Mississippi Courts

October 2019 Published by the Administrative Office of Courts Judge Keith Starrett honored with 2019 Chief Justice Award Court Chief Justice Mike have led to the restoration drug courts statewide. Al- Randolph presented the of countless lives and the most 4,000 people are en- award during the Missis- reunification of innumera- rolled in drug court pro- sippi Bar Convention. ble families. You have grams. The successful Judge Starrett was rec- worked tirelessly to bring drug court model in recent ognized for his leadership reform to our courts and years expanded into a and innovation as founder redemption to the lives of broader program of prob- of the state’s drug court those who have strayed.” lem solving courts, first program, for his work to Judge Starrett launched with the development of a implement criminal justice the Drug Court movement few veterans drug court reforms, and for his con- in Mississippi 20 years ago programs, then a more re- tinuing efforts to imple- as a Circuit Court judge cent push to create mental ment reentry programs that with his creation of the health courts. reduce recidivism and help state’s first felony adult Judge Starrett served on former offenders become Drug Court in the 14th Cir- the Board of the National U.S. District Judge productive citizens. cuit District of Lincoln, Association of Drug Court Keith Starrett of the South- In presenting the award, Pike and Walthall coun- Professionals for eight ern District of Mississippi Chief Justice Randolph ties. Judge Starrett started years and was Board Chair received the 2019 Chief read from the plaque: the program with no fund- for two years. He was se- Justice Award on July 12. “Your efforts have impact- ing and no statutory frame- lected for the Goldstein Mississippi Supreme ed thousands. Your actions work. Now there are 40 Continued on back, Page 16 GAP Act effective Jan. 1, 2020 to protect children, vulnerable adults

Gov. Phil Bryant ceremonially signs the GAP Act on May 29. He is flanked by Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves and members of the Commission on Guardianship and Conservatorship. See story, Page 2. Page 2 October 2019 Guardianship and Conservatorship Commission work changes laws

Gov. Phil Bryant on ry framework, modern and places the well-being of nel on how the court’s May 29 included the Mis- enforceable reporting re- the person on the same computer system will as- sissippi Guardianship and quirements, comprehen- footing as their assets, sist judges in overseeing Conservatorship Act in bill sive court monitoring pro- which is huge for ensuring the care of our citizens,” signing ceremonies. cedures, state driven ac- daily needs such as food, Justice Beam said. “It has been a long time countability measures, pro- housing and medical care MEC is working to de- coming,” Gov. Bryant said tection of the ward’s fun- are met for vulnerable velop and implement a before he ceremonially damental rights, and trans- children and adults.” management information signed the GAP Act. He parency from all parties. The new law also allows system that will automate officially signed the legis- The old statutes are con- judges to tailor guardian- many of the notifications lation into law on April 16. fusing and vague, said ship and conservatorship for annual well-being re- The new laws will go into Chancellor Joseph Kilgore orders to the needs of the ports and accountings re- effect Jan. 1, 2020. of Philadelphia, co-chair person, allowing vulnera- quired under the GAP Act. “The purpose is to pro- of the Commission sub- ble adults to maintain Pilot programs utilizing tect the most vulnerable,” committee on estate guard- some independence. Jus- the management infor- said Justice Dawn Beam, ianships. Nothing in the tice Beam said, “Judges mation system are under- co-chair of the Commis- old statutes told a conser- now have options for re- way in the Sixth and Tenth sion on Guardianship and vator exactly what they specting the dignity of the Chancery Courts. Conservatorship. could or could not do. “I person by recognizing Justice Beam thanked State laws of guardian- truly feel that this bill there are varying degrees the Governor, legislators ships and conservatorships makes great strides in the of disabilities. This allows and members of the Com- had not been substantially protection of the most vul- the court to tailor the re- mission for their work. She changed in more than 30 nerable people among us,” strictions on the ward’s thanked the Mississippi years. Provisions for over- Judge Kilgore said. rights, providing protec- Medical Association, the sight, monitoring and ac- Chancellor Catherine tions where needed while Bankers Association, countability were lacking. Farris-Carter of Cleveland, allowing the ward to main- AARP and disability ad- There were incidents of co-chair of the adult tain independence when vocates whose help was fraud and abuse of vulner- guardianship subcommit- possible.” The GAP Act vital. able people. The Supreme tee, has seen cases in sets out a process for end- Judicial College Execu- Court on April 13, 2017, which family members ing legal restrictions when tive Director Randy created the Mississippi misused a ward’s re- the ward recovers from an Pierce, co-chair of the Commission on Guardian- sources. “They absolutely impairment. Commission, said, “This is ship and Conservatorship waste and squander the Chancellor Farris-Carter a perfect example of how to develop recommenda- resources.” said, “The thing that I am the private sector and the tions to improve the way Jackson elder law attor- most excited about is that public sector can come the courts protect children, ney Richard Courtney, co- we finally have a process together to protect the most vulnerable adults and es- chair of the subcommittee in place wherein consider- vulnerable.” tates. on estate guardianships, ation has to be given to the Other members of the The Commission made said, “For years, lawyers desires and wants of the Commission are Chancel- recommendations after have struggled to deal with ward. Just because they lors Deborah Gambrell, nearly two years of intense outdated guardianship and have a physical limitation Lawrence Primeaux and study. The Legislature conservatorship proce- doesn’t mean they have George Ward and former passed Senate Bill 2828, dures. This GAP Act will mental limitations.” Chancellor Sanford Steck- introduced by Sen. Joey systematize the procedures Mississippi Electronic ler; Resident Jurist John Fillingane. The GAP Act, for accountability and Courts provides a mecha- Hudson; Commissioner of for “guard and protect,” oversight of children and nism for monitoring and Child Protection Services aims to improve court pro- adults under guardianships tracking guardianships and Jess H. Dickinson; attor- cesses for protecting chil- and conservatorships.” conservatorships. With the ney Anna Claire Steel of dren and vulnerable adults The new law goes be- GAP Act set to go into CPS; attorneys Gray Ed- and their assets. The Com- yond accounting for mon- effect in January 2020, mondson of Oxford, Tiffa- mission recommended a ey and possessions. Justice “we will have plenty of ny Graves of Jackson, Da- clear and workable statuto- Beam said, “The GAP Act time to train court person- Continued on Page 3 October 2019 Page 3

