JUSTICE CARLSON PLANS TO STEP DOWN
November 15, 2011 § 2 Comments
Mississippi Supreme Court Presiding Justice George Carlson announced yesterday that he will step down when his term ends at the end of 2012. The vacancy created by his retirement is in the northern district.
Carlson, of Batesville, served for 19 years as a Circuit Judge in the 17th district. He was appointed by Governor Ronnie Musgrove to fill a vacancy on the Mississippi Supreme Court, and he has served on the high court for the last 11 years.
The justice said that he wants to spend more time with his family, alhough he continues to enjoy his work on the court.
He timed his announcement to allow time for careful consideration and planning for the campaign in the 33-county northern Supreme Court district.
His announcement at the Mississippi Judiciary web site is here. The Clarion-Ledger article, which mimes most of the official announcement instead of doing its own reporting, is here.
The Better Chancery Practice Blog 
That may be the best explanation yet for why Carlson is serving out his term and not allowing for an appointed successor to run from the bench.
I would not be surprised to see Steve Simpson get appointed before Bryant takes office.