Justice John Hutchison is making a return to the state Supreme Court.
Hutchison is returning as a senior status justice to temporarily fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court following the death of Justice Tim Armstead, Chief Justice Bill Wooton announced.
“I am grateful for Justice Hutchison’s willingness to return and serve on the Court as we navigate this difficult time,” Wooton said in the announcement.
“While we mourn the loss of Justice Armstead, we know Tim would want to see the work of this Court and its service to the people of our state continue with as little interruption as possible.
Hutchison was first appointed to the Supreme Court by Gov. Jim Justice in December 2018 and later was elected in 2020 to a term that ended last Dec. 31. He served as chief justice in 2022.
“Justice Hutchison served this Court admirably for six years before his retirement at the end of 2024, and there’s no one I trust more to be able to quickly step in and serve as the Court begins its fall term and argument docket this month,” Wooton said.
Hutchison was a circuit court judge in the Tenth Judicial Circuit, which covers Raleigh County, from 1995 until his appointment to the Supreme Court in 2018. Following his retirement, he became a senior status justice and continued to serve on the Mass Litigation Panel.
“Tim Armstead was a dedicated public servant and treasured colleague of mine for many years,” Hutchison said.
“While this is a difficult time of transition, I thank Chief Justice Wooton for this opportunity to honor Tim’s legacy by ensuring this Court continues the diligent, thoughtful and deliberate service to the people that was a hallmark of Tim’s time on the bench.”
Hutchison will continue to serve on the Supreme Court by temporary assignment until a new justice is appointed by Gov. Patrick Morrisey to fill Justice Armstead’s vacancy.
The Supreme Court will begin holding oral arguments as part of its fall term on Sept. 16.