CHARLESTON, W.Va. —A year since taking office, Supreme Court Justice John Hutchison is gearing up for the chance to stay on the state’s highest court.
Hutchison, who was sworn in last January, replaced Allen Loughry, who was convicted on multiple counts of fraud before resigning. Hutchison served on the Raleigh County Circuit Court before taking his latest position.
“When you get up here, you recognize that sometimes circuit judges and litigants in cases — whether it be a family case, criminal case or civil case — you recognize that they’re out there trying to be advocates and they’re trying to get the right thing done. The judge is trying to serve as a referee in that process,” he said. “On the Supreme Court, you have to take a look at it and say did they generally get it right (and ) did they get a fair trial.”
Hutchison served 15 years as a private practice attorney and 24 years on the circuit court. Then-Gov. Gaston Caperton appointed Hutchison to the bench in 1995, which was followed by successful elections from 1996 through 2016.
Hutchison said he prides himself on being fair and prepared.
“We can’t take positions on issues that are out there because those issues may come in front of us,” he said.
“I used to joke and say that judges can say, ‘I’m a nice guy and I work hard, please vote for me,'” he added. “To make a decision as to who will be an appropriate person to elect, you have to look at their experience. I think that’s the thing that I have that I bring to this seat.”
Justices Tim Armstead and Margaret Workman’s terms are also set to expire this year. The judicial seats will be decided in the May 12 primary election.