Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-49 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 7 / Section 7-49
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-49
Status: in_force

(1) The Nineteenth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:

(a) George County;

(b) Greene County; and

(c) Jackson County.

(2) The local contribution required for the maintenance of the Nineteenth Circuit Court District shall not exceed, as to George and Greene Counties, the amount of their present local contribution in their present respective circuit court districts, and any excess shall be paid by Jackson County.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-31 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 5 / Section 13-31
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-31
Status: in_force

In all criminal cases, and (a) in all civil cases, and (b) matters in probate, and (c) in matters of special proceedings, wherein property or demands of as much as Fifty Dollars ($50.00) may be in issue, no party shall be required without his consent to go to trial in a circuit or chancery court unless the case is attended by a court reporter; provided, however, that the judge of any chancery court may dispense with the requirement of a court reporter in hearings on temporary support and maintenance and/or temporary child custody in domestic cases unless one (1) or both of the parties request a court reporter. And in and by means of the court reporter's shorthand notes, it shall be competent and effectual, for the purposes of appeal and all otherwise, to make of the record every part of the proceedings arising and done during the trial, from the opening until the conclusion thereof, including motions so arising to amend the pleadings, except amendments to indictments, and the ruling of the court thereon and all other motions and steps that may occur in the trial, in addition to the oral testimony. And in such a trial, provided objections are duly made and noted, no exceptions need be taken, either for the purposes of appeal or otherwise, or if taken shall not be noted, to any ruling or decision of the court, and this provision shall include the rulings of a court on objections to testimony. If any ruling or decision of the court as to any matter arising during the trial appear in the copy of the court reporter's notes, it shall not be necessary to take any exceptions or bill of exceptions thereto. Exceptions and bills of exception shall be necessary only when it is desired to reserve exceptions to some ruling or decision of the court which would not otherwise appear of record. No bill of exceptions need be taken to the action of the court in overruling a motion for a new trial. In all cases tried either in the circuit or chancery court in which the evidence is taken down by an official court reporter, all pleadings and all papers filed or introduced in the case, all orders of the court entered on the minutes, all instructions and a copy of the court reporter's notes shall constitute the record and no bill of exceptions shall be necessary in order to make any of the above matters part of the record.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-11-23 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 4 / Section 11-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-11-23
Status: in_force

When any clerk of the justice court shall have collected in his official capacity any money, fines or penalties, and shall fail to pay or account for the same to the person or official entitled to receive the same, he shall be liable to be proceeded against on his official bond in a summary way by motion in any court having jurisdiction of the amount collected and withheld, of which motion five (5) days' notice shall be served on the clerk of the justice court and the sureties on his bond, or such of them as may be found; and judgment for the amount illegally withheld by the clerk of the justice court and ten percent (10%) thereon, and all costs, shall be rendered against the clerk of the justice court and his sureties, or such of them as have been served with notice.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-63 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 13 / Section 13-63
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-63
Status: in_force

In all cases filed in the county court, a court reporter's fee shall be charged as an item of cost as follows: A fee of one dollar ($1.00) shall be charged in all cases which, if there were no county court, would have been filed in the justice of the peace court; a fee of two dollars ($2.00) shall be charged in all cases appealed to the county court and a fee of three dollars ($3.00) shall be charged in all cases which, if there were no county court, would be filed in the circuit or chancery courts. All of said reporter's fees above mentioned are to be paid into the general fund of the county; provided, however, that no jury tax shall be charged in any case unless there is an issue joined and no court reporter's fee shall be charged unless issue has been joined in such case and testimony taken.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-9 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 1 / Section 7-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-9
Status: in_force

The Second Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:

(a) Hancock County;

(b) Harrison County; and

(c) Stone County.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-57 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 1 / Section 7-57
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-57
Status: in_force

The Twenty-second Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:

(a) Claiborne County;

(b) Copiah County; and

(c) Jefferson County.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-155 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 1 / Section 5-155
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-155
Status: in_force

The chancellor shall, at each term of the court, carefully examine all bonds taken by the clerk in vacation, in pursuance of any order of the court, or the requirement of law, in any proceeding in such court, and make such orders in reference thereto as he shall deem necessary for the security of the parties interested therein.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-11-13 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 5 / Section 11-13
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-11-13
Status: in_force

Each justice of the peace shall, at the beginning and in front of all his entries in his docket, make and subscribe substantially the following entry, to-wit:

“A docket of proceedings in matters civil and criminal before _______, a justice of the peace of the county of _______, in the State of Mississippi, in District No._______ of said county, for the election of justices of the peace. Witness my signature.

____________________

Justice of the Peace.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-3-11 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 1 / Section 3-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-3-11
Status: in_force

The judge of the Supreme Court who has been for the longest time continuously a member of the court shall be chief justice; and, the two (2) judges of the supreme court who have served continuously for the next longest time shall be presiding justices. In case of the absence of the chief justice, the presiding justice who has been for the longest time continuously a member shall preside. In the event that two (2) or more judges of the Supreme Court shall have served as members of the Supreme Court for equal periods of time, then seniority shall be determined according to the length of time that such judges shall have been members of the Mississippi State Bar.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-77 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 5 / Section 21-77
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-77
Status: in_force

(1) Prior to providing any service to a Limited English Proficient (LEP) individual, the interpreter shall subscribe to an oath that he or she shall interpret all communications in an accurate manner to the best of his or her skill and knowledge.

(2) The oath shall conform substantially to the following form:

INTERPRETER'S OATH

“Do you solemnly swear or affirm that you will faithfully interpret from (state the language) into English and from English into (state the language) the proceedings before this court in an accurate manner to the best of your skill and knowledge?”

(3) Interpreters shall not voluntarily disclose any admission or communication that is declared to be confidential or privileged under state law. Out-of-court disclosures made by a Limited English Proficient (LEP) individual communicating through an interpreter shall be treated by the interpreter as confidential or privileged or both unless the court orders the interpreter to disclose such communications or the Limited English Proficient (LEP) individual waives such confidentiality or privilege.

(4) Interpreters shall not publicly discuss, report or offer an opinion concerning a matter in which they are engaged, even when that information is not privileged or required by law to be confidential.

(5) The presence of an interpreter shall not affect the privileged nature of any discussion.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-7 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 9 / Section 21-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-7
Status: in_force

The Administrative Director, with the approval of the Supreme Court, is authorized to employ and set the compensation of such assistants and other employees as are necessary to enable him to perform his duties, subject to approval of the State Personnel Board.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-27-9 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 12 / Section 27-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-27-9
Status: in_force

(1) Any mental and behavioral health treatment provider directly administering services to a participant shall be licensed by the appropriate state licensing board or hold a current and valid certification by the State Department of Mental Health or other appropriate state agency.

(2) A mental health treatment court shall provide either directly or through referrals, a range of services, including, but not limited to, the following:

(a) Screenings using a valid and reliable screening tool effective for identifying individuals with mental and behavioral health issues for eligibility and appropriate services;

(b) Clinical assessment;

(c) Referral to appropriate level of treatment services;

(d) Counseling and treatment for co-occurring substance use disorders;

(e) Employment Services;

(f) Education and/or vocational services; and

(g) Community service coordination, care and support.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-11 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 1 / Section 5-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-11
Status: in_force

(1) The Third Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:

(a) DeSoto County;

(b) Grenada County;

(c) Montgomery County;

(d) Panola County;

(e) Tate County; and

(f) Yalobusha County.

(2) The Third Chancery Court District shall be divided into two (2) subdistricts as follows:

(a) Subdistrict 3-1 shall consist of DeSoto County.

(b) Subdistrict 3-2 shall consist of Grenada County, Montgomery County, Panola County, Tate County and Yalobusha County.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-123 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 13-123
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-123
Status: in_force

As used in Sections 9-13-101 through 9-13-121 :

(a) “ Courts ” includes all courts. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as a limitation upon the power of the Supreme Court or of the trial courts to govern the conduct of, and to discipline, official court reporters, nor shall this chapter be construed as any limitation upon the rights of any individual to seek any remedy afforded by law, nor as any exclusive mode of regulating court reporters.

(b) “ Court reporter ” means a Certified Shorthand Reporter or a Certified Stenomask Reporter.

(c) “The practice of court reporting ” means the making of a verbatim record by means of written symbols or abbreviations in pen shorthand, machine shorthand, or oral stenography, also known as steno mask, of testimony or proceedings relevant to matters under the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Mississippi, all state agencies or the Legislature or any committee or subcommittee thereof, or where appeal to any court of the State of Mississippi is allowable by law.

(d) “The making of a verbatim record ” includes the taking of a deposition.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-11-33 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 11-33
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-11-33
Status: in_force

A justice court judge may correct any errors or mistakes in any proceedings that are conducted before such judge or in the records of proceedings conducted before such judge. A justice court judge may set aside any proceeding or judgment in a case conducted before such judge upon a written order as may be just and proper after a proceeding in which the judge determines that good cause has been shown to support such order.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-19-23 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17 / Section 19-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-19-23
Status: in_force

The commission on judicial performance shall make rules implementing this chapter, including rules of practice and procedure concerning receiving, processing and handling of complaints or inquiries and for hearings of the commission, a committee of the commission, its master or its factfinder, and the supreme court, to be approved by the supreme court.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-57 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 4 / Section 7-57
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-57
Status: in_force

The Twenty-second Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:

(a) Claiborne County;

(b) Copiah County; and

(c) Jefferson County.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-137 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 1 / Section 7-137
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-137
Status: in_force

The clerk of the circuit court shall procure a well-bound book, arranged alphabetically and properly ruled, lined and headed to show the name of the principal and surety, name of principal obligor, name of obligee, date of bond, penalty of bond, kind of bond, where recorded if recorded, number of suit in which filed and date of discharge. In this he shall abstract each bond, when filed in his office, by entering in such record the name of each principal and surety, under the proper letter, the name of principal obligor, name of obligee, date, penalty, kind of bond, where recorded if recorded, and number of suit in which filed. And when such bond has been discharged, the date thereof shall be entered in said record under the proper heading. Such information may be kept on computer as provided in Section 9-7-171 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-1 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 4 / Section 21-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-1
Status: in_force

The Administrative Office of Courts is hereby created. The purpose of the Administrative Office of Courts shall be to assist in the efficient administration of the nonjudicial business of the courts of the state and in improving the administration of justice in Mississippi by performing the duties and exercising the powers as provided in this chapter.

As used in this chapter, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term “court” means any tribunal recognized as a part of the judicial branch of government, but not including county boards of supervisors.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-11-18 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 5 / Section 11-18
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-11-18
Status: in_force

(1) There is hereby created in the county depository of each county a clearing account to be designated as the “Justice Court Clerk Clearing Account,” in which shall be deposited (a) all such monies as the clerk of the justice court shall receive from any person complying with any writ of garnishment, attachment, execution or other like process authorized by law for the enforcement of a judgment; (b) all such monies as are received in criminal cases in the justice court pursuant to any order requiring payment as restitution to the victims of criminal offenses; (c) all cash bonds as shall be deposited with the court; (d) any portion of any fees required by law to be collected in civil cases which are to pay for the service of process or writs in another county as provided by Section 9-11-20 ; and (e) any other money as shall be deposited with the court, except fees paid for the services of a constable, which by its nature is not at the time of its deposit public monies, but which is to be held by the court in a trust or custodial capacity in a case or proceeding before the court. The clerk of the justice court shall account for all monies deposited in and disbursed from such account and shall be authorized and empowered to draw and issue checks on such account at such times, in such amounts and to such persons as shall be proper and in accordance with law; provided, however, such monies as are forfeited in criminal cases shall be paid by the clerk of the justice court to the clerk of the board of supervisors for deposit in the general fund of the county in the same manner as provided in Section 9-11-19 for fees, costs, fines and penalties charged and collected in the justice court.

(2) Any monies deposited with the court in civil cases, which are fees paid for the services of a constable, shall be reported by the clerk of the court in the same manner as provided by Section 9-11-19 and shall be considered as being fees within the meaning of such section. It shall be the duty of the clerk of the board of supervisors to disburse such fees monthly, upon approval of the board of supervisors, to the constables entitled thereto.

(3) The justice court clearing account may bear interest and the clerk of the justice court shall account for all interest earned on such account and pay such interest to the clerk of the board of supervisors for deposit in the general fund of the county in the same manner as provided in Section 9-11-19 for fees, costs, fines and penalties charged and collected in the justice court.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-17 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 4 / Section 5-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-17
Status: in_force

(1) The Fifth Chancery Court District is composed of Hinds County.

(2) The Fifth Chancery Court District shall be divided into the following four (4) subdistricts:

(a) Subdistrict 5-1 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 44, 45, 46, 47, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 92, 93, 96 and 97.

(b) Subdistrict 5-2 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, Brownsville, Cynthia, Pocahontas and Tinnin.

(c) Subdistrict 5-3 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 31, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 86, 89 and Jackson State.

(d) Subdistrict 5-4 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: 87, 88, 90, 91, 94, 95, Bolton, Byram 1, Byram 2, Cayuga, Chapel Hill, Clinton 1, Clinton 2, Clinton 3, Clinton 4, Clinton 5, Clinton 6, Dry Grove, Edwards, Learned, Old Byram, Pinehaven, Raymond 1, Raymond 2, Spring Ridge, St. Thomas, Terry, Utica 1 and Utica 2.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-80 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 4 / Section 21-80
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-80
Status: in_force

(1) The court shall appoint an interpreter in the following order of preference:

(a) Certified court interpreter.

(b) Registered court interpreter.

(c) Non-credential interpreter.

(2) A non-credentialed interpreter may be appointed if:

(a) Neither a certified nor registered court interpreter reasonably is available; and

(b) The court has evaluated the totality of the circumstances, including the gravity of the judicial proceeding and the potential penalty or consequence involved.

(3) If the court appoints a non-credentialed interpreter, the court must make the following findings on the record:

(a) The proposed interpreter appears to have: (i) adequate language skills, knowledge of interpreting techniques, and familiarity with interpreting in a court setting; and (ii) read and understand, and agrees to abide by, the Mississippi Code of Ethics for Court Interpreters and the Mississippi Rules on Standards for Court Interpreters.

(4) A summary of the efforts made to obtain a certified or registered court interpreter, as well as a summary of the efforts to determine the capabilities of the proposed non-credentialed interpreter, must be made in open court and placed on the record.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-111 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 7 / Section 13-111
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-111
Status: in_force

Upon application and payment of the application fee within six (6) months of the effective date of this chapter [July 2, 1994] and upon a showing of residence within the State of Mississippi, certification without examination shall issue to:

(a) Any official court reporter serving on January 3, 1996, in a Mississippi court on a full-time basis, if such reporter is actually engaged in verbatim reporting through shorthand symbols or the stenomask method.

(b) Any free-lance reporter actually engaged in verbatim reporting through shorthand symbols or the stenomask method and who had been so engaged as of July 2, 1994.

(c) Any person enrolled in any public or private institution in the State of Mississippi on July 2, 1994, who is majoring in a course of study in court reporting and who receives a degree in such course of study.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-169 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 4 / Section 5-169
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-169
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided in Section 25-61-11.2 , all of the records and papers of the office of the chancery clerk shall, at all reasonable hours on business days, be subject to the inspection and examination of all citizens; and the clerk shall show to any person inquiring for it where any record or paper in his or her office can be found, and shall allow him or her access to it, and to examine it and make any copy, note, or memorandum he or she desires to make of it.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-27-5 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 13 / Section 27-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-27-5
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed unless the context clearly requires otherwise:

(a) “ Behavioral health ” means the promotion of mental health, resilience and wellbeing; the treatment of mental and substance use disorders; and the support of those who experience and/or are in recovery from these conditions, along with their families and communities.

(b) “ Chemical tests ” means the analysis of an individual's: (i) blood, (ii) breath, (iii) hair, (iv) sweat, (v) saliva, (vi) urine, or (vii) other bodily substance to determine the presence of alcohol or a controlled substance.

(c) “ Clinical assessment ” means the use of an actuarial assessment tool which evaluates an individual's physical, medical, cognitive, psychological (personality, emotions, beliefs and attitudes), and behavioral history and current conditions in order to determine the presence and severity of any mental health disorder.

(d) “ Co-Occurring disorder ” means coexistence of both a mental health and a substance use disorder as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM).

(e) “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)” is the publication by the American Psychiatric Association used by behavioral health professionals for the classification and diagnosing of mental health disorders.

(f) “ Evidence-based practices ” means practices which have been empirically researched and proven to have measurable positive outcomes; have been rigorously tested; have yielded consistent, replicable results; and have proven safe, beneficial and effective for a specific population.

(g) “ Mental health ” means a state of mental or emotional well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn, work well, and contribute to their community.

(h) “ Mental health disorder ” means a syndrome characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual's cognition, emotion regulation or behavior that reflects a dysfunction in the psychological, biological or developmental process underlying mental functioning as defined by the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as published by the American Psychiatric Association.

(i) “ Mental Health Treatment program ” means a highly structured evidence-based program for mental and behavioral health treatment of defendants that:

(i) Brings together mental health professionals, local social programs and intensive judicial monitoring;

(ii) Follows the key components of the mental health treatment court curriculum published by the Bureau of Justice Assistance; and

(iii) Utilizes supervision, policies, procedures and practices that scientific research demonstrates reduces recidivism.