Chancellor Deborah Gambrell and Shakita Taylor Ellen Robb Seth Shannon

Chancellor Deborah Award is given annually to courages attorney involve- is on the leadership team Gambrell of Hattiesburg a member of the judiciary ment in pro bono represen- of the Mississippi Family was honored Sept. 12 with who provides outstanding tation. Judge Gambrell First Initiative pilot pro- the Mississippi Volunteer leadership in promoting worked with Christian Ser- gram for Pearl River Lawyers Project’s Beacon and supporting equal ac- vices of Hattiesburg, Legal County. She serves on the of Justice Award. cess to justice, said Sam Services and the South Commission on Guardian- Others honored were H. Buchanan of Hatties- Central Bar to organize ship and Conservatorship. attorneys Shakita Taylor of burg, Executive Director extensive pro bono efforts She served on the Board of Hattiesburg, Ellen Robb of of the Mississippi Center and works with pro se clin- Directors of South Missis- Ridgeland and Seth Shan- for Legal Services and a ics. She assisted in devel- sippi Legal Services for non of Jackson, the Lee member of the MVLP oping templates to assist more than 10 years. County Bar Association, Board of Directors. Judge self-represented litigants in Pro Bono Awards rec- and the law firm of Brad- Gambrell is an advocate the 10th Chancery, and ognize attorneys, law firms ley Arant Boult Cum- for ensuring access to jus- shared the value of tem- and legal organizations mings. The awards were tice for all and a leader in plates with her fellow involved in significant pro presented during the annu- organizing programs to judges across the state. bono efforts, said MVLP al Pro Bono Awards Re- provide legal help. As sen- Judge Gambrell is a Executive Director Gayla ception in Jackson. ior chancellor of the 10th member of the Access to Carpenter-Sanders. The Beacon of Justice Chancery District, she en- Justice Commission. She Taylor “has maintained a consistent presence with MVLP for the last dec- Guardianship and Conservatorship, continued from Page 2 ade,” Carpenter-Sanders said. Taylor handled more than a dozen cases for vid Marchetti of Jackson, ton; attorney and Missis- County Chancery Clerk’s MVLP clients, including John Smallwood of sippi Bankers Association Office; and former Coa- divorce and child support Hattiesburg and Bob Willi- member Nicole Lewellyn; homa County Chancery cases. Recently, she was ford of Ridgeland; State Micah Dutro of Disability Clerk Ed Peacock III. able to obtain visitation Board of Education mem- Rights Mississippi; De- Commission staff are rights for a father who had ber Johnny Franklin; Spe- partment of Mental Health attorney Whitney Griffin, been unable to see his cial Assistant Attorney Division of Children and Supreme Court Central daughter. Taylor has also General Joe Hemleben; Youth Services Director Legal Staff Attorney Gabe spoken at “know your Department of Mental Sandra Parks; Rankin Goza and Administrative rights” clinics. Health Community Ser- County Chancery Clerk Office of Courts Youth Taylor practices family vices Bureau Director Jake Larry Swales; Amie Court Programs Director law, is public defender for Hutchins; Dr. Luke Lamp- Mondello of the Rankin Mary Fuller. Continued on Page 4 Page 4 October 2019

the Capital Area Bar Asso- ciation. The Lee County Bar Association received a Pro Bono Award for its efforts that included conducting 16 free legal clinics since the Lee County Chancery Court began conducting quarterly family law clin- ics in 2014. More than 300 people have received assis- Members of the Lee County Bar Association who attended the ceremony are, left to right, tance as a result of the ef- Deedy Boland, Stephen Spencer, Chancellor Jacqueline Mask, Angela Jones, Brad Morris, forts of 83 attorneys who Cynthia Lee, Robert Bass, Tyler Pirkle and Nicole McLaughlin. volunteered their time, Carpenter-Sanders said. “We are grateful for their commitment to ac- cess to justice for under- served Mississippians,” Carpenter-Sanders said. The concerted efforts in Lee County grew into a district-wide program of free legal clinics in the First Chancery District in 2015, and statewide free legal clinics in 2018 and The Bradley Arant firm received MVLP’s Torchbearer Award. Bradley Arant Pro Bono 2019. Senior Chancellor Counsel Tiffany Graves, center, holds the award. Left to right are Wayne Drinkwater, Jacqueline Mask of Tupe- Christina Seanor, MVLP Immediate Past President Jennie Eichelberger, Tiffany Graves, lo, co-chair of the Access Mary Clay Morgan, Lindy Brown and Stevie Rushing. to Justice Commission, the city of Hattiesburg, and Directors for the Missis- legal issue for which MVLP worked with the Mississip- does contract work for Le- sippi Women Lawyers provides assistance, said pi Volunteer Lawyers Pro- gal Services. Association. She is Re- Courtney Cockrell, vice ject, the University of Mis- Ellen Robb has worked gional Chair for Alabama chair of the MVLP Board sissippi School of Law Pro as an MVLP volunteer and Mississippi for the of Directors. Shannon was Bono Initiative and bar since 2013. Recent volun- American Bar Association recently recognized by the associations across eight teer work included estab- subsection Women in Dis- American Bar Association counties to schedule a free lishing legal guardianships pute Resolution, and is as an ABA Free Legal An- legal clinic in every court- for children being raised vice chair of the ABA’s swers Pro Bono Leader. house of the First Chan- by persons other than par- General Practice Solo Di- He is a volunteer with the cery District. Free family ents and representing cli- vision Alternative Dispute Mission First Legal Aid law clinics provided assis- ents in obtaining divorce. Resolution Committee. Office and is on the Board tance to low income peo- Robb also successfully Attorney Seth Shannon of Directors of the Missis- ple in matters such as di- assisted a disabled woman of Jackson was honored sippi Housing Partnership. vorce, child support, who had been sued for with the Curtis E. Coker He is on the Young Law- guardianship, emancipa- unpaid credit card debt Access to Justice Award, yers Division Homeless tion and name change. incurred by her late hus- presented annually to rec- Youth and Disaster Legal The Lee County Bar band, without the woman’s ognize outstanding pro Assistance committees. He Association’s efforts in- knowledge. bono legal services. Shan- is a member of the Missis- spired former Supreme Robb is a member of the non, an MVLP volunteer sippi Bar’s Access to Jus- Court Chief Justice Bill Mitchell Day law firm in since 2011, has handled 62 tice Committee and the Waller Jr. to urge chancel- Ridgeland. She is vice cases, assisting in some Community Outreach & lors and attorneys to con- president of the Board of capacity with every type of Pro Bono Committee of Continued on page 6 Page 5 October 2019

