Governor Phil Bryant Appoints Christopher A. Collins Circuit Judge for Eighth Circuit Court District

Governor Phil Bryant Appoints Christopher A. Collins Circuit Judge for Eighth Circuit Court District

Jackson, Miss. – Gov. Phil Bryant announced today that he has appointed Christopher A. Collins circuit judge for the Eighth Circuit Court District.

Collins replaces Judge Marcus Gordon, who recently retired. Collins’ appointment will be effective March 31. The post will appear on the ballot in November 2017. The Eighth District includes Leake, Neshoba, Newton and Scott counties.

Collins currently is a civil court judge for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians’ Tribal Court, a post he’s held since 1999. He has also served as a domestic violence court judge for the Tribal Court. He has been a prosecutor for the cities of Union and Decatur and is a charter board member of the Eighth Circuit Court District’s Drug Court. He has served as felony indigent counsel in the Eighth District and as post-conviction counsel for inmates housed in the Walnut Grove Correctional Facility in Walnut Grove. Collins has also served as a special prosecutor in Winston and Lauderdale counties. His private practice work includes representation of The Citizens Bank in Philadelphia and Commercial Bank in DeKalb.

“Mr. Collins’ wide range of legal experience makes him eminently qualified for the circuit bench,” Gov. Bryant said. “I know that experience will serve him well, and I am pleased he has accepted this appointment.”

Collins received an associate of arts degree from East Central Community College and a bachelor of arts degree from Mississippi College. He received his juris doctorate from the Mississippi College School of Law.

“In one word, I am humbled,” Collins said. “I am honored and privileged to serve in this judgeship that belongs to the people. I am grateful to the governor for placing his confidence in me and thankful to the Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee for recommending me. I pledge to seek the Lord’s guidance as I serve on this bench.”

Collins is a deacon at First Baptist Church in Union, where he teaches adult Sunday School. He is a volunteer with the American Cancer Society and coaches Union High School’s mock trial team. He is a charter member of Union High School’s tennis boosters. He and his wife, Tammy, live in Union. They have four children — Kathrine, Muriel, Alexander and Olivia.

3/29/16