(j) “ Risk and needs assessment ” means an actuarial evaluation tool to guide decision making at various points across the criminal justice continuum by approximating an individual's likelihood of reoffending and determining what individual criminogenic needs must be addressed to reduce that likelihood. Criminogenic risk and needs assessment tools consist of questions that are designed to ascertain someone's history of criminal behavior, attitudes and personality, and life circumstances.

(k) “ Risk and needs screening ” means the use of a brief actuarial tool that is used to determine a defendant's eligibility of a mental health treatment court by measuring the criminogenic risk and needs, identifying risk and protective factors, supports development of case management plan goals and determines the need of a full risk and needs assessment.

(l) “ Substance use disorder ” means a cluster of cognitive, behavioral, and physiological symptoms indicating that the individual continues using the substance despite significant substance-related problems such as impaired control, social impairment, risky behaviors, and pharmacological tolerance and withdrawal.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-19 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 7-19
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-19
Status: in_force

The Fifth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:

(a) Attala County;

(b) Carroll County;

(c) Choctaw County;

(d) Grenada County;

(e) Montgomery County;

(f) Webster County; and

(g) Winston County.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-125 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 4 / Section 7-125
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-125
Status: in_force

(1) The circuit clerk of every county wherein is partially located a national forest and wherein U.S. Highway 49 and Mississippi Highway 26 intersect may appoint a full-time or part-time deputy to insure the efficient operation of the office of circuit clerk of said county.

(2) The boards of supervisors in said counties are authorized to pay to said circuit clerk a sum not to exceed three hundred dollars ($300.00) per month for employment of such deputy.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-23-17 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17 / Section 23-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-23-17
Status: in_force

With regard to any intervention court, the Administrative Office of Courts shall do the following:

(a) Certify and re-certify intervention court applications that meet standards established by the Administrative Office of Courts in accordance with this chapter.

(b) Ensure that the structure of the intervention component complies with rules adopted under this section and applicable federal regulations.

(c) Revoke the authorization of a program upon a determination that the program does not comply with rules adopted under this section and applicable federal regulations.

(d) Make agreements and contracts to effectuate the purposes of this chapter with:

(i) Another department, authority or agency of the state;

(ii) Another state;

(iii) The federal government;

(iv) A state-supported or private university; or

(v) A public or private agency, foundation, corporation or individual.

(e) Directly, or by contract, approve and certify any intervention component established under this chapter.

(f) Require, as a condition of operation, that each intervention court created or funded under this chapter be certified by the Administrative Office of Courts.

(g) Collect monthly data reports submitted by all certified intervention courts, provide those reports to the State Intervention Courts Advisory Committee, compile an annual report summarizing the data collected and the outcomes achieved by all certified intervention courts and submit the annual report to the Oversight Task Force.

(h) Every three (3) years contract with an external evaluator to conduct an evaluation of the effectiveness of the intervention court program, both statewide and individual intervention court programs, in complying with the key components of the intervention courts adopted by the National Association of Drug Court Professionals.

(i) Adopt rules to implement this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-81 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17 / Section 21-81
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-81
Status: in_force

(1) Any volunteer interpreter providing services under Sections 9-21-71 through 9-21-81 shall be paid reasonable expenses by the court.

(2) The expenses of providing an interpreter in any court proceeding or instance arising out of litigation must be payable out of the county or municipal treasury at no cost to the litigant.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-1-33 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 1 / Section 1-33
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-1-33
Status: in_force

The minutes of the proceedings of the Supreme, circuit, chancery and county courts and the Court of Appeals shall be entered by the clerk of each, respectively, in the minute book of the court, against the next sitting of the court, if practicable, when the same shall be read in open court; and when corrected shall be signed--the minutes of the Supreme Court by the Chief Justice or presiding judge, of the Court of Appeals by the Chief Judge or presiding judge, of the circuit court by the circuit judge, of the chancery court by the chancellor, and of the county court by the county judge; and on the last day of the term, or within ten (10) days thereafter, the minutes shall be drawn up, read and signed.

Whenever by inadvertence said minutes and proceedings may remain unsigned or the judge of said court dies before signing the minutes, the succeeding judge or judges of said court may, in their discretion, examine into said unsigned minutes and ascertain as to the correctness thereof, and after same shall have been read in open court, and if the court is of the opinion that same are true and correct, then the said minutes may be signed and adopted by said judge or judges.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-31 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 11 / Section 13-31
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-31
Status: in_force

In all criminal cases, and (a) in all civil cases, and (b) matters in probate, and (c) in matters of special proceedings, wherein property or demands of as much as Fifty Dollars ($50.00) may be in issue, no party shall be required without his consent to go to trial in a circuit or chancery court unless the case is attended by a court reporter; provided, however, that the judge of any chancery court may dispense with the requirement of a court reporter in hearings on temporary support and maintenance and/or temporary child custody in domestic cases unless one (1) or both of the parties request a court reporter. And in and by means of the court reporter's shorthand notes, it shall be competent and effectual, for the purposes of appeal and all otherwise, to make of the record every part of the proceedings arising and done during the trial, from the opening until the conclusion thereof, including motions so arising to amend the pleadings, except amendments to indictments, and the ruling of the court thereon and all other motions and steps that may occur in the trial, in addition to the oral testimony. And in such a trial, provided objections are duly made and noted, no exceptions need be taken, either for the purposes of appeal or otherwise, or if taken shall not be noted, to any ruling or decision of the court, and this provision shall include the rulings of a court on objections to testimony. If any ruling or decision of the court as to any matter arising during the trial appear in the copy of the court reporter's notes, it shall not be necessary to take any exceptions or bill of exceptions thereto. Exceptions and bills of exception shall be necessary only when it is desired to reserve exceptions to some ruling or decision of the court which would not otherwise appear of record. No bill of exceptions need be taken to the action of the court in overruling a motion for a new trial. In all cases tried either in the circuit or chancery court in which the evidence is taken down by an official court reporter, all pleadings and all papers filed or introduced in the case, all orders of the court entered on the minutes, all instructions and a copy of the court reporter's notes shall constitute the record and no bill of exceptions shall be necessary in order to make any of the above matters part of the record.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-9 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 4 / Section 21-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-9
Status: in_force

(1) The Administrative Director of Courts shall have the following duties and authority with respect to all courts in addition to any other duties and responsibilities as may be properly assigned by the Supreme Court and/or by law:

(a) To require the filing of reports, the collection and compilation of statistical data and other information on the judicial and financial operation of the courts and on the operation of other offices directly related to and serving the courts;

(b) To determine the state of the dockets and evaluate the practices and procedures of the courts and make recommendations concerning the number of judges and other personnel required for the efficient administration of justice;

(c) To prescribe uniform administrative and business methods, systems, forms and records to be used in the offices of the clerks of courts;

(d) To devise, promulgate and require the use of a uniform youth court case tracking system, including a youth court case filing form for filing with each individual youth court matter, to be utilized by the Administrative Office of Courts and the youth courts in order that the number of youthful offenders, abused, neglected, truant and dependent children, as well as children in need of special care and children in need of supervision, may be tracked with specificity through the youth court and adult justice systems; in support of the uniform case docketing system, the director shall require that all youth courts utilize the Mississippi Youth Court Information Delivery System (MYCIDS);

(e) To develop, promulgate and require the use of a statewide docket numbering system to be utilized by the youth courts, which youth court docket numbers shall standardize and unify the numbering system by which youth court docket numbers are assigned, such that each docket number would, among other things, identify the county and year in which a particular youth court action was commenced;

(f) To develop, promulgate and require the use of uniform youth court orders and forms in all youth courts and youth court proceedings;

(g) To prepare and submit budget recommendations for state appropriations necessary for the maintenance and operation of the judicial system and to authorize expenditures from funds appropriated for these purposes as permitted or authorized by law;

(h) To develop and implement personnel policies for nonjudicial personnel employed by the courts;

(i) To investigate, make recommendations concerning and assist in the securing of adequate physical accommodations for the judicial system;

(j) To procure, distribute, exchange, transfer and assign such equipment, books, forms and supplies as are acquired with state funds or grant funds or otherwise for the judicial system;

(k) To make recommendations for the improvement of the operations of the judicial system;

(l) To prepare and submit an annual report on the work of the judicial system to the Supreme Court;

(m) To take necessary steps in the collection of unpaid court costs, fines and forfeitures;

(n) To perform such additional administrative duties relating to the improvement of the administration of justice as may be assigned by the Supreme Court; and

(o) To promulgate standards, rules and regulations for computer and/or electronic filing and storage of all court records and court-related records maintained throughout the state in courts and in offices of circuit and chancery clerks.

(p) To utilize the provisions of law that regulate public purchasing in Sections 31-7-1 et seq. , to contract with a provider to effectuate the requirements of paragraph (d) for the Mississippi Youth Court Information Delivery System (MYCIDS).

(2)(a) The Administrative Director of Courts shall conduct an audit of the Mississippi Youth Court Information Delivery System (MYCIDS), by August 1, 2024, to review: the services provided by the system, any contractors or employees used to administer the system, the process used to design or administer the system, guidelines used to create the system and the primary functions of the system and whether the system can be accessed by users of the Mississippi Electronic Court System or merged with the Mississippi Electronic Court System.

(b) The Administrative Director of Courts shall provide a report to the Judiciary A Committees of the Mississippi House of Representatives and the Senate by September 1, 2024, that includes:

(i) A copy of the audit;

(ii) Recommendations that resolve any deficiencies in the system or improve the system;

(iii) Recommendations that outline the creation of a new system which is to be in operation by July 1, 2026.

(iv) A list of the companies or agencies that have submitted bids to resolve deficiencies, make improvements or create a new system.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-213 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 4 / Section 5-213
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-213
Status: in_force

The clerk shall also keep a motion docket in which he shall, in the order in which they are filed, docket as of course and without request, all demurrers, motions, ex parte petitions, exceptions to evidence or reports, and all matters pertaining to administration or guardianship not directed to be placed on the issue docket. He shall also place on the motion docket all matters brought before him in vacation when presented, and, at the next term of the court, all such matters on said docket shall be examined and disposed of by the court by approving or disapproving the same.

Such docket may be kept on computer as provided in Section 9-5-201 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-9-18 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 5 / Section 9-18
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-9-18
Status: in_force

(1) In order to relieve the crowded condition of the docket in the county court and in the youth court of Rankin County and particularly to facilitate and make possible the trial and disposition of the large number of causes on the docket and in the youth court, there shall be two (2) county judges for Rankin County, provided for and elected as herein set out.

(2) For the purposes of nomination and election, the two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct, the presently existing judgeship and its succession to be denominated for purposes of appointment, nomination and election only as “Place One” and the judgeship hereby created and its succession for said selfsame purposes and none other to be designated as “Place Two.” There shall be no distinction whatsoever in the powers, duties and emoluments of the two (2) offices of county judge, except that the county judge of Rankin County who has been for the longest time continuously a county judge of the county shall have the right to assign causes, terms and dockets. Should neither judge of the county court have served longer in office than the other, then that judge of this county court who has been for the longest time a member of The Mississippi Bar shall have the right to assign causes, terms and dockets.

(3) While there shall be no limitation whatsoever upon the powers and duties of the county judges other than as cast upon them by the Constitution and laws of this state, the county court of Rankin County may, in the discretion of the county judge who has been for the longest time continuously a judge of the court, be divided into civil, equity, criminal and youth court divisions as a matter of convenience by the entry of an order upon the minutes of the court.

(4) The initial holder of the additional judgeship created by this section, or “Place Two,” shall be elected in the regular election of November 2002; candidates therefor shall qualify to run not later than forty-five (45) days before that election. The person elected shall begin the term of office in January of 2003 at the same time as county judges generally, and there shall be no vacancy of the office before that time. The two (2) judges shall otherwise be elected, and any vacancy in office filled, as provided for county judges generally.

(5) The Board of Supervisors of Rankin County may, in its discretion, set aside, appropriate and expend monies from the general fund to be used in the payment of salaries of judges, clerks, reporters, officers and employees of the youth court division of the county court, including the related facilities of the youth court division of the county court, and such funds shall be expended for no other purposes. The county shall not be reimbursed for the amount of any such levy provided for by this section under the terms of the Homestead Exemption Law.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-87 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 7 / Section 7-87
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-87
Status: in_force

At a special term the circuit court may impanel grand and petit juries, and shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine all civil and criminal business, in the same manner as at a regular term.

Parties and witnesses shall be bound to attend; and witnesses duly subpoenaed or bound by recognizance, shall be subject to the same penalties for failure to attend as if such failure had occurred at a regular term. On receiving the order for a special term, if it be held because of a failure of a regular term, the proper officers shall open the envelopes containing the names of the jurors for such regular term, if it has not been done, and the venire facias shall issue and the jurors be summoned as required by law; but if there be no such envelopes, the jurors shall be drawn as provided in case of a failure of the judge to draw them. The judge may direct whether jurors shall be summoned and how they shall be drawn.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-111 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 13-111
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-111
Status: in_force

Upon application and payment of the application fee within six (6) months of the effective date of this chapter [July 2, 1994] and upon a showing of residence within the State of Mississippi, certification without examination shall issue to:

(a) Any official court reporter serving on January 3, 1996, in a Mississippi court on a full-time basis, if such reporter is actually engaged in verbatim reporting through shorthand symbols or the stenomask method.

(b) Any free-lance reporter actually engaged in verbatim reporting through shorthand symbols or the stenomask method and who had been so engaged as of July 2, 1994.

(c) Any person enrolled in any public or private institution in the State of Mississippi on July 2, 1994, who is majoring in a course of study in court reporting and who receives a degree in such course of study.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-9-39 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 9 / Section 9-39
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-9-39
Status: in_force

All pending matters in any county court that may be abolished shall be transferred to the court of proper jurisdiction without the necessity for any motion or order of court for such transfer or for reformation of pleadings, and final judgments or decrees in causes transferred shall include costs incurred in the county court. After abolishment of a county court, executions and all process on final judgments or decrees theretofore entered therein shall be issued by the clerk of the circuit court of the county and made returnable to any court in the county where rendered then having jurisdiction of the subject-matter involved or of any of the parties, and the court to which such executions or process is returned shall have jurisdiction thereof and try all issues pertaining thereto.

After the abolishment of a county court, the circuit clerk of the county shall be the official custodian of all its records and may certify to copies thereof under his seal. When the result of an appeal to the supreme court shall be a reversal of the circuit court and in material particulars in effect an affirmance of the judgment of a county court which has been abolished, the supreme court shall enter judgment in the cause or remand it to the circuit court which shall have full jurisdiction thereof and shall enter final judgment in accordance with the opinion and fiat of the supreme court or proceed as the supreme court may otherwise direct.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-19-23 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 19-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-19-23
Status: in_force

The commission on judicial performance shall make rules implementing this chapter, including rules of practice and procedure concerning receiving, processing and handling of complaints or inquiries and for hearings of the commission, a committee of the commission, its master or its factfinder, and the supreme court, to be approved by the supreme court.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-105 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 11 / Section 13-105
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-105
Status: in_force

The board is charged with the duty and vested with the power and authority:

(a) To determine the content of and administer examinations to be given to applicants for certification as a court reporter.

(b) To determine an applicant's ability to make a verbatim record of proceedings which may be used in any court in this state by any recognized system designated by the board and to pass upon the eligibility of applicants for certification.

(c) To issue certificates to those found qualified as court reporters who are in compliance with Section 9-13-109 .

(d) To promulgate, amend and revise regulations relevant to its duties as necessary to implement this chapter. Such regulations shall be consistent with the provisions of Sections 9-13-101 through 9-13-121 and shall not be effective until approved by the Supreme Court.

(e) To make studies and, from time to time, recommendations to the Supreme Court concerning matters pertaining to court reporters.

(f) To account to the Supreme Court in all fiscal matters following recognized accounting procedures of the State Auditor.

(g) To exercise jurisdiction over disciplinary matters with regard to certified court reporters, those reporters granted temporary permission as noncertified or nonresident court reporters, those holding themselves out in the State of Mississippi to be court reporters and anyone engaged in the unauthorized practice of court reporting within the State of Mississippi in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the board.

(h) To enter into contracts, hire staff and do such other things as may be necessary to implement the provisions of Sections 9-13-101 through 9-13-121 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-169 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-169
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-169
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided in Section 25-61-11.2 , all of the records and papers of the office of the chancery clerk shall, at all reasonable hours on business days, be subject to the inspection and examination of all citizens; and the clerk shall show to any person inquiring for it where any record or paper in his or her office can be found, and shall allow him or her access to it, and to examine it and make any copy, note, or memorandum he or she desires to make of it.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-27-5 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 4 / Section 27-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-27-5
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed unless the context clearly requires otherwise:

(a) “ Behavioral health ” means the promotion of mental health, resilience and wellbeing; the treatment of mental and substance use disorders; and the support of those who experience and/or are in recovery from these conditions, along with their families and communities.

(b) “ Chemical tests ” means the analysis of an individual's: (i) blood, (ii) breath, (iii) hair, (iv) sweat, (v) saliva, (vi) urine, or (vii) other bodily substance to determine the presence of alcohol or a controlled substance.

(c) “ Clinical assessment ” means the use of an actuarial assessment tool which evaluates an individual's physical, medical, cognitive, psychological (personality, emotions, beliefs and attitudes), and behavioral history and current conditions in order to determine the presence and severity of any mental health disorder.

(d) “ Co-Occurring disorder ” means coexistence of both a mental health and a substance use disorder as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM).

