MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2015 Regular Session
To: Judiciary, Division A
By: Senator(s) Hopson
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTIONS 9-5-1 AND 9-5-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO COMPLY WITH THE CONSTITUTIONAL MANDATE TO REDISTRICT THE TRIAL COURTS FOLLOWING THE FEDERAL DECENNIAL CENSUS; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-5-5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-5-7, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-5-9, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-5-11, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-5-13, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-5-15, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-5-17, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-5-19, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-5-21, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-5-22, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-5-23, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-5-25, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-5-27, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-5-29, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-5-31, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-5-33, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-5-35, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-5-36, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-5-37, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-5-38, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-5-39, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-5-40, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-5-41, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-5-43, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-5-45, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-5-47, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-5-49, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-5-50, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-5-51, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-5-53, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-5-54, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-5-55, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-5-57, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-5-58, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO AMEND SECTIONS 9-7-1 AND 9-7-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO COMPLY WITH THE CONSTITUTIONAL MANDATE TO REDISTRICT THE TRIAL COURTS FOLLOWING THE FEDERAL DECENNIAL CENSUS; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-7-5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-7-7, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-7-9, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-7-11, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-7-13, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-7-14, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-7-15, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-7-17, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-7-19, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-7-21, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-7-23, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-7-25, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-7-27, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-7-29, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-7-30, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-7-31, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-7-32, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-7-33, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-7-34, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-7-35, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-7-37, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-7-39, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-7-41, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-7-42, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-7-43, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-7-44, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-7-45, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-7-46, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-7-47, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-7-49, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-7-51, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-7-53, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-7-54, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-7-55, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 9-7-57, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the Legislature under Section 152 of the Mississippi Constitution of 1890 to divide the state into an appropriate number of circuit and chancery court districts; and
WHEREAS, the Legislature has investigated the state of the trial courts and the trial court districts and has considered the needs of the state according to all the criteria imposed by the Constitution and by general law; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. Section 9-5-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-5-1. A chancellor shall be
elected for and from each of the chancery court districts as provided in this
chapter and * * * may hold court in any other
district with the consent of the chancellor thereof when in their opinion the
public interest may be thereby promoted. The terms of all chancellors elected
at the regular election for the year 1930 shall begin on the first day of
January, 1931, and their terms of office shall continue for four (4) years. A
chancellor shall be a resident of the district in which he serves but shall not
be required to be a resident of a subdistrict if the district is divided into
subdistricts. Unless specifically provided otherwise, the boundaries of the
subdistricts described in this chapter shall be the boundaries of the precincts
as those boundaries are contained in the Census Bureau's 2010 TIGER/Line
Shapefiles released in November 2010.
SECTION 2. Section 9-5-3, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-5-3. (1) The state shall
be divided into an appropriate number of chancery court districts, severally
numbered and * * *
composed of the counties as set forth in the sections which follow. A
court to be styled "The Chancery 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 chancery 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 terms shall continue in chancery court districts consisting of more than
one (1) county shall be set by order of the chancellor 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 chancery 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 * * * terms of court shall commence and the
number of days for which * * *such the terms shall continue in each of the counties
within a chancery court district shall be posted in the office of the chancery
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 * * * the chancery court district
shall remain unchanged for the next calendar year.
(3) The number of chancellorships for each chancery 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 caseload of each chancellor 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 chancellor, there shall be no distinction
whatsoever in the powers, duties and emoluments of those offices except that
the chancellor who has been for the longest time continuously a chancellor of
that court or, should no chancellor have served longer in office than the
others, the chancellor who has been for the longest time a member of The
Mississippi Bar * * *
shall be the senior chancellor. The senior chancellor shall have the right to
assign causes and dockets and to set terms in districts consisting of more than
one (1) county.
SECTION 3. Section 9-5-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-5. The First Chancery Court District shall be comprised 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.
SECTION 4. Section 9-5-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-7. (1) There shall be four (4) chancellors for the First Chancery Court District.
(2) For purposes of appointment and election, 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 shall be a resident of Alcorn, Prentiss or Tishomingo County. The chancellors to fill Place Two and Place Three shall be a resident of Itawamba, Lee, Monroe, Pontotoc or Union County. The chancellor to fill Place Four shall 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 of Mississippi.
SECTION 5. Section 9-5-9, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-9. The Second Chancery Court District shall be comprised of the following counties:
(a) Jasper County;
(b) Newton County; and
(c) Scott County.
