High court to open new term

The Clarion-Ledger, 1/4/9

The first term of the new year for the Mississippi Supreme Court includes oral arguments in cases held over from 2008.

The first court term of 2009 begins Monday with the swearing in of three new justices – David Anthony Chandler, Jim Kitchens and Randy Pierce. All three defeated sitting justices, including Kitchens, who defeated Chief Justice Jim Smith.

Also taking the oath will be Justice Ann Lamar, who was appointed to the court in May 2007. She was elected to a full term in November.

Oral arguments are scheduled beginning Jan. 12, with the first three cases rescheduled from the November-December term.