(e) “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)” is the publication by the American Psychiatric Association used by behavioral health professionals for the classification and diagnosing of mental health disorders.

(f) “ Evidence-based practices ” means practices which have been empirically researched and proven to have measurable positive outcomes; have been rigorously tested; have yielded consistent, replicable results; and have proven safe, beneficial and effective for a specific population.

(g) “ Mental health ” means a state of mental or emotional well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn, work well, and contribute to their community.

(h) “ Mental health disorder ” means a syndrome characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual's cognition, emotion regulation or behavior that reflects a dysfunction in the psychological, biological or developmental process underlying mental functioning as defined by the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as published by the American Psychiatric Association.

(i) “ Mental Health Treatment program ” means a highly structured evidence-based program for mental and behavioral health treatment of defendants that:

(i) Brings together mental health professionals, local social programs and intensive judicial monitoring;

(ii) Follows the key components of the mental health treatment court curriculum published by the Bureau of Justice Assistance; and

(iii) Utilizes supervision, policies, procedures and practices that scientific research demonstrates reduces recidivism.

(j) “ Risk and needs assessment ” means an actuarial evaluation tool to guide decision making at various points across the criminal justice continuum by approximating an individual's likelihood of reoffending and determining what individual criminogenic needs must be addressed to reduce that likelihood. Criminogenic risk and needs assessment tools consist of questions that are designed to ascertain someone's history of criminal behavior, attitudes and personality, and life circumstances.

(k) “ Risk and needs screening ” means the use of a brief actuarial tool that is used to determine a defendant's eligibility of a mental health treatment court by measuring the criminogenic risk and needs, identifying risk and protective factors, supports development of case management plan goals and determines the need of a full risk and needs assessment.

(l) “ Substance use disorder ” means a cluster of cognitive, behavioral, and physiological symptoms indicating that the individual continues using the substance despite significant substance-related problems such as impaired control, social impairment, risky behaviors, and pharmacological tolerance and withdrawal.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-27-9 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 23 / Section 27-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-27-9
Status: in_force

(1) Any mental and behavioral health treatment provider directly administering services to a participant shall be licensed by the appropriate state licensing board or hold a current and valid certification by the State Department of Mental Health or other appropriate state agency.

(2) A mental health treatment court shall provide either directly or through referrals, a range of services, including, but not limited to, the following:

(a) Screenings using a valid and reliable screening tool effective for identifying individuals with mental and behavioral health issues for eligibility and appropriate services;

(b) Clinical assessment;

(c) Referral to appropriate level of treatment services;

(d) Counseling and treatment for co-occurring substance use disorders;

(e) Employment Services;

(f) Education and/or vocational services; and

(g) Community service coordination, care and support.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-39 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-39
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-39
Status: in_force

The Twelfth Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:

(a) Clarke County; and

(b) Lauderdale County.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-3-69 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-69
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-3-69
Status: in_force

The advisory committee shall make a comprehensive and continuing study of practice and procedure in the trial and appellate courts of this state; shall draft such rules pertaining thereunto as it concludes will simplify, improve and expedite the administration of justice; shall publicize the terms and provisions of the proposed rules and shall receive and consider suggestions from the bench, the bar and the public for their improvement; and shall recommend and submit a final draft of any proposed rules to the supreme court, which may amend, revise, delete or add to the recommended rules as it concludes will best serve the administration of justice.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-9-19 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 5 / Section 9-19
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-9-19
Status: in_force

(1) A term of court shall be held in the county courthouse of the county, beginning on the second Monday of each month and continuing so long as may be necessary; but in counties where there are two (2) circuit court districts the county court shall meet alternately in the two (2) districts in the county courthouse in the same month and in the same district as the board of supervisors of said county holds its meetings. Provided that in the County of Jones, a county having two (2) judicial districts, that a term shall be held in the second judicial district of said county on the second Monday of each month; and provided that in the first judicial district a term shall be held on the fourth Monday of January, the fourth Monday of March, the fourth Monday of April, the fourth Monday of June and the fourth Monday of October. Provided that in the County of Hinds, a county having two (2) judicial districts, a term shall be held in the first judicial district on the second Monday of each month and in the second judicial district on the second Monday of March, June, September and December, and provided further that, when such terms are held concurrently, either of the county judges of Hinds County may be assigned to hold all or any part of such terms in either of the two (2) judicial districts. Provided, further, that in the County of Bolivar, a county having two (2) judicial districts, a term shall be held in the first judicial district on the second Monday of April, August and December, and in the second judicial district on the second Monday of January, February, March, May, June, July, September, October and November. Provided, however, that in the County of Harrison, a county having two (2) county judges and two (2) judicial districts, that a term shall be held in each judicial district concurrently each month. Provided, however, that the judge of the county court for good cause shown may, by order spread on the minutes of the county court, designate some place other than the county courthouse for the holding of such term of the county court as may be designated in said order. The county judge may call a special term of the county court upon giving ten (10) days' notice, and such notice shall be given by posting the same at the front door of the courthouse in said county and by the publication of said notice for one insertion in some newspaper of general circulation in the county.

(2) If a county court is established pursuant to an agreement between two or more counties as provided in Section 9-9-3 , the terms thereof shall remain continuously open and shall not be closed and the judge of such court shall sit in rotation in the county seat of each county, beginning on Monday of each week for at least a week in each county in each month.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-19-27 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 5 / Section 19-27
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-19-27
Status: in_force

The commission shall publish an annual statistical report which shall contain the number of complaints filed and the number of dispositions by type, specifying the number of complaints and dispositions for the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, circuit courts, chancery courts, county courts, justice courts, municipal courts and all other courts in existence in Mississippi. The annual report shall also contain all other data the commission deems appropriate; however, no judicial district, county, region or individual judge shall be referred to in the foregoing report. All references shall be only to general court types and shall comply with the applicable confidentiality requirements.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-15 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 21 / Section 21-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-15
Status: in_force

The Administrative Director of Courts is authorized and empowered to employ consultants and consultant firms and to contract with the same for their services for reasonable compensation and as necessary to improve the administration of justice and the courts of the state. The contracts with such consultants or consultant firms shall be considered as contracts for professional services.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-19-27 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-27
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-19-27
Status: in_force

The commission shall publish an annual statistical report which shall contain the number of complaints filed and the number of dispositions by type, specifying the number of complaints and dispositions for the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, circuit courts, chancery courts, county courts, justice courts, municipal courts and all other courts in existence in Mississippi. The annual report shall also contain all other data the commission deems appropriate; however, no judicial district, county, region or individual judge shall be referred to in the foregoing report. All references shall be only to general court types and shall comply with the applicable confidentiality requirements.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-27-17 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 11 / Section 27-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-27-17
Status: in_force

The mental health treatment court coordinator and members of the professional and administrative staff of the mental health treatment court who perform duties in good faith under this chapter are immune from civil liability for:

(a) Acts or omissions in providing services under this chapter; and

(b) The reasonable exercise of discretion in determining eligibility to participate in the mental health court.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-111 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 12 / Section 13-111
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-111
Status: in_force

Upon application and payment of the application fee within six (6) months of the effective date of this chapter [July 2, 1994] and upon a showing of residence within the State of Mississippi, certification without examination shall issue to:

(a) Any official court reporter serving on January 3, 1996, in a Mississippi court on a full-time basis, if such reporter is actually engaged in verbatim reporting through shorthand symbols or the stenomask method.

(b) Any free-lance reporter actually engaged in verbatim reporting through shorthand symbols or the stenomask method and who had been so engaged as of July 2, 1994.

(c) Any person enrolled in any public or private institution in the State of Mississippi on July 2, 1994, who is majoring in a course of study in court reporting and who receives a degree in such course of study.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-3-5 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 1 / Section 3-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-3-5
Status: in_force

If, at the commencement of any regular term, a quorum of the judges shall not be present, it shall be the duty of the clerk to adjourn the court from day to day, by an entry of the fact on the minute-book, for twelve juridical days; and if a quorum of the judges shall not appear by the thirteenth day, and if there should not be a clerk, or he shall not be in attendance, any of the judges of the court in attendance may adjourn it from day to day for twelve juridical days, but if two of the judges shall so order, the court shall stand adjourned to a later day, and notice of the order shall be published, as for a special term. And if there be a failure of the term, it shall be the duty of the judges, or any two of them, to order a special term, at such time as they may appoint, notice of which shall be published in a newspaper published in the city of Jackson, if there be one, and, if not, in some newspaper published at some other place in the state, for three weeks. And after a term has regularly commenced, the court, or any of the judges, may adjourn the court from day to day or from time to time, as may be necessary and proper; and there shall not be a discontinuance of any suit, process, matter, or thing, returned or pending in the court, because a sufficient number of judges shall not attend at the commencement of the term, or at any other day to which the court may have been adjourned; and in case a quorum of judges should not be present at any day to which the court may have been adjourned during a term, a further adjournment may be ordered.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-11 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 12 / Section 13-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-11
Status: in_force

The judge or chancellor may in his discretion at any time remove the court reporter from office for incompetency or neglect of duty, and may appoint a court reporter to fill the vacancy as often as such removals occur. The appointment of a successor to the court reporter shall be made, and he shall qualify in the same manner, and he shall comply with all the other requirements, as is provided in the foregoing sections of this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-23-9 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 23-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-23-9
Status: in_force

(1) The State Intervention Courts Advisory Committee is established to develop and periodically update proposed statewide evaluation plans and models for monitoring all critical aspects of intervention courts. The committee must provide the proposed evaluation plans to the Chief Justice and the Administrative Office of Courts. The committee shall be chaired by the Director of the Administrative Office of Courts or a designee of the director and shall consist of eleven (11) members all of whom shall be appointed by the Supreme Court. The members shall be broadly representative of the courts, mental health, veterans affairs, law enforcement, corrections, criminal defense bar, prosecutors association, juvenile justice, child protective services and substance abuse treatment communities.

(2) The State Intervention Courts Advisory Committee may also make recommendations to the Chief Justice, the Director of the Administrative Office of Courts and state officials concerning improvements to intervention court policies and procedures including the intervention court certification process. The committee may make suggestions as to the criteria for eligibility, and other procedural and substantive guidelines for intervention court operation.

(3) The State Intervention Courts Advisory Committee shall act as arbiter of disputes arising out of the operation of intervention courts established under this chapter and make recommendations to improve the intervention courts; it shall also make recommendations to the Supreme Court necessary and incident to compliance with established rules.

(4) The State Intervention Courts Advisory Committee shall establish through rules and regulations a viable and fiscally responsible plan to expand the number of adult and juvenile intervention court programs operating in Mississippi. These rules and regulations shall include plans to increase participation in existing and future programs while maintaining their voluntary nature.

(5) The State Intervention Courts Advisory Committee shall receive and review the monthly reports submitted to the Administrative Office of Courts by each certified intervention court and provide comments and make recommendations, as necessary, to the Chief Justice and the Director of the Administrative Office of Courts.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-12-3 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 5 / Section 12-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-12-3
Status: repealed

(1) The Attorney General shall designate two (2) attorneys to serve as prosecuting attorneys for any cause of action within the jurisdiction of the Capitol Complex Improvement District (CCID) inferior court. The prosecuting attorneys may be employees of the Office of the Attorney General or contracted by the Attorney General for such purposes. The attorneys shall prosecute cases in the court provided for the CCID inferior court and also in the same manner and with the same authority of law provided for district attorneys and county prosecuting attorneys by filing an indictment or any other criminal action that accrues or occurs, in whole or in part, in the CCID.

(2) The Hinds County District Attorney shall be authorized to prosecute cases in the CCID inferior court. The provisions of this section shall not be construed to prohibit or in any way limit the Hinds County District Attorney from filing an indictment or any other criminal action that occurred or accrued, in whole or in part, within the boundaries of the CCID.

(3) This section shall stand repealed on July 1, 2027.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-25 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 12 / Section 13-25
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-25
Status: in_force

The court reporter shall attend each session of the court of the district for which he was appointed, from day to day, and unless the same be waived, shall take, under the control of the judge or chancellor full and complete notes, stenographically (and may use recording machines in aid thereof) of all the oral evidence and other oral proceedings, except arguments of counsel, in each case, civil and criminal, tried therein upon an issue of facts and, in any other matter or in any other case that the judge or chancellor may especially direct. He shall carefully note the order in which the evidence, both oral and written, is introduced, and by whom it is introduced, giving the name of each witness, and identifying each deposition, exhibit made, or other item of evidence or matter of proceedings by words or figures of description, and he shall carefully note oral motions and all objections of counsel and rulings of the court made during the trial, in the order in which the same shall occur. And, upon request of any party, he shall, within the time required by the Mississippi Supreme Court Rules, or from the time of the demand, if made after the trial, neatly write out in typewriting a complete copy of his stenographic notes as taken therein or he shall neatly write out in typewriting a complete copy of all matters recorded on the recording machine with a caption showing the style of the case, its number, the court in which it was tried, and when tried, and shall affix thereto a suitable index, and shall certify, sign, and file the same in the office of the clerk of the court in which the case was tried; and he shall preserve his stenographic notes or his tape or record made by said recording machine in each case in which an appeal is taken, as a record of his office. If a party demand the writing out of the court reporter's notes for any other than the bona fide purpose of perfecting an appeal, he shall pay the court reporter in advance Twenty-five Cents (25¢) per hundred words for the same, but such work shall not delay the preparation of records for appeals. The court reporter shall serve in all habeas corpus and other matters which are heard in vacation, by agreement or otherwise, in the county of residence of the judge or chancellor. The court is authorized to purchase recording machines for the use of the court reporter, the cost of which shall be allocated to each county in the district according to the weeks of court held in each county. Any recording machine purchased for this purpose shall be of such quality as to accurately take and preserve all notes and records herein required to be made and preserved.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-128 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 4 / Section 7-128
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-128
Status: in_force

(1) Where there is no requirement for a permanent record to be made, the clerk, upon order of the court, may dispose of and destroy all case files of the circuit or county court which have been in existence for ten (10) years or which have been reduced to judgment and that judgment satisfied and cancelled. The clerk may also dispose of and destroy any loose records not required by law to be kept as permanent records after a period of ten (10) years. No records, however, may be destroyed without the approval of the Director of the Department of Archives and History.

(2) The files, records and other documents described herein may, upon order of the court in accordance with the provisions of this section, be electronically stored for convenience and efficiency in storage. The electronic storage of documents, for purposes of this section, shall have the same meaning as set forth in Section 9-1-51 . In those counties electing to store files, records and documents by means of electronic storage, the following described case files shall be electronically stored after the time periods described below have elapsed:

(a) Cases in county criminal or civil court which have been dismissed or in which a judgment has been entered at least three (3) years prior to the date upon which they are electronically stored; and

(b) Cases in circuit, criminal or civil court which have been dismissed or in which a judgment has been entered at least five (5) years prior to the date upon which they are electronically stored.

(3) Nothing in this section shall serve as authority to destroy any docket book, minute book, issue docket, subpoena docket, witness docket book, execution docket book, voter registration book, marriage record book, trial order, abstract of judgment, judgment roll, criminal file where an indictment was returned and the defendant convicted if the file is not at least twenty (20) years old, habeas corpus docket, preliminary hearing docket or Court of Appeals or Supreme Court appeals docket.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-11-23 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 11-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-11-23
Status: in_force

When any clerk of the justice court shall have collected in his official capacity any money, fines or penalties, and shall fail to pay or account for the same to the person or official entitled to receive the same, he shall be liable to be proceeded against on his official bond in a summary way by motion in any court having jurisdiction of the amount collected and withheld, of which motion five (5) days' notice shall be served on the clerk of the justice court and the sureties on his bond, or such of them as may be found; and judgment for the amount illegally withheld by the clerk of the justice court and ten percent (10%) thereon, and all costs, shall be rendered against the clerk of the justice court and his sureties, or such of them as have been served with notice.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-19-21 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17 / Section 19-21
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-19-21
Status: in_force

(1) The commission shall be entitled to compel by subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses, including the judge as witness, and to provide for the inspection of documents, books, accounts and other records.

(2) If the commission, after investigation of a complaint, determines that there is sufficient evidence to warrant a hearing to determine whether or not there has been a violation under Section 177A, Mississippi Constitution of 1890, the commission may employ counsel to prepare and present the complaint to the commission, a committee of the commission, its master or its factfinder, and to represent the commission before the supreme court.

(3) The commission shall make transcripts of all hearings that are conducted under subsection (2) of this section. Such transcripts shall serve as a record in proceedings before the supreme court.

(4) On request of the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate or the governor, the commission shall make available information for use in consideration of impeachment or recall election, respectively.

(5) No records pertaining to complaints determined by the commission to be outside its jurisdiction shall be retained over twelve (12) months after such determination by the commission.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-83 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 1 / Section 5-83
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-83
Status: in_force

The court in which a will may have been admitted to probate, letters of administration granted, or a guardian may have been appointed, shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine all questions in relation to the execution of the trust of the executor, administrator, guardian, or other officer appointed for the administration and management of the estate, and all demands against it by heirs at law, distributees, devisees, legatees, wards, creditors, or others; and shall have jurisdiction of all cases in which bonds or other obligations shall have been executed in any proceeding in relation to the estate, or other proceedings, had in said chancery court, to hear and determine upon proper proceedings and evidence, the liability of the obligors in such bond or obligation, whether as principal or surety, and by decree and process to enforce such liability.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-9-41 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 9-41
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-9-41
Status: in_force

In any county in which there is a city of more than thirteen thousand six hundred inhabitants and less than fourteen thousand inhabitants, as shown by the next preceding regular federal census, and having a county court established by Section 9-9-1 , the board of supervisors shall, on petition of not less than twenty per cent (20%) of the qualified electors of said county, call an election for the purpose of ascertaining whether said court shall be abolished. Said election shall be held in the manner provided by law for holding general elections and at least three weeks' notice thereof shall be given by publication in some newspaper having a general circulation within the county.

