Circuit Court Judge Billy J. Landrum has been named the recipient of the 2008 Justice Achievement Award presented by the Mississippi Association of Court Administrators.

Landrum, who has served the citizens of the 18th Circuit Court and County Court for 34 years, is the senior judge of the state. He has the longest tenure of all the judges in the state still seated on the bench.

Officials said the purpose of the annual state award Landrum received is for the Mississippi Court Administrators Association to bestow recognition on a well-deserving Mississippian who by their resolve, persistence or endeavor have selflessly contributed to the administration of justice within the State of Mississippi.

Rachel Stanley, Landrum’s court administrator, nominated the local judge for the honor.

“Judge Landrum has served on numerous judicial committees and has always been willing to serve whenever and wherever the Supreme Court appoints him as a special judge,” Stanley said. “He is an advocate for truth in the courtroom and promotes civility among the attorneys in our court.”

The Mississippi Court Administrators Association’s goal is to recognize those individuals who have contributed to the Court Administration concept in Mississippi to the Court system as a whole; and to those individuals who through their dedication and diligence institute or magnify a community project which results in a substantial benefit not only to the court system but to the community and state as well.

Stanley said the judge implemented the Community Service Program in Jones County nearly 17 years ago and the program has been beneficial to the City of Laurel and Jones County.

Stanley said Landrum has also given his service to advance the philosophy and theory of the Mississippi Judicial System.

“Judge Landrum believes that we are all part of the team and that by working together we can make Jones County a safer and better place to live,” she said. “He encourages our office to work with the District Attorney’s Office, public defenders, MDOC, the jail, Sheriff’s Office, police departments and the Circuit Clerk’s Office as well as all the offices in the courthouse.

“Judge Landrum pushes for cases to come to trial in a timely manner,” Stanley added. “He was also very instrumental in getting the Syscon System in place in our court and the clerk’s office to enable us to comply with the Time Standard goals that were adopted by the Supreme Court.”

After Stanley nominated Landrum for the honor, the 130-member state group then voted on the nominations.

The group’s selection of Landrum to receive the honor was announced during the MCAA’s spring conference in Tunica in April.

Landrum said he’s grateful for the recognition.

“It’s great when your peers recognize you,” the judge said. “Being recognized by your peers is the best recognition one can get.”

Landrum, who began his career in 1965 as a lawyer, said his 43 years in the justice system has been rewarding.