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As a Justice, petitioner had two primary duties in Jackson.
First, petitioner was assigned to a three-Justice panel, as
designated by the Chief Justice, to hear cases. When the
Mississippi Supreme Court is in session, each panel hears cases 1
day during the week. Typically, each panel hears cases for a 6-week
period, followed by a 3-week period for writing opinions. Second,
petitioner heard cases at en banc conferences 1 day per week. The
panel hearings and en banc hearings were generally on separate
days, and thus as a matter of practicality the Justices' presence
in Jackson was required at least 2 days out of each week.
At the Mississippi Supreme Court, petitioner had an office,
staff, and access to the State library. However, petitioner, like
other Justices, often preferred to conduct his research and draft
opinions at home in his district. Petitioner completed much of his
judicial work at the law school library in Oxford during the
weekends.
Although not legally required to do so, petitioner, as well as
most other Justices, performed various nonjudicial civic functions
in his home district in Oxford. The purpose of participating in
these civic activities was in part to secure reelection. Some of
the activities included: (1) Visiting local judges' and clerks'
offices, bar associations, and colleges and universities; (2)
giving speeches at civic organizations, schools, churches, and
public dedications; and (3) participating in continuing legal
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Last modified: May 25, 2011