Circuit, County Court Conference officers were selected in April

Circuit Judge Lisa P. Dodson of Gulfport was elected chair of the Con- ference of Circuit Court Judges. Circuit Judge Kelly Luther of Ripley was elected vice-chair, and Circuit Judge Tony Moz- ingo of Oak Grove was re- elected secretary-treasurer. The Conference of County Court Judges re- elected Madison County Court Judge Ed Hannan as Lisa Dodson Kelly Luther Tony Mozingo chairman, Washington County Court Judge Ver- nita King Johnson as vice- chair, and Lauderdale County Court Judge Veldore Young Graham as secretary. Conference officers were elected by their col- leagues on April 25 during the Spring Trial and Ap- pellate Judges Conference in Biloxi. Judge Dodson succeed- ed 20th District Circuit Judge John Emfinger of Ed Hannan Vernita King Johnson Veldore Young Graham Brandon as chairman of the Conference of Circuit Pro Bono Awards, continued from page 4 Court Judges. She previ- ously served as vice-chair duct free legal clinics track to exceed the number Jennie Eichelberger, Im- of the Conference. Judge statewide. In 2018, more of clients served in 2018, mediate Past Chair of the Mozingo was elected to than 450 lawyers provided said Access to Justice MVLP Board of Directors, his second term as Circuit more than 1,300 hours of Commission Executive thanked the firm for Conference secretary- free legal services to 850 Director Nicole McLaugh- “being an unwavering, treasurer. people. For that effort, the lin of Tupelo. leading force in providing Judge Hannan, of Madi- American Bar Association Volunteer attorneys financial resources to son, has served as chair- in July honored the Missis- working with MVLP in the MVLP so that MVLP can man of the Conference of sippi Bar with the 2019 past year donated 2,193 carry out its programs.” County Court Judges since Harrison Tweed Award. hours of service worth an Since 2014, the firm con- 2015. Judge Johnson has The prestigious award estimated $383,775, said tributed $36,100 that fi- been vice-chair since Oc- recognizes bar associations Kimberly Merchant, chair nanced 30 pro se clinics tober 2004. Judge Young that have made extraordi- of the MVLP Board of Di- across the state, impacting Graham began her service nary efforts to improve rectors. more than 250 individuals, as Conference of County civil legal services or indi- MVLP honored the law and supported MVLP’s Court Judges secretary in gent defense services for firm of Bradley Arant direct representation of April 2012. people living in poverty. Boult Cummings LLP with needy clients, impacting Family law clinics across the Torchbearer Award for more than 150 individuals, the state this year are on its financial contributions. Eichelberger said. October 2019 Page 5

indeed humbling. I will do classical civilizations and my best to live up to the English. She earned her award.” Juris Doctor from the Uni- She said, “It’s not that versity of Mississippi they were just the first, but School of Law, where she what they did as the first.” graduated magna cum Judge Price was elected to laude. She practiced law in the House of Representa- Tupelo with Mitchell, tives in 1943, and authored McNutt and Sams for the state’s Youth Court more than 18 years. Act, creating Mississippi’s In 1996, she took sab- first court system for juve- batical to study law at the niles. Gov. Hugh White University of Cambridge. appointed her to the Wash- She was one of three ington County Court in American students in the 1953. She was the first to LL.M. program which ad- put women on a jury when mitted 152 attorneys from Mississippi Court of woman chancellor, Su- state law didn’t permit 48 countries. Her studies Appeals Chief Judge Don- preme Court Justice and women to serve. Justice included international na M. Barnes was honored Chief Justice, Lenore Lov- Prather wrote the landmark commercial litigation, July 11 as a trailblazer ing Prather of Columbus. decisions of Albright v. comparative public law, among women lawyers. Among former award Albright and Ferguson v. international human rights, The first woman Chief winners are Chief Justice Ferguson. and law and practice of Judge of the state Court of Prather; former Presiding Chief Judge Barnes civil liberties. A member Appeals received the 2019 Justice Kay Cobb; former said, “Without these wom- of Magdalene College, she Susie Blue Buchanan Justice Ann Lamar; Justice en, our true trailblazers, earned her Master of Law Award. The award, pre- Dawn Beam; former Lt. none of us would be sitting in 1997. sented by the Mississippi Gov. Evelyn Gandy; for- here today.” She said that She is a member of the Bar’s Women in the Pro- mer Court of Appeals it is her intent “to endeavor Mississippi Judicial Col- fession Committee, honors Judge Mary Libby Payne, to make the path easier for lege Board of Governors an outstanding woman the first woman to serve on those who come after us.” and the Criminal Code lawyer who has achieved that court; Joy Lambert Supreme Court Chief Revision Consulting professional excellence Phillips, the first woman Justice Mike Randolph Group. She is a Fellow of and has actively paved the president of the Mississip- named Chief Judge Barnes the Mississippi Bar Foun- way to success for other pi Bar; Mississippi College to lead the Court of Ap- dation and a member of women lawyers. The School of Law Dean and peals on Feb. 1, 2019. She the University of Missis- award was presented dur- former Mississippi Bar also was the first woman sippi Lamar Order. She is ing the Price-Prather President Patricia Bennett; Presiding Judge of the in- a former member of the Luncheon at the Mississip- civil rights pioneer and termediate appellate court. Access to Justice Commis- pi Bar Convention. former Assistant Secretary She has served on the sion and the Judicial Advi- The award is named for of State Constance Slaugh- Court of Appeals for 15 sory Study Committee. Susie Blue Buchanan of ter-Harvey; and U.S. Dis- years, having first been She was president of the Brandon, who in 1916 be- trict Judge Sharion Ay- appointed by Gov. Haley Lee County Bar Associa- came the first woman cock. Barbour on July 26, 2004. tion and Lee County qualified to practice before Chief Judge Barnes She has been elected three Young Lawyers Associa- the Mississippi Supreme said, “It’s truly humbling times. tion. She is a member of Court. The luncheon is to be on the list with the Chief Judge Barnes All Saints Episcopal named for the state’s first former award winners. grew up in Natchez. She Church and the Mary Stu- woman judge, Washington That my name is now earned a Bachelor of Arts art Chapter, Daughters of County Court Judge Zelma linked with these extraor- degree from the University the American Revolution, Wells Price of Greenville, dinary ladies who previ- of Mississippi, summa both of Tupelo. and the first Mississippi ously won this award is cum laude, with majors in October 2019 Page 7