The tickets used at said election shall have on their face the following:

For abolishing the county court of __________ county ( )

Against abolishing the county court of __________ county ( )

and the voters shall vote by placing a cross mark after one of said propositions.

In the event a majority of the qualified electors of said county voting in said election vote in favor of the abolition of said court then the same shall immediately cease to exist and the clerk of the circuit court shall transfer all cases pending on the docket of said court. Those cases involving misdemeanors or amounts under two hundred dollars shall be transferred to the proper justice of the peace and those involving over two hundred dollars shall be transferred to the circuit court of the county.

In the event said county court is abolished as hereinabove provided, all executions or garnishments issued on judgment rendered by said court shall be returnable before the circuit court of the county and shall be disposed of just as if the judgment had been rendered by said circuit court.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-44 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 7 / Section 7-44
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-44
Status: in_force

(1) There shall be three (3) judges for the Sixteenth Circuit Court District.

(2) The three (3) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as “Place One,” “Place Two” and “Place Three.” The judge to fill Place One must be a resident of Lowndes County. The judge to fill Place Two must be a resident of Oktibbeha County. The judge to fill Place Three must be a resident of either Clay or Noxubee County. Election of the three (3) offices of judge shall be by election to be held in every county within the Sixteenth Circuit Court District.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-129 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 4 / Section 7-129
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-129
Status: in_force

Within ten days after each term of circuit court, it shall be the duty of the clerk to deliver to the clerk of the board of supervisors a certified list of allowances made by the court at such term, payable out of the county treasury, specifying the amount, to whom allowed, and on what account. For any failure to deliver such list, the clerk of the circuit court may be punished by the court as for a contempt.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-9 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 11 / Section 21-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-9
Status: in_force

(1) The Administrative Director of Courts shall have the following duties and authority with respect to all courts in addition to any other duties and responsibilities as may be properly assigned by the Supreme Court and/or by law:

(a) To require the filing of reports, the collection and compilation of statistical data and other information on the judicial and financial operation of the courts and on the operation of other offices directly related to and serving the courts;

(b) To determine the state of the dockets and evaluate the practices and procedures of the courts and make recommendations concerning the number of judges and other personnel required for the efficient administration of justice;

(c) To prescribe uniform administrative and business methods, systems, forms and records to be used in the offices of the clerks of courts;

(d) To devise, promulgate and require the use of a uniform youth court case tracking system, including a youth court case filing form for filing with each individual youth court matter, to be utilized by the Administrative Office of Courts and the youth courts in order that the number of youthful offenders, abused, neglected, truant and dependent children, as well as children in need of special care and children in need of supervision, may be tracked with specificity through the youth court and adult justice systems; in support of the uniform case docketing system, the director shall require that all youth courts utilize the Mississippi Youth Court Information Delivery System (MYCIDS);

(e) To develop, promulgate and require the use of a statewide docket numbering system to be utilized by the youth courts, which youth court docket numbers shall standardize and unify the numbering system by which youth court docket numbers are assigned, such that each docket number would, among other things, identify the county and year in which a particular youth court action was commenced;

(f) To develop, promulgate and require the use of uniform youth court orders and forms in all youth courts and youth court proceedings;

(g) To prepare and submit budget recommendations for state appropriations necessary for the maintenance and operation of the judicial system and to authorize expenditures from funds appropriated for these purposes as permitted or authorized by law;

(h) To develop and implement personnel policies for nonjudicial personnel employed by the courts;

(i) To investigate, make recommendations concerning and assist in the securing of adequate physical accommodations for the judicial system;

(j) To procure, distribute, exchange, transfer and assign such equipment, books, forms and supplies as are acquired with state funds or grant funds or otherwise for the judicial system;

(k) To make recommendations for the improvement of the operations of the judicial system;

(l) To prepare and submit an annual report on the work of the judicial system to the Supreme Court;

(m) To take necessary steps in the collection of unpaid court costs, fines and forfeitures;

(n) To perform such additional administrative duties relating to the improvement of the administration of justice as may be assigned by the Supreme Court; and

(o) To promulgate standards, rules and regulations for computer and/or electronic filing and storage of all court records and court-related records maintained throughout the state in courts and in offices of circuit and chancery clerks.

(p) To utilize the provisions of law that regulate public purchasing in Sections 31-7-1 et seq. , to contract with a provider to effectuate the requirements of paragraph (d) for the Mississippi Youth Court Information Delivery System (MYCIDS).

(2)(a) The Administrative Director of Courts shall conduct an audit of the Mississippi Youth Court Information Delivery System (MYCIDS), by August 1, 2024, to review: the services provided by the system, any contractors or employees used to administer the system, the process used to design or administer the system, guidelines used to create the system and the primary functions of the system and whether the system can be accessed by users of the Mississippi Electronic Court System or merged with the Mississippi Electronic Court System.

(b) The Administrative Director of Courts shall provide a report to the Judiciary A Committees of the Mississippi House of Representatives and the Senate by September 1, 2024, that includes:

(i) A copy of the audit;

(ii) Recommendations that resolve any deficiencies in the system or improve the system;

(iii) Recommendations that outline the creation of a new system which is to be in operation by July 1, 2026.

(iv) A list of the companies or agencies that have submitted bids to resolve deficiencies, make improvements or create a new system.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-117 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 5 / Section 13-117
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-117
Status: in_force

The board, for good cause shown and in keeping with its regulations and after a hearing conducted in a manner consistent with due process, may revoke or suspend any certificate issued or may disqualify any applicant from certification.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-11-4 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 4 / Section 11-4
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-11-4
Status: in_force

(1)(a) The Mississippi Judicial College of the University of Mississippi Law Center shall prepare and conduct courses of training for basic and continuing education for justice court judges of this state. The basic course of training shall be known as the “Justice Court Judge Training Course” and shall consist of eighty (80) hours of training. The continuing education course shall be known as the “Continuing Education Course for Justice Court Judges,” and shall consist of twenty-four (24) hours of training. The content of the basic and continuing education courses and when and where such courses are to be conducted shall be determined by the Judicial College. The Judicial College shall issue certificates of completion to those justice court judges who complete such courses.

(b) The Mississippi Judicial College of the University of Mississippi Law Center shall prepare and administer a minimum competency examination, as approved by the Mississippi Supreme Court, upon completion of the required basic course of training for justice court judges. If an elected justice court judge fails to complete the examination or fails the examination, there shall be a remedial twenty-four-hour course to be followed by a second opportunity for the justice court judge to achieve a passing score on the minimum competency examination.

(2) All costs and expenses for preparing and conducting the basic and continuing education courses, the remedial basic course, and the minimum competency examination provided for in subsection (1) of this section shall be paid out of any funds which are made available to the Judicial College upon authorization and appropriation by the Legislature.

(3) The competency examination requirements in Sections 9-11-3 and 9-11-4 shall not apply to any sitting justice court judge as of July 24, 2008.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-19-5 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 4 / Section 19-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-19-5
Status: in_force

The members of the commission on judicial performance shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary travel expenses and subsistence as may be incurred in the performance of their duties. Members of the commission who are judges shall serve without compensation. Other members of the commission shall receive a per diem in the amount authorized in Section 25-3-69, Mississippi Code of 1972 , for each day or part thereof spent in performing their duties under this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-45 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 13 / Section 21-45
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-45
Status: in_force

(1) There is created in the State Treasury a special fund designated as the Judicial System Operation Fund. The funds shall be administered by the Supreme Court through the Administrative Office of Courts. The fund shall consist of monies deposited therein as provided in Section 99-19-72 and monies from any other source designated for deposit into the fund. The Administrative Office of Courts may also accept monies from any public or private source for deposit into the fund. Money remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any interest earned from the investment of monies in the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the fund.

(2) Monies in the fund shall be subject to appropriation by the Legislature and may only be used for the purpose of the operation of the judicial system in the state as determined necessary by the Supreme Court and to provide additional funds for the judicial salaries set forth in Section 25-3-35 and Section 9-9-11(8) . Monies in the fund used for the purposes described in this section shall be in addition to other funds available from any other source for such purposes.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-19-9 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 19 / Section 19-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-19-9
Status: in_force

If a complaint is filed against a member of the commission, he shall be disqualified as to that complaint.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-5 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 4 / Section 5-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-5
Status: in_force

The First Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:

(a) Alcorn County;

(b) Itawamba County;

(c) Lee County;

(d) Monroe County;

(e) Pontotoc County;

(f) Prentiss County;

(g) Tishomingo County; and

(h) Union County.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-1 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 5 / Section 21-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-1
Status: in_force

The Administrative Office of Courts is hereby created. The purpose of the Administrative Office of Courts shall be to assist in the efficient administration of the nonjudicial business of the courts of the state and in improving the administration of justice in Mississippi by performing the duties and exercising the powers as provided in this chapter.

As used in this chapter, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term “court” means any tribunal recognized as a part of the judicial branch of government, but not including county boards of supervisors.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-32 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 1 / Section 7-32
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-32
Status: in_force

(1) There shall be two (2) judges for the Tenth Circuit Court District.

(2) The two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as “Place One” and “Place Two.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-109 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 9 / Section 13-109
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-109
Status: in_force

Every applicant for certification shall have reached the age of majority, be of good moral character and be a resident citizen of the State of Mississippi. Further, every applicant shall meet the criteria established by the board for certification or shall meet the requirements of Section 9-13-109 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-3-3 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 1 / Section 3-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-3-3
Status: in_force

A term of the supreme court shall be held twice in each year in the city of Jackson, to be styled the Supreme Court; and the terms shall commence the second Monday of September and the first Monday of March, and the court shall be kept open for the discharge of business for at least nine months of every year if the business therein should require.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-165 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 1 / Section 5-165
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-165
Status: in_force

The clerk shall not suffer any paper filed to be withdrawn but by leave of the chancellor, and then only by retaining a copy to be made at the cost of the party obtaining the leave. Provided, however, that any duly licensed and practicing attorney in good standing in the court may remove court files and related legal papers other than youth court and adoption court files and related papers from the clerk's office by signing therefor himself, or by a designated representative of his law office, on a record to be provided for that purpose. Such files or documents so removed shall be attested to by the clerk or his deputy at the time of removal, and said attorney shall be personally responsible for their safekeeping and return within ten (10) days, or before the first day of the next term of chancery court, whichever comes first and such files or documents shall not be removed from the county where the same are filed except that said files or documents may be taken by said attorney for use in a vacation hearing to such county where the hearing may be held. Failure to return any such court files or related legal papers as provided herein shall constitute contempt of court.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-23-7 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 7 / Section 23-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-23-7
Status: in_force

The Administrative Office of Courts shall be responsible for certification and monitoring of local intervention courts according to standards promulgated by the State Intervention Courts Advisory Committee.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-5 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 9 / Section 13-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-5
Status: in_force

The court reporter when appointed and qualified by taking the oath required, and by filing the bond hereinafter mentioned, thereby becomes an officer of the court, and shall hold his office as court reporter for the term of four years from the date of his appointment unless sooner removed.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-179 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 1 / Section 7-179
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-179
Status: in_force

The clerk shall keep a subpoena docket, in which he shall enter the style and number of each case in which a subpoena for a witness is issued, the name of the party for whom the witness is subpoenaed, to whom the subpoena is directed, the date of its issuance, when returnable, whether or not executed. He shall therein keep an account of all witnesses who may be absent when the case in which they have been subpoenaed is called for trial, or who may disqualify themselves from giving testimony by being intoxicated when such case is tried; and he shall not issue any certificate to such witnesses. The docket shall be kept duly indexed. Such docket may be kept on computer as provided in Section 9-7-171 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-27-11 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 25 / Section 27-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-27-11
Status: in_force

(1) In order to be eligible for alternative sentencing through a local mental health treatment court, the defendant must satisfy each of the following criteria:

(a) The defendant cannot have any felony convictions for any offenses that are crimes of violence as defined in Section 97-3-2 , other than burglary under Section 97-17-23(1) , within the previous ten (10) years.

(b) The crime before the court cannot be a crime of violence as defined in Section 97-3-2 , other than burglary under Section 97-17-23(1) .

(c) Other criminal proceedings alleging commission of a crime of violence other than burglary under Section 97-17-23(1) cannot be pending against the defendant.

(d) The crime before the court cannot be a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol or any other substance that resulted in the death of a person. In addition, defendants who are ineligible for nonadjudication under Section 63-11-30 shall be ineligible to participate in a mental health treatment court.

(e) The crime charged cannot be one of trafficking in controlled substances under Section 41-29-139(f) , nor can the defendant have a prior conviction for the same.

(2) Participation in the services of a mental health treatment component court shall be open only to the defendant over whom the court has jurisdiction, except that the court may agree to provide the services for participants referred from another mental health treatment court. In cases transferred from another jurisdiction, the receiving judge shall act as a special master and make recommendations to the sentencing judge.

(3)(a) As a condition of participation in a mental health treatment court, a defendant shall be required to undergo chemical testing as specified by the program. A participant is liable for the costs of all chemical tests required under this section, regardless of whether the costs are paid to the mental health treatment court or the laboratory; however, if testing is available from other sources or the program itself, the judge may waive any fees for testing. Fees may be waived if the defendant is determined by the court to be indigent.

(b) A laboratory that performs a chemical test under this section shall report the results of the test to the mental health treatment court.

(4) A defendant does not have a right to participate in a mental health treatment court under this chapter. The court having jurisdiction over a defendant for a matter before the court shall have the final determination about whether the defendant may participate in the mental health treatment court under this chapter. However, any defendant meeting the eligibility criteria in subsection (1) of this section, shall, upon request, be screened for admission into the court's program.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-19-21 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-21
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-19-21
Status: in_force

(1) The commission shall be entitled to compel by subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses, including the judge as witness, and to provide for the inspection of documents, books, accounts and other records.

(2) If the commission, after investigation of a complaint, determines that there is sufficient evidence to warrant a hearing to determine whether or not there has been a violation under Section 177A, Mississippi Constitution of 1890, the commission may employ counsel to prepare and present the complaint to the commission, a committee of the commission, its master or its factfinder, and to represent the commission before the supreme court.

(3) The commission shall make transcripts of all hearings that are conducted under subsection (2) of this section. Such transcripts shall serve as a record in proceedings before the supreme court.

(4) On request of the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate or the governor, the commission shall make available information for use in consideration of impeachment or recall election, respectively.

(5) No records pertaining to complaints determined by the commission to be outside its jurisdiction shall be retained over twelve (12) months after such determination by the commission.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-101 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 13-101
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-101
Status: in_force

(1) The Board of Certified Court Reporters, hereinafter referred to as “the board,” shall be composed of nine (9) members. Two (2) of the members shall be judges, one (1) from the Supreme Court and one (1) from a trial court, appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Mississippi with the approval of the full court. Two (2) of the board members shall be practicing attorneys and shall be appointed by the Chief Justice, with the approval of the full court, on nomination by the Mississippi Bar. Two (2) of the members shall be official court reporters in, and citizens of, Mississippi for at least five (5) years prior to their appointments and shall be appointed by the Chief Justice with approval of the full court on nomination by the Board of Directors of the Mississippi Court Reporters Association. Two (2) of the members shall be free-lance court reporters in, and citizens of, Mississippi for at least five (5) years prior to their appointments and shall be appointed by the Chief Justice with approval of the full court on nomination by the Board of Directors of the Mississippi Court Reporters Association. Initially, for judges, lawyers and reporters, one (1) of the two (2) shall be appointed for a term of one (1) year and one (1) for a term of two (2) years. For court reporters, one (1) official shall be appointed for a term of one (1) year and one (1) for a term of two (2) years and one (1) free-lance court reporter shall be appointed for a term of one (1) year and one (1) for a term of two (2) years. The ninth board member shall be the Supreme Court Clerk, who shall serve as a permanent member of the board.

(2) After each member's term expires, his successor shall be appointed for a term of two (2) years. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court shall fill any vacancy for the duration of an unexpired term by appointing a person having the appropriate qualifications and the Supreme Court may remove any member for cause. Members may be appointed to successive terms.

