Faver takes over as Starkville judge Outgoing Starkville municipal court Judge William Eshee (left) swore in incoming Judge Rodney Faver Tuesday during a ceremony in City Hall. Faver officially took over as municipal judge today at 12:01 a.m. Eshee retired after 33 years. / Tim Pratt
STARKVILLE -- Rodney Faver was sworn in as Starkville municipal court judge Tuesday during a ceremony in City Hall and took over in place of retiring Judge William Eshee today at 12:01 a.m.
After the ceremony, Eshee and Faver shook hands with the dozens of friends, family members and coworkers who showed up to witness the event. Both were donned in sharp black robes.
"I'm ready to take on the awesome responsibility this position holds," Faver said after the ceremony. "I thank Judge Eshee for all the faith he's shown in me and all the faith the Board (of Aldermen) has shown in me. I also want to thank Judge Eshee for all the preparation he's given me to be able to take on this responsibility."
Eshee and Faver talked extensively in recent months about the ins and outs of the position. Faver also has sat in on countless court sessions, and he traveled to a conference with Eshee this month to gain even more knowledge.
Eshee, who retired after 33 years on the bench, said he was confident Faver will be able to handle the new job.
"This is a momentous event for the city of Starkville, Miss., with the swearing in of the honorable Rodney P. Faver as the new municipal judge for this jurisdiction," Eshee said. "I am confident that Judge Faver will do an outstanding job for the citizens of this community. He is a man of highest and unquestioned integrity; a man of great experience in the courtroom, as well as knowledge of the law. He will serve the citizenry well as the new municipal judge and I wish him the very best."
The jurisdiction of the municipal court extends to all traffic offenses, all misdemeanor offenses for final disposition -- which is a finding of guilty or innocent and a sentence -- and preliminary hearing authority over all felonies, Eshee said.