LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Legal Newsline) - Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Annabelle Clinton Imber will leave the high court this year, the governor's office said.
In a statement, Gov. Mike Beebe's office said Imber, who has been on the court since 1997, cited personal reasons for stepping down a year before her term ends.
"Annabelle Imber has always served as a thoughtful, deliberative and considerate judge," Beebe said. "I thank Justice Imber for her diligence in working to ensure equal justice under the law for the citizens of Arkansas."
Under state law, the governor will appoint a replacement to serve the remaining year of Imber's term. The appointee may then seek retention for a full term on the state Supreme Court.
Imber's departure will create a second vacancy on the court. Justice Tom Glaze is leaving the court for retirement.
She received her bachelor's degree from Smith College in 1971 and her juris doctorate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Law in 1977
Second Arkansas justice announces departure
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