(3) Each member shall take an oath that he will fairly, impartially and to the best of his ability administer the provisions of Sections 9-13-101 through 9-13-121 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-17-3 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 7 / Section 17-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-17-3
Status: in_force

It shall be the duty of the court administrator to:

(a) Perform all nonjudicial tasks of the court;

(b) Maintain all statistical reports;

(c) Serve as liaison with the general public and members of the bar;

(d) Coordinate and assist in the duties of the clerks of the courts of the district related to the judicial duties of the clerks;

(e) Provide general administrative support for all judges and chancellors of the district; and

(f) Perform other duties assigned by the judges.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-9-29 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 7 / Section 9-29
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-9-29
Status: in_force

The county court shall be a court of record and the clerk of the circuit court shall be the clerk of the county court, and he or his deputy shall attend all the sessions of the county court, and have present at all sessions, all books, records, files, and papers pertaining to the term then in session. The dockets, minutes, and records of the county court shall be kept, so far as is practicable, in the same manner as are those of the circuit court as provided by statute and the Mississippi Rules of Civil Procedure. The sheriff shall be the executive officer of the county court; he shall by himself, or deputy, attend all its sessions, and he shall serve all process and execute all writs issued therefrom in the manner as such process and writs would be served and executed when issued by the justice courts, or by the circuit or chancery courts according as appertains to the value of the cause or matter in hand. The clerk and sheriff shall receive the same fees for attendance, and for other services as are allowed by law to the clerk and to the sheriffs for like duties in the circuit and chancery courts; provided however, that in all cases where the justice courts have concurrent jurisdiction with the county court, the clerk shall be allowed to receive only such fees as are allowed to justice courts, and the sheriff shall be allowed only such fees as the constable in said justice court would be entitled to under the law for similar services.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-44 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 7-44
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-44
Status: in_force

(1) There shall be three (3) judges for the Sixteenth Circuit Court District.

(2) The three (3) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as “Place One,” “Place Two” and “Place Three.” The judge to fill Place One must be a resident of Lowndes County. The judge to fill Place Two must be a resident of Oktibbeha County. The judge to fill Place Three must be a resident of either Clay or Noxubee County. Election of the three (3) offices of judge shall be by election to be held in every county within the Sixteenth Circuit Court District.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-23-5 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 12 / Section 23-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-23-5
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed unless the context clearly requires otherwise:

(a) “ Chemical ” tests means the analysis of an individual's: (i) blood, (ii) breath, (iii) hair, (iv) sweat, (v) saliva, (vi) urine, or (vii) other bodily substance to determine the presence of alcohol or a controlled substance.

(b) “ Crime of violence ” means an offense listed in Section 97-3-2 .

(c) “ Intervention court ” means a drug court, mental health court, veterans court or problem-solving court that utilizes an immediate and highly structured intervention process for eligible defendants or juveniles that brings together mental health professionals, substance abuse professionals, local social programs and intensive judicial monitoring.

(d) “ Evidence-based practices ” means supervision policies, procedures and practices that scientific research demonstrates reduce recidivism.

(e) “ Risk and needs assessment ” means the use of an actuarial assessment tool validated on a Mississippi corrections population to determine a person's risk to reoffend and the characteristics that, if addressed, reduce the risk to reoffend.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-19-23 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 12 / Section 19-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-19-23
Status: in_force

The commission on judicial performance shall make rules implementing this chapter, including rules of practice and procedure concerning receiving, processing and handling of complaints or inquiries and for hearings of the commission, a committee of the commission, its master or its factfinder, and the supreme court, to be approved by the supreme court.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-27-1 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 27-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-27-1
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Rivers McGraw Mental Health Treatment Court Act.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-43 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 5 / Section 21-43
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-43
Status: in_force

(1) There is hereby created in the State Treasury a special fund designated as the Civil Legal Assistance Fund. The funds shall be administered by the Supreme Court through the Administrative Office of Courts. The Administrative Office of Courts may also accept monies from any public or private source for deposit into the fund. Money remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any interest earned from the investment of monies in the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the funds.

(2) All monies shall be allocated to only those organizations providing legal services to low income Mississippians. Furthermore, no monies from this fund shall be expended to provide legal services in matters currently prohibited by the Legal Services Corporation, Washington, D.C., and no funds shall be expended on persons who are not financially eligible to receive legal services as directed by the Legal Services Corporation, Washington, D.C.

(3) The monies appropriated shall be distributed to eligible legal services programs based on the percentage of poverty population within the program service area, consistent with the formula used by the Legal Services Corporation.

(4) Monies appropriated to the fund may be used to promote increased participation by the private bar in the delivery of legal services to the indigent through the Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project.

(5) Recipients of funds shall have the following duties:

(a) To develop, operate and administer programs within their respective service areas that provide free legal services to indigent clients involved in civil matters;

(b) To report annually to the Supreme Court, through the Administrative Office of Courts, on its activities, including providing a copy of its annual audit that accounts for the use of the funds; and

(c) To refund annually all unused or uncommitted funds.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-23 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 9 / Section 13-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-23
Status: in_force

The board of supervisors of each county shall provide the court reporter with all necessary stationery used by him in the performance of his official duties in the county.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-19-1 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 5 / Section 19-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-19-1
Status: in_force

The Commission on Judicial Performance shall consist of the following members:

(a) One (1) circuit court judge to be appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Mississippi upon the recommendation of the Governor;

(b) One (1) chancellor to be appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Mississippi upon the recommendation of the Lieutenant Governor;

(c) One (1) county court judge to be appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Mississippi upon the recommendation of the Speaker of the House;

(d) One (1) justice court judge to be appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Mississippi;

(e) One (1) practicing attorney to be appointed by the Chief Justice upon the recommendation of the Governing Board of The Mississippi Bar; and

(f) Two (2) lay persons who shall not be residents of the same Supreme Court District to be appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Mississippi.

An alternate for each member shall be selected at the time and in the manner prescribed for initial appointments in each representative class to replace those members who might be disqualified or absent.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-27 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 7 / Section 13-27
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-27
Status: in_force

It shall be the duty of the court reporter to deliver to the clerk of the court in which any suit may be tried, at the conclusion of the trial, all depositions, exhibits, maps or other item of evidence, or matter of proceeding, introduced in evidence during the progress of the trial, and such clerk is hereby designated the custodian of such depositions, exhibits, maps or other item of evidence, or matter of proceeding, and he shall file and identify the same and, in the event an appeal to the supreme court shall be perfected in the suit, it shall be the duty of the clerk to correctly transcribe such depositions, exhibits, or other item of evidence, or matter or proceeding, and to cause a correct copy of any map to be made and to incorporate said copies of depositions, exhibits, maps, or other item of evidence, or matter of proceeding in the record of such suit to be filed with the supreme court. Provided, however, that upon order of the trial court any original exhibit shall be forwarded to the supreme court as a part of the record.

It shall be the duty of the clerk to safely keep in his custody all of such original depositions, exhibits, maps or other item of evidence, or matter of proceeding, until the final determination of the suit, or until the time has expired in which an appeal to the supreme court may be perfected.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-19-13 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 19 / Section 19-13
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-19-13
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided in Section 25-3-36(7) , on recommendation of the commission on judicial performance, the Supreme Court may disqualify a judge from exercising any judicial function, without loss of salary, during pendency of proceedings before the commission or in the supreme court. If so disqualified, a special judge shall be appointed to perform his duties, as provided by law.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-12-3 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 9 / Section 12-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-12-3
Status: repealed

(1) The Attorney General shall designate two (2) attorneys to serve as prosecuting attorneys for any cause of action within the jurisdiction of the Capitol Complex Improvement District (CCID) inferior court. The prosecuting attorneys may be employees of the Office of the Attorney General or contracted by the Attorney General for such purposes. The attorneys shall prosecute cases in the court provided for the CCID inferior court and also in the same manner and with the same authority of law provided for district attorneys and county prosecuting attorneys by filing an indictment or any other criminal action that accrues or occurs, in whole or in part, in the CCID.

(2) The Hinds County District Attorney shall be authorized to prosecute cases in the CCID inferior court. The provisions of this section shall not be construed to prohibit or in any way limit the Hinds County District Attorney from filing an indictment or any other criminal action that occurred or accrued, in whole or in part, within the boundaries of the CCID.

(3) This section shall stand repealed on July 1, 2027.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-95 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 5 / Section 7-95
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-95
Status: in_force

Cases filed in the county courts of any county in the nineteenth circuit court district, with the exception of equity and youth court cases, at the discretion of the county court judge, and with the consent of the circuit judge, may be transferred for trial to the circuit courts of such district, and the judgment rendered thereon on any such transferred case in the circuit court shall be a final judgment and shall be appealable in the same manner as now provided by law for appeals from final judgments rendered by circuit courts.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-11 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 5 / Section 7-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-11
Status: in_force

(1) There shall be four (4) judges for the Second Circuit Court District.

(2) The four (4) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as “Place One,” “Place Two,” “Place Three” and “Place Four.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-23-5 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 5 / Section 23-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-23-5
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed unless the context clearly requires otherwise:

(a) “ Chemical ” tests means the analysis of an individual's: (i) blood, (ii) breath, (iii) hair, (iv) sweat, (v) saliva, (vi) urine, or (vii) other bodily substance to determine the presence of alcohol or a controlled substance.

(b) “ Crime of violence ” means an offense listed in Section 97-3-2 .

(c) “ Intervention court ” means a drug court, mental health court, veterans court or problem-solving court that utilizes an immediate and highly structured intervention process for eligible defendants or juveniles that brings together mental health professionals, substance abuse professionals, local social programs and intensive judicial monitoring.

(d) “ Evidence-based practices ” means supervision policies, procedures and practices that scientific research demonstrates reduce recidivism.

(e) “ Risk and needs assessment ” means the use of an actuarial assessment tool validated on a Mississippi corrections population to determine a person's risk to reoffend and the characteristics that, if addressed, reduce the risk to reoffend.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-27-15 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 11 / Section 27-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-27-15
Status: in_force

(1) All monies received from any source by a mental health treatment court shall be accumulated in a local fund to be used only for mental health treatment court purposes. Any funds remaining in a local fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into any general fund, but shall be retained in the mental health treatment court fund for the funding of further activities by the mental health treatment court.

(2) A mental health treatment court may apply for and receive the following:

(a) Gifts, bequests and donations from private sources;

(b) Grant and contract monies from governmental sources; or

(c) Other forms of financial assistance approved by the court to supplement the budget of the mental health treatment court.

(3) The costs of participation required by the mental health treatment court may be paid by the participant or out of user fees or such other state, federal or private funds that may, from time to time, be made available.

(4) The mental health treatment court may assess reasonable and appropriate fees to be paid to the local mental health treatment court fund for participation in a mental health treatment court; however, all fees may be waived by the court if the defendant is determined by the court to be indigent.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-107 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 13 / Section 13-107
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-107
Status: in_force

No person shall be qualified or authorized to report testimony or proceedings relevant to matters under the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Mississippi, all state agencies or the Legislature or any committee or subcommittee thereof, or where appeal to any court of the State of Mississippi is allowable by law, unless such person satisfies the provisions of Sections 9-13-101 through 9-13-121 with respect to certification. Sections 9-13-101 through 9-13-121 shall not be construed to apply to any proceedings that take place outside the borders of the State of Mississippi.

Every applicant for examination for certification as a Certified Shorthand Reporter shall file with the person designated by the board a written application in the form prescribed by the board. At the time the application is filed, the applicant shall pay to the board an application fee established by regulation, which fee shall not be subject to withdrawal by the applicant in the event he should decide not to take the examination or is denied the right to take the examination. Upon request, the board shall forward to any interested person application forms together with the text of this chapter and copies of regulations promulgated by the board under the provisions of this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-9-18.6 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 4 / Section 9-18.6
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-9-18.6
Status: in_force

(1) In order to relieve the crowded condition of the docket in the county court and in the youth court of Lee County and particularly to facilitate and make possible the trial and disposition of the large number of causes in the youth court, there shall be two (2) county judges for Lee County, provided for and elected as herein set out.

(2) For the purposes of nomination and election, the two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct, with the county judgeship that existed on January 1, 2018, to be denominated for purposes of appointment, nomination and election only as “Place One” and the additional judgeship hereby created to be designated as “Place Two.” There shall be no distinction whatsoever in the powers, duties and emoluments of the two (2) offices of county judge, except that the county judge of Lee County who has been for the longest time continuously a county judge of the county shall have the right to assign causes, terms and dockets. Should neither judge of the county court have served longer in office than the other, then that judge of the county court who has been for the longest time a member of The Mississippi Bar shall have the right to assign causes, terms and dockets.

(3) While there shall be no limitation whatsoever upon the powers and duties of the county judges other than as cast upon them by the Constitution and laws of this state, the county court of Lee County may, in the discretion of the county judge who has been for the longest time continuously a judge of the court, be divided into civil, equity, criminal and youth court divisions as a matter of convenience by the entry of an order upon the minutes of the court.

(4) The initial holder of the additional judgeship created by this section, or “Place Two,” shall be elected in the regular election of November 2018. The person elected shall begin the term of office in January 2019 at the same time as county judges generally, and there shall be no vacancy of the office before that time. The two (2) judges shall otherwise be elected, and any vacancy in office filled, as provided for county judges generally.

(5) Each county judge shall appoint a court reporter in accordance with Section 9-13-61 for the purpose of doing the necessary stenographic work of the court.

(6) The Board of Supervisors of Lee County may, in its discretion, set aside, appropriate and expend monies from the general fund to be used in the payment of salaries of judges, clerks, reporters, officers and employees of the youth court division of the county court, including the related facilities of the youth court division of the county court, and such funds shall be expended for no other purposes. The county shall not be reimbursed for the amount of any such levy provided for by this section under the terms of the Homestead Exemption Law.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-3 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 5 / Section 7-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-3
Status: in_force

(1) The state is divided into an appropriate number of circuit court districts severally numbered and composed of the counties as set forth in the sections which follow. A court to be styled “The Circuit Court of the County of ․․․․” shall be held in each county, and within each judicial district of a county having two (2) judicial districts, at least twice a year. Court shall be held in circuit court districts consisting of a single county on the same dates state agencies and political subdivisions are open for business excluding legal holidays. The dates upon which terms shall commence and the number of days for which the terms shall continue in circuit court districts consisting of more than one (1) county shall be set by order of the circuit court judge in accordance with the provisions of subsection (2) of this section. A matter in court may extend past a term if the interest of justice so requires.

(2) An order establishing the commencement and continuation of terms of court for each of the counties within a circuit court district consisting of more than one (1) county shall be entered annually and not later than October 1 of the year immediately preceding the calendar year for which the terms of court are to become effective. Notice of the dates upon which the terms of court shall commence and the number of days for which the terms shall continue in each of the counties within a circuit court district shall be posted in the office of the circuit clerk of each county within the district and mailed to the office of the Secretary of State for publication and distribution to all Mississippi Bar members. If an order is not timely entered, the terms of court for each of the counties within any circuit court district shall remain unchanged for the next calendar year. A certified copy of any order entered under the provisions of this subsection shall, immediately upon the entry thereof, be delivered to the clerk of the board of supervisors in each of the counties within the circuit court district.

(3) The number of judges in each circuit court district shall be determined by the Legislature based upon the following criteria:

(a) The population of the district;

(b) The number of cases filed in the district;

(c) The case load of each judge in the district;

(d) The geographic area of the district;

(e) An analysis of the needs of the district by the court personnel of the district; and

(f) Any other appropriate criteria.

(4) The Judicial College of the University of Mississippi Law Center and the Administrative Office of Courts shall determine the appropriate:

(a) Specific data to be collected as a basis for applying the above criteria;

(b) Method of collecting and maintaining the specified data; and

(c) Method of assimilating the specified data.

(5) In a district having more than one (1) office of circuit judge, there shall be no distinction whatsoever in the powers, duties and emoluments of those offices except that the judge who has been for the longest time continuously a judge of that court or, should no judge have served longer in office than the others, the judge who has been for the longest time a member of The Mississippi Bar, shall be the senior judge. The senior judge shall have the right to assign causes and dockets and to set terms in districts consisting of more than one (1) county. A circuit court judge shall have the right to assign criminal matters to county court as provided in Section 9-9-21 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-109 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 5 / Section 13-109
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-109
Status: in_force

Every applicant for certification shall have reached the age of majority, be of good moral character and be a resident citizen of the State of Mississippi. Further, every applicant shall meet the criteria established by the board for certification or shall meet the requirements of Section 9-13-109 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-27-9 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 5 / Section 27-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-27-9
Status: in_force

(1) Any mental and behavioral health treatment provider directly administering services to a participant shall be licensed by the appropriate state licensing board or hold a current and valid certification by the State Department of Mental Health or other appropriate state agency.

(2) A mental health treatment court shall provide either directly or through referrals, a range of services, including, but not limited to, the following:

(a) Screenings using a valid and reliable screening tool effective for identifying individuals with mental and behavioral health issues for eligibility and appropriate services;

(b) Clinical assessment;

(c) Referral to appropriate level of treatment services;

(d) Counseling and treatment for co-occurring substance use disorders;

(e) Employment Services;

(f) Education and/or vocational services; and

(g) Community service coordination, care and support.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-9-16 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 4 / Section 9-16
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-9-16
Status: in_force

(1) In order to relieve the crowded condition of the docket in the county court of Washington County and particularly to facilitate and make possible the trial and disposition of the large number of causes on said docket, it is enacted that from and after January 1, 1976, in the manner provided herein, there shall be two (2) county judges for Washington County, Mississippi, provided for and elected as herein set out.

(2) For the purposes of nomination and election, the two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct, the presently existing judgeship and its succession to be denominated for purposes of appointment, nomination and election only as “place one” and the judgeship hereby created and its succession for said selfsame purposes and none other to be designated as “place two.” There shall be no distinction whatsoever in the powers, duties and emoluments of the two (2) offices of county judge, except that the county judge of Washington County who has been for the longest time continuously a county judge of said county shall have the power to assign causes, terms and dockets. Should neither judge of said county court have served longer in said office than the other, then that judge of this county court who has been for the longest time a member of the Mississippi State Bar shall have the right to assign causes, terms and dockets.

