Q: What do you think needs to be changed in the County Court system?

Walt Brown: The legislature recently increased the jurisdiction of the County Court to $200,000. Because of this significant change, I would encourage attorneys to file their claims in County Court. I would establish guidelines and rules in the County Court concerning scheduling orders to help move cases along. Early on in a case, I will set trial dates. I plan to be very accessible to attorneys who practice in County Court. If called upon, I will help facilitate agreeable dispositions of matters through settlement conferences. During this election, I have conferred with many attorneys who want to see a proactive County Court to move cases along expeditiously for the litigants. If elected, I plan to be very active on the County Court side.

Lamar Bullen: I will effectuate a process to clear the docket of old cases and expedite and move cases. The jury role needs to be cleaned once a year of felons and of the deceased, so the jury role will be accurate to pull jurors, and money will not be wasted sending out jury summons to felons and to the deceased. I will work with the jury commissioners to help insure a cleaner and more accurate jury pool to work from. Implementation of accurate electronic systems of tracking our felons and to access court files electronically from the bench is needed. I would work with Judge Blough our Natchez City Judge regarding cases appealed from City Court to County Court so the courts can work together and the cases will move efficiently. A voluntary alternative dispute resolution route should also be implemented.

Patricia Dunmore: I think county court is under-utilized. I believe that the circuit court judges can ease their docket overcrowding in criminal cases by allowing the county court judge to hear more cases. Occasionally, criminal defense lawyers will file motions to dismiss criminal cases due to the fact that the case has been on the docket for to long a period of time. I would be willing to assist Judges Johnson and Sanders in easing their overcrowded dockets. In addition, I would be willing to assist Judges Ward and Davis in any matters that the county court has concurrent jurisdiction of, including paternity and custody actions.

Brandi Lewis: As County Court Judge, I will work with the attorneys to persuade them to file all civil cases, under $200,000 in County Court. The filing of these matters in County Court will help alleviate some of the burden on Circuit Court. I would like for the County Court to be an active and accessible Court and as County Court Judge, I will do whatever is necessary to insure this occurs.

Scott Pintard: To my knowledge, there are not any changes that need to be made in the County Court other than some minor updating on equipment. The system in place runs smooth and efficient. I will look at all procedures and adjust any I believe will improve the current system.

Scott Slover: I believe the county court can be more active in regards to holding court and aiding in the overdue fines and unpaid bills to the county. In addition, I believe the majority of County Court can be held in the Juvenile Justice Center.  This frees up space in the Courthouse allowing for Justice Court to be held more comfortably in what is now the County Courtroom.  The current Justice Court could be upgraded to become an ancillary courtroom available to justice, circuit and chancery.