Judicial race hinges on philosophy
The Mississippi Supreme Court has yet to rule on whether major parts of Mississippi’s tort reform laws are constitutional. Specifically challenged has been the $1 million cap on noneconomic damages. It is unclear whether the Court will make a decision on noneconomic damages before a new justice is elected, but it is fairly clear the position of one candidate seeking a seat on the Court.
Gov. Ronnie Musgrove appointed Justice George C. Carlson of Batesville to the Court in 2001 and Carlson won an election to a full term in 2004 with 72.8 percent of the vote. In 2008, BIPEC (Business and Industry Political Education Committee) considered Carlson a “balanced” judge on a scale of “balanced – swing – plaintiff” and scored him as one of the top three justices on the Court by their measure. Carlson is not seeking reelection this year and the business community and trial lawyer interests each have a candidate they are supporting for the 33-county Northern District seat.
BIPEC, the Mississippi Physicians PAC, the Mississippi Manufacturers Association and the Mississippi Medical Political Action Committee have recommended or endorsed defense attorney Josiah Dennis Coleman of Toccopola. For Coleman, public service is a family legacy. His father is former Mississippi Court of Appeals Judge Thomas Coleman and his grandfather was Governor and U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Justice J.P. Coleman. Coleman practices with the Oxford firm Hickman, Goza & Spragins.
Brian Perry
6/27/12
Magnolia Tribune
