 26 at Forest Baptist lent solution to allow timely Church with burial in Eastern disposition of cases and elim- Cemetery in Forest. Ott and inate the backlog that had Lee Funeral Homes, where he long plagued the appellate served as chairman of the court.” board, was in charge of ar- The Court of Appeals be- rangements. gan hearing cases in January Chief Justice Lee’s leader- 1995. The intermediate ap- ship resulted in significant pellate court hears cases as- advancements for the judicial signed by the Supreme Court. system and for legal educa- Justice Jim Kitchens said tion. that Justice Lee “was out in Chief Justice Bill Waller the forefront of progressive Jr. said, “Some of the most thinking as far as moving the significant advancements for court forward.” the judicial branch of govern- “He was universally re- ment during the 20th Century spected. He was a very well were implemented under his balanced lawyer and a very leadership. He gave leader- well balanced judge.”

Jack Pool obituary, continued from Page 11 Justice Lee helped bring made its first inspection. The about the acquisition of the law school earned ABA ac- (CASA) program of Collin he took over management of former Jackson School of creditation in 1980. “He was County. He served as guardi- ADCO drilling company and Law by Mississippi College. intimately involved with the an ad litem for minors. ran an early computerized Former Court of Appeals transition and the continued Mr. Pool grew up in and data archive for local busi- Judge Mary Libby Payne, progress of the law school,” spent most of his adult life in nesses. who was the first dean of Judge Payne said. Natchez. He graduated from Survivors include wife Mississippi College School Justice Kitchens said, “The Natchez High School, Margaret Pool of Dallas; of Law, said Lee was a mem- fact that we have a fully ac- Millsaps College and the brother Gary Pool of New ber of the board of directors credited law school that at- University of Mississippi Orleans; son Christopher in 1974, when negotiations tracts people from other School of Law. Pool of Lexington, Ky.; were made for Mississippi states is so important for His legal career spanned daughters Leslie Pool DeS- College’s acquisition of the Jackson, and is important for nearly 55 years. He began hazer of Dallas and Bridget law school, and was chairman Mississippi. It just makes all practicing law in Natchez. Pool Broadley of New Orle- of the board in 1977 when the the sense in the world for After the death of his father, ans; and three grandchildren. American Bar Association there to be a law school in the April 2015 Page 13

capital, which is the legal 8, going to the courthouse the U.S. Naval Reserve in from Jan. 1, 1975, to March nerve center of the state. after school. “My father was 1944, saw battle in the South 8, 1976, when Gov. Cliff Chief Justice Lee recognized practicing law then and later Pacific, and was honorably Finch appointed him to the that and saw the potential. became district attorney, and discharged May 4, 1946. He Supreme Court. He became His vision has materialized in I just grew up, you might say, followed in his father’s foot- Chief Justice on Oct. 1, 1987. a very real way.” in their law office and it was steps as district attorney and He retired at the end of his “He saw a need and he saw a part of my life then.” circuit judge. From 1951 to term on Jan. 4, 1993, after 16 an opportunity. He helped Justice Lee’s public ser- January 1964, he was district years of service. lead the charge of making vice career spanned 50 years. attorney for the 8th Judicial that happen. That certainly From 1942-1944, he worked District. He served as circuit

has proved to be a wise and as an F.B.I. agent. He joined judge from the same district insightful decision. I really appreciate it because I have three sons who graduated from law school there,” Jus- Judge Ray Montgomery died December 14, 2014 tice Kitchens said. Roy Noble Lee was born Oct. 19, 1915, in Madison Retired Chancery Judge the court long after he retired. County. He graduated from Ray H. Montgomery, 79, of I commend his distinguished Mississippi College in 1938, Canton, died Dec. 14, 2014, career of public service,” and in 1939 earned an LL.B. after a brief illness. Chief Justice Waller said. degree from Cumberland A funeral service was held Judge Montgomery began University School of Law. Dec. 17 at First Baptist his public service as Madison He was admitted to the Mis- Church in Canton. Burial was County tax assessor, serving sissippi Bar in 1939. in Cato Cemetery in Johns, 1964 to 1971. He served in Justice Lee came from a Mississippi. the Mississippi Senate 1972 family of lawyers and judges; Chief Justice Bill Waller Jr. to 1978. He took the bench as he and his father, Percy Mer- said that Judge Montgomery chancellor of the 11th Chan- cer Lee, are the only father performed important service cery District on Jan. 1, 1979, and son ever to serve as Chief as a senior status judge long serving until he retired Dec. Justices of the Mississippi after he retired. “He retired 31, 1994. Supreme Court. Percy Mercer from the bench 20 years ago, Ray Hilman Montgomery porter of the March of Dimes, Lee served on the Supreme but kept abreast of the law was born Jan. 18, 1935, in and former president of the Court 1950-1965. Roy Noble and was active among his Forest Grove. He graduated Mississippi Easter Seal Socie- Lee served on the Supreme colleagues. He continued to from Canton High School, ty Board of Directors. He was Court 1976-1993. He is the hear cases as a senior status Hinds Junior College and a member of the Mississippi brother of Senior Judge Tom judge until a few years ago. Millsaps College. He earned a Bar, a Mason, Wahabi S. Lee of the U.S. District He was among 11 senior sta- law degree from Jackson Shriner, and lifelong member Court for the Southern Dis- tus judges whom the Supreme School of Law, now Missis- of Canton First Baptist trict of Mississippi. Court called upon to hear sippi College School of Law, Church. In a June 4, 2003, oral his- cases on the Gulf Coast relat- in 1969, and was admitted to He is survived by his wife tory interview, he said, ed to Hurricane Katrina. The the practice of law in 1970. of 41 years, Dorothy Gill “From the time I was 9 years courts could not operate effi- He began practicing law in Montgomery; brother, Alvin old I wanted to be a lawyer; ciently without the assistance Canton in 1971. Douglas Montgomery Jr.; and never thought of anything of our senior status judges. Judge Montgomery, who many nieces, nephews and else.” He watched court pro- “I appreciate Judge Mont- contracted polio at 15, was a friends. ceedings from the age of 7 or gomery’s willingness to assist longtime volunteer and sup- Page 14 April 2015

