More than 200 friends, family members and noted dignitaries within the regional court system observed and celebrated the investiture of the Honorable Judge Jamus Redd III as the next 56th Circuit Court Judge Friday afternoon at the Trigg County Justice Center.
Before Redd took his Oath of Office from retiring 15-year Circuit Judge C.A. “Woody” Woodall III, the Trigg County High School and Harvard undergraduate solemnly, almost surreptitiously, embraced the praise from many on this auspicious day — leaned up against the wall of the courtroom.
Master of Ceremonies and Trigg County Clerk Carmen Finley noted Redd was “a man the people could trust.”
After an invocation from Reverend Harry Todd, a Pledge of Allegiance from Aiden and Asher Hamilton and a National Anthem from Mark Harris, Redd’s son, Ivey, recited Rudyard Kipling’s beloved poem “If.”
Redd wept.
Retired Supreme Court Judge and former 56th Circuit Court Judge Bill Cunningham then delivered a comprehensive history of the circuit — remembering a time when Lyon, Trigg, Caldwell and Livingston were “the bastard counties that no one wanted.”
Now, the 56th is one of the only circuits that touches both the Ohio River and the Tennessee state line, and to date remains the heaviest case load per judge in the Commonwealth.
And now, the “Mighty 56th” is Redd’s for the foreseeable future. Cunningham had some lengthy sage advice — referring to all those times he used to walk quietly throughout the circuit court, seeking the guidance from judges past through their pictures on the wall.
Before the oath, Woodall thanked Redd for not only allowing him to retire earlier than expected, but also for having taken on some of the case load in the circuit court as a special judge.
It’s allowed for timely and appropriate justice, which Woodall noted spoke to Redd’s character.
Elected as 56th District Judge in November of 2006 and running unopposed in 2010, 2014 and 2018, Redd paid homage to Woodall, whom he called a mentor and a friend. He thanked the longtime judge for his hours of undivided attention, and added that he hopes to maintain the strong traditions and integrity of both Cunningham and Woodall during his tenure.
Redd also noted that his constitutional approach is something that communities should expect during his upcoming tenure.
Retired Caldwell County Attorney James “Bridgie” Miller closed with benediction, cementing Redd’s place within the circuit court.
Reverend Harry Todd prayer:
Aiden & Asher Hamilton “Pledge,” Mark Harris “National Anthem:
Retired Supreme Court Judge Bill Cunningham’s full remarks:
Redd’s Oath of Office:
Bridgie Miller Benediction:
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