MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2003 Regular Session

To: Judiciary A

By: Representative Eads, Pierce, Warren

House Bill 853

(As Passed the House)

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 11-1-56, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE ASSIGNMENT OF JUDGES IN CIVIL ACTIONS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

     SECTION 1.  Section 11-1-56, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     11-1-56.  Civil actions in circuit * * * and county court shall not be assigned to a judge until at least one (1) defendant has filed a responsive pleading.  However, any necessary preliminary matters may be decided by a judge on a separate rotating basis before assignment of the action to a particular judge.  The provisions of this section shall not apply to a court district which has a rotation system.

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