News, sports and entertainment for Richland Parish, La.

Stephens takes oath as appellate court judge

Judge James M. “Jimbo” Stephens was sworn in by Judge Terry Doughty as the new judge on the Second Circuit Court of Appeal Nov. 17 at the Richland Parish Courthouse in Rayville.
With his wife Faith at his side, Judge Stephens took the oath of office as his mother, Ruth Stephens, held the Bible.
December plans for a public swearing-in ceremony were changed when the Secretary of State notified Judge Stephens that he had to be sworn in by November 24, 2017. This created a conflict with the holidays, necessitating an earlier date.
A public event will be held after the first of the year at the Vantage Building, in Monroe, where Judge Stephens and Judge Moore maintain their Second Circuit division offices.
Judge Stephens was elected to the Appellate Court on Oct. 14, to fill the position vacated when Judge Larry Lolley retired. This division of the Second Circuit includes precincts in Ouachita, Morehouse and West Carroll, and all of Richland and Franklin parishes.

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