Maxwell, McDonald, Adams reappointed to judicial education committee

The six-member Com- mittee on Continuing Judi- cial Education exercises general supervisory author- ity over the administration of the Rules and Regula- tions for Mandatory Con- tinuing Judicial Education and recommends rule changes to the Supreme Court. The rules govern the nature and number of mandatory judicial educa- tion hours which judges Supreme Court Justice Judicial Education. Justice. Justice Maxwell must receive before taking James D. Maxwell II of The Conference of has served on the Commit- office and annually. The Oxford, Court of Appeals County Court Judges se- tee since March 2, 2017. rules cover Supreme Court Judge Deborah A. McDon- lected Judge Adams, who Judge McDonald has been justices and judges of the ald of Fayette and Leflore began his service on the a member since Feb. 28, Court of Appeals, Circuit, County Court Judge Kevin Committee on Oct. 16, having filled a vacancy on Chancery, County and Adams of Greenwood 2014. Justice Maxwell the Committee. Youth Courts, including were re-appointed to the and Judge McDonald are The two-year terms be- Youth Court referees, as Committee on Continuing appointees of the Chief gan Aug. 1. well as senior judges.

Judge Emfinger named to Judicial Performance Commission; Judge Collins is alternate

mended by the Governor. An alternate member The new appointment is sits on a hearing panel for a term which will end when a member has a con- Dec. 31, 2021. flict. Judge Emfinger took the Judge Emfinger has Commission position pre- been a Circuit Judge of the viously held by Circuit 20th Circuit Court District Judge James L. Roberts Jr. of Rankin and Madison of Pontotoc. Judge Roberts counties since January stepped down from the 2011. He is former chair- Commission on June 13. man of the Conference of Judge Roberts was ap- Circuit Court Judges. pointed by the Supreme Judge Collins has Court on the recommenda- served as Circuit Judge of Chief Justice Mike Ran- Gov. Phil Bryant recom- tion of the Governor as a the Eighth District of dolph has appointed Cir- mended Judge Emfinger member of the Commis- Leake, Neshoba, Newton cuit Judge John Emfinger and Judge Collins in a let- sion for a term that began and Scott counties since of Brandon as a member of ter to the Supreme Court Jan. 1, 2016. He previous- March 31, 2016, having the Commission on Judi- on July 16. Judge Emfin- ly served for six years as been appointed by the cial Performance, and ap- ger has served as an alter- an alternate member. Governor. He previously pointed Circuit Judge nate member of the judi- Judge Collins’ term as served for 16 years as a Christopher Collins of Un- cial disciplinary body an alternate member of the judge of the Tribal Courts ion as an alternate member since Jan. 1, 2016, having Commission also will end of the Mississippi Band of of the Commission. previously been recom- Dec. 31, 2021. Choctaw Indians. Page 8 October 2019