SECTION 6. Section 9-5-11, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-11. (1) The Third Chancery Court District shall be comprised 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.
SECTION 7. Section 9-5-13, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-13. (1) There shall be three (3) chancellors for the Third Chancery Court District.
(2) (a) The chancellor of Subdistrict 3-1 shall be elected from DeSoto County. The two (2) chancellors of Subdistrict 3-2 shall be elected from Grenada County, Montgomery County, Panola County, Tate County and Yalobusha County.
(b) For purposes of appointment and election, the three (3) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct. The chancellorship in Subdistrict 3-1 shall be denominated only as "Place One," and the chancellorships in Subdistrict 3-2 shall be denominated only as "Place Two" and "Place Three."
SECTION 8. Section 9-5-15, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-15. The Fourth Chancery Court District shall be comprised of the following counties:
(a) Amite County;
(b) Franklin County;
(c) Pike County; and
(d) Walthall County.
SECTION 9. Section 9-5-17, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-17. (1) The Fifth Chancery Court District shall be comprised 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: Precincts 33, 34, 35, 36, 44, 45, 46, 78, 79, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 92, 93, 96, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 32, 47 and 97.
(b) Subdistrict 5-2 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: Precincts 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 85, Brownsville, Cynthia, Pocahontas and Tinnin Precincts.
(c) Subdistrict 5-3 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: Precincts 21, 22, 25, 31, 86, 58, 59, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 89, 24, 26, 54, 55, 56, 57, 60, 61, 62, 18, 19, 20, 50, 51, 52, 53, 63 and 64.
(d) Subdistrict 5-4 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: Precincts 94, 95, 87, 88, 90 and 91, Bolton, Edwards, Pine Haven, Utica 1, Utica 2, Byram, Cayuga, Learned, Clinton 1, Clinton 2, Clinton 3, Clinton 4, Clinton 5, Clinton 6, Raymond 1, Raymond 2, Spring Ridge, St. Thomas, Old Byram, Terry, Chapel Hill and Dry Grove Precincts.
SECTION 10. Section 9-5-19, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-19. (1) There shall be four (4) chancellors for the Fifth Chancery Court District. One (1) 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.
SECTION 11. Section 9-5-21, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-21. The Sixth Chancery Court District shall be comprised of the following counties:
(a) Attala County;
(b) Carroll County;
(c) Choctaw County;
(d) Kemper County;
(e) Neshoba County; and
(f) Winston County.
SECTION 12. Section 9-5-22, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-22. (1) There shall be two (2) chancellors for the Sixth Chancery Court District.
(2) For purposes of appointment and election, the two (2) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two."
SECTION 13. Section 9-5-23, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-23. (1) The Seventh Chancery Court District shall be comprised of the following counties:
(a) Bolivar County;
(b) Coahoma County;
(c) Leflore County;
(d) Quitman County;
(e) Tallahatchie County; and
(f) Tunica County.
(2) The Seventh Chancery Court District shall be divided into two (2) subdistricts as follows:
(a) Subdistrict 7-1 shall consist of Bolivar County and Coahoma County;
(b) Subdistrict 7-2 shall consist of Leflore County, Quitman County, Tallahatchie County and Tunica County.
SECTION 14. Section 9-5-25, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
[Until January 1, 2011, this section shall read as follows:]
9-5-25. There shall be two (2) chancellors for the Seventh Chancery Court District. One (1) chancellor shall be elected from each subdistrict.
[From and after January 1, 2011, this section shall read as follows:]
9-5-25. There shall be three (3) chancellors for the Seventh Chancery Court District. The three (3) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct. One (1) chancellor shall be elected from Subdistrict 7-1 and shall be denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One," and two (2) chancellors shall be elected from Subdistrict 7-2 and shall be denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place Two" and "Place Three."
SECTION 15. Section 9-5-27, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-27. The Eighth Chancery Court District shall be comprised of the following counties:
(a) Hancock County;
(b) Harrison County; and
(c) Stone County.
SECTION 16. Section 9-5-29, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-29. (1) There shall be four (4) chancellors for the Eighth Chancery Court District.
(2) For purposes of appointment and election, 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."
(3) While there shall be no limitation whatsoever upon the powers and duties of said chancellors other than as cast upon them by the Constitution and laws of this state, the court in the Eighth Chancery Court District, 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.
