By Staff
SUPREME COURT RACE Attorney William B. Carter, left, listens Tuesday to Mississippi Supreme Court Justice William L. "Bill" Waller Jr. talk about his re-election campaign during a stop in Meridian on the steps of the Lauderdale County Courthouse. Photo by Kyle Carter/The Meridian Star
By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
March 10, 2004
Mississippi Supreme Court Justice William L "Bill" Waller Jr. of Jackson kicked off his re-election campaign Tuesday on the steps of the Lauderdale County Courthouse.
Waller is currently unopposed in the Nov. 2 race for the Central District Post 1 seat on the state's high court; the deadline to qualify for judicial elections is May 7. If re-elected, Waller will serve as a presiding justice on the court.
Waller said he planned to visit all 22 counties in the Supreme Court Central District to announce his re-election bid. The justice was expected to visit Jackson and Greenville today.
Chief justice
Waller's announcement came one day after Supreme Court Chief Justice Edwin L. Pittman announced his retirement effective March 31. Justice Jim Smith of Brandon, who will have the most seniority on the court, is expected to take over as the next chief justice.
Waller said he contributed to several improvements in the court since he was first elected in 1996.
Other experience
Waller also advocated court reforms as chairman of the Rules Committee since 2001, including the adoption of rules promoting the settlement of cases through mediation.
He also cited as advancements requiring out-of-state attorneys to register with Mississippi if they practice in the state and allowing cameras in the courtroom.
Waller practiced law for 20 years with his father before becoming a Supreme Court justice.
He served 29 years in the Mississippi Army National Guard, rising to the rank of brigadier general. He is a graduate of Mississippi State University and received his law degree from the University of Mississippi.