Judiciary celebrates legacy of nation’s first female federal trial judge

whose careers marked milestones for women in the judiciary. U.S. Magis- trate Judge Linda Ander- son of Jackson is the first female magistrate and the first African American magistrate of the Southern District of Mississippi. Chief U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Katharine Samson of Gulfport is the first woman bankruptcy judge in Mississippi and the first female chief bank- ruptcy judge in the state. Justice Dawn Beam of Sumrall is the only woman currently serving on the Supreme Court. Mississip- pi Court of Appeals Chief Judge Donna Barnes of Tupelo is the state’s first female Court of Appeals Copiah County Chancery Clerk Steve Amos, at left, and U.S. District Judge Royce Lam- Chief Judge. All four of berth stand beside a portrait of U.S. District Judge Burnita Shelton Matthews. the female state Court of Appeals judges attended: Judge Burnita Shelton limited imagination; never courtroom. Chief U. S. Chief Judge Barnes, Pre- Matthews’ brothers were limit others because of District Judge Sharion Ay- siding Judge Virginia C. lawyers, but her father your own limited imagina- cock of Fulton was nomi- Carlton of Jackson, Court wanted her to be a musi- tion.” nated by President George of Appeals Judge Latrice cian. There were no wom- Judge Matthews “was W. Bush on March 19, Westbrooks of Lexington, en lawyers or judges in ahead of her time, and a 2007, and confirmed by and Court of Appeals Copiah County, or in Mis- trailblazer,” said Judge Congress on Oct. 4, 2007. Judge Deborah McDonald sissippi 100 years ago. Royce C. Lamberth, for- She became Chief Judge of Fayette. On Sept. 16, Circuit mer Chief United States of the Northern District of Other guests included Judge Tomika Harris- District Judge for the Dis- Mississippi – the first Judge James E. Graves Jr. Irving, the first woman and trict of Columbia, who woman chief judge of the of the Fifth U.S. Circuit first African-American knew her well. federal district court in Court of Appeals, Chief judge of Mississippi’s Matthews became the Mississippi – on June 2, Judge Daniel Jordan of 22nd Circuit Court Dis- first female federal trial 2014. the Southern District of trict, greeted a crowd of court judge in the nation Judge Aycock said that Mississippi; U.S. District more than 100 who gath- when President Harry S. she learned of Judge Mat- Judge Carlton Reeves; ered in the courtroom in Truman appointed her to thews after joining the fed- Senior Judges David Hazlehurst to celebrate the the U.S. District Court for eral bench. “Her story is Bramlette III, Louis Guiro- historic career of Judge the District of Columbia incredible and so inspir- la Jr., and Tom S. Lee; Matthews. on Oct. 21, 1949. ing,” Judge Aycock said. and U.S. Magistrate Judge Judge Irving invoked The state of Mississippi Among the crowd that Robert Walker. the soaring aspirations of would wait another 58 gathered to honor Judge Matthews as a teenager astronaut Mae Jemison, years to see the first fe- Matthews’ legacy were may have sat in the court- who said, “Never limit male federal district judge about a dozen women room in Hazlehurst where yourself because of others’ preside in a Mississippi judges, including some Continued on page 9 October 2019 Page 9

night. So she formed her own successful law firm and joined the women’s movement. As a member of the Na- tional Woman’s Party, Matthews participated in silent pickets outside the White House as women sought the right to vote. She would later recount that she never spoke dur- ing the pickets, as anyone who spoke was at risk of being arrested, and an ar- rest on her record could have prevented her from being able to practice law. Matthews served as Pictured after the ceremony are Judge James E. Graves Jr. of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of counsel to the National Appeals, 22nd District Circuit Judge Tomika Harris-Irving, Mississippi Court of Appeals Woman’s Party 1921- Judge Deborah McDonald and Court of Appeals Judge Latrice Westbrooks. 1934. The National Wom- an’s Party was a leading force for passage of the Nineteenth Amendment, which in 1920 granted women the right to vote. Matthews also worked on unsuccessful efforts to pass the Equal Rights Amendment. Judge Lam- berth said that one of her goals was to see adoption of the proposed amend- ment before she died. Con- gress adopted the ERA in 1972, but the measure failed to gain ratification in three-fourths of state legislatures. Matthews also left her Justice Dawn Beam, Chief Judge Sharion Aycock of the Northern District of Mississippi mark on Washington as a and Presiding Judge Virginia Carlton of the Mississippi Court of Appeals were guests. real estate lawyer. The U.S. Supreme Court sits the ceremony was held. Collector. Matthews into law school, something on the site which was once The Copiah County Court- worked in the Chancery not possible then in Mis- the office of the National house would have been Clerk’s office. sissippi. When she earned Woman’s Party. William new then. Construction After a brief time teach- her second law degree in Howard Taft wanted the was completed in 1903. ing music in Fayette, Tex- 1920, no firm or agency property to build a court- Matthews was interested as and Georgia, Mat- would hire her – not even house for the Supreme in law from an early age. thews, a Cincinnati Con- the Veterans Administra- Court, which at that time Her father, Burnell Shel- servatory of Music gradu- tion, where she had heard cases in the Capitol. ton, was Copiah County ate, moved to Washington, worked by day as a clerk Taft, who was Chief Jus- Chancery Clerk and Tax D.C. There she could get while attending classes at Continued on Page 10 Page 10 October 2019

cial Security benefits were entitled to hearings before benefits were terminated. She also heard cases be- fore the United States Court of Customs and Pa- tent Appeals. She had earned a master’s degree in patent law in 1920 from the National University School of Law, now George Washington Uni- versity Law School. She earned an LL.B. in 1919. Judge Lamberth said that one of the highlights of his 1987 investiture was that Judge Matthews at- tended and wished him well. She died the follow- Mississippi College School of Law Dean Patricia Bennett, Court of Appeals Chief Judge Don- ing year in Washington at na Barnes, Presiding Justice Jim Kitchens and U.S. Magistrate Judge Linda Anderson visit. age 93. Judge Lamberth knew Judge Matthews be- that time. The Woman’s providing opportunities to fore he went on the bench, Party moved to a spot capable women in the from his time in the U.S. nearby. male dominated field. Her Attorney’s Office. He re- Judge Lamberth noted former clerks were high called many conversations that U.S. Supreme Court achievers, including one about her efforts as a suf- Justice Ruth Bader Gins- who became a judge and fragist. She was particular- burg considered Judge two who became assistant ly interested in later poli- Matthews a trailblazer and U.S. attorneys. cies regarding demonstra- inspiration. As a federal district tions. Lamberth, as Chief President Truman’s ap- judge, Judge Matthews of the Civil Division of the pointment of Matthews presided over trials for U.S. Attorney’s Office, was a recess appointment murder, rape, robbery and was the point person coor- to a newly created seat on other crimes. Among fa- dinating with law enforce- the court. President Tru- mous defendants was Jim- ment regarding demonstra- man nominated Matthews my Hoffa, then vice- tions around the Capitol. to the same position on president of the teamsters Bessie Shelton Trovato Burnita Shelton Matthews Jan. 5, 1950. Judge Mat- union. A jury acquitted lives near the Shelton thews was confirmed by him of bribery. Cemetery where Judge tice of the U.S. Supreme the U.S. Senate on April 4, Judge Matthews took Matthews is buried. She Court after he served as 1950, and received her senior status on March 1, said the event will help President, prevailed in ac- commission on April 7, 1968, but continued to people across the state quiring the property, but at 1950. hear cases for 10 years. In learn of the judge’s contri- a steeper price than the Judge Matthews’ com- addition to presiding over butions, especially in ad- government wanted to pay. mission, signed by the trials, she sat on appellate vancing the role of women. The National Woman’s President, and her portrait panels of the U.S. Court of Presiding Justice Jim Party lost at condemna- are displayed in the court- Appeals for the District of Kitchens is a lifelong resi- tions proceedings that took room in Hazlehurst. Columbia Circuit. One of dent of Crystal Springs. the property, but Matthews Judge Lamberth noted her notable cases was a “The incredible, uplifting negotiated a settlement of that Judge Matthews hired 1971 U.S. Court of Ap- saga of Judge Burnita almost $300,000 for the only women as her law peals ruling that said disa- Shelton Matthews was building, a huge sum for clerks. She believed in bled people receiving So- Continued on Page 11 October 2019 Page 11