Retired trial court judges honored for public service careers

Chief Justice Bill Waller Jr., at left, recognized the service of retired Chancellor Janace Harvey-Goree, Circuit Judge Betty W. Sanders, Circuit Judge Robert Elliott, Hinds County Judge Houston Patton, and Adams County Judge John Hudson.

Five trial court judges who Penitentiary at Parchman. Instructions Commission. practice included five years did not seek re-election were She became Circuit Judge of Circuit Judge Robert W. as staff attorney and deputy honored for their public ser- the 4th Circuit District in Elliott of Ripley served for director of the Legal Services vice careers at the October 1995. She helped establish a eight years on the 3rd Circuit. office in Jackson. 2014 Trial and Appellate Drug Court in June 2002. She He began practicing law in Adams County Court Judges Conference. served on the State Drug Ripley in 1962. He is a past Judge John N. Hudson of Chancellor Janace Har- Court Advisory Committee president of the Third Circuit Natchez was the state’s long- vey-Goree of Lexington and as president of the Mis- Court District Bar Associa- est serving County Court served the 11th Chancery Dis- sissippi Association of Drug tion. He served two terms as judge, having been appointed trict for 12 years. She partici- Court Professionals. She is a trustee of the Mississippi Aug. 3, 1983. He served as pated in the pilot project that former chair, vice-chair and Bar Foundation, and he is a chair of the Mississippi paved the way for implemen- secretary-treasurer of the former member of the Board Council of Youth Court Judg- tation of electronic filing in Conference of Circuit Judges. of Bar Commissioners. The es 1993-2000, and as legisla- the 11th District. She served She is a member of the Board Mississippi Supreme Court tive liaison for the Council as a professor at Jackson of Directors of the Mississip- appointed him to two terms 2000 through 2014. He was State University for more pi Volunteer Lawyers Pro- on the Bar Complaint Tribu- chair of the Juvenile Deten- than 25 years. ject. She served on the Com- nal. He served on the staff of tion and Alternatives Task Circuit Judge Betty W. mission on Judicial Perfor- the Naval War College from Force. He created the state’s Sanders of Greenwood mance, the Complaint Tribu- 1958 to 1960, acquiring the first juvenile drug court in served as a judge for 25 nal and Ethics Committee of rank of lieutenant. 2001. He started one of the years. She was appointed in the Mississippi Bar, and as Hinds County Court two pilot family drug courts 1989 as a special magistrate secretary of the Magnolia Bar Judge Houston J. Patton of in 2010. He is a member of to hear cases filed by prison- Association. She served on Jackson served for 25 years the National Council of Juve- ers at the Mississippi State the Mississippi Model Jury on the bench. His early law nile and Family Court Judges. April 2015 Page 15

New County, Circuit, Chancery judges participate in orientation

Supreme Court Chief Justice Bill Waller Jr., at far right, took new judges on a tour of the Gartin Justice Building during their December judicial training. Judges are, left to right, Hinds County Court Judge LaRita Cooper-Stokes, 18th Circuit District Judge Dal Williamson, Boli- var County Court Judge Hunter Nowell, 13th Chancery District Judge Gerald Martin, Coahoma County Court Judge C. Kent Haney, 16th Chancery District Judge Michael Fondren, 4th Circuit District Judge Carol White-Richard, 11th Chancery District Judge Robert Clark III, 2nd Circuit District Judge Christopher Schmidt, 3rd Circuit District Judge Kelly Luther, and Adams County Court Judge Walt Brown. Photo by Ramey Smith, Program Coordinator, Mississippi Judicial College.