(3) While there shall be no limitation whatsoever upon the powers and duties of the said county judges other than as cast upon them by the constitution and laws of this state, the county court of Washington County may, in the discretion of the county judge who has been for the longest time continuously a judge of said court, be divided into civil, equity, youth and criminal divisions as a matter of convenience, by the entry of an order upon the minutes of the court.

(4) Each county judge shall appoint his own court reporter in accordance with Section 9-13-61, Mississippi Code of 1972 , for the purpose of doing the necessary stenographic work of the court.

(5) The additional judgeship created by this section shall remain vacant unless prior to May 10, 1975, the board of supervisors of Washington County, Mississippi, shall adopt an order duly entered upon the minutes of said board stating that sufficient county funds are available for the compensation and related expenses of the additional judgeship created herein.

(6) If the order of the board of supervisors as required under subsection (5) of this section shall have been duly adopted and entered upon the minutes of said board prior to May 10, 1975, then the additional judgeship herein created shall be filled by a person elected in the regular primary and general elections to be held in 1975, and the person so elected shall hold office from January 1, 1976, for the remainder of the regular term for county judges. All candidates for such office shall possess all of the qualifications of a circuit judge as prescribed by the state constitution and shall qualify for election in the same manner and be governed by the same statutes as other candidates for county office. After the first election to fill the judgeship created herein, the provisions of Section 9-9-5, Mississippi Code of 1972 , shall apply to the judgeship created herein.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-17 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 12 / Section 21-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-17
Status: in_force

The Administrative Director of Courts and the Supreme Court are authorized to use the services of any member of the judiciary of any court and any court-supportive personnel, including, without limitation, court reporters, clerks, bailiffs, law clerks, court administrators, secretaries and employees in clerks' offices to carry out studies, projects and functions designed to improve or effect the efficient administration of justice and the operation of courts.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-27-3 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 12 / Section 27-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-27-3
Status: in_force

(1) The Legislature recognizes the critical need for judicial intervention to establish court processes and procedures that are more responsive to the needs of defendants with mental illnesses, while maintaining public safety and the integrity of the court process.

(2) The goals of the mental health treatment courts under this chapter include the following:

(a) Reduce the number of future criminal justice contacts among offenders with mental illnesses;

(b) Reduce the inappropriate institutionalization of people with mental illnesses;

(c) Improve the mental and behavioral health and well-being of defendants who come in contact with the criminal justice system;

(d) Improve linkages between the criminal justice system and the mental health system;

(e) Expedite case processing;

(f) Protect public safety;

(g) Establish linkages with other state and local agencies and programs that target people with mental illnesses in order to maximize the delivery of services; and

(h) To use corrections resources more effectively by redirecting prison-bound offenders whose criminal conduct is driven in part by mental illnesses to intensive supervision and clinical treatment available in the mental health treatment court.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-11-31 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 11-31
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-11-31
Status: in_force

(1) When any justice court judge is unable, by reason of being under any suspension by the Commission on Judicial Performance or the Mississippi Supreme Court, or by reason of sickness or other disability, to attend and hold court at the time and place required by law to do so for a period of time in excess of thirty (30) consecutive days, and due to such inability to attend and hold court there is no judge to hold court in such county, the board of supervisors of the county in which such judge serves shall appoint another justice court judge of the county or an adjoining county or a municipal court judge to attend and hold said court and perform all the duties of such judge during such suspension or disability.

(2) Any presently sitting justice court judge appointed pursuant to subsection (1) of this section shall receive no additional compensation for his or her service. Any other person so appointed shall, for the period of his service, receive compensation from the county for each day's service a sum equal to 1 / 260 ths of the current salary in effect for justice court judges.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-19-17 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 9 / Section 19-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-19-17
Status: in_force

A justice or judge removed by the supreme court or the seven-member tribunal is ineligible for judicial office, and pending further order of the court, may be suspended from practicing law in this state.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-75 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 21 / Section 21-75
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-75
Status: in_force

The court may appoint either an interpreter who is paid or a volunteer interpreter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-11-19 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 11 / Section 11-19
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-11-19
Status: in_force

(1) It shall be the duty of every clerk of the justice court to receive and account for all fees, costs, fines and penalties charged and collected in the justice court, and, monthly to report in writing under oath, to the clerk of the board of supervisors who shall upon receipt submit such report to the board of supervisors of all such fees, costs, fines and penalties received, including cash bonds and other monies which have been forfeited in criminal cases and at least semiannually any delinquent fines and penalties, giving the date, amount, and names of persons from whom such monies were received, and to pay so much thereof as shall have been received to the clerk of the board of supervisors for deposit into the general fund of the county. Any clerk of the justice court who shall fail to make such report or to pay the money so received shall, in addition to any other fine or punishment provided by law for such conduct, not be entitled to compensation for the period of time during which such report or money is outstanding.

(2) The provisions of this section shall not, except as to cash bonds and other monies which have been forfeited in criminal cases, apply to monies required to be deposited in the justice court clerk clearing account as provided in Section 9-11-18, Mississippi Code of 1972 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-27-5 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 1 / Section 27-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-27-5
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed unless the context clearly requires otherwise:

(a) “ Behavioral health ” means the promotion of mental health, resilience and wellbeing; the treatment of mental and substance use disorders; and the support of those who experience and/or are in recovery from these conditions, along with their families and communities.

(b) “ Chemical tests ” means the analysis of an individual's: (i) blood, (ii) breath, (iii) hair, (iv) sweat, (v) saliva, (vi) urine, or (vii) other bodily substance to determine the presence of alcohol or a controlled substance.

(c) “ Clinical assessment ” means the use of an actuarial assessment tool which evaluates an individual's physical, medical, cognitive, psychological (personality, emotions, beliefs and attitudes), and behavioral history and current conditions in order to determine the presence and severity of any mental health disorder.

(d) “ Co-Occurring disorder ” means coexistence of both a mental health and a substance use disorder as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM).

(e) “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)” is the publication by the American Psychiatric Association used by behavioral health professionals for the classification and diagnosing of mental health disorders.

(f) “ Evidence-based practices ” means practices which have been empirically researched and proven to have measurable positive outcomes; have been rigorously tested; have yielded consistent, replicable results; and have proven safe, beneficial and effective for a specific population.

(g) “ Mental health ” means a state of mental or emotional well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn, work well, and contribute to their community.

(h) “ Mental health disorder ” means a syndrome characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual's cognition, emotion regulation or behavior that reflects a dysfunction in the psychological, biological or developmental process underlying mental functioning as defined by the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as published by the American Psychiatric Association.

(i) “ Mental Health Treatment program ” means a highly structured evidence-based program for mental and behavioral health treatment of defendants that:

(i) Brings together mental health professionals, local social programs and intensive judicial monitoring;

(ii) Follows the key components of the mental health treatment court curriculum published by the Bureau of Justice Assistance; and

(iii) Utilizes supervision, policies, procedures and practices that scientific research demonstrates reduces recidivism.

(j) “ Risk and needs assessment ” means an actuarial evaluation tool to guide decision making at various points across the criminal justice continuum by approximating an individual's likelihood of reoffending and determining what individual criminogenic needs must be addressed to reduce that likelihood. Criminogenic risk and needs assessment tools consist of questions that are designed to ascertain someone's history of criminal behavior, attitudes and personality, and life circumstances.

(k) “ Risk and needs screening ” means the use of a brief actuarial tool that is used to determine a defendant's eligibility of a mental health treatment court by measuring the criminogenic risk and needs, identifying risk and protective factors, supports development of case management plan goals and determines the need of a full risk and needs assessment.

(l) “ Substance use disorder ” means a cluster of cognitive, behavioral, and physiological symptoms indicating that the individual continues using the substance despite significant substance-related problems such as impaired control, social impairment, risky behaviors, and pharmacological tolerance and withdrawal.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-23-51 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 11 / Section 23-51
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-23-51
Status: in_force

There is created in the State Treasury a special interest-bearing fund to be known as the Drug Court Fund. The purpose of the fund shall be to provide supplemental funding to all drug courts in the state. Monies from the funds derived from assessments under Section 99-19-73 shall be distributed by the State Treasurer upon warrants issued by the Administrative Office of Courts, pursuant to procedures set by the State Drug Courts Advisory Committee to assist both juvenile drug courts and adult drug courts. Funds from other sources shall be distributed to the drug courts in the state based on a formula set by the State Drug Courts Advisory Committee. The fund shall be a continuing fund, not subject to fiscal-year limitations, and shall consist of: (a) monies appropriated by the Legislature for the purposes of funding drug courts; (b) the interest accruing to the fund; (c) monies received under the provisions of Section 99-19-73 ; (d) monies received from the federal government; and (e) monies received from such other sources as may be provided by law.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-73 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 19 / Section 21-73
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-73
Status: in_force

(1) The Administrative Office of Courts shall establish a program to facilitate the use of interpreters in all courts of the State of Mississippi.

(2)(a) The Administrative Office of Courts shall prescribe the qualifications of and qualify persons who may serve as credentialed court interpreters in all courts of the State of Mississippi. The Administrative Office of Courts may set and charge a reasonable fee for credentialing.

(b) The Administrative Office of Courts shall maintain a current master list of all credentialed court interpreters (the “Roster”).

(3) In all bilingual proceedings, the presiding judicial officer, with the assistance of the Administrative Office of Courts, shall utilize the services of an interpreter to communicate all spoken or written words when the necessity therefor has been determined pursuant to Section 9-21-79 .

(4) A Limited English Proficient (LEP) individual is entitled to use an interpreter in any instance arising out of or pertaining to the individual's involvement in litigation.

(5) All courts shall maintain on file in the office of the clerk of the court a list of all persons who have been credentialed as court interpreters in accordance with the Administrative Office of Court's Credentialing Program established pursuant to this section.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-9-18.1 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 9-18.1
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-9-18.1
Status: in_force

(1) In order to relieve the crowded condition of the docket in the county court and in the youth court of Madison County and particularly to facilitate and make possible the trial and disposition of the large number of causes on the docket and in the youth court, there shall be two (2) county judges for Madison County, provided for and elected as herein set out.

(2) For the purposes of nomination and election, the two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct, the presently existing judgeship and its succession to be denominated for purposes of appointment, nomination and election only as “Place One” and the judgeship hereby created and its succession for said selfsame purposes and none other to be designated as “Place Two.” There shall be no distinction whatsoever in the powers, duties and emoluments of the two (2) offices of county judge, except that the county judge of Madison County who has been for the longest time continuously a county judge of the county shall have the right to assign causes, terms and dockets. Should neither judge of the county court have served longer in office than the other, then that judge of this county court who has been for the longest time a member of The Mississippi Bar shall have the right to assign causes, terms and dockets.

(3) While there shall be no limitation whatsoever upon the powers and duties of the county judges other than as cast upon them by the Constitution and laws of this state, the county court of Madison County may, in the discretion of the county judge who has been for the longest time continuously a judge of the court, be divided into civil, equity, criminal and youth court divisions as a matter of convenience by the entry of an order upon the minutes of the court.

(4) The initial holder of the additional judgeship created by this section, or “Place Two,” shall be elected in the regular election of November 2002; candidates therefor shall qualify to run not later than forty-five (45) days before that election. The person elected shall begin the term of office in January of 2003 at the same time as county judges generally, and there shall be no vacancy of the office before that time. The two (2) judges shall otherwise be elected, and any vacancy in office filled, as provided for county judges generally.

(5) The Board of Supervisors of Madison County may, in its discretion, set aside, appropriate and expend monies from the general fund to be used in the payment of salaries of judges, clerks, reporters, officers and employees of the youth court division of the county court, including the related facilities of the youth court division of the county court, and such funds shall be expended for no other purposes. The county shall not be reimbursed for the amount of any such levy provided for by this section under the terms of the Homestead Exemption Law.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-1-101 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 1 / Section 1-101
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-1-101
Status: in_force

As used in Sections 9-1-101 through 9-1-107 , 25-3-53 and 25-3-55 the following terms shall have the meaning ascribed to them herein:

(a) “Judicial office” means the position of judge of the Court of Appeals, chancery, circuit or county court judge, or Supreme Court Justice.

(b) “Judicial officer” means a judge of the Court of Appeals, chancery, circuit or county court, or a Supreme Court Justice.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-27 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 13 / Section 13-27
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-27
Status: in_force

It shall be the duty of the court reporter to deliver to the clerk of the court in which any suit may be tried, at the conclusion of the trial, all depositions, exhibits, maps or other item of evidence, or matter of proceeding, introduced in evidence during the progress of the trial, and such clerk is hereby designated the custodian of such depositions, exhibits, maps or other item of evidence, or matter of proceeding, and he shall file and identify the same and, in the event an appeal to the supreme court shall be perfected in the suit, it shall be the duty of the clerk to correctly transcribe such depositions, exhibits, or other item of evidence, or matter or proceeding, and to cause a correct copy of any map to be made and to incorporate said copies of depositions, exhibits, maps, or other item of evidence, or matter of proceeding in the record of such suit to be filed with the supreme court. Provided, however, that upon order of the trial court any original exhibit shall be forwarded to the supreme court as a part of the record.

It shall be the duty of the clerk to safely keep in his custody all of such original depositions, exhibits, maps or other item of evidence, or matter of proceeding, until the final determination of the suit, or until the time has expired in which an appeal to the supreme court may be perfected.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-77 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 9 / Section 21-77
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-77
Status: in_force

(1) Prior to providing any service to a Limited English Proficient (LEP) individual, the interpreter shall subscribe to an oath that he or she shall interpret all communications in an accurate manner to the best of his or her skill and knowledge.

(2) The oath shall conform substantially to the following form:

INTERPRETER'S OATH

“Do you solemnly swear or affirm that you will faithfully interpret from (state the language) into English and from English into (state the language) the proceedings before this court in an accurate manner to the best of your skill and knowledge?”

(3) Interpreters shall not voluntarily disclose any admission or communication that is declared to be confidential or privileged under state law. Out-of-court disclosures made by a Limited English Proficient (LEP) individual communicating through an interpreter shall be treated by the interpreter as confidential or privileged or both unless the court orders the interpreter to disclose such communications or the Limited English Proficient (LEP) individual waives such confidentiality or privilege.

(4) Interpreters shall not publicly discuss, report or offer an opinion concerning a matter in which they are engaged, even when that information is not privileged or required by law to be confidential.

(5) The presence of an interpreter shall not affect the privileged nature of any discussion.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-9-13 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 4 / Section 9-13
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-9-13
Status: in_force

The governing body of any municipality with a population in excess of one hundred thousand (100,000) persons, upon determination that municipal security or efficiency is involved in the judicial process in the handling of appeals from municipal court and of related matters, may contract to supplement the salary of county judicial officers in the county in which such municipality is located in exchange for the surrender by such judicial officers of the right to engage in the practice of law. The salary of such judicial officer so supplemented shall not exceed the salary of circuit or chancery judges in such county or of municipal councilmen, whichever is less.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-119 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 9 / Section 13-119
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-119
Status: in_force

(1) All Certified Shorthand Reporters and Certified Stenomask Reporters shall pay to the board an annual certification fee established by the board. All certificates issued under the provisions of this chapter shall expire one (1) year from the date of issue. Applications for renewal of certification shall be accompanied by the required annual certification fee.

(2) All funds collected under the provisions of this chapter shall be deposited into a special fund, hereby created in the State Treasury. All expenses incurred by the board in implementing the provisions of this chapter shall be paid out of such special fund pursuant to legislative appropriation.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-23-23 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17 / Section 23-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-23-23
Status: in_force

If the participant completes all requirements imposed upon him by the intervention court, including the payment of fines and fees assessed and not waived by the court, the charge and prosecution shall be dismissed. If the defendant or participant was sentenced at the time of entry of plea of guilty, the successful completion of the intervention court order and other requirements of probation or suspension of sentence will result in the record of the criminal conviction or adjudication being expunged. However, no expunction of any implied consent violation shall be allowed.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-159 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 4 / Section 5-159
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-159
Status: in_force

The clerk of the chancery court shall, within ten days after the expiration of the term at which any decree for money shall be made, which is enforceable by execution against the defendant, furnish an abstract of such decree to the clerk of the circuit court of the county in which such decree is made; and it shall be the duty of the circuit clerk forthwith to enroll the same on the “Judgment Roll” in his office as judgments of the circuit court are required to be enrolled.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-12-1 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 9 / Section 12-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-12-1
Status: repealed

(1)(a) From and after January 1, 2024, there shall be created one (1) inferior court as authorized by Article 6, Section 172 of the Mississippi Constitution of 1890 , to be located within the boundaries established in Section 29-5-203 for the Capitol Complex Improvement District, hereinafter referred to as “CCID”. The CCID inferior court shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine all preliminary matters and criminal matters authorized by law for municipal courts that accrue or occur, in whole or in part, within the boundaries of the Capitol Complex Improvement District; and shall have the same jurisdiction as municipal courts to hear and determine all cases charging violations of the motor vehicle and traffic laws of this state, and violations of the City of Jackson's traffic ordinance or ordinances related to the disturbance of the public peace that accrue or occur, in whole or in part, within the boundaries of the Capitol Complex Improvement District.

(b) Any person convicted in the CCID inferior court may be placed in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, Central Mississippi facility.

(2) The Chief Justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court shall appoint the CCID inferior court judge authorized by this section. The judge shall possess all qualifications required by law for municipal court judges. Such judge shall be a qualified elector of this state, and shall have such other qualifications as provided by law for municipal judges.

