reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 9 - COURTS (§§ 9-1-1 — 9-27-21) › Chapter 9 - COUNTY COURTS (§§ 9-9-1 — 9-9-45) › Section 9-9-17 - Additional judge for Jackson County

(1)
In order to relieve the crowded condition of the docket in the county court and in the youth court of Jackson 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 two (2) county judges for Jackson 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 Jackson 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 of Jackson 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, criminal and youth court divisions as a matter of convenience by the entry of an order upon the minutes of the court.
(4)
The two (2) county judges shall be elected at the same time and in the same manner now prescribed by law for the existing judgeship of Jackson County.
(5)
The Board of Supervisors of Jackson County may, in its discretion, set aside, appropriate and expend moneys 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.
Codes, 1942, § 1604.7; Laws, 1970, ch. 337, §§ 1-4; Laws, 1975, ch. 491; Laws, 1985, ch. 536, § 3; Laws, 1986, ch. 400, § 1, eff. 10/1/1986.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 9 - COURTS (§§ 9-1-1 — 9-27-21) › Chapter 9 - COUNTY COURTS (§§ 9-9-1 — 9-9-45) › Section 9-9-18.2 - County court judge for Pearl River County

(1)
In order to relieve the crowded condition of the docket in the courts and in the youth court of Pearl River 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 a county court with one (1) county judge for Pearl River County, provided for and elected as herein set out.
(2)
The county court of Pearl River County may, in the discretion of the county judge, 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.
(3)
The initial holder of the judgeship created by this section shall be elected in the regular election of November 2010; candidates therefor shall qualify to run not later than sixty (60) days before that election. The person elected shall begin the term of office in January of 2011 at the same time as county judges generally, and there shall be no vacancy of the office before that time. Thereafter, the judge shall otherwise be elected, and any vacancy in office filled, as provided for county judges generally.
(4)
The Board of Supervisors of Pearl River County may, in its discretion, set aside, appropriate and expend monies from the general fund to be used in the payment of salaries of the judge, 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.
Laws, 2010, ch. 442, § 1, eff. 6/21/2010 (the date the United States Attorney General interposed no objection under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, to the addition of this section).
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 9 - COURTS (§§ 9-1-1 — 9-27-21) › Chapter 9 - COUNTY COURTS (§§ 9-9-1 — 9-9-45) › Section 9-9-18.6 - Additional county court judge for Lee County

(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.
Added by Laws, 2018, ch. 418, SB 2568,§ 2, eff. 3/26/2018.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 9 - COURTS (§§ 9-1-1 — 9-27-21) › Chapter 9 - COUNTY COURTS (§§ 9-9-1 — 9-9-45) › Section 9-9-21 - Jurisdiction

(1)
The jurisdiction of the county court shall be as follows: It shall have jurisdiction concurrent with the justice court in all matters, civil and criminal of which the justice court has jurisdiction; and it shall have jurisdiction concurrent with the circuit and chancery courts in all matters of law and equity wherein the amount of value of the thing in controversy shall not exceed, exclusive of costs and interest, the sum of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00), and the jurisdiction of the county court shall not be affected by any setoff, counterclaim or cross-bill in such actions where the amount sought to be recovered in such setoff, counterclaim or cross-bill exceeds Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00). Provided, however, the party filing such setoff, counterclaim or cross-bill which exceeds Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00) shall give notice to the opposite party or parties as provided in Section
13-3-83
, and on motion of all parties filed within twenty (20) days after the filing of such setoff, counterclaim or cross-bill, the county court shall transfer the case to the circuit or chancery court wherein the county court is situated and which would otherwise have jurisdiction. It shall have exclusively the jurisdiction heretofore exercised by the justice court in the following matters and causes: namely, eminent domain, the partition of personal property, and actions of unlawful entry and detainer, provided that the actions of eminent domain and unlawful entry and detainer may be returnable and triable before the judge of said court in vacation. The county court shall have jurisdiction over criminal matters in the county assigned by a judge of the circuit court district in which the county is included.
(2)
In the event of the establishment of a county court by an agreement between two (2) or more counties as provided in Section
9-9-3
, it shall be lawful for such court sitting in one (1) county to act upon any and all matters of which it has jurisdiction as provided by law arising in the other county under the jurisdiction of said court.
Codes, 1930, § 693; 1942, § 1604; Laws, 1926, ch. 131; Laws, 1934, ch. 236; Laws, 1936, ch. 247; Laws, 1948, ch. 236; Laws, 1950, ch. 321; Laws, 1962, ch. 300; Laws, 1964, ch. 322; Laws, 1966, ch. 344, § 1; Laws, 1968, ch. 311, § 1; Laws, 1970, ch. 335, § 1; Laws, 1974, ch. 477, § 2; Laws, 1984, ch. 348; Laws, 1991, ch. 311, § 1; Laws, 1998, ch. 427, § 1; Laws, 2003, ch. 429, § 1, eff. 7/1/2003.
Amended by Laws, 2013, ch. 361, HB 142, 1, eff. 10/22/2013 (the date that the U.S. Attorney General interposed no objection under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965).
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 9 - COURTS (§§ 9-1-1 — 9-27-21) › Chapter 9 - COUNTY COURTS (§§ 9-9-1 — 9-9-45) › Section 9-9-23 - Powers of county judge

