New and returning Mississippi Supreme Court Justices and Court of Appeals Judges took their oaths of office on January 6 in ceremonies that underscored the judiciary’s critical role in upholding the rule of law.

Governor Tate Reeves commended the justices and judges, describing the occasion as a defining career moment. “The role you play on the Mississippi Supreme Court and Court of Appeals is integral to our success as a state,” Reeves said.

Supreme Court Justices taking their oaths included Justice Jenifer B. Branning of Philadelphia and Justice David P. Sullivan of Biloxi, beginning their judicial service. Presiding Justice Josiah D. Coleman of Ackerman, now the third-longest-serving justice, was sworn into leadership. Justice James D. Maxwell II of Oxford and Justice Robert P. Chamberlin of Hernando, unopposed for re-election, also took oaths for new terms.

Governor Reeves emphasized the judiciary’s responsibility to interpret laws as written without bias or personal agenda. He also highlighted the foundational principle of “Equal Justice Under Law,” which underpins the U.S. legal system.

Chief Justice Mike Randolph, who administered the oaths, remarked on the unique duties of the judiciary. “The judicial oath is unlike any other, reflecting the commitment to equal justice and impartial service,” he said.

Justice Branning, the fifth woman to serve on the Mississippi Supreme Court, brings legislative and executive experience as a former State Senator and staffer in the Secretary of State’s office. Justice Sullivan continues a family legacy, following in the footsteps of his late father, Presiding Justice Michael Sullivan, who served on the court from 1984 to 2000.

In a separate afternoon ceremony, Court of Appeals Chief Judge Donna Barnes administered oaths to new Judge Amy Lassitter St. Pe’ of Pascagoula, Presiding Judge Jack L. Wilson of Madison, and Judge Latrice A. Westbrooks of Lexington.

Chief Judge Barnes reflected on the significance of the judicial oath, saying, “It’s more than a job—it’s a commitment to integrity and service for the good of society.”

Judge St. Pe’ expressed gratitude to outgoing Judge Joel Smith, who lent her his robe for the ceremony. Her father, Bennie Lassiter, helped her don the robe. “He taught me that the path to success is hard work,” she said.

Presiding Judge Wilson, an eight-year court veteran, called his role “the best job imaginable in the legal profession.” Judge Westbrooks, re-elected to represent District 2, recalled her late grandmother witnessing her first swearing-in, her voice filled with emotion.

The ceremonies coincided with the 30th anniversary of the Court of Appeals, which began hearing cases in 1995. A panel discussion and reception will mark the milestone on January 9 at the Gartin Justice Building in Jackson, featuring prominent jurists, including Chief Judge Barnes, Presiding Justice King, and Fifth Circuit Judge Leslie Southwick.