County offices moved into the new Webster County Courthouse in Walthall on July 19. An open house was held Oct. 6.

Several hundred people as county officials held an County and will last 100 sors. Cummings thanked crowded the halls of the open house. years, like the old one everyone who worked to- new Webster County “We think that we have did,” said Pat Cummings, gether to make the new Courthouse in Walthall on built a courthouse that is President of the Webster facility possible. Sunday afternoon, Oct. 6, very pleasing to Webster County Board of Supervi- County offices moved into the new building on Judge Burnita Shelton Matthews, continued from Page 10 July 19, six and a half years after fire destroyed news to me! I’ve known the American dreams.” when state law didn’t per- the old courthouse on Jan. of the Shelton Cemetery Judge Matthews was the mit women to serve. 17, 2013. for a long time, but had no third woman in the nation Today, almost a third of The new 17,000 square idea that a person of such to serve at any level of the state court judges are foot, two-story brick historic importance is bur- federal judiciary. In 1928, women: 50 of 150 judges, Courthouse is at the inter- ied there. Judge Shelton’s President Calvin Coolidge not including Justice Court section of Highway 9 and extraordinary life and her nominated Genevieve and Municipal judges, Highway 50. It has arched achievements – all highly Rose Cline of Ohio to the whose ranks also include windows and entrance fea- unlikely during the times U.S. Customs Court, now many women. Copiah tures reminiscent of the in which she lived – pro- known as the Court of In- County’s two Justice Court old building. JH&H Archi- vide another good reason ternational Trade. In 1934, judges are women. Thirty tects of Flowood was di- for me to be proud to be a President Franklin Delano percent of the lawyers li- rected to design a building Mississippian, and, in par- Roosevelt named Judge censed in Mississippi are that captured some of the ticular, a Copiah Countian. Florence Allen of Ohio to woman: 2,752 of 9,033 in look of the old building, My only regret is that I the U.S. Court of Appeals active practice. The Presi- said architect Adam Ha- didn’t know her.” for the Sixth Circuit. dent of the Mississippi Bar ver. “Everyone loved the One of the happiest peo- In 1953, three years af- and deans of both law old one. We tried to not ple was Copiah County ter Matthews was appoint- schools are women. Na- copy it, but use elements Chancery Clerk Steve ed to the federal bench, tionwide, there are 363 from it so that it paid hom- Amos, who organized the Gov. Hugh White appoint- female federal trial and age,” he said. ceremony. Amos, an avid ed Mississippi’s first fe- appellate judges, including County offices and the historian, devotes much male judge, Zelma Wells three U.S. Supreme Court Board of Supervisors energy to historic preser- Price of Greenville, to the justices. Women make up board room are on the first vation. He called Judge Washington County Court. one-third of active federal floor. Two courtrooms, Matthews’ history “one of Price put women on juries judges in the country. Continued on page 12

Page 12 October 2019

Tax Collector Barbara Gore, Board of Supervisors President Pat Circuit Judges Joseph Loper and George Mitchell are pictured with Cummings and Board Vice President Paul Crowley are pictured Eupora businesswoman Janice McKinnis at the open house. at the open house. meeting is in the same six and a half years,” Hen- building. For six years we derson said. juggled that. It made us Webster County Chan- become very flexible.” cery Court used Eupora’s After the fire, county municipal courtroom, and offices moved into a build- occasionally the Justice ing in Eupora that previ- Court courtroom. ously housed only Justice Turner said the new Court, the probation office building and infrastructure and the Webster County cost almost $6 million. Extension Service. The Courthouse was built In her new office, Tax with insurance proceeds Collector Barbara Gore from the fire, and a grant said, “We have more from the Appalachian Re- room. Our space is just gional Commission paid Carolyn Lang listens as Circuit Clerk Sherry Henderson talks to a arranged better.” for infrastructure. guest in the Circuit Clerk’s Office during the open house. During the open house, While they celebrated Webster County Circuit the new Courthouse, visi- judges’ chambers and the both the old and new Clerk Sherry Henderson tors also fondly recalled jury room are upstairs. Courthouses. greeted visitors at the the old one. Emmy Eidson “I couldn’t be any happi- After the fire, the early counter in her large office. Stephenson said she grew er,” Circuit Judge Joseph sentiment was to attempt In the former shared offic- up playing on the old Loper said as he looked to restore the old structure. es, “You could roll around Courthouse steps. Her over the large second floor But, Judge Loper said, in your chair and go where grandmother lived across circuit courtroom. It is “Long after we are gone, you needed to go.” She the street, and she lived built in a traditional style, this building will still be added, “We were fortunate within sight of the build- with dark wood benches here.” to have some place that we ing. Her grandfather, M. and furnishings, but has Webster County Chan- could all fit into. But it’s a M. Eidson, was Webster modern features including cery Clerk Russell Turner breath of fresh air being County Circuit Clerk in an electronic evidence said it’s been a pleasant back out here.” the 1940s. presentation system and adjustment. “It’s nice to Circuit Court held trials “A lot of my memories good acoustics. be back where you are not at the Choctaw County are about that Courthouse. Loper hasn’t held court sitting on top of each oth- Courthouse in Ackerman There wasn’t a lot to do in there yet. He will be the er, where you can have a while awaiting a new facil- Walthall. We would go sit only one of two circuit private conversation. It’s ity. “We have carried on the Courthouse steps at judges and three chancel- great to go to court and it’s Webster County to Choc- night.” She cried when her lors to have presided in just upstairs, and the board taw County in a box for Continued on page 13 October 2019 Page 13