The county judge shall have power to issue writs, and to try matters, of habeas corpus on application to him therefor, or when made returnable before him by a superior judge. He shall also have the power to order the issuance of writs of certiorari, supersedeas, attachments, and other remedial writs in all cases pending in, or within the jurisdiction of, his court. He shall have the authority to issue search warrants in his county returnable to his own court or to any court of a justice of the peace within his county in the same manner as is provided by law for the issuance of search warrants by justices of the peace. In all cases pending in, or within the jurisdiction of, his court, he shall have, in term time, and in vacation, the power to order, do or determine to the same extent and in the same manner as a justice of the peace or a circuit judge or a chancellor could do in term time or in vacation in such cases. But he shall not have original power to issue writs of injunction, or other remedial writs in equity or in law except in those cases hereinabove specified as being within his jurisdiction: Provided, however, that when any judge or chancellor authorized to issue such writs of injunction, or any other equitable or legal remedial writs hereinabove reserved, shall so direct in writing the hearing of application therefor may be by him referred to the county judge, in which event the said direction of the superior judge shall vest in the said county judge all authority to take such action on said application as the said superior judge could have taken under the right and the law, had the said application been at all times before the said superior judge. The jurisdiction authorized under the foregoing proviso shall cease upon the denying or granting of the application.
Codes, 1930, § 698; 1942, § 1609; Laws, 1926, ch. 131.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 9 - COURTS (§§ 9-1-1 — 9-27-21) › Chapter 9 - COUNTY COURTS (§§ 9-9-1 — 9-9-45) › Section 9-9-25 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Laws, 1991, ch. 573, § 141, eff. 7/1/1991.
Codes, 1942, § 1614; Laws, 1934, ch. 237.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 9 - COURTS (§§ 9-1-1 — 9-27-21) › Chapter 9 - COUNTY COURTS (§§ 9-9-1 — 9-9-45) › Section 9-9-27 - Transfer of cases; prosecution by affidavit

In any civil case instituted in the circuit court, wherein all parties file a motion to transfer said case to the county court for trial, or wherein all parties file an instrument of writing consenting to such a transfer, the circuit court may, in its discretion, transfer the case to the county court for trial; and the said county court shall have full jurisdiction of and shall proceed to try any case so transferred, provided, however, that such order of transfer be rendered prior to the empaneling of the jury in such cases.
In misdemeanor cases and in felony cases not capital, wherein indictments have been returned by the grand jury, the circuit court may transfer with full jurisdiction all or any of the same, in its discretion, to the county court for trial; and the said county court shall have jurisdiction of and shall proceed to try all charges of misdemeanor which may be preferred by the district attorney or by the county prosecuting attorney or by the sheriff on affidavit sworn to before the circuit clerk of the county; and prosecutions by affidavit are hereby authorized in misdemeanor cases under the same procedure as if indictments had been returned in the circuit court and same had been transferred to the county court.
And, provided further, any reputable citizen may make an affidavit charging crime before the judge of the county court, and such affidavit shall be filed with the clerk of the county court, and if the crime charged is a misdemeanor, the county court shall have jurisdiction to try and dispose of said charge and, if the crime charged be a felony, the county judge shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine said cause, the same as now provided by law to be done by justices of the peace, and to commit the person so charged, with or without bail as the evidence may warrant, or to discharge the defendant.
Codes, 1930, § 694; 1942, § 1605; Laws, 1926, ch. 131; Laws, 1944, ch. 191; Laws, 1952, ch. 255.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 9 - COURTS (§§ 9-1-1 — 9-27-21) › Chapter 9 - COUNTY COURTS (§§ 9-9-1 — 9-9-45) › Section 9-9-29 - Court of record; duties of circuit clerk and sheriff; fees

