Mississippi Supreme Court Invalidates Appointment of Unelected Judges in Jackson

The Mississippi Supreme Court has ruled that the state legislature's attempt to create four unelected special circuit court judges in Hinds County is unconstitutional. The court upheld the creation of a single inferior court in Jackson's Capitol Complex Improvement District. The justices agreed with resident plaintiffs' argument that the creation of these unelected judges violated the state's constitution, which requires circuit judges to be elected. However, the court emphasized that the chief justice has the authority to appoint temporary special judges in cases of emergencies or overcrowded dockets.