Mississippi Advisory Opinions September 20, 1982: 19820920 (September 20, 1982)

Advisory Opinion Text

Honorable H. R. Varnado, Jr.

Attorney

Board of Supervisors

Humphreys County

Post Office Drawer 634

Belzoni, Mississippi 39038

Re: Judges To Be Elected From District in 1983

Dear Mr. Varnado:

Attorney General Bill Allain has received your letter of September 14, 1982, and has assigned it to the undersigned for research and reply. In your letter you state:

“As you know, the Mississippi statutes provide that in the future there must be two (2) justice of the peace districts in a county the size of Humphreys. Section 9-11-2, Mississippi Code of 1972, provides that each justice of the peace be elected by the voters of that district and must be residents of the county. Neither the statute, nor Section 171 of the Mississippi Constitution, provide that the justice of the peace must reside in the district for which he offers. It would be appreciated if you would advise whether or not it is your understanding of the law that the justice of the peace must be a resident of the district for which he runs, as well as a resident of the county. This letter is being written as attorney for the board of supervisors at the request of the supervisors.”

In response to your question, please find enclosed a copy of an opinion addressed to the Honorable W. B. Meek, dated September 3, 1982, concerning justice court elections.

Very truly yours,

Bill Allain, Attorney General.