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.
Codes, 1930, § 699; 1942, § 1610; Laws, 1926, ch. 131; Laws, 1928, Ex. ch. 66; Laws, 1991, ch. 573, § 10, eff. 7/1/1991.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 9 - COURTS (§§ 9-1-1 — 9-27-21) › Chapter 9 - COUNTY COURTS (§§ 9-9-1 — 9-9-45) › Section 9-9-31 - Duties of prosecuting attorney

The county prosecuting attorney shall be the prosecuting attorney of the county court, and he shall prosecute all cases therein which he is now required by law to prosecute, and all cases appealed from the county court to the circuit court, in which it is the duty of the county attorney, under the law, to appear and prosecute.
Codes, 1930, § 701; 1942, § 1612; Laws, 1926, ch. 131; Laws, 1978, ch. 509, § 1, eff. 1/1/1980.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 9 - COURTS (§§ 9-1-1 — 9-27-21) › Chapter 9 - COUNTY COURTS (§§ 9-9-1 — 9-9-45) › Section 9-9-33 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Laws, 1991, ch. 573, § 141, eff. 7/1/1991.
Codes, 1930, § 703; 1942, § 1615; Laws, 1926, ch. 131; 1966, ch. 347, § 1
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 9 - COURTS (§§ 9-1-1 — 9-27-21) › Chapter 9 - COUNTY COURTS (§§ 9-9-1 — 9-9-45) › Section 9-9-35 - Circuit judges authorized to assign cases and other court duties to county judges where dockets overcrowded

In any county in cases where an overcrowded docket justifies the same, any circuit judge may assign to a county judge in said county only, for hearing and final disposition, any case, cause, hearing or motion, or any proceedings involved in the trial and final disposition thereof.
All orders in said cause, trial or hearing may be signed as follows: "____________________ County Judge and Acting Circuit Judge by assignment." No special order evidencing said assignment shall be entered on the minutes, except in cases where a county judge is assigned the duty of opening and organizing a court where a grand jury is to be impaneled, in which case an order so assigning the said county judge to act shall be signed and entered on the minutes of the court on the opening day thereof.
No compensation for said services shall be allowed said county judge, neither shall said county judge be compelled to accept any assignment except at his will.
Codes, 1942, § 1605.5; Laws, 1962, ch. 303; Laws, 1982, ch. 476, § 3; Laws, 1989, ch. 378, § 4; Laws, 1989, ch. 486, § 2, eff. 7/1/1989.
Amended by Laws, 2013, ch. 361, HB 142, 3, eff. 10/22/2013 (the date that the U.S. Attorney General interposed no objection under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965).
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 9 - COURTS (§§ 9-1-1 — 9-27-21) › Chapter 9 - COUNTY COURTS (§§ 9-9-1 — 9-9-45) › Section 9-9-36 - Chancellors authorized to assign cases and other court duties to county judges where dockets overcrowded

In any county in cases where an overcrowded docket justifies the same, any chancellor may assign to a county judge in that county only, for hearing and final disposition, any case, cause, hearing or motion, or any proceedings involved in the trial and final disposition thereof.
All orders in the cause, trial or hearing may be signed as follows: "____________________ County Judge and Acting Chancellor by assignment." No special order evidencing the assignment shall be entered on the minutes.
No compensation for those services shall be allowed the county judge, neither shall the county judge be compelled to accept any assignment except at his will. Furthermore, no assignment of any cause or hearing shall be made where counsel on both sides object to the assignment.
Laws, 1989, ch. 378, § 3; Laws, 1989, ch. 486, § 1; brought forward without change, Laws, 2010, ch. 442, § 3, eff. 6/21/2010 (the date the United States Attorney General interposed no objection under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, to the bringing forward without change of this section).
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 9 - COURTS (§§ 9-1-1 — 9-27-21) › Chapter 9 - COUNTY COURTS (§§ 9-9-1 — 9-9-45) › Section 9-9-37 - Certain counties may establish or abolish court