Nine new trial court judges Bachelor of Arts degree in Lexington 2005-2014. He is ed from McClain High took office in January 2014, history from Mississippi former public defender for School in Lexington. He and two were appointed to State University and a law the Holmes County Youth graduated from Holmes vacancies in 2014. degree from the University of Court, former board attorney Community College. He Adams County Court Mississippi School of Law. for the Holmes County Board earned a Bachelor of Arts Judge Walt Brown of Eleventh Chancery Dis- of Supervisors, and former degree from Stillman Col- Natchez served as assistant trict Judge Robert G. Clark attorney for the town of lege and a law degree from district attorney for the 6th III was an associate of the Cruger and city of Tchula. He the University of Mississippi Circuit District for ten and Jackson law firm of Byrd & is a member of the Commis- School of Law. one-half years before he was Associates 1997-2001, and sion on Children's Justice and Hinds County Court elected to the bench. He had a practiced law in Lexington the Mississippi Department Judge LaRita Cooper- private law practice for 14 2001-2014. He served as of Human Services Youth Stokes of Jackson previous- years. He grew up in Natchez Holmes County Youth Court Court Judges Advisory Com- ly served as a councilwoman and graduated from Cathedral referee 2004-2014, and Mu- mittee. He grew up in for the city of Jackson’s High School. He earned a nicipal Judge for the City of Holmes County and graduat- Ward 3. She worked as a staff Page 16 April 2015

9 new trial court judges took office in January; 2 appointed in 2014

attorney for the Department graduated from Pontotoc practiced law in Laurel and double major in English and of Human Services 1990 to High School and attended Jones County for 34 years. communications. She earned 1996. She is a graduate of Itawamba Junior College. He He is past president of the a law degree from Vanderbilt Lanier High School, Jackson is a graduate of Mississippi Jones County Bar Associa- School of Law. She is past State University and the State University, and earned a tion, and has served as a Bar president of the Mississippi Thurgood Marshall School of law degree from the Univer- Commissioner. He also has Public Defenders Associa- Law at Texas Southern Uni- sity of Mississippi. served as president of the tion. She served as part-time versity. Thirteenth Chancery Dis- Laurel Exchange Club and faculty of Gideon’s Promise. Sixteenth Chancery Dis- trict Judge Gerald M. the Jones County Cattlemen’s Bolivar County Court trict Judge Michael Martin of Raleigh was a Association. He is a graduate Judge Hunter Nowell was Fondren served as a Pas- partner in the law firm of of Jones County Junior Col- appointed to a vacancy May cagoula city judge for almost Eaton & Martin, P.A., in lege and Mississippi State 1, 2014. He previously prac- 16 years. He is a graduate of Taylorsville. He previously University. He earned a law ticed law with the firm of Pascagoula High School, served as a court appointed degree from the University of Povall & Jeffreys, P.A. in Millsaps College and Wash- mediator in Circuit and Chan- Mississippi. Cleveland. He served as at- ington and Lee University cery courts, and as a special Fourth Circuit District torney for the town of Meri- Law School. He is licensed to master in Circuit Courts. He Judge Carol L. White- gold 2009-2014. He also practice law in Mississippi served as attorney for the Richard of Greenville prac- served as public defender in and Alabama. Smith County Economic De- ticed law as a criminal de- municipal courts in Cleve- Coahoma County Court velopment District since fense attorney, assistant dis- land, Rosedale and Ruleville Judge C. Kent Haney was 1993. He was attorney and trict attorney, and in private and in Bolivar County Justice appointed to a vacancy on municipal prosecutor for the practice. She grew up in Hol- Court. He earned a bachelor’s July 1, 2014. He previously town of Raleigh since 2000, ly Springs. She is a graduate degree in finance and a law served for 26 years as Coaho- and attorney for the town of of Holly Springs High School degree from the University of ma County Attorney. He had Taylorsville since 2005. He and Tulane University with a Mississippi. a private law practice 1986- earned a bachelor’s degree in 2014. He served as municipal accounting from Mississippi Redistricting creates 7 new judgeships court judge in Drew 1986- State University and a law 1998. He was a farmer for 15 degree from the University of years and owned an agricul- Alabama School of Law. Seven new trial court judge- Holmes, Leake, Madison and tural aviation operation from Second Circuit District ships created by the 2015 Yazoo counties; and the 20th 1974-1995. Judge Haney Judge Christopher L. Legislature will be filled by Chancery of Rankin County. earned a bachelor's degree Schmidt of Pass Christian special elections this fall, One new judgeship each from Mississippi State Uni- worked as an assistant district with new judges taking of- was added to the 12th Circuit versity and a law degree from attorney for 14 years, return- fice in January 2016. of Forrest and Perry counties; the University of Mississippi. ing to private law practice in The redistricting legisla- the 13th Circuit of Coving- Third Circuit District 2010. He earned a Bachelor tion calls for the addition of ton, Jasper, Simpson and Judge Kelly Luther of of Science degree from the three new chancellors and Smith counties; the 15th Cir- Shady Grove served as an University of Southern Mis- four circuit judges. cuit of Jefferson Davis, La- assistant district attorney for sissippi and a law degree One new judgeship each mar, Lawrence, Marion and 19 years. He previously from the University of Mis- was created in the Fourth Pearl River counties; and the served as County Attorney sissippi. Chancery of Amite, Franklin, 20th Circuit of Madison and for Pontotoc County, and as Eighteenth Circuit Dis- Pike and Walthall counties, Rankin counties. city judge for Pontotoc. He trict Judge Dal Williamson the 11th Chancery of