SECTION 17. Section 9-5-31, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-31. (1) The Ninth Chancery Court District shall be comprised of the following counties:
(a) Humphreys County;
(b) Issaquena County;
(c) Sharkey County;
(d) Sunflower County;
(e) Warren County; and
(f) Washington County.
(2) The Ninth Chancery Court District shall be divided into three (3) subdistricts as follows:
(a) Subdistrict 9-1 shall consist of the following precincts in the following counties:
(i) Sunflower County: Indianola 3 North, Indianola 3 South, Ruleville, Boyer-Linn, Fairview-Hale, Rome, Sunflower Plantation, Drew and Ruleville North Precincts; and
(ii) Washington County: Buster Brown Community Center, Extension Building, Faith Lutheran Church, Brent Center, William Percy Library, American Legion, Metcalf City Hall, Elks Club, Leland Health Department Clinic, Leland Light and Water Plant and Greenville Industrial College Precincts.
(b) Subdistrict 9-2 shall consist of Humphreys County and the following precincts in the following counties:
(i) Sunflower County: Inverness, Indianola 1, Moorhead, Indianola 2 West, Indianola 2 East, Sunflower, Indianola 3 Northeast and Doddsville Precincts; and
(ii) Washington County: St. James Episcopal Church, Swiftwater Baptist Church, Glen Allan Health Clinic, Italian Club, Ward's Recreation Center, Avon Health Center, Arcola City Hall, Kapco Co., Hollandale City Hall, Darlove Baptist Church, Mangelardi Bourbon Store and Grace Methodist Church Precincts.
(c) Subdistrict 9-3 shall consist of Issaquena County, Sharkey County and Warren County.
SECTION 18. Section 9-5-33, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-33. There shall be three (3) chancellors for the Ninth Chancery Court District. One (1) chancellor shall be elected from each subdistrict.
SECTION 19. Section 9-5-35, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-35. The Tenth Chancery Court District shall be comprised of the following counties:
(a) Forrest County;
(b) Lamar County;
(c) Marion County;
(d) Pearl River County; and
(e) Perry County.
SECTION 20. Section 9-5-36, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-36. (1) There shall be four (4) chancellors for the Tenth Chancery Court District.
(2) For purposes of appointment and election, 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 and Place Four shall be a resident of any county in the district. The chancellor to fill Place Two shall be a resident of Lamar, Marion, Pearl River or Perry County. The chancellor to fill Place Three shall be a resident of Forrest County. Election of the four (4) offices of chancellor shall be by election to be held in every county within the Tenth Chancery Court District of Mississippi.
SECTION 21. Section 9-5-37, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-37. (1) The Eleventh Chancery Court District shall be comprised of the following counties:
(a) Holmes County;
(b) Leake County;
(c) Madison County; and
(d) Yazoo County.
(2) The Eleventh Chancery Court District shall be divided into two (2) subdistricts as follows:
(a) Subdistrict 11-1 shall consist of Holmes County, Yazoo County and Canton Precinct 4, Canton Precinct 5, Smith School, Magnolia Heights and Flora Precincts of Madison County;
(b) Subdistrict 11-2 shall consist of Leake County and Farmhaven, Madisonville, Trace Harbor, Canton Precinct 1, Canton Precinct 2, Canton Precinct 3, Canton Precinct 6, Cameron Street, Bear Creek, Madison, Ridgeland, Gluckstadt, Lorman/Cavalier, Virlilia, Cameron, Couparle, Camden and Sharon Precincts of Madison County.
SECTION 22. Section 9-5-38, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-38. There shall be two (2) chancellors for the Eleventh Chancery Court District. One (1) chancellor shall be elected from each subdistrict.
SECTION 23. Section 9-5-39, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-39. The Twelfth Chancery Court District shall be comprised of the following counties:
(a) Clarke County; and
(b) Lauderdale County.
SECTION 24. Section 9-5-40, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-40. (1) There shall be two (2) judges for the Twelfth Chancery Court District.
(2) For purposes of appointment and election, the two (2) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two."
SECTION 25. Section 9-5-41, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-41. (1) The Thirteenth Chancery Court District shall be comprised of the following counties:
(a) Covington County;
(b) Jefferson Davis County;
(c) Lawrence County;
(d) Simpson County; and
(e) Smith County.
(2) There shall be two (2) chancellors for the Thirteenth Chancery Court District. For purposes of appointment and election, the two (2) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two."
