Mississippi News

‘All judges shall be elected’: House Minority Leader says HB 1020 is unconstitutional

Published

2 years ago

March 12, 2023

An amended version of a controversial bill in Mississippi is receiving criticism from House Minority Leader Robert Johnson III.

During a Friday appearance on The Gallo Show, Johnson, D-Natchez, challenged the constitutionality of House Bill 1020 that would provide five appointed judges in an attempt to clear the backlog of criminal cases in the city of Jackson.

“All judges shall be elected,” Johnson asserted. “It doesn’t matter where they are, and this bill still has appointed judges. Now, some people referred back to the fact that the Supreme Court has appointed judges for Jackson before, but even that’s unconstitutional. Nobody’s ever challenged it, but it is.”

According to Article 6, Section 153 of the Mississippi Constitution, “the judges of the circuit and chancery courts shall be elected by the people in a manner and at a time to be provided by the legislature and the judges shall hold their office for a term of four years.”

As Johnson referenced during the interview,…

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By: Caleb Salers
Title: ‘All judges shall be elected’: House Minority Leader says HB 1020 is unconstitutional
Sourced From: www.supertalk.fm/all-judges-shall-be-elected-house-minority-leader-says-hb-1020-is-unconstitutional/
Published Date: Fri, 10 Mar 2023 20:22:55 +0000

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Mississippi News

Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: August 1-3

Published

4 days ago

August 1, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wjtv.com – Kaitlin Howell – 2025-08-01 07:06:00

SUMMARY: This weekend (August 1-3) in Mississippi offers diverse activities across the state. In Central Mississippi, enjoy Latin music and salsa at Fondren Fiesta in Jackson, family fun at 042 Nights in Brandon, food trucks in Byram, art exhibitions in Natchez and Jackson, and farmers markets in Jackson, Natchez, and Vicksburg. Special events include hurricane remembrance, back-to-school drives, and community wellness fairs. In the Pine Belt, Hattiesburg hosts Denim & Diamonds Casino Night, live music, themed balls, 5K fundraisers, and movie screenings. Laurel offers karaoke, art workshops, and a family farmers market. Activities cater to all ages, promoting culture, health, and community engagement.

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Mississippi News

Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: July 25-27

Published

2 weeks ago

July 25, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wjtv.com – Kaitlin Howell – 2025-07-25 06:41:00

SUMMARY: Mississippi is packed with events this weekend (July 25–27), including the JXN Film Festival, interactive exhibits, and art showcases in Jackson. Clinton screens *Train to Busan*, and Vicksburg features live events, a catfish tournament, and farmers markets. Natchez hosts its Food & Wine Festival and community celebrations, while Ridgeland offers art parks and dinner theater. In the Pine Belt, Hattiesburg offers comedy, musical theater, a Jane Austen tea, and a murder mystery dinner at Ross Mansion. Toy, gun, and farmers markets span multiple cities, while special events like the Little Miss Black Mississippi Pageant round out a diverse, festive weekend.

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Mississippi News

Bryan Kohberger sentenced for murdering four University of Idaho students

Published

2 weeks ago

July 23, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wjtv.com – The Associated Press – 2025-07-23 12:37:00

SUMMARY: Bryan Kohberger was sentenced to four consecutive life terms without parole for the brutal 2022 stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students. He pleaded guilty in July 2025 to avoid the death penalty. During sentencing, families shared emotional testimonies of loss and anguish. Kohberger, a criminology graduate student, broke into the victims’ home and killed them without known motive, remaining silent at the hearing. Police used DNA and genetic genealogy to identify him. The case deeply affected the community, with misinformation spreading online. Kohberger waived his right to appeal. Some victims’ relatives offered forgiveness and sought answers.

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