MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Judiciary B

By: Representative Moak

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 19-23-21, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE COUNTIES WITH COUNTY COURTS TO HAVE ASSISTANT COUNTY ATTORNEYS; TO REQUIRE ATTENDANCE IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS IN JUSTICE COURT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 19-23-21, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

19-23-21. The county attorney of any county having a county court may appoint an assistant county attorney from the judicial district in which the county attorney * * * resides, to serve as assistant county attorney; the assistant county attorney shall receive the same salary, mileage expense account and secretarial assistance as provided by law for the county attorney and shall have the same duties and powers as the county attorney, subject to the direction of the county attorney, and shall attend justice court and represent the state in all criminal cases filed with the justice courts. Each county attorney or his assistant shall attend justice court in every criminal case filed in justice court.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.