DuBose sworn in as circuit judge Friday
By Evan Carden

Jackson attorney Stuart Dubose was sworn in as circuit judge during a ceremony, Dec. 22, in the large courtroom of the Clarke County Courthouse in Grove Hill.

DuBose won the Democratic nomination in the June Primary and faced no opposition during the Nov. 7 General Election.

An introduction and opening invocation was presented by the Rev. Grady Goodman, minister of Round Hill Baptist Church in Thomasville.

Retiring Judge Harold Crow, who DuBose is replacing, administered the oath of office. Before doing so, he made a few comments to the nearly packed courtroom.

“A judge must be faithful, honest and patient, as well as listen to the law,” said Crow. “He must always do the right thing according to the law.”

Following his swearing in, DuBose put on his judge’s robe for the first time. “I’ve never been more humbled in my life,” he said. “No words can adequately express how I feel right now. I’ve been through many things and many campaigns. There are no easy words to describe this moment for me.”

DuBose then read a letter he sent to attorneys of the First Judicial Circuit, March 17, following his qualifying. In the letter, he said, “I have observed many things in my approximately 25 years’ experience. Ninety-nine percent of it has been right here in Choctaw, Clarke and Washington counties. I believe I have learned the right way and wrong way of doing or handling things. I want to be a facilitator, not an agitator or activist.

“As your judge, I want to be known as a friend of the lawyers in the circuit over which I will preside. I do not expect that everything will always be rosy with everyone all of the time. After all, we learn early that you cannot please all of the people all of the time. I am abundantly aware of the difficulties lawyers face in their dealings with clients, witnesses, cases and trial preparation. I do not want, neither do I intend, as your circuit judge, to make that any more difficult than it inherently is. Although, as is well established, ex parte conferences with judges are ethically prohibited, everyone who practices in this circuit, and I mean everyone, should know they have a friend in me in this job should voters choose to allow me the privilege of having it.”

Reader Comments

No comments have been posted. Be the first!

Other Stories With Comments:
Article	Comments
Taking Names and Keeping Score	1
Frances Nichols passes at 91	1
Bryant is a contestant in Ms. Senior Alabama Pageant	1
Dunagans to celebrate golden anniversary	1