CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals begins its next term on Tuesday.
The Court has four cases on its argument docket for its opening day with five more cases set for oral arguments on Wednesday.
Former state lawmaker Bill Wooton will hear his first arguments as a member of the Court. He was sworn-in recently to a 12-year term.
During an appearance last month on MetroNews “Talkline,” Wooton said his experience as a lawmaker should help him on the bench.
“That kind of preparation helps you understand when people come before you with appeals, you have a basic understanding of how to examine facts of the case and apply the law to it,” Wooton said.
Wooton was elected last June.
Justice Evan Jenkins is the chief justice of the Court for 2021. Jenkins said he has several goals for the year.
“The judicial system has to be above the fray. When we lose the public’s confidence, we’ve got trouble as a civil society. We want to bring accountability, transparency to make sure the problems never happen like in the past,” Jenkins said during a recent appearance on “Talkline.”
Jenkins and Wooton will serve with justices John Hutchison, Beth Walker and Tim Armstead.
The new term of court will end in May.