SECTION 26. Section 9-5-43, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-43. (1) The Fourteenth Chancery Court District shall be comprised of the following counties:
(a) Chickasaw County;
(b) Clay County;
(c) Lowndes County;
(d) Noxubee County;
(e) Oktibbeha County; and
(f) Webster County.
(2) The Fourteenth Chancery Court District shall be divided into three (3) subdistricts as follows:
(a) Subdistrict 14-1 shall consist of Chickasaw County, Webster County and the following precincts in Oktibbeha County: West Starkville, Adaton, North Longview, Self Creek, Double Springs, Northeast Starkville, East Starkville, North Starkville, Maben, South Starkville, South Longview, Craig Springs, Bradley, Center Grove and Sturgis Precincts.
(b) Subdistrict 14-2 shall consist of the following precincts in the following counties:
(i) Clay County: Vinton, East West Point, Siloam, Central West Point, South West Point and Cedar Bluff Precincts; and
(ii) Lowndes County: Caledonia, Steens A, Steens B, Caldwell, Stokes Beard B, Fairview, Sale, Rural Hill B, Lee High, Brandon, Franklin, Air Base A, Air Base B, Air Base C, Steens C, Rural Hill A, New Hope A, Mitchell, New Hope B, Union Academy A and University A Precincts.
(c) Subdistrict 14-3 shall consist of Noxubee County and the following precincts in the following counties:
(i) Clay County: North West Point, Union Star, Tibbee, Cairo, Caradine, Una, West West Point, Pheba and Pine Bluff Precincts;
(ii) Lowndes County: Stokes Beard A, Fair Grounds, Coleman, Plum Grove A, Crawford A, Hunt B, Hunt A, Union Academy B, University B, West Lowndes, Artesia, Mayhew, Crawford B, Crawford C, New Hope C and Plum Grove B Precincts; and
(iii) Oktibbeha County: Osborn, Hickory Grove, Bell Schoolhouse, Central Starkville, Gillespie Street Center, Sessums and Oktoc Precincts.
SECTION 27. Section 9-5-45, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-45. There shall be three (3) chancellors for the Fourteenth Chancery Court District. One (1) chancellor shall be elected from each subdistrict.
SECTION 28. Section 9-5-47, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-47. The Fifteenth Chancery Court District shall be comprised of the following counties:
(a) Copiah County; and
(b) Lincoln County.
SECTION 29. Section 9-5-49, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-49. The Sixteenth Chancery Court District shall be comprised of the following counties:
(a) George County;
(b) Greene County; and
(c) Jackson County.
SECTION 30. Section 9-5-50, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-50. (1) There shall be three (3) chancellors for the Sixteenth Chancery Court District.
(2) For the purposes of appointment and election, the three (3) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One," "Place Two" and "Place Three."
SECTION 31. Section 9-5-51, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-51. (1) The Seventeenth Chancery Court District shall be comprised of the following counties:
(a) Adams County;
(b) Claiborne County;
(c) Jefferson County; and
(d) Wilkinson County.
(2) The Seventeenth Chancery Court District shall be divided into two (2) subdistricts as follows:
(a) Subdistrict 17-1 shall consist of Claiborne County, Jefferson County, and the following precincts in Adams County: Maryland Heights, Palestine, Northside School, Thompson, Pine Ridge, Airport, Anchorage and Washington Precincts.
(b) Subdistrict 17-2 shall consist of Wilkinson County and the following precincts in Adams County: Courthouse, By-Pass Fire Station, Cloverdale, Bellemont, Carpenter No. 1, Duncan Park, Beau Pre, Kingston, Concord, Liberty Park, Morgantown and Oakland Precincts.
(3) There shall be two (2) chancellors for the Seventeenth Chancery Court District. One (1) chancellor shall be elected from each subdistrict.
SECTION 32. Section 9-5-53, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-53. The Eighteenth Chancery Court District shall be comprised of the following counties:
(a) Benton County;
(b) Calhoun County;
(c) Lafayette County;
(d) Marshall County; and
(e) Tippah County.
SECTION 33. Section 9-5-54, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-54. (1) There shall be two (2) chancellors for the Eighteenth Chancery Court District.
(2) For purposes of appointment and election, the two (2) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two."
SECTION 34. Section 9-5-55, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-55. The Nineteenth Chancery Court District shall be comprised of the following counties:
(a) Jones County; and
(b) Wayne County.
