Ring the Bell: Reviving an Old Tradition

Beginning Monday, May 3rd, Circuit Judge Bobby DeLaughter will revive the old tradition of ringing the courthouse bell to let townspeople know that court is in session. Back in the days when state judges rode the circuit (hence the term "circuit" judge) from county to county in their district, it was a common practice to ring the courthouse bell, announcing the judge's arrival in town, signaling that the term of court was beginning, and beckoning all who had business with the court to come and be heard.

Judge DeLaughter has already increased the number of circuit court terms for Hinds County's Second Judicial District, which means that he will be presiding over circuit court cases in the

Circuit Judge Bobby DeLaughter

Raymond Courthouse every other month, alternating with an equal number of terms for the First Judicial District in Jackson. DeLaughter says that he will resurrect the practice of ringing the courthouse bell on the first morning of each term of court in Raymond as a reminder of his commitment to keep court operating in the historic courthouse and his commitment to continue restoration improvements inside the building.

The Hinds County Board of Supervisors has authorized funds to match a grant from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, but those funds may only be used for exterior restoration. Meanwhile, Judge DeLaughter and his wife, Peggy, have renovated the judge's chambers, bench, and other areas in the courtroom. The couple did much of the work, themselves, on weekends and in the evenings, but also received much needed help as well.

"I want to thank Sheriff Malcolm McMillin and Col. Dan Smith for their support and cooperation in providing trustees to do some of the physical work that I'm just too old to do," the judge said. Credit also needs to be given to Percy Fulgam and Gavin "Cootie" Davis of Hinds Community College for assistance in restoring the judge's bench, as well as Pickens Hardwood in Clinton and Scanlon-Taylor Millworks in Jackson.

"It's been a labor of love, and I'm not through by a long shot," DeLaughter promises. "So when that bell is heard on the first Monday morning of May and every other month after that, that will be my assurance to the people of this district that I'm remembering and keeping that promise," the judge explained.