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Justice Judges
Details:
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Location: |
5343 Jefferson Street, Moss Point,
Mississippi |
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Mail To: |
P.O. Box 998; Pascagoula, MS 39568 |
| Telephone: |
228-769-3080 |
Contacts:
R. G. (Dickie) Chapuis, District 1
Ennis Millender, District 2
Jason Thornton, District 3
David McVeay, District 4
Requirements
Elected
Officials serving 4 year terms
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High school
diploma is mandated
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Justice Court
Training Course provided by the Mississippi Judicial College of the
University of Mississippi Law Center
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Annual
continuing education requirements prescribed by the Judicial College
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Resident of
County at least 2 years prior to serving it
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Hold at least
one session of court per month, but not more than two
Judge
R.G. Chapuis
Judge Ennis Millender
Judge Jason Thornton
Judge
David McVeay
Background of
Justice Court Judge The justice court judge, elected to a
four year term, has jurisdiction over all civil actions for the recovery
of debts or damages for personal property where the principle debt, amount
of demand, or the value of the property to be recovered in court does not
exceed $2,500.00. Justice court judges have jurisdiction over criminal
violations in the county in the same manner as the circuit court. However,
criminal proceedings only occur in the justice court where the punishment
does not extend beyond a fine and imprisonment in the county jail. No
justice court judge may preside over a trial in any situation where there
is personal interest.
The number of justice court judges for each county is determined by
population within the county. Counties with a population of less than
35,000 there shall be two justice court judges. Counties that have a
population between 35,000 and 70,000 shall have three justice court
judges. Counties that have a population between 70,000 and 150,000 shall
have four justice court judges. Counties with a population exceeding
150,000 shall have 5 justice court judges. The board of supervisors is
required to create single member election districts in the county for the
election of each justice court judge.
Justice court judges are required to hold regular terms of court at
times subject to their discretion. Judges are required to hold at least
one session of court per month, but not more than two, at a reasonable
time in a courtroom established by the board of supervisors.
The board of supervisors shall appoint a clerk of the justice court
system as well as deputy justice court clerks. The justice court clerks
and deputy justice court clerks are empowered to file and record actions
and pleadings, issue warrants, and acknowledge affidavits for the justice
court. They also have the authority to collect filing fees and fines on
behalf of the justice court.
Every justice court judge is required to take the oath of office
prescribed by Article 6, Section 155 of the Mississippi
Constitution. The justice court judge is also required to post a bond
in the same manner as other county officers. Justice court judges are also
required to give bond payable in a penalty equal to $10,000.
If the justice court judge resigns from office or the term of office
expires he is required to deliver within ten (10) days of vacating the
office, the case record with all papers and books of statutes relating to
the office of justice court judge, to the clerk of the justice court.
Source: Sumner D. Davis III & Michael D. Garriga, "Other
Major County Officials," County Government in Mississippi, Second
Edition, Revised and Expanded, Center for Governmental Technology,
Mississippi State University Extension Service, Mississippi State, MS,
2000.
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