SECTION 35. Section 9-5-57, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-57. The Twentieth Chancery Court District shall be comprised of Rankin County.
SECTION 36. Section 9-5-58, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-58. There shall be two (2) chancellors for the Twentieth Chancery Court District. For purposes of appointment and election the two (2) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two."
SECTION 37. Section 9-7-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-7-1. A circuit judge
shall be elected for and from each circuit court district and * * * may hold court in
any other district with the consent of the judge thereof * * * when in their opinion the public interest may
require. The terms of all circuit judges hereafter elected shall begin on the
first day of January 1931, and their terms of office shall continue for
four (4) years. A circuit judge shall be a resident of the district in which
he or she serves but shall not be required to be a resident of a subdistrict if
the district is divided into subdistricts. Unless specifically provided
otherwise, the boundaries of the subdistricts described in this chapter shall
be the boundaries of the precincts as those boundaries are contained in the
Census Bureau's 2010 TIGER/Line Shapefiles released in November 2010.
SECTION 38. Section 9-7-3, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-7-3. (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. * * * of The Mississippi Bar. In the event that 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.
SECTION 39. Section 9-7-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-5. The First Circuit Court District shall be comprised of the following counties:
(a) Alcorn County;
(b) Itawamba County;
(c) Lee County;
(d) Monroe County;
(e) Pontotoc County;
(f) Prentiss County; and
(g) Tishomingo County.
SECTION 40. Section 9-7-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-7. (1) There shall be four (4) judges for the First Circuit Court District.
(2) For purposes of appointment and election, 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 shall be a resident of Alcorn, Prentiss or Tishomingo County. The judges to fill Place Two and Place Three shall be a resident of Itawamba, Lee, Monroe or Pontotoc County. The judge to fill Place Four shall 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.
SECTION 41. Section 9-7-9, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-9. The Second Circuit Court District shall be comprised of the following counties:
(a) Hancock County;
(b) Harrison County; and
(c) Stone County.
SECTION 42. Section 9-7-11, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-11. (1) There shall be four (4) circuit judges for the Second Circuit Court District.
(2) For the purposes of appointment and election 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."
SECTION 43. Section 9-7-13, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-13. The Third Circuit Court District shall be comprised of the following counties:
(a) Benton County;
(b) Calhoun County;
(c) Chickasaw County;
(d) Lafayette County;
(e) Marshall County;
(f) Tippah County; and
(g) Union County.
SECTION 44. Section 9-7-14, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-14. (1) There shall be three (3) circuit judges for the Third Circuit Court District.
(2) For purposes of
appointment and election, 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" shall be a resident of Calhoun, Chickasaw,
Lafayette or Union * * *
County. The judge to fill "Place Two" shall be a resident of
Benton, Marshall or Tippah County. The judge to fill "Place Three"
shall be a resident of any county in the district.
SECTION 45. Section 9-7-15, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-15. (1) The Fourth Circuit Court District shall be composed of the following counties:
(a) Leflore County;
(b) Sunflower County; and
(c) Washington County.
(2) The Fourth Circuit Court District shall be divided into four (4) subdistricts as follows:
(a) Subdistrict 4-1 shall consist of the following precincts in the following counties:
(i) Leflore County: Minter City, North Greenwood, Money, Northeast Greenwood, Schlater, West Greenwood, Mississippi Valley State University and Southeast Greenwood Precincts; and
(ii) Sunflower County: Ruleville, Rome, Sunflower Plantation, Drew, Doddsville, Boyer-Linn, Fairview-Hale and Ruleville North Precincts.
(b) Subdistrict 4-2 shall consist of the following precincts in the following counties:
(i) Sunflower County: Indianola 1, Sunflower, Indianola 3 North, Indianola 3 South and Indianola 3 Northeast Precincts; and
(ii) Washington County: Extension Building, Faith Lutheran Church, American Legion, Metcalfe City Hall, Elks Club, Leland Health Department Clinic, Leland Light and Water Plant and Greenville Industrial College Precincts.
(c) Subdistrict 4-3 shall consist of the following precincts in the following counties:
(i) Leflore County: East Greenwood Sub-A, East Greenwood Sub-B, Central Greenwood, North Itta Bena, South Itta Bena, Southwest Greenwood, Rising Sun, Sidon, Morgan City, Swiftown and South Greenwood Precincts;
(ii) Sunflower County: Moorhead, Inverness, Indianola 2 West and Indianola 2 East Precincts; and
(iii) Washington County: Arcola City Hall, Hollandale City Hall, Darlove Baptist Church and Mangelardi Bourbon Store Precincts.