Choctaw County Justice Court Judge Andy Stephenson, Perval Hunt holds a copy of her marriage certificate. She Emmy Eidson Stephenson and Carroll County Chancery and Garland Hunt were married 76 years ago in the old Clerk Stanley “Sugar” Mullins visit the second floor. Webster County Courthouse in Walthall. sister called to tell her that the Courthouse was on fire. The old Webster County Courthouse was special to Perval and Garland Hunt of West Point. “That’s where we became Mr. and Mrs. Hunt,” she said. They have been married for 76 years. Walthall Mayor H.T. Morehead performed their wedding at the Webster County Court- house on April 24, 1943. She turned 93 Oct. 7. He is 95. When she heard about the open house, she knew This photograph of the old Webster County Courthouse was taken in March 2011, less than that she had to attend. two years before the devastating fire.

The annual Mississippi Bar Memorial Service, held on Oct. 15 at the Su- preme Court, gave tribute to 76 lawyers who died during the past year. Former judges who died included Chancellor Woodrow W. Brand Jr., Court of Appeals Judge James P. Brantley, Chan- cellor James N. Randall Jr. and Chancellor Thomas W. Teel. Page 14 October 2019

Family First Initiative job fair in Cleveland draws more than 500

Job fair organizer Pam Chatman, at right, talks to Chris Job applicants sign in before completing applications and Jones of FedEx Ground and applicant Brenda Williams-Ford. sitting for a job interview.

More than 500 people ple want to work. They Cleveland on Sept. 19 to tice. “There aren’t many lined up at a church gym- want a job.” accept applications and jobs in this area so in order nasium in Cleveland to Chatman, who has conduct interviews for jobs to find better work, you apply for jobs as FedEx spearheaded organization as package handlers at its have to venture out,” he Ground package handlers of three job fairs in the Olive Branch facility. said. during a Sept. 19 job fair past 10 months, said, “My “We heard that there Rundell James III, 21, organized by state, local number one focus is to was a need,” said FedEx of Mound Bayou balanced and non-profit groups. show the state of Missis- Ground Senior Human his one-year old son on his The parking lot was full sippi that the Mississippi Resources Business Part- hip while filling out a form and people began to fill the Delta has a work ner Chris Jones. “We have at the sign-in table. With a bleachers at the United force....We have a work- a need at our Olive Branch year of community college Family Life Center by force that wants to work.” hub for full-time and part- credit, he had applied for a 9:30 a.m., half an hour Last December, the re- time employees.” job at a fast-food restau- before the job fair was tired television broadcaster Brenda Williams-Ford, rant the day before. He scheduled to start. By 2:30 set to work to recruit po- 54, of Cleveland, came to saw a Facebook post about p.m., 515 people had tential employers to hold the job fair hoping to land the job fair and came with signed up, said Pam Chat- job fairs for residents of one of those jobs. She has hopes of better work. “I man, steering committee the Delta. The first to been looking for a job was trying to be here early, chair for the Mississippi come was FedEx Express, since the compounding 10 on the dot, and it looks Family First Initiative in headquartered in Mem- pharmacy where she had like I’m late,” he said, re- Bolivar County. phis. Chatman said that the worked closed last spring. signing himself to a wait “There is a great need,” company hired local peo- “My hope is that I get a for an interview. Bolivar County District 5 ple and now provides two job and let my work speak Sharkey County Chan- Supervisor Larry King said buses during the day and for itself. I’m a dedicated cery and Circuit Clerk Mu- as he watched people fill- three buses at night to hard worker and a team rinda Williams heard about ing out applications and transport workers. Repre- player,” she said after her the job fair and arranged waiting to be interviewed. sentatives from Toyota’s work interview. for a church van to “This is a really positive Blue Springs plant held a Tamia Fleming, 18, of transport local residents. thing that’s going on here job fair in Cleveland in Cleveland, applied for part “We brought a van with today. People need jobs to August, attracting nearly -time work. She is a stu- eight or nine people. Peo- build a better life for them- 500 people. Applicants are dent at Holmes Communi- ple need jobs. We are try- selves and cut down on waiting to see if they will ty College in Goodman. ing to give them an oppor- crime and social ills.” By be hired. FedEx Ground, a Darius Walker, 20, of tunity.” the size of the crowd, “it separate entity, sent a hu- Memphis, has a semester Veterans Administration says to me that young peo- man resources team to of college in criminal jus- Continued on page 15 October 2019 Page 15 More than 130 seek help at Hinds County Family Law Clinic

