Judge to Weigh Ending Mississippi Foster Care Oversight
A January 25 hearing in Jackson will decide whether the state's child welfare system still needs federal monitoring.
Mississippi Criminal Justice News
For readers in Mississippi, this page covers court proceedings, sentencing trends, prison operations, prosecution policies and reform legislation. Reporting follows the state legal system and the administration of justice across all jurisdictions.
Recent news
November 5, 2026
Thompson Wins New 18th District Circuit JudgeshipJones County District Attorney Brad Thompson won election to a new four-county circuit court seat that replaces retiring judge Dal Williamson.
November 3, 2026
Court Overturns Yazoo Murder Conviction, Orders New TrialMississippi's appellate court found the trial judge wrongly denied a valid juror strike in the case of Dexter White.
November 3, 2026
Mississippi Court Upholds Michigan Judgment Against BusinessThe Mississippi Supreme Court affirmed that a Michigan judgment over unfulfilled furniture orders can be enforced in the state.
October 27, 2026
Judge Sets Sentencing Timeline for Nancy and Zach NewThe Mississippi judge ordered a state correctional screening for the two defendants following their 2022 guilty pleas.
October 22, 2026
Appeals Court Reassigns Case After AI ErrorsThe Fifth Circuit removed Judge Henry Wingate from a case involving Mississippi's diversity program funding law.
October 16, 2026
Mississippi Supreme Court Upholds Howard Life SentencesThe court rejected an appeal from Tony Howard Jr. following his conviction on multiple felony charges in Jackson County.
October 16, 2026
Mississippi Lawmakers Scrutinize Inmate HealthcareState officials held a committee hearing to examine medical care services provided to inmates in Mississippi correctional facilities.
October 15, 2026
Lisa Jo Chamberlin Files Motion in Death Penalty CaseThe death row inmate is seeking a new trial, citing academic research that alleges gender bias influenced her jury.
October 8, 2026
Mississippi Court Denied Chamberlin RehearingThe state's high court declined to reconsider the dismissal of a petition from the only woman on death row.
October 7, 2026
Curtis Flowers Died at Age 56Curtis Flowers, who faced six murder trials before being exonerated, has died in Mississippi.
More in Criminal Justice
Mississippi reporting spans state court rulings, correctional facility oversight, legislative changes to the penal code and prosecutorial charging policies. It reaches from the capital to the rural counties where local administration meets state standards. Prison capacity and the shifting application of mandatory minimum sentences create consistent patterns in the coverage. Legislative sessions drive much of the recent activity as the state evaluates adjustments to how it handles cases and custody.