JACKSON, Miss. - The Mississippi Supreme Court will hear an appeal July 6 as some Jackson residents try to revive one of the lawsuits challenging the required appointment, rather than election, of some judges in the capital city by the chief justice of the court.
Chief Justice Mike Randolph has recused himself from the case involving the new law (HB 1020 signed into law by the governor) this suit is trying to block.
Randolph objected to being sued, and a chancery court judge removed him as a defendant.
In Randolph's recusal order, he wrote that he was neutral about the constitutionality of the law - the central issue in the lawsuit.
The Legislature passed the bill to expand the territory of the state-run Capitol Police department in Jackson. The bill also creates a new court in Jackson with four judges appointed by the chief justice, who would serve alongside four elected circuit court judges in Hinds County.
Most judges in Mississippi are elected.
Opponents of the new law say the Legislature is usurping local autonomy in Jackson and Hinds County, which are both majority-black and governed by Democrats.
Supporters of the new law say they are trying to improve public safety. (The AP 07/05/23) Mississippi high court will hear case about appointing judges in majority-Black capital city | Mississippi | wtva.com
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