Publications of the Mississippi Historical Society, Volume 02 (of 14), 1899

by Mississippi Historical Society

FEDERAL DISTRICT COURT.

The Act of April 3, 1818 marks the establishment in the State of the Federal Judiciary proper.[102] A judge, attorney and marshal were authorized. The judge was given authority to appoint a clerk. During its whole existence the number of judges has never been increased.

Natchez was appointed as the place for the sitting of the Court, twice annually, and so continued until March 3, 1835, when there was a change to Jackson, where sessions have since been held.[103]

From April 3, 1818, to June 18, 1838, the whole State constituted one District. On the latter date it was divided into the Northern, with the place of holding court fixed at Pontotoc, and the Southern District, with Jackson as the place for holding the sessions.[104]

On May 16, the place of holding courts in the Northern District was changed from Pontotoc to Oxford, where courts are now held.[105]

The subsequent changes, resulting in the present arrangement is as follows:[106]

By Act June 15, 1882, the Eastern Division of the Northern District was created, with Aberdeen as the place for holding courts.

Feb. 28, 1887, the Western Division of the Southern District was created, with Vicksburg as the place for holding courts.

April 4, 1888, Southern Division, Southern District, was created, with Mississippi City as the place for holding courts.

July 18, 1894, Eastern Division Southern District, was created, with Meridian as the place for holding courts.

On the secession of Mississippi in 1861, Judge Samuel J. Gholson resigned. Mr. Lynch makes this observation on the court during the civil war period:[107]

"When the Confederate Government was inaugurated Judge Clayton was appointed to the bench of the Confederate District Court for Mississippi, and held that position until the close of the war. There was during this period, of course, but little civil business before his court, and only one point of a general interest in the laws of war was decided by him, which was, that when the Government was powerless to protect, it had no power to punish."