About the Mississippi Judicial College

The Mississippi Judicial College, a division of the University of Mississippi Law Center, was founded in 1970 by the late Judge Noah S. "Soggy" Sweat, Jr. Through the efforts of Judge Sweat, the Judicial College began its existence as the first full-time state judicial education program in the nation, with a modest grant of $90,000 and a part-time staff. The Judicial College has evolved into a respected integral part of the University of Mississippi School of Law and is now supported with more than one million dollars funded annually through the State Court Education Fund. At present the Judicial College has a staff of nine with additional part-time help as needed.

1) The education and training of Mississippi's court-related personnel, including some 2,800 judges, court administrators, court clerks, court reporters, special attorneys, and juvenile justice professionals;
2) The technical assistance to the courts of Mississippi, including publications, research and support of projects to improve the administration of justice; and
3) The supply of current and accurate information to the Mississippi Legislature concerning the needs of the courts.

Now in its 38th year of service, the Judicial College receives regular grant funding from the Governor's Office of Federal/State Programs through the Criminal Justice and Highway Safety Divisions. The Judicial College also regularly participates in grant-funded model projects on regional and national levels which include faculty training and substantive law topics. Communication with the entire state court system has enabled the Judicial College to recruit volunteers to participate in training programs, publications, and committees. These volunteers represent all segments of society including legal, educational and governmental positions, and their participation ensures a practical approach to the Judicial Colleges' mission.

MJC's Board of Governors - click here for a list

MJC's Constituent Advisory Committee - click here for a list