(3) The Administrative Office of Courts shall provide compensation for the CCID inferior court judge and the support staff of the judge. Such compensation shall not be in an amount less than the compensation paid to municipal court judges and their support staff in the City of Jackson.

(4) All fines, penalties, fees and costs imposed and collected by the CCID inferior court shall be deposited with the City of Jackson municipal treasurer or equivalent officer.

(5) This section shall stand repealed on July 1, 2027.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-4-1 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 1 / Section 4-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-4-1
Status: in_force

(1) There is hereby established a court to be known as the “Court of Appeals of the State of Mississippi,” which shall be a court of record.

(2) The Court of Appeals shall be comprised of ten (10) appellate judges, two (2) from each Court of Appeals District, selected in accordance with Section 9-4-5 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-11 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 7 / Section 21-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-11
Status: in_force

(1) The Administrative Director of Courts is authorized and empowered to: study and apply for any and all applications for funds and grants directed to the office from any federal governmental agency or entity; disburse such aid, assistance, funds, monies, grants or subgrants; and coordinate the same with the overall administration of justice in Mississippi to assist or aid in the administration of justice, criminal or civil, or the improvement of courts and the judicial system.

(2) The courts of the state, regardless of the name they bear, shall be proper local units or entities of government to apply for and receive such assistance, aid, funds, monies, grants and subgrants.

(3) Grants to youth courts shall be made in accordance with Section 43-21-801 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-217 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-217
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-217
Status: in_force

The clerk shall keep an execution docket in the manner required of the clerk of the circuit court, in which he shall enter all final process issued by him, and record at large the returns that may be made thereon.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-23 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 7-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-23
Status: in_force

(1) The Seventh Circuit Court District shall be Hinds County.

(2) The Seventh Circuit Court District shall be divided into four (4) subdistricts in Hinds County as follows:

(a) Subdistrict 7-1 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 44, 45, 46, 47, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 92, 93, 96 and 97.

(b) Subdistrict 7-2 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, Brownsville, Cynthia, Pocahontas and Tinnin.

(c) Subdistrict 7-3 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 31, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 86, 89, and Jackson State.

(d) Subdistrict 7-4 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: 87, 88, 90, 91, 94, 95, Bolton, Byram 1, Byram 2, Cayuga, Chapel Hill, Clinton 1, Clinton 2, Clinton 3, Clinton 4, Clinton 5, Clinton 6, Dry Grove, Edwards, Learned, Old Byram, Pinehaven, Raymond 1, Raymond 2, Spring Ridge, St. Thomas, Terry, Utica 1 and Utica 2.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-19 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 1 / Section 5-19
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-19
Status: in_force

(1) There shall be four (4) chancellors for the Fifth Chancery Court District. One chancellor shall be elected from each subdistrict.

(2) While there shall be no limitation whatsoever upon the powers and duties of the said chancellors other than as cast upon them by the Constitution and laws of this state, the court in the First Judicial District of Hinds County, in the discretion of the senior chancellor, may be divided into four (4) divisions as a matter of convenience by the entry of an order upon the minutes of the court.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-9-15 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 5 / Section 9-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-9-15
Status: in_force

(1) In order to relieve the crowded condition of the docket in the county court and in the youth court of the first judicial district of Hinds County and particularly to facilitate and make possible the trial and disposition of the large number of causes on said docket and in the youth court, there shall be three (3) county judges for Hinds County, Mississippi, provided for and elected as herein set out.

(2) For purposes of appointment, nomination and election, the three (3) judgeships shall be separate and distinct, the presently existing judgeship and its succession to be denominated for purposes of appointment, nomination and election only as Place One, Place Two and Place Three. There shall be no distinction whatsoever in the powers, duties and emoluments of the three (3) offices of county judge, except that the county judge of Hinds County who has been for the longest time continuously a county judge of said county, shall have the right to assign causes, terms and dockets.

(3) While there shall be no limitation whatsoever upon the powers and duties of the said county judges other than as cast upon them by the constitution and laws of this state, the county court in Hinds County may, in the discretion of the county judge who has been for the longest time continuously a judge of said court, be divided into civil, criminal and youth court divisions as a matter of convenience, by the entry of an order upon the minutes of the court.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-19-13 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 4 / Section 19-13
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-19-13
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided in Section 25-3-36(7) , on recommendation of the commission on judicial performance, the Supreme Court may disqualify a judge from exercising any judicial function, without loss of salary, during pendency of proceedings before the commission or in the supreme court. If so disqualified, a special judge shall be appointed to perform his duties, as provided by law.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-15 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 5-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-15
Status: in_force

(1) The Fourth Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:

(a) Amite County;

(b) Franklin County;

(c) Pike County; and

(d) Walthall County.

(2) There shall be two (2) chancellors for the Fourth Chancery Court District. The two (2) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as “Place One” and “Place Two.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-1-46 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 1 / Section 1-46
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-1-46
Status: in_force

(1) Semiannually, the circuit clerks of each county, the municipal court clerks of each municipality, and the justice court clerks of each county shall report to the Administrative Office of Courts the following information:

(a) Individual misdemeanor and felony case records by offense, from the circuit clerk for all circuit and county court criminal proceedings, and from the municipal and justice court clerks for all misdemeanors, electronically when available, containing the date on which the criminal charges were filed, charge code and name of indicted offenses, count number of indicted offenses, whether counsel was appointed, the disposition of the charges, date disposed, date sentenced, charge code and name of sentenced offenses, and sentence length.

(b) Data should be kept individually by case number and misdemeanor charges or indicted felony offense, and include, for criminal docket purposes, demographic information necessary for tracking individuals across multiple databases should be collected, including date of birth, city and state of residence, race, and gender.

(2) The Administrative Office of Courts shall be empowered to establish a uniform reporting format for all court clerks described in subsection (1) of this section. Such reporting format shall emphasize the need for reporting information in a sortable, electronic format. All clerks who submit required information in other formats shall report to the Administrative Office of Courts a schedule for conversion to technology to enable the reporting of all required data in a sortable, electronic format.

(3) Semiannual reports shall be made to the Administrative Office of Courts by December 31, 2014, or as soon thereafter as practicable, and every year thereafter, and on June 30, 2015, or as soon thereafter as practicable, and every year thereafter. On August 1, 2015, and each year thereafter, the Administrative Office of Courts shall provide to PEER and the Office of State Public Defender sortable, electronic copies of all reports required by this section.

(4) The Administrative Office of Courts shall share the information required under this section with the Oversight Task Force.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-19-29 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 7 / Section 19-29
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-19-29
Status: in_force

All complaints filed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall be absolutely privileged. The Commission on Judicial Performance, its members, executive director, commission counsel, master or fact finder, their assistants, staff and employees, and the members of any committee created under the authority of the Mississippi Code of Judicial Conduct shall be immune from civil suit for any conduct arising out of the performance of their official duties.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-19-7 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 5 / Section 19-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-19-7
Status: in_force

The commission may appoint and remove an executive director and such administrative staff as may be required. This staff shall report each charge filed to the commission.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-155 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 4 / Section 5-155
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-155
Status: in_force

The chancellor shall, at each term of the court, carefully examine all bonds taken by the clerk in vacation, in pursuance of any order of the court, or the requirement of law, in any proceeding in such court, and make such orders in reference thereto as he shall deem necessary for the security of the parties interested therein.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-11-35 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 7 / Section 11-35
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-11-35
Status: in_force

(1) The Department of Revenue shall administer the Justice Court Collections Payment Program. The purpose of the program shall be to provide support for salaries of justice court personnel, for the purchase, operation and maintenance of software and equipment, for facility planning and improvement, and for other expenses incurred for the purpose of collecting fines and assessments within the justice court system. Monies appropriated by the Legislature to the Department of Revenue for the purposes of funding the Justice Court Collections Payment Program shall be expended by the department to each participating county based upon that county's deposits in the Treasury of the monies received under the provisions of Section 99-19-73 .

(2) The Department of Revenue shall promulgate rules and procedures relating to the disbursement of monies to participating counties. The department shall promulgate rules and procedures to ensure that the justice court system of a participating county practices proper and effective collection procedures for the collection of fines and other assessments. The county may use monies received from the program to defray the costs associated with collection actions under Section 19-3-41(4) for collection of delinquent fines and other assessments. The county shall participate in collection actions under Section 19-3-41(2) for collection of delinquent fines and other assessments in order to qualify.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-9-5 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 9-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-9-5
Status: in_force

(1) The county judge shall possess all of the qualifications of a circuit judge as prescribed by the Mississippi Constitution. In the event of the establishment of a county court by agreement between two (2) or more counties as provided in Section 9-9-3 , the judge of said court may be a qualified elector of any one (1) of said counties, and shall have such other qualifications as provided for by law. The county judge shall be elected by the qualified electors of his county at the time and in the manner as circuit judges are elected and he shall hold office for the same term. Vacancies in the office of county judge shall be filled in the same manner as vacancies in the office of circuit judge.

(2) Provided, however, that in any county having a total population in excess of eleven thousand (11,000) according to the 1970 federal decennial census and a total assessed valuation of real and personal property of not less than sixteen million dollars ($16,000,000.00) and not more than seventeen million dollars ($17,000,000.00) and in which Mississippi Highway 4 and United States Highway 61 intersect, in which there is a vacancy in the post of county judge resulting from the failure of a candidate to qualify for that post, the board of supervisors of such county may, upon certification of such vacancy to the board, appoint a county judge to serve out the term so vacated who shall be a licensed attorney from such county or an adjoining county. The compensation of such attorney shall be the same he would have otherwise received if elected.

(3) In the event that any county wherein is located a state hospital and wherein U.S. Highway 80 and Mississippi Highway 43 intersect shall establish a county court, the county judge of such county shall be elected at the general election to be held on Tuesday after the first Monday of November, 1982, after qualifying therefor as provided by law. Provided, however, that the board of supervisors of such county may appoint a county judge who shall be a licensed attorney from such county until the office of county judge shall be filled pursuant to said election.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-19-5 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 19-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-19-5
Status: in_force

The members of the commission on judicial performance shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary travel expenses and subsistence as may be incurred in the performance of their duties. Members of the commission who are judges shall serve without compensation. Other members of the commission shall receive a per diem in the amount authorized in Section 25-3-69, Mississippi Code of 1972 , for each day or part thereof spent in performing their duties under this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-27-21 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 11 / Section 27-21
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-27-21
Status: in_force

(1) The Administrative Office of Courts shall be responsible for certification and monitoring of mental health treatment courts.

(2) The Administrative Office of Courts shall promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the certification and re-certification process and make any other policies consistent with this section to carry out this process.

(3) The Administrative Office of Courts shall establish, implement and operate a uniform certification process for all mental health treatment courts designed to adjudicate criminal actions involving an identified classification of criminal defendants to ensure funding for mental health treatment courts which supports effective and proven behavioral health treatment practices that reduce recidivism among their participants.

(4)(a) The Administrative Office of Courts shall establish a certification process that ensures any new or existing mental health treatment court meets standards for mental health treatment court operation.

(b) Mental health treatment court certification application must include:

(i) A description of the need for the mental health treatment court;

(ii) The targeted population for the mental health treatment court;

(iii) The eligibility criteria for mental health treatment court participants;

(iv) A description of the process for identifying eligible participants, using a risk and needs screening and a clinical assessment which focuses on accepting moderate to high-risk individuals; and

(v) A description of the mental health treatment court components, including anticipated budget, implementation plan, and a list of the evidence-based programs to which participants will be referred by the mental health treatment court.

(5) Every mental health treatment court shall be certified under the following schedule:

(a) All certified mental health treatment courts in existence on December 31, 2022, must submit a recertification petition to the Administrative Office of Courts before July 1, 2023. The mental health treatment court must submit a recertification petition every two (2) years.

(b) A mental health treatment court's certification expires on December 31 of every odd calendar year.

(6) A certified mental health treatment court established under this chapter is subject to the regulatory powers of the Administrative Office of Courts as set forth in Section 9-27-13 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-14 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17 / Section 21-14
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-14
Status: in_force

(1) There is created in the State Treasury a special fund to be known as the Comprehensive Electronic Court Systems Fund. The purpose of the fund shall be to provide funding for the development, implementation and maintenance of a comprehensive case management and electronic filing system, one of the purposes of which will be to provide duplicate dockets and case files at remote sites. The system will be designed to:

(a) Provide a framework for the seamless, transparent exchange of data among courts and with appropriate law enforcement, children's services and public welfare agencies.

(b) Allow judges and prosecutors to determine whether there are holds or warrants from other jurisdictions for defendants prior to release on bail or otherwise.

(c) Assist related agencies in tracking the court activity of individuals in all participating jurisdictions.

(d) Assist child protection and human services agencies to determine the status of children and caregivers in the participating jurisdictions.

(e) Duplicate and preserve court documents at remote sites so that they may be protected against catastrophic loss.

(f) Improve the ability of the Administrative Office of Courts and the state courts to handle efficiently monies flowing through the courts and to collect delinquent fees, fines and costs.

(g) Enable the state courts and clerks to generate management reports and analysis tools, allowing them to constantly track individual cases and the overall caseload.

(h) Provide a uniform system for docketing and tracking cases and to automatically generate status reports.

(i) Enable the Administrative Office of Courts to acquire statistical data promptly and efficiently.

(j) Make trial court and individual case dockets available to the public online through use of the Internet.

(2) Monies from the fund shall be distributed by the State Treasurer upon warrants issued by the Administrative Office of Courts.

(3) The fund shall be a continuing fund, not subject to fiscal-year limitations, and shall consist of:

(a) Monies appropriated by the Legislature for the purposes of funding the comprehensive case management and electronic filing system;

(b) The interest accruing to the fund;

(c) Monies received from the federal government;

(d) Donations; and

(e) Monies received from such other sources as may be provided by law.

(4) The Supreme Court may utilize and fund as a pilot program any case management and electronic filing system of the Three Rivers Planning and Development District or that of any county or vendor that complies with the data and case management and electronic filing policy standards adopted by the Supreme Court. No statewide comprehensive case management and electronic system shall be implemented by the Mississippi Supreme Court unless such system is approved by the Legislature.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-81 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 1 / Section 5-81
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-81
Status: in_force

The chancery court in addition to the full jurisdiction in all the matters and cases expressly conferred upon it by the constitution shall have jurisdiction of all cases transferred to it by the circuit court or remanded to it by the supreme court; and such further jurisdiction, as is, in this chapter or elsewhere, provided by law.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-137 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 1 / Section 5-137
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-137
Status: in_force

It shall be the duty of the clerk to preserve and keep all records, files, papers and proceedings belonging to his office, and to record all last wills and testaments which may be probated; all letters testamentary, of administration, and guardianship; all accounts allowed; all inventories, appraisements, and reports duly returned; all instruments which are duly proved, and which by law are required to be recorded in his office, in well-bound books to be kept for that purpose, each class in a separate book or books, or by means of electronic filing or storage or both in addition to or in lieu of any such physical records as provided in Sections 9-1-51 through 9-1-57 , as the clerk may elect; all records shall be properly indexed. He shall issue all process which may be required of him by law or by order of the court, or the chancellor in vacation; and shall discharge all other duties which may be required of him by law, or which properly appertain to the duties of his office. The clerk shall be under the direction of the court in termtime, and of the chancellor in vacation.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-23-51 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 13 / Section 23-51
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-23-51
Status: in_force

There is created in the State Treasury a special interest-bearing fund to be known as the Drug Court Fund. The purpose of the fund shall be to provide supplemental funding to all drug courts in the state. Monies from the funds derived from assessments under Section 99-19-73 shall be distributed by the State Treasurer upon warrants issued by the Administrative Office of Courts, pursuant to procedures set by the State Drug Courts Advisory Committee to assist both juvenile drug courts and adult drug courts. Funds from other sources shall be distributed to the drug courts in the state based on a formula set by the State Drug Courts Advisory Committee. The fund shall be a continuing fund, not subject to fiscal-year limitations, and shall consist of: (a) monies appropriated by the Legislature for the purposes of funding drug courts; (b) the interest accruing to the fund; (c) monies received under the provisions of Section 99-19-73 ; (d) monies received from the federal government; and (e) monies received from such other sources as may be provided by law.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-3 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 19 / Section 21-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-3
Status: in_force

(1) The Administrative Office of Courts shall be specifically charged with the duty of assisting the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Mississippi with his duties as the chief administrative officer of all courts of this state, including without limitation the task of insuring that the business of the courts of the state is attended with proper dispatch, that the dockets of such courts are not permitted to become congested and that trials and appeals of cases, civil and criminal, are not delayed unreasonably.

(2) The office shall also perform the following duties:

(a) To work with the clerks of all youth courts and civil and criminal trial courts in the state to collect, obtain, compile, digest and publish information and statistics concerning the administration of justice in the state.

(b) To serve as an agency to apply for and receive any grants or other assistance and to coordinate and conduct studies and projects to improve the administration of justice by the courts of the state, and it may conduct such studies with or without the assistance of consultants.

(c) To supply such support to the Judicial Advisory Study Committee necessary to accomplish the purposes of this chapter, including without limitation, research and clerical assistance.

(d) To promulgate standards, rules and regulations for computer and/or electronic filing and storage of all court records and court-related records maintained throughout the state in courts and in offices of circuit and chancery clerks.

