Mississippi Accused of Violating Rights with Judge Appointments
Civil rights groups have filed a lawsuit against Mississippi, claiming that the state's new law requiring some judges to be appointed instead of elected violates the state's constitution. The law was passed by the Republican-controlled state House and Senate, despite objections from most Jackson lawmakers and many local residents. The lawsuit argues that the requirement for appointed judges is a "blatant power grab" that undermines the state's democracy and silences voters. The NAACP also filed a separate lawsuit on Friday, claiming that "separate and unequal policing" will return Jackson under a state-run police department.