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September 2, 2021
The Mississippi Judiciary is collaborating with the Mississippi State Department of Health in a public health and safety awareness campaign regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thirteen trial and appellate judges from across the state spoke in videotaped testimonials about their efforts to keep the courts open while protecting public health. Each said they received the vaccine.
The testimonials will air in each judge’s local area on television and radio. Production and air time were paid for by the Department of Health.
Judges who gave testimonials include Hinds County Court Judge Carlyn Hicks of Jackson, Chancellor Tiffany Grove of Raymond, Chancellor Joseph Kilgore of Philadelphia, Chancellor Charles E. Smith of Meridian, Circuit Judge Stanley Sorey of Raleigh, Justice Dawn Beam of Sumrall, Justice Robert P. Chamberlin of Hernando, Court of Appeals Judge Anthony N. Lawrence III of Pascagoula, Court of Appeals Judge Deborah McDonald of Fayette, Chancellor Vincent Davis of Fayette, Chancellor Jacqueline Mask of Tupelo, Chancellor Bennie L. Richard of Greenville and Circuit Judge Kelly Luther of Ripley.
Chief Justice Mike Randolph said that all courts have a constitutional and statutory responsibility to remain open. The Chief Justice reimplemented safety guidelines for all state courts on Aug. 5.
Chief Justice Randolph asked for cooperation from the public to keep courts open and protect court officials, staff and those who have business there.
“We need the public’s help so we can safely do our jobs. We need the public’s help to protect our court system,” Chief Justice Randolph said.
Liz Sharlot, Director of Communications for the Mississippi State Department of Health, said, “We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with such fine individuals who were willing to give their time to produce these radio and TV spots. When Chief Justice Randolph approached me with the idea, I welcomed the unique opportunity to further reach out to Mississippians. The end product is exactly what we envisioned and will hopefully encourage others to get vaccinated.”
Judges shared their experiences. Some were personal, and painful.
Circuit Judge Stanley Sorey said that COVID claimed the lives of his wife, his sister-in-law and a friend and fellow judge. “Last October, I lost my wife of 27 years to COVID. This was before the vaccine was available.”
Lynn Sorey went by ambulance to a hospital on Labor Day 2020. She died Oct. 8. Her sister, Lisa Headrick of Raleigh, died Sept. 12, 2020, of COVID. Circuit Judge Eddie H. Bowen of Raleigh died Feb. 7 of complications from COVID.
Court of Appeals Judge Deborah McDonald said, “I am a COVID survivor. I had COVID last year in June, and I quarantined in my house alone for 17 days. Thank God I didn’t have to be hospitalized.”
Hinds County Judge Carlyn Hicks recalled the Aug. 4 death of Hinds County Sheriff Lee Vance. His death “was a monumental loss to Hinds County and the state of Mississippi,” she said. Sheriff Vance’s cause of death was cardiorespiratory failure as a result of COVID-19.
The courts must remain open despite the pandemic.
Youth Courts deal with abuse and neglect of children, and with youths who have committed delinquent acts. Judge Hicks said that Hinds County Youth Court utilizes technology to conduct virtual hearings to lessen the chance of exposure to the virus for those who are compelled to come to court.
Chancellor Tiffany Grove said Chancery Courts “touch some of the hardest times that a family will to through.” COVID has added to the issues heard in Chancery. At a recent guardianship clinic, there were “three families where the only parent those children had, died of COVID.” She said, “When people need access to the court system, we must be there to provide that access.”
Judge Sorey said, “It’s imperative that the courts remain open. For criminal cases, the right to a speedy trial is guaranteed. If the courts don’t remain open, that right is violated.”
Chancellor Charles Smith said, “The economy has to stay open. The government has to stay open. If people can’t get into the courtroom to seek justice, there is no justice….The wheels of justice have to turn. We are just one of the spokes.”
Chancellor Joseph Kilgore said issues such as child custody require immediate attention. “Those things just won’t wait.”
Judge Kilgore said, “I’m fully confident in our ability to rise to the occasion. We all know people who have been affected by this terrible disease. It’s going to take all of us pulling together to get through this.”
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