Louisiana Supreme Court internally decides next Chief Justice
October 17, 2012
Louisiana: After four months, accusations of civil rights violations and lawsuits, the Louisiana Supreme Court has unanimously decided that Justice Bernette Johnson should succeed Chief Justice Kitty Kimball upon retirement in December. Johnson will be the first African-American to serve in this position in the state.[1]
Following Chief Justice Kimball's retirement announcement, the debate over the seniority of Justice Johnson and Jeffrey Victory began. Because Johnson was appointed to the court to serve in a temporary position, Justice Victory argued that her service did not count towards seniority, so he was actually the longest serving member of the court. In the unanimous ruling yesterday, the court said, "Both election and appointment are described by the constitution as legitimate methods to commence service on this court."[1] Three justices were from the Louisiana Courts of Appeal were appointed as special justices to hear the case, after Johnson, Victory and Jeannette Theriot Knoll recused.
To read more on the background of this case, see:
- Federal judge rules in favor of Johnson for chief justice, September 5, 2012
- Chief Justice succession controversy in Louisiana now includes lawsuit, July 10, 2012
- Successor for Chief Justice Kimball an issue in Louisiana, June 15, 2012
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