cluded. Before 11:30 a.m., clinic organizers started turning people away, as they were not able to ac- commodate any more. The clinic was scheduled to end at 1 p.m., but lawyers and judges stayed until after 4 p.m. to offer help, according to Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project Executive Director Gayla Carpenter-Sanders. The turnout was about twice what was expected, said Chancellor Crystal Wise Martin. “It’s absolutely over- Attorney Coolidge Anderson, at right, confers with Chancellor Tiffany Grove and attorney whelming and amazing. Jason Owens, at left, background, looks at a document with Chancellor Denise Owens. We find people every day Chancellor Crystal Wise Martin is at left, foreground. in court that need assis- tance, and a lot of the mat- A Hinds Chancery divorce. -two volunteer lawyers ters are not very difficult,” Courtroom and the third The Hinds County Fam- worked with clients in Chancellor Wise Martin floor lobby were packed ily Law Clinic was sched- courtrooms and conference said. on July 26 as people wait- uled to help people who rooms. Four judges walked But even simple legal ed to get free legal help to are too poor to hire an at- the crowded hallways, matters can be daunting establish guardianships for torney. Forty people pre- conferring with attorneys for people who can’t af- school enrollment, ex- registered and more than and signing documents if ford to hire a lawyer. The punge records and file for 90 came as walk-ins. Forty cases were able to be con- legal requirements of filing correct documents with proper pleadings mean that Bolivar County Family First Job Fair, continued from Page 14 many unrepresented liti- gants have to make multi- Employment Coordinator source Center of North mestic violence preven- ple trips to court to try to Jennifer James and Voca- Mississippi and the Missis- tion. conclude a matter. Volun- tional Rehabilitation sippi Family First Initiative. The Mississippi Family teer lawyers at the free Counselor Yoshekia Wil- Bolivar County is First Initiative was created legal clinic helped draft son came to ask about among eight counties in by the Commission on documents and gave legal openings for their clients. which Family First Initia- Children’s Justice. The advice to help move cases They assist veterans with tive pilot programs were Family First Initiative to conclusion. disabilities in finding em- created a year ago to assist works to address needs of Hinds County Chancel- ployment. families in need. The 24- struggling families by di- lor Tiffany Grove said, Government and non- member local steering recting them to services “We have seen a substan- profit partners in the job committee, with Chatman and resources that will tial increase in pro se liti- fair included the Depart- as chair, identified em- strengthen families, im- gants, which demonstrates ment of Human Services ployment and transporta- prove family stability and the need for this today, and Division of Work Force tion among their priorities create safer home environ- the attendance just con- Development, the Depart- for change, along with ed- ments for children. firms that.” ment of Employment Se- ucation, crime, substance Chancellor Grove and curity, the Family Re- abuse treatment and do- Continued on page 16 Page 16 October 2019

Hinds Family Law Clinic, continued from Page 15 others would like to sched- with $900 of that from a ty guardianship clinic was with these charges.” ule the free legal clinics disability benefit. expanded this year for oth- Law students helped more often, based on the The annual guardianship er family law needs in- interview clients and draft need. “Our hope is that we clinic has been held in cluding uncontested irrec- documents under the su- are going to do it quarter- Hinds County since 2008. oncilable differences di- pervision of attorneys. ly,” she said. It is always scheduled a vorce, custody, visitation, “It’s a teaching moment, Chancellor Wise Martin few days before the start of name changes, birth certif- actually putting into prac- agreed. “I would love to the school year to assist icate corrections, uncon- tice all that legal educa- have these quarterly.” grandparents and other tested emancipation, pow- tion” said Edward Kenne- A follow-up clinic is family members who need er of attorney, simple wills brew of Jackson, in his scheduled for Oct. 18. for to obtain legal guardian- and expungements. third year of studies at clients who were not able ships of children to enroll Attorney Chad King Mississippi College to conclude their matters. them in school. Chancellor regularly represents indi- School of Law. Among the clients who Denise Owens started the gent parents in Hinds The event was orga- sought services on July 26 annual clinic as a way to County Youth Court. At nized by the Hinds County was a grandmother who avoid delays for enrolling the clinic, he worked on Chancery Court and the needed guardianships for children in school. divorce cases and was Mississippi Volunteer five of her six grandchil- Three attorneys from available to help with ex- Lawyers Project in part- dren. Their mother died of Jackson Public Schools pungements. People with nership with Mission First breast cancer in 2016, Car- were at the Courthouse to criminal records have a and Mississippi College penter-Sanders said. The answer questions from hard time getting hired. School of Law, the Missis- children range in age from parents and guardians on Some crimes are eligible sippi Center for Legal Ser- 4 to 21. The grandmother enrollment and other is- to be expunged. “It gives vices, Forman Watkins & obtained a judge’s signa- sues. JoAnne Nelson them access to better jobs. Krutz LLP, the Capital ture on five guardianships. Shepherd, general counsel It gives them every oppor- Area Bar Association and She was able to enroll the for Jackson Public tunity that everyone else AARP Mississippi. school-age children. Schools, said, “The Dis- has. It’s a fresh start,” Carpenter-Sanders said, The Chancery Court trict has a push to increase King said. “We had the backing of waived the $150 per child enrollment. In the Jackson Attorney Seth Shannon the Judiciary. We are for- guardianship filing fees, Public School District, we helped a man draft docu- tunate in Hinds County to Carpenter-Sanders said. It are trying to make sure we ments for expungement of have four chancellors who was a huge help for the register as many children arrests that did not result in want these services done grandmother, who sup- as possible.” The school convictions. “I’m helping and are willing to help re- ports her family on an in- year began Aug. 7. him to move on with his cruit attorneys to get this come of $1,200 a month, The annual Hinds Coun- life and not be saddled done.”

Judge Starrett recognized for work with drug courts, continued from Page 1

National Drug Court Hall leads Federal Reentry their return to society, re- U.S. District Court for the of Fame. Courts in the Southern duce recidivism, provide Southern District of Mis- Judge Starrett started District of Mississippi and ample funds for operating sissippi. On April 30, he one of the first federal serves as Chair of the the state prison system and took senior status, but con- reentry courts in the coun- Reentry Committee for the improve public safety. tinues to carry a caseload. try. He wanted offenders Fifth Circuit. He has Judge Starrett’s 27-year He graduated from Mis- to have drug treatment and served as chairman of the judicial career began in sissippi State University learn employment skills Mississippi Reentry 1992 when Gov. Kirk and University of Missis- and coping skills to avoid Council since it began in Fordice appointed him as sippi School of Law. lapsing back into drug ad- December 2013. The Circuit Judge for the 14th He divides his time be- diction and criminal be- Reentry Council works to Circuit Court District. In tween residences in havior after they served create effective strategies 2005, President George W. Hattiesburg and McComb. out their sentences. He to assist former inmates in Bush appointed him to the