New Supreme Justices

The Mississippi Supreme Court opens the 2009 term with three new faces and a returning appointee. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.

During a brief ceremony in the supreme court chamber yesterday, newly elected Justices David Chandler, Jim kitchens and Randy Pierce took their oath of office for service on the state's highest court. Afterwards, former Justice Ed Pitman said the event marked a new day in Mississippi's Courts.

"This court is younger than it was 25 30 years ago. And so it means to the people that you've got persons on the court who are knowledgeable about the way we live in the state. And they are knowledgeable about the law and how the law can help or hurt the citizens of Mississippi".

44 year old Justice, Randy Pierce of Leaksville believes he can help write new chapters in the legal system.

"The age from my perspective does bring a little uniqueness to it. But that's not unlike any other time in history. I've had a lot of experience in a very few years, as a legislature, as a chancery judge, as a practicing attorney, certified public accountant. So all of those life experiences i will bring to the court and try to do the best job that i can".

Justice David Chandelier of Ackerman, is counting on the new Supreme Court to help restore confidence.

" And i think every Justice on the Supreme court and every judge in the entire judicial system is working towards that end.
And I think it means more than sitting at a desk and studying the briefs and writing opinions. It means rubbing shoulders with our citizens out in the community. letting them get to know us personally and getting to know a lot about them".

To use an overworked phrase, Justice Jim Kitchens of Crystal Springs says he's already hit the ground running.

"I've already been reading a lot and getting ready for some cases that require immediate decisions. So I don't think there will be any great breaking in period because I understand this court, i've been a member of the bar of the Mississippi Supreme court since 1967. So I've done a lot of work here, handled a good many appeals over time. i think i understand, the process, I'm looking forward to working with the good people who are already here".

Also returning to the court is Justice Ann Lamar of Senatobia. Before being elected she was appointed to the Supreme Court by the Governor, when Justice Kay Cobb retired in 2007. For MPB news, I'm Lawayne Childrey.