(d) Subdistrict 4-4 shall consist of the following precincts in Washington County: St. James Episcopal Church, Swiftwater Baptist Church, Glen Allan Health Clinic, Italian Club, Ward's Recreation Center, Buster Brown Community Center, Avon Health Center, Kapco Company, Brent Center, William Percy Library and Grace Methodist Church Precincts.
(3) The local contributions required for the maintenance of the Fourth Circuit Court District shall be paid on a pro rata basis each by Leflore, Sunflower and Washington Counties.
SECTION 46. Section 9-7-17, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-17. There shall be four (4) circuit judges for the Fourth Circuit Court District. One (1) circuit judge shall be elected from each subdistrict.
SECTION 47. Section 9-7-19, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-19. The Fifth Circuit Court District shall be comprised 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.
SECTION 48. Section 9-7-21, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-21. (1) The Sixth Circuit Court District shall be comprised of the following counties:
(a) Adams County;
(b) Amite County;
(c) Franklin County; and
(d) Wilkinson County.
(2) The Sixth Circuit Court District shall be divided into two (2) subdistricts as follows:
(a) Subdistrict 6-1 shall consist of Wilkinson County and the following precincts in the following counties:
(i) Adams County: Courthouse, By-Pass Fire Station, Cloverdale, Carpenter No. 1, Concord, Maryland Heights, Northside School, Thompson, Pine Ridge, Airport and Anchorage Precincts; and
(ii) Amite County: Gloster, Ariel, Homochitto, Crosby, East Centreville, Street and Berwick Precincts.
(b) Subdistrict 6-2 shall consist of Franklin County, all of Amite County except Gloster, Ariel, Homochitto, Crosby, East Centreville, Street and Berwick Precincts and the following precincts in Adams County: Bellemont, Duncan Park, Beau Pre, Kingston, Liberty Park, Palestine, Morgantown, Oakland and Washington Precincts.
(3) There shall be two (2) circuit judges for the Sixth Circuit Court District. One (1) judge shall be elected from each subdistrict.
SECTION 49. Section 9-7-23, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-23. (1) The Seventh Circuit Court District shall be comprised of 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: Precincts 33, 34, 35, 36, 44, 45, 46, 78, 79, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 92, 93, 96, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 32, 47 and 97.
(b) Subdistrict 7-2 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: Precincts 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 85, Brownsville, Cynthia, Pocahontas and Tinnin Precincts.
(c) Subdistrict 7-3 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: Precincts 21, 22, 25, 31, 86, 58, 59, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 89, 24, 26, 54, 55, 56, 57, 60, 61, 62, 18, 19, 20, 50, 51, 52, 53, 63 and 64.
(d) Subdistrict 7-4 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: Precincts 94, 95, 87, 88, 90 and 91, Bolton, Edwards, Pine Haven, Utica 1, Utica 2, Byram, Cayuga, Learned, Clinton 1, Clinton 2, Clinton 3, Clinton 4, Clinton 5, Clinton 6, Raymond 1, Raymond 2, Spring Ridge, St. Thomas, Old Byram, Terry, Chapel Hill and Dry Grove Precincts.
SECTION 50. Section 9-7-25, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-25. (1) There shall be four (4) circuit judges for the Seventh Circuit Court District. One (1) judge shall be elected from each subdistrict.
(2) While there shall be no limitation whatsoever upon the powers and duties of the said judges 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 circuit judge, may be divided into civil and criminal divisions as a matter of convenience, by the entry of an order upon the minutes of the court.
SECTION 51. Section 9-7-27, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-27. (1) The Eighth Circuit Court District shall be comprised of the following counties:
(a) Leake County;
(b) Neshoba County;
(c) Newton County; and
(d) Scott County.
(2) There shall be two (2) judges for the Eighth Circuit Court District. The initial term for the second judgeship created under this section shall begin on the effective date of Laws, 1997, Ch. 378, and shall end at the same time as for circuit judges generally.
(3) For purposes of appointment and election, the two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two."
SECTION 52. Section 9-7-29, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-29. (1) The Ninth Circuit Court District shall be comprised of the following counties:
(a) Issaquena County;
(b) Sharkey County; and
(c) Warren County.
