MS SB2343

Raises the population threshold from 10,000 to 20,000 for municipalities required to appoint a municipal judge and prosecuting attorney

Municipalities with populations under 20,000 may choose whether to appoint a municipal judge or prosecuting attorney, or have the mayor serve as municipal judge without additional compensation

Municipal judges in cities over 20,000 must be qualified electors of the county and licensed attorneys; smaller cities may appoint licensed attorneys from the county or adjacent counties, or a justice court judge

Cities with populations over 50,000 may appoint up to five municipal judges who exercise equal authority regardless of other judges' presence

Mayors serving as municipal judges must complete a 12-hour training course through the Mississippi Judicial College (unless they are licensed attorneys)

Effective date: July 1, 2010