CHARLESTON, WV (WOAY) – Supreme Court Justice John Hutchison took the oath of office for a four-year term in a private ceremony this morning in an empty Supreme Court Chamber in Charleston.
The oath of