(2) The Ninth Circuit Court District shall be divided into two (2) subdistricts as follows:
(a) Subdistrict 9-1 shall consist of Issaquena County, Sharkey County and the following precincts in Warren County: St. Aloysius, Kings, Cedar Grove, Waltersville, Auditorium, Brunswick, Vicksburg Junior High School and American Legion Precincts.
(b) Subdistrict 9-2 shall consist of the following precincts in Warren County: Oak Ridge, Bovina, Culkin, Redwood, Number 7 Firestation, Jett, Elks Lodge, Goodrum, Yokena, Plumbers Hall, Y.M.C.A., Moose Lodge and Tingleville Precincts.
SECTION 53. Section 9-7-30, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-30. There shall be two (2) judges for the Ninth Circuit Court District. One (1) judge shall be elected from each subdistrict.
SECTION 54. Section 9-7-31, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-31. The Tenth Circuit Court District shall be comprised of the following counties:
(a) Clarke County;
(b) Kemper County;
(c) Lauderdale County; and
(d) Wayne County.
SECTION 55. Section 9-7-32, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-32. (1) There shall be two (2) judges for the Tenth Circuit Court District.
(2) For purposes of appointment and election, the two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two."
SECTION 56. Section 9-7-33, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-33. (1) The Eleventh Circuit Court District shall be comprised of the following counties:
(a) Bolivar County;
(b) Coahoma County;
(c) Quitman County; and
(d) Tunica County.
(2) The Eleventh Circuit Court District shall be divided into three (3) subdistricts as follows:
(a) Subdistrict 11-1 shall consist of the following precincts from the following counties:
(i) Bolivar County: Gunnison, Rosedale, Pace, Benoit, Scott, East-Central Cleveland, Cleveland Courthouse, Central Cleveland, West Cleveland, Longshot, North Cleveland, Skene, Shaw, Boyle and Stringtown Precincts; and
(ii) Coahoma County: Sherard, Clarksdale 2-4, Rena Lara, and Bobo Precincts.
(b) Subdistrict 11-2 shall consist of the following precincts from the following counties:
(i) Bolivar County: Alligator-Duncan, Shelby, Mound Bayou, Winstonville, Merigold, and East Cleveland Precincts;
(ii) Coahoma County: Clarksdale 4-2, Mattson, Clarksdale 3-3, Cagle Crossing and Roundway Precincts; and
(iii) Quitman County: North Marks, West Marks, Sabino, West Lambert, Lambert, and Mattie Precincts.
(c) Subdistricts 11-3 shall consist of Tunica County and the following precincts in the following counties:
(i) Coahoma County: Lula, Farrell, Friars Point, Lyon, Clarksdale 1-4, Clarksdale 1-4A, Clarksdale 1-4B, Clarksdale 1-4C, Clarksdale 1-4D, Clarksdale 1-4E, Clarksdale 1-4F, Clarksdale 2-4A, Clarksdale 2-4B, Clarksdale 2-4C, Clarksdale 3-3A, Clarksdale 3-3B, Clarksdale 3-3C, Clarksdale 3-3D, Clarksdale 3-3E, Clarksdale 3-3F, Clarksdale 4-2A, Clarksdale 5-4, Clarksdale 5-4A, Clarksdale 5-4B, Coahoma and Jonestown Precincts; and
(ii) Quitman County: Crenshaw, Sledge, Birdie Darling, Belen, Marks, and Crowder Precincts.
SECTION 57. Section 9-7-34, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-34. There shall be three (3) judges for the Eleventh Circuit Court District. One (1) judge shall be elected from each subdistrict.
SECTION 58. Section 9-7-35, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-35. The Twelfth Circuit Court District shall be comprised of the following counties:
(a) Forrest County; and
(b) Perry County.
SECTION 59. Section 9-7-37, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-37. The Thirteenth Circuit Court District shall be comprised of the following counties:
(a) Covington County;
(b) Jasper County;
(c) Simpson County; and
(d) Smith County.
SECTION 60. Section 9-7-39, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-39. (1) The Fourteenth Circuit Court District shall be comprised of the following counties:
(a) Lincoln County;
(b) Pike County; and
(c) Walthall County.
(2) (a) There shall be two (2) judges for the Fourteenth Circuit Court District.
(b) For purposes of appointment and election, the two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two."
