Graves
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - President Barack Obama has picked one of Mississippi's Supreme Court justices to take a place on a federal court of appeals.
If the Senate confirms the nomination, Justice James Graves would become the next member of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, located in New Orleans. He would replace Judge Rhesa Barksdale.
Graves has been on the Mississippi Supreme Court since 2001 and previously worked in the state Attorney General's Office.
"Throughout his career James E. Graves has shown unwavering integrity and an outstanding commitment to public service," Obama said.
Graves began his judicial career in 1991 when he was appointed to the Hinds County Circuit Court. He was re-elected to the post twice before joining the state Supreme Court.
Republican Gov. Haley Barbour can pick Graves' replacement if the nomination is approved.
From Legal Newsline: Reach John O'Brien by e-mail at jobrienwv@gmail.com.