(1)
From and after July 1, 2013, or the date this section is effectuated under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, whichever is later, in any county not brought within the provisions of this chapter by the terms of Sections
9-9-1
and
9-9-3
, the board of supervisors is authorized to determine whether a county court shall be established in the county. If a majority of the board are in favor of a county court, then the board shall so certify to the Secretary of State and the Governor shall then issue a proclamation establishing the county court in the county; and thereafter at the next succeeding meeting of the board of supervisors the board shall call an election for the election of a county judge, and the election shall be conducted in the way and manner now provided by law for holding a special election.
(2)
(a)
Any county not brought within the provisions of this chapter by the terms of Sections
9-9-1
and
9-9-3
that has a county court established under the provisions of subsection (1) of this section may thereafter come from under this chapter in the manner hereinafter provided. On petition of twenty percent (20%) of the qualified electors of the county, addressed to the board of supervisors of the county, an election shall be called by the board of supervisors and conducted in the way and manner now provided by law for a special election for the purpose of determining whether the county court shall be abolished; and, if the majority vote at the election is in favor of abolishing the county court, then the election commission shall so certify to the Secretary of State. The Governor shall then issue a proclamation declaring that the county court in said county be abolished on the first day of the month next succeeding the election.
(b)
If a county court is abolished under the provisions of this subsection (2), the board of supervisors is not authorized to establish a county court within less than two (2) years thereafter.
(3)
The salary of the county judge shall be as provided in Section
9-9-11
.
Codes, 1930, §§ 697, 706; 1942, §§ 1608, 1618; Laws, 1926, ch. 131; Laws, 1932, ch. 200; Laws, 1934, ch. 233; Laws, 1936, ch. 254; Laws, 1946, ch. 370; Laws, 1950, ch. 251; Laws, 1952, ch. 238; Laws, 1954, ch. 230; Laws, 1954, Ex Sess ch. 15; Laws, 1955 Ex. ch. 39, § 1; Laws, 1956, chs. 231, §§ 1, 2, 233; Laws, 1960, ch. 234; Laws, 1966, ch. 345, § 1; Laws, 1968, ch. 311, § 2; Laws, 1970, ch. 402, § 4; Laws, 1971, ch. 495, § 1; Laws, 1985, ch. 502, § 61, eff. 7/1/1985.
Amended by Laws, 2013, ch. 383, HB 943, 1, eff. 10/22/2013 (the date that the U.S. Attorney General interposed no objection under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965).
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 9 - COURTS (§§ 9-1-1 — 9-27-21) › Chapter 9 - COUNTY COURTS (§§ 9-9-1 — 9-9-45) › Section 9-9-39 - Effect of abolition of county court; pending matters transferred

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.
Codes, 1942, § 1619; Laws, 1932, ch. 200.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 9 - COURTS (§§ 9-1-1 — 9-27-21) › Chapter 9 - COUNTY COURTS (§§ 9-9-1 — 9-9-45) › Section 9-9-41 - Court may be abolished in certain counties

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.
Codes, 1942, § 1620; Laws, 1938, ch. 284; Laws, 1950, ch. 352.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 9 - COURTS (§§ 9-1-1 — 9-27-21) › Chapter 9 - COUNTY COURTS (§§ 9-9-1 — 9-9-45) › Section 9-9-43 - Legislative action or election required to abolish courts in certain counties

In any county now having a county court established by Chapter 131 of the laws of 1926 and having only one judicial district therein and in which the assessed valuation of real and personal property has fallen below seventeen million dollars but exceeds fifteen million dollars according to the assessment of 1932, and in which the urban population exceeds the rural population, and having therein a municipality in excess of 15,000 population, according to the last federal census, said county court shall remain in existence until abolished by a direct act of the legislature or by an election as now provided by law.
Codes, 1942, § 1621; Laws, 1934, ch. 235.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 9 - COURTS (§§ 9-1-1 — 9-27-21) › Chapter 9 - COUNTY COURTS (§§ 9-9-1 — 9-9-45) › Section 9-9-45 - When other counties become eligible for establishment or abolition of court