SECTION 61. Section 9-7-41, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-41. The Fifteenth Circuit Court District shall be comprised of the following counties:
(a) Jefferson Davis County;
(b) Lamar County;
(c) Lawrence County;
(d) Marion County; and
(e) Pearl River County.
SECTION 62. Section 9-7-42, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-42. (1) There shall be two (2) judges for the Fifteenth Circuit Court District.
(2) For purposes of appointment and election, the two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two."
SECTION 63. Section 9-7-43, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-43. The Sixteenth Circuit Court District shall be comprised of the following counties:
(a) Clay County;
(b) Lowndes County;
(c) Noxubee County; and
(d) Oktibbeha County.
SECTION 64. Section 9-7-44, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-44. (1) There shall be three (3) judges for the Sixteenth Circuit Court District.
(2) For purposes of appointment and election, 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 shall be a resident of Lowndes County. The judge to fill Place Two shall be a resident of Oktibbeha County. The judge to fill Place Three shall 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.
SECTION 65. Section 9-7-45, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-45. The Seventeenth Circuit Court District shall be divided into two (2) subdistricts as follows:
(a) Subdistrict 17-1 shall consist of DeSoto County; and
(b) Subdistrict 17-2 shall consist of Panola County, Tallahatchie County, Tate County and Yalobusha County.
SECTION 66. Section 9-7-46, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-46. (1) There shall be four (4) circuit judges for the Seventeenth Circuit Court District.
(2) For the purpose of appointment and election, the four (4) judgeships shall be separate and distinct, and one (1) judge shall be elected from Subdistrict 17-1, two (2) judges shall be elected from Subdistrict 17-2, and one (1) judge shall be elected from every county in the district. The two (2) judgeships in Subdistrict 17-2 shall be denominated as "Place One" and "Place Two," the judgeship in Subdistrict 17-1 shall be denominated as "Place Three," and the at-large judgeship shall be denominated as "Place Four."
SECTION 67. Section 9-7-47, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-47. The Eighteenth Circuit Court District shall be Jones County.
SECTION 68. Section 9-7-49, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-49. (1) The Nineteenth Circuit Court District shall be comprised 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.
SECTION 69. Section 9-7-51, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-51. (1) There shall be three (3) circuit judges for the Nineteenth Circuit Court District. For the purposes of appointment and election, 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."
(2) The senior judge of the Nineteenth Circuit Court District may divide the court of any county within the district into civil, criminal and appellate court divisions as a matter of convenience by the entry of an order upon the minutes of the court.
SECTION 70. Section 9-7-53, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-53. The Twentieth Circuit Court District shall be comprised of the following counties:
(a) Madison County; and
(b) Rankin County.
SECTION 71. Section 9-7-54, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-54. (1) There shall be two (2) judges for the Twentieth Circuit Court District.
(2) For purposes of appointment and election, the two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two."
SECTION 72. Section 9-7-55, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-55. The Twenty-first Circuit Court District shall be comprised of the following counties:
(a) Holmes County;
(b) Humphreys County; and
(c) Yazoo County.
SECTION 73. Section 9-7-57, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-57. The Twenty-second Circuit Court District shall be comprised of the following counties:
(a) Claiborne County;
(b) Copiah County; and
(c) Jefferson County.
SECTION 74. The boundaries of the subdistricts described in this act shall be the boundaries of the precincts as those boundaries are contained in the Census Bureau's 2010 TIGER/Line Shapefiles released in November 2010. Partial or split precincts are identified by an asterisk (*).
SECTION 75. The Standing Joint Legislature Committee on Reapportionment is directed to provide the counties all information necessary to assist the counties in identifying the boundaries of any subdistricts created or amended in this act.
SECTION 76. Candidates for chancellorships and judgeships of chancery and circuit court districts that are altered effective January 1, 2019, shall qualify for candidacy and run for election in the judicial elections of November 2018 as is provided by Sections 23-15-974 through 23-15-985 (Nonpartisan Judicial Election Act) according to the district boundaries as they will be effective on January 1, 2019.
SECTION 77. Candidates for new chancellorships and circuit judgeships created by this act for a three-year term to begin January 1, 2016, shall run for those offices in a special election to be conducted in conjunction with the general election of November 2015. Candidates shall file intent to be a candidate not later than 5:00 p.m. on June 1, 2015, and otherwise shall qualify as provided by Section 23-15-977, and shall run for office and be elected as provided in Sections 23-15-974 through 23-15-985 (Nonpartisan Judicial Election Act).
SECTION 78. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.