Justice Carlson to leave Mississippi Supreme Court

November 15, 2011

Mississippi: On November 14, Presiding Judge George Carlson, of the Mississippi Supreme Court, announced that he would retire at the end of his term in January of 2013. The veteran judge is 65 years old and has served on the Supreme Court since Nov. 1, 2001. Prior to that, he spent 19 years as a circuit judge in the 17th Judicial District for a total of 30 years in judicial office. Since January 5, 2009, he has served in the leadership role of presiding justice of the Supreme Court.

Judge Carlson stated, "I feel the Lord has blessed me with good health and the wisdom to realize that it is time to go home to Batesville and enjoy my family in retirement." Chief Justice Bill Waller, Jr. had high praises for his colleague, calling him a "tireless public servant whose life is characterized by hard work, attention to detail, fairness and collegiality."

Carlson explained that he still loved the job and his retirement was not the result of dissatisfaction. He explained that he timed the announcement to come after the 2011 General Election, but in time for potential candidates to discuss the matter with their families over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Once he leaves the bench, residents of Batesville are still likely to find him around his hometown, serving as elder for the Presbyterian Church or as radio announcer for the South Panola Tigers, his high school alma mater.