When hereafter any county of the state shall become eligible by reason of the growth in population, in assessed valuation and the existence therein of a municipality of the number of inhabitants all as specified in Section
9-9-1
of this chapter, it shall be the duty of the Governor, upon the determination by him of the facts aforesaid, to issue his public proclamation establishing a county court in the said county, and calling an election on a date to be fixed in said proclamation for the election of a county judge. The term of office of a county judge elected under this section and Section
9-9-39
shall expire thereafter at the same time at which there expires the regular terms of circuit judges and chancellors. When in the last year of any four-year judicial period any county has fallen below the requirements of eligibility as stated in Section
9-9-1
of this chapter, it shall be the duty of the Governor so to ascertain and proclaim, thereupon after the expiration of the then four-year term, the county court shall cease to exist in such county, unless by an election held under the provisions of Section
9-9-39
the said court be retained or reestablished.
Codes, 1930, § 707; 1942, § 1622; Laws, 1926, ch. 131; brought forward without change, Laws, 2010, ch. 442, § 4, eff. 6/21/2010 (the date the United States Attorney General interposed no objection under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, to the bringing forward without change of this section).
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 9 - COURTS (§§ 9-1-1 — 9-27-21) › Chapter 11 - JUSTICE COURTS (§§ 9-11-1 — 9-11-35) › Section 9-11-1 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Laws, 1982, ch. 423, § 6, eff. 1/1/1984.
Codes, Hutchinson's 1848, ch 50, art. 14 (1, 2); 1857, ch. 58, arts. 1, 2; 1871, § 1297; 1880, § 2185; 1892, § 2392; 1906, § 2721; Hemingway's 1917, § 2220; 1930, § 2069; 1942, § 1803; Laws, 1926, ch. 209; 1932, ch. 174; 1960, ch. 188; 1964, ch. 329, § 1; 1966, ch. 289, § 1; 1968, ch. 339, § 1; 1974, ch. 497, § 1; 1975, ch. 340; 1981, ch. 471, § 7; 1982, ch. 423, § 6.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 9 - COURTS (§§ 9-1-1 — 9-27-21) › Chapter 11 - JUSTICE COURTS (§§ 9-11-1 — 9-11-35) › Section 9-11-4 - Basic and continuing education courses for justice court judges; minimum competency examination; exemption from competency examination; remedial courses; costs and expenses

(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.
Laws, 1981, ch. 471, § 16; Laws, 1982, ch. 423, § 28; Laws, 2008, ch. 319, § 3; Laws, 2011, ch. 367, § 2, eff. 7/5/2011 (the date the United States Attorney General interposed no objection under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, to the amendment of this section).
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 9 - COURTS (§§ 9-1-1 — 9-27-21) › Chapter 11 - JUSTICE COURTS (§§ 9-11-1 — 9-11-35) › Section 9-11-5 - Courtrooms; offices; insurance

(1)
The justice court judges shall be provided courtrooms by the county and all trials shall be held therein. Such courtrooms shall be in the county courthouse, county office building or any other building within the county deemed appropriate by the board of supervisors.
(2)
The county shall provide office space and furnish each justice court office and provide necessary office supplies.
(3)
The board of supervisors of each county may secure insurance coverage to protect the office of the justice court clerk against losses due to theft or robbery.
Codes, 1942, § 1803.3; Laws, 1964, ch. 332; Laws, 1979, ch. 476, § 2; Laws, 1981, ch. 471, § 9; Laws, 1982, ch. 423, § 28; Laws, 1986, ch. 367; Laws, 2008, ch. 319, § 4; Laws, 2008, ch. 553, § 2, eff. 7/1/2008.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 9 - COURTS (§§ 9-1-1 — 9-27-21) › Chapter 11 - JUSTICE COURTS (§§ 9-11-1 — 9-11-35) › Section 9-11-7 - Oath of office and bond

Every person elected a justice court judge shall, before he enters on the duties of the office, take the oath of office prescribed by Section 155 of the Constitution, and give bond, with sufficient surety, to be payable, conditioned and approved as provided by law and in the same manner as other county officers, in a penalty not less than Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00); and any party interested may proceed on such bond in a summary way, by motion in any court having jurisdiction of the same, against the principal and surety, upon giving five (5) days' previous notice.
Codes, Hutchinson's 1848, ch. 50, art 7 (1); 1857, ch. 58, art. 3; 1871, § 1298; 1880, § 2186; 1892, § 2393; 1906, § 2722; Hemingway's 1917, § 2221; 1930, § 2070; 1942, § 1804; Laws, 1986, ch. 458, § 12; Reenacted, Laws, 1989, ch. 342, § 1; Laws, 2009, ch. 467, § 2, eff. 7/1/2009.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 9 - COURTS (§§ 9-1-1 — 9-27-21) › Chapter 11 - JUSTICE COURTS (§§ 9-11-1 — 9-11-35) › Section 9-11-9 - Civil jurisdiction; pecuniary interest in outcome of action

