MS SC621

Commends Mississippi Supreme Court Presiding Justice James E. Graves, Jr., for his confirmation on February 14, 2011, as Judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

Recognizes Graves as the first African-American Judge from Mississippi appointed to the Fifth Circuit Court, which has jurisdiction over federal district courts in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

Documents Graves' career progression from Central Mississippi Legal Services staff attorney (1980) to Circuit Court Judge in Hinds County (1991) to Mississippi Supreme Court Justice (2001).

Highlights his extensive teaching roles at Harvard Law School, Millsaps College, Tougaloo College, Jackson State University, and Syracuse University School of Law, along with numerous awards for judicial excellence and community service.

Directs that the resolution be presented to Justice Graves and forwarded to Mississippi's congressional delegation, the Mississippi Supreme Court, and the Capitol Press Corps.