(e) It shall perform such other duties relating to the improvement of the administration of justice as may be assigned by the Supreme Court of Mississippi.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-41 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 1 / Section 7-41
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-41
Status: in_force

The Fifteenth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:

(a) Jefferson Davis County;

(b) Lamar County;

(c) Lawrence County;

(d) Marion County; and

(e) Pearl River County.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-77 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 4 / Section 21-77
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-77
Status: in_force

(1) Prior to providing any service to a Limited English Proficient (LEP) individual, the interpreter shall subscribe to an oath that he or she shall interpret all communications in an accurate manner to the best of his or her skill and knowledge.

(2) The oath shall conform substantially to the following form:

INTERPRETER'S OATH

“Do you solemnly swear or affirm that you will faithfully interpret from (state the language) into English and from English into (state the language) the proceedings before this court in an accurate manner to the best of your skill and knowledge?”

(3) Interpreters shall not voluntarily disclose any admission or communication that is declared to be confidential or privileged under state law. Out-of-court disclosures made by a Limited English Proficient (LEP) individual communicating through an interpreter shall be treated by the interpreter as confidential or privileged or both unless the court orders the interpreter to disclose such communications or the Limited English Proficient (LEP) individual waives such confidentiality or privilege.

(4) Interpreters shall not publicly discuss, report or offer an opinion concerning a matter in which they are engaged, even when that information is not privileged or required by law to be confidential.

(5) The presence of an interpreter shall not affect the privileged nature of any discussion.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-1 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17 / Section 21-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-1
Status: in_force

The Administrative Office of Courts is hereby created. The purpose of the Administrative Office of Courts shall be to assist in the efficient administration of the nonjudicial business of the courts of the state and in improving the administration of justice in Mississippi by performing the duties and exercising the powers as provided in this chapter.

As used in this chapter, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term “court” means any tribunal recognized as a part of the judicial branch of government, but not including county boards of supervisors.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-54 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 1 / Section 5-54
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-54
Status: in_force

(1) There shall be two (2) chancellors for the Eighteenth Chancery Court District.

(2) The two (2) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as “Place One” and “Place Two.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-12-7 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 1 / Section 12-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-12-7
Status: in_force

The Department of Finance and Administration in conjunction with the Administrative Office of Courts shall designate a suitable location or building for the purpose of allowing the Capitol Complex Improvement District (CCID) inferior court to hold court.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-7 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 7-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-7
Status: in_force

(1) There shall be four (4) judges for the First Circuit Court District.

(2) The four (4) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as “Place One,” “Place Two,” “Place Three” and “Place Four.” The judge to fill Place One must reside in Alcorn, Prentiss or Tishomingo County. The judges to fill Place Two and Place Three must reside in Itawamba, Lee, Monroe or Pontotoc County. The judge to fill Place Four may be a resident of any county in the district. Election of the four (4) offices of judge shall be by election to be held in every county within the First Circuit Court District.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-11-11 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 4 / Section 11-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-11-11
Status: in_force

It shall be the duty of the justice court to keep a uniform case record developed by the Attorney General on each case, civil and criminal, brought before it. Upon disposition, each record shall be signed by the justice court judge. It shall be the duty of a justice court, when required, to furnish to either party a certified copy of all proceedings, and of all papers and process relating thereto, in any action before it. Closed civil and criminal files may be destroyed after seven and one-half (7 1 / 2 ) years with written approval from the Director of the Department of Archives and History.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-7 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 4 / Section 5-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-7
Status: in_force

(1) There shall be four (4) chancellors for the First Chancery Court District.

(2) The four (4) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as “Place One,” “Place Two,” “Place Three” and “Place Four.” The chancellor to fill Place One must be a resident of Alcorn, Prentiss or Tishomingo County. The chancellors to fill Place Two and Place Three must reside in Itawamba, Lee, Monroe, Pontotoc or Union County. The chancellor to fill Place Four may be a resident of any county in the district. Election of the four (4) offices of chancellor shall be by election to be held in every county within the First Chancery Court District.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-11-3 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 1 / Section 11-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-11-3
Status: in_force

(1) Except as otherwise provided herein, no justice court judge elected for a full term of office commencing on or after January 1, 2012, shall exercise the judicial functions of his office or be eligible to take the oath of office until he has filed in the office of the chancery clerk the following two (2) certifications: (a) a certificate of completion of a course of training and education conducted by the Mississippi Judicial College of the University of Mississippi Law Center; and (b) a certificate of successful completion of a minimum competency examination administered by the Mississippi Judicial College of the University of Mississippi Law Center within six (6) months of the beginning of the term for which such justice is elected. A justice court judge who has completed the course of training and education, passed the minimum competency examination, and has satisfied his annual continuing education course requirements, and who is then elected for a succeeding term of office subsequent to the initial term for which he completed the training course, shall not be required to repeat the basic training and education course upon reelection but shall be subject to the continuing education requirements.

(2) In addition to meeting the requirements of subsection (1) of this section, after taking office, each justice court judge shall be required to file annually in the office of the chancery clerk a certificate of completion of a course of continuing education conducted by the Mississippi Judicial College.

(3) The requirements for obtaining each of the certificates in subsections (1) and (2) of this section shall be as provided in Section 9-11-4 .

(4) Upon the failure of any justice court judge to file with the chancery clerk the certificates of completion as provided in subsections (1) and (2) of this section, such justice court judge shall, in addition to any other fine or punishment provided by law for such conduct, not be entitled to compensation for the period of time during which such certificates remain unfiled. If a justice court judge has not filed the required certifications within eight (8) months of the inception of the term, that justice court judge shall forfeit his office, his position shall be declared vacant, and the resulting vacancy shall be filled as provided by Section 23-15-839 .

(5) The competency examination requirements in Sections 9-11-3 and 9-11-4 shall not apply to any sitting justice court judges as of July 24, 2008.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-27-19 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 23 / Section 27-19
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-27-19
Status: in_force

If the participant completes all requirements imposed by the mental health treatment court, the charge and prosecution shall be dismissed. If the defendant was sentenced at the time of entry of a plea of guilty, the successful completion of the mental health treatment court order and other requirements of probation or suspension of sentence will result in the record of the criminal conviction or adjudication being expunged. However, no expunction of any implied consent violations shall be allowed.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-32 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 4 / Section 13-32
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-32
Status: in_force

Any attorney of record or interested entity in any cause pending in a court, including justice court, which does not provide an official court reporter, may, in the discretion of the attorney or interested entity, record or have recorded any court proceeding in the cause by mechanical means or stenographically. Any expenses incident thereto shall be borne by the party or parties represented by the entity or attorney of record. The record of the court proceeding shall be used for impeachment purposes only. An interested entity includes, but is not limited to, the victim of a crime or a property owner on whose property a crime has been committed.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-19 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 4 / Section 5-19
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-19
Status: in_force

(1) There shall be four (4) chancellors for the Fifth Chancery Court District. One chancellor shall be elected from each subdistrict.

(2) While there shall be no limitation whatsoever upon the powers and duties of the said chancellors other than as cast upon them by the Constitution and laws of this state, the court in the First Judicial District of Hinds County, in the discretion of the senior chancellor, may be divided into four (4) divisions as a matter of convenience by the entry of an order upon the minutes of the court.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-17 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 11 / Section 21-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-17
Status: in_force

The Administrative Director of Courts and the Supreme Court are authorized to use the services of any member of the judiciary of any court and any court-supportive personnel, including, without limitation, court reporters, clerks, bailiffs, law clerks, court administrators, secretaries and employees in clerks' offices to carry out studies, projects and functions designed to improve or effect the efficient administration of justice and the operation of courts.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-43 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 5 / Section 13-43
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-43
Status: in_force

When a transcript has been made by the official reporter and certified to as being a correct transcript of notes, tapes or audio records of the testimony and other proceedings of the trial, the same shall be prima facie a correct statement thereof and may thereafter be introduced and read in evidence in the trial of any case in any state court of the state of Mississippi, without the necessity of further identification, provided such matter is otherwise admissible.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-171 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 4 / Section 5-171
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-171
Status: in_force

(1) The chancery clerk of each of the counties of the State of Mississippi, with the approval of the board of supervisors of such county, after an inventory has been made and checked by the board and an order spread on its minutes listing the reference, is authorized to dispose of records pursuant to a records control schedule approved by the Local Government Records Committee as provided in Section 25-60-1 .

(2) No records which are in the process of being audited by the State Department of Audit or which are the basis of litigation shall be destroyed until at least twelve (12) months after final completion of the audits and litigation.

(3) Records may be filed and retained by electronic means as provided in Sections 9-1-51 through 9-1-57 , whether the record is to be destroyed or not; provided, however, that destruction of records shall be carried out in accordance with Sections 25-59-21 and 25-59-27 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-19-1 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 19 / Section 19-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-19-1
Status: in_force

The Commission on Judicial Performance shall consist of the following members:

(a) One (1) circuit court judge to be appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Mississippi upon the recommendation of the Governor;

(b) One (1) chancellor to be appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Mississippi upon the recommendation of the Lieutenant Governor;

(c) One (1) county court judge to be appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Mississippi upon the recommendation of the Speaker of the House;

(d) One (1) justice court judge to be appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Mississippi;

(e) One (1) practicing attorney to be appointed by the Chief Justice upon the recommendation of the Governing Board of The Mississippi Bar; and

(f) Two (2) lay persons who shall not be residents of the same Supreme Court District to be appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Mississippi.

An alternate for each member shall be selected at the time and in the manner prescribed for initial appointments in each representative class to replace those members who might be disqualified or absent.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-43 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 21 / Section 21-43
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-43
Status: in_force

(1) There is hereby created in the State Treasury a special fund designated as the Civil Legal Assistance Fund. The funds shall be administered by the Supreme Court through the Administrative Office of Courts. The Administrative Office of Courts may also accept monies from any public or private source for deposit into the fund. Money remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any interest earned from the investment of monies in the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the funds.

(2) All monies shall be allocated to only those organizations providing legal services to low income Mississippians. Furthermore, no monies from this fund shall be expended to provide legal services in matters currently prohibited by the Legal Services Corporation, Washington, D.C., and no funds shall be expended on persons who are not financially eligible to receive legal services as directed by the Legal Services Corporation, Washington, D.C.

(3) The monies appropriated shall be distributed to eligible legal services programs based on the percentage of poverty population within the program service area, consistent with the formula used by the Legal Services Corporation.

(4) Monies appropriated to the fund may be used to promote increased participation by the private bar in the delivery of legal services to the indigent through the Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project.

(5) Recipients of funds shall have the following duties:

(a) To develop, operate and administer programs within their respective service areas that provide free legal services to indigent clients involved in civil matters;

(b) To report annually to the Supreme Court, through the Administrative Office of Courts, on its activities, including providing a copy of its annual audit that accounts for the use of the funds; and

(c) To refund annually all unused or uncommitted funds.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-3-45 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-45
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-3-45
Status: in_force

It shall be the duty of the Secretary of State to contract for the purchase of and to purchase not more than four hundred (400) copies of the official Mississippi edition of the decisions of the Supreme Court and advance sheets with headnotes. The Supreme Court shall, when approved by the Chief Justice, certify the account therefor to the State Fiscal Officer, who thereupon shall issue his warrant upon the State Treasury for the amounts so specified. Of these copies, the Secretary of State shall deliver, if so requested, a copy to each circuit judge, each chancellor, each district attorney, and each county attorney, each county judge, each Supreme Court judge, the Attorney General and each assistant, and to all others heretofore or hereafter authorized by law to receive same. Before delivery of the copies, the Secretary of State shall first have stamped thereon as follows: “Property of the State of Mississippi for the use of the __________ Judicial District,” and his successors in office; and he shall place an appropriately similar stamp on each copy delivered to the other court officers mentioned in this section.

The contractor shall have exclusive sale of all reports published under this section, including the advance sheets with headnotes, but the contract shall provide that the permanent volumes of the Mississippi Reports shall not sell, within the state, for a greater price than that approved by the Chief Justice. The contractor shall mail directly to each circuit judge, each chancellor, each district attorney, and each county attorney the advance sheets at the same time they are mailed out to other subscribers within the state.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-54 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 1 / Section 7-54
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-54
Status: in_force

(1) There shall be three (3) judges for the Twentieth Circuit Court District.

(2) The three (3) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as “Place One,” “Place Two” and “Place Three.” The judge to fill Place One must reside in Rankin County, the judge to fill Place Two must reside in Madison County, and the judge to fill Place Three may reside in either Madison or Rankin County.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-135 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 7 / Section 7-135
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-135
Status: in_force

Within ten days after the end of any term of the court, the clerk shall furnish to the clerk of the board of supervisors a list of all judgments rendered and suits disposed of at such term, or in the preceding vacation, on which a jury tax is imposed, and shall pay over all sums received by him for jury tax during the term and since the last term, and for any failure shall be liable as provided by Section 9-7-133 . And if any clerk shall fail to furnish the said list he shall be fined by the court in the sum of one hundred dollars, on motion of the clerk of the board of supervisors or the district attorney.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-81 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 1 / Section 7-81
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-7-81
Status: in_force

The circuit court shall have original jurisdiction in all actions when the principal of the amount in controversy exceeds two hundred dollars, and of all other actions and causes, matters and things arising under the constitution and laws of this state which are not exclusively cognizable in some other court, and such appellate jurisdiction as prescribed by law. Such court shall have power to hear and determine all prosecutions in the name of the state for treason, felonies, crimes, and misdemeanors, except such as may be exclusively cognizable before some other court; and said court shall have all the powers belonging to a court of oyer and terminer and general jail delivery, and may do and perform all other acts properly pertaining to a circuit court of law.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-12-5 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 11 / Section 12-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-12-5
Status: repealed

(1) The Administrative Office of Courts, in consultation with the Chief Justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court, shall appoint a clerk for the Capitol Complex Improvement District (CCID) inferior court.

(2) The Administrative Office of Courts shall provide support staff and any other staff necessary to carry out the functions and duties for the clerk of the CCID inferior court.

(3) The Administrative Office of Courts shall pay the salaries of the clerk and support staff of the CCID, subject to available funds specifically appropriated by the Legislature for such purpose. Such salaries shall not be in amounts less than the salaries paid to the clerk and staff of the municipal courts in the City of Jackson.

(4) This section shall stand repealed on July 1, 2027.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-27 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 9 / Section 13-27
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-27
Status: in_force

It shall be the duty of the court reporter to deliver to the clerk of the court in which any suit may be tried, at the conclusion of the trial, all depositions, exhibits, maps or other item of evidence, or matter of proceeding, introduced in evidence during the progress of the trial, and such clerk is hereby designated the custodian of such depositions, exhibits, maps or other item of evidence, or matter of proceeding, and he shall file and identify the same and, in the event an appeal to the supreme court shall be perfected in the suit, it shall be the duty of the clerk to correctly transcribe such depositions, exhibits, or other item of evidence, or matter or proceeding, and to cause a correct copy of any map to be made and to incorporate said copies of depositions, exhibits, maps, or other item of evidence, or matter of proceeding in the record of such suit to be filed with the supreme court. Provided, however, that upon order of the trial court any original exhibit shall be forwarded to the supreme court as a part of the record.

It shall be the duty of the clerk to safely keep in his custody all of such original depositions, exhibits, maps or other item of evidence, or matter of proceeding, until the final determination of the suit, or until the time has expired in which an appeal to the supreme court may be perfected.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-11-25 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 1 / Section 11-25
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-11-25
Status: in_force

Every justice court judge whose term of office expires, or who resigns, removes from the county, or otherwise goes out of office, and the legal representative and next of kin of every justice court judge who dies, shall, within ten (10) days thereafter, deliver his case record, with all process and papers and books of statutes relating to his office, to the clerk of the justice court of the county.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-11 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 1 / Section 13-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-13-11
Status: in_force

The judge or chancellor may in his discretion at any time remove the court reporter from office for incompetency or neglect of duty, and may appoint a court reporter to fill the vacancy as often as such removals occur. The appointment of a successor to the court reporter shall be made, and he shall qualify in the same manner, and he shall comply with all the other requirements, as is provided in the foregoing sections of this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-43 — MS Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17 / Section 21-43
Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-43
Status: in_force

(1) There is hereby created in the State Treasury a special fund designated as the Civil Legal Assistance Fund. The funds shall be administered by the Supreme Court through the Administrative Office of Courts. The Administrative Office of Courts may also accept monies from any public or private source for deposit into the fund. Money remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any interest earned from the investment of monies in the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the funds.

(2) All monies shall be allocated to only those organizations providing legal services to low income Mississippians. Furthermore, no monies from this fund shall be expended to provide legal services in matters currently prohibited by the Legal Services Corporation, Washington, D.C., and no funds shall be expended on persons who are not financially eligible to receive legal services as directed by the Legal Services Corporation, Washington, D.C.

(3) The monies appropriated shall be distributed to eligible legal services programs based on the percentage of poverty population within the program service area, consistent with the formula used by the Legal Services Corporation.

(4) Monies appropriated to the fund may be used to promote increased participation by the private bar in the delivery of legal services to the indigent through the Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project.

(5) Recipients of funds shall have the following duties:

(a) To develop, operate and administer programs within their respective service areas that provide free legal services to indigent clients involved in civil matters;

(b) To report annually to the Supreme Court, through the Administrative Office of Courts, on its activities, including providing a copy of its annual audit that accounts for the use of the funds; and

(c) To refund annually all unused or uncommitted funds.