Justice court judges shall have jurisdiction of all actions for the recovery of debts or damages or personal property, where the principal of the debt, the amount of the demand, or the value of the property sought to be recovered shall not exceed Three Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($3,500.00).
The justice court judges shall have no pecuniary interest in the outcome of any action once suit has been filed.
Codes, Hutchinson's 1848, ch. 50, art 2 (9); 1857, ch 58, art. 7; 1871, § 1302; 1880, § 2190; 1892, § 2394; 1906, § 2723; Hemingway's 1917, § 2222; 1930, § 2071; 1942, § 1805; Laws, 1964, ch. 333; Laws, 1977, ch. 308; Laws, 1981, ch. 471, § 4; Laws, 1985, ch. 478, § 1; Laws, 1986, ch. 365; Laws, 1995, ch. 573, § 1; Laws, 2008, ch. 319, § 5, eff. 7/24/2008 (the date the United States Attorney General interposed no objection under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, to the amendment of this section).
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 9 - COURTS (§§ 9-1-1 — 9-27-21) › Chapter 11 - JUSTICE COURTS (§§ 9-11-1 — 9-11-35) › Section 9-11-10 - Civil jurisdiction; prepayment of costs as prerequisite; penalties

No justice of the peace court shall have jurisdiction over any civil suit attempted to be filed therein unless and until all legally required court costs, as set out, but not restricted to, Sections
25-7-25
and
25-7-27
, Mississippi Code of 1972, are deposited with the court. The justice of the peace shall not file, docket, issue process, or otherwise assume jurisdiction until such costs shall have been paid.
Any violation shall constitute a misdemeanor wherein the county court, or in the absence of a county court, the circuit court shall have jurisdiction. Upon conviction the justice of the peace shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) nor more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00).
Laws, 1974, 1974, ch. 329, eff. 7/1/1974.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 9 - COURTS (§§ 9-1-1 — 9-27-21) › Chapter 11 - JUSTICE COURTS (§§ 9-11-1 — 9-11-35) › Section 9-11-11 - Uniform case record; certified copies of papers furnished to parties; destruction of closed files

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 (71/2) years with written approval from the Director of the Department of Archives and History.
Codes, Hutchinson's 1848, ch 50, art. 2 (12); 1857, ch. 58, art. 14; 1871, § 1308; 1880, § 2193; 1892, § 2397; 1906, § 2726; Hemingway's 1917, § 2225; 1930, § 2074; 1942, § 1808; Laws, 1981, ch. 471, § 17; Laws, 1982, ch. 423, § 28; Laws, 1985, ch. 440, § 2; Laws, 1998, ch. 439, § 2, eff. 7/1/1998.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 9 - COURTS (§§ 9-1-1 — 9-27-21) › Chapter 11 - JUSTICE COURTS (§§ 9-11-1 — 9-11-35) › Section 9-11-13 - Entry to identify docket

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."
Codes, 1880, § 2239; 1892, § 2398; 1906, § 2727; Hemingway's 1917, § 2226; 1930, § 2075; 1942, § 1809.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 9 - COURTS (§§ 9-1-1 — 9-27-21) › Chapter 11 - JUSTICE COURTS (§§ 9-11-1 — 9-11-35) › Section 9-11-17 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Laws, 1991, ch. 325 § 1, eff. 7/1/1991.
Codes, Hutchinson's 1848, ch. 50, art. 11 (6); 1857, ch. 58, art. 12; 1871, § 1312; 1880, § 2195; 1892, § 2400; 1906, § 2729; Hemingway's 1917, § 2228; 1930, § 2077; 1942, § 1811; Laws, 1981, ch. 471, § 20; 1982, ch. 423, § 28.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 9 - COURTS (§§ 9-1-1 — 9-27-21) › Chapter 11 - JUSTICE COURTS (§§ 9-11-1 — 9-11-35) › Section 9-11-18 - Justice court clerk clearing account

(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.
Laws, 1984, ch. 502, § 1; Laws, 1991, ch. 414, § 1, eff. 7/1/1991.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 9 - COURTS (§§ 9-1-1 — 9-27-21) › Chapter 11 - JUSTICE COURTS (§§ 9-11-1 — 9-11-35) › Section 9-11-19 - Collection and report of fines and penalties

(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.
Codes, Hutchinson's 1848, ch. 50, art. 2 (27); 1857, ch. 58, art. 33; 1871, § 1342; 1880, § 2230; 1892, § 2430; 1906, § 2759; Hemingway's 1917, § 2258; 1930, § 2107; 1942, § 1841; Laws, 1932, ch. 195; Laws, 1981, ch. 471, § 21; Laws, 1982, ch. 423, § 14; Laws, 1984, ch. 502, § 3; Laws, 1993, ch. 406, § 1, eff. 10/1/1993.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 9 - COURTS (§§ 9-1-1 — 9-27-21) › Chapter 11 - JUSTICE COURTS (§§ 9-11-1 — 9-11-35) › Section 9-11-20 - Service of process or writ outside of issuing county; sharing fees

In any civil case in the justice court in which any process or writ is to be served outside of the county where issued, the clerk of the justice court is hereby authorized and directed to forward, by United States mail, to the clerk of the justice court of the county where such writ or process is to be served, that portion of any fees required by law to be collected for the service of such process or writ along with the process or writ to be served. The clerk of the justice court of the county where the process or writ is to be served shall, upon receipt thereof, deliver such process or writ to a constable of the county for the service thereof and shall report and pay over such fees to the chancery clerk of the county at the time and in the manner provided in subsection (1) of Section
9-11-19
for the report and payment of fees, costs, fines and penalties charged and collected in the justice court.
Laws, 1984, ch. 502, § 2, eff. 5/15/1984.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 9 - COURTS (§§ 9-1-1 — 9-27-21) › Chapter 11 - JUSTICE COURTS (§§ 9-11-1 — 9-11-35) › Section 9-11-21 - Receipt itemizing costs, fees and other payments made to clerk of justice court

The clerk of the justice court is required in all cases to give to any person paying him any fees, costs or other money a uniform receipt, the form of which is to be prepared by the attorney general. Such receipt shall contain the particulars of such fees, costs or other money, the amount of such fees, costs or other money and such other information as the attorney general shall deem necessary. The county shall have printed such receipts at county expense and distribute them to the clerk of the justice court of the county. Provided, however, that where the party filing the complaint is an entity of government, the clerk shall not be required to receive a prepayment of costs nor issue a receipt, but the clerk shall enter a notation on the docket wherein said complaint is recorded indicating that the party is exempt from payment of costs.
Codes, 1942, § 1841.5; Laws, 1964, ch. 334; Laws, 1984, ch. 502, § 4, eff. 5/15/1984.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 9 - COURTS (§§ 9-1-1 — 9-27-21) › Chapter 11 - JUSTICE COURTS (§§ 9-11-1 — 9-11-35) › Section 9-11-23 - Remedy for money collected

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.
Codes, Hutchinson's 1848, ch. 50, art. 2 (26); 1857, ch. 58, art. 32; 1871, § 1339; 1880, § 2229; 1892, § 2431; 1906, § 2760; Hemingway's 1917, § 2259; 1930, § 2108; 1942, § 1842; Laws, 1985, ch. 440, § 3, eff. 3/27/1985.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 9 - COURTS (§§ 9-1-1 — 9-27-21) › Chapter 11 - JUSTICE COURTS (§§ 9-11-1 — 9-11-35) › Section 9-11-25 - Delivery of books, records and papers of justice court judge leaving office or dying to justice court clerk

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.
Codes, Hutchinson's 1848, ch. 50, art. 10 (3); 1857, ch. 58, art. 15; 1871, § 1341; 1880, §§ 2232-2236; 1892, § 2432; 1906, § 2761; Hemingway's 1917, § 2260; 1930, § 2109; 1942, § 1843; Laws, 1981, ch. 471, § 22; Laws, 1982, ch. 423, § 28; Laws, 1991, ch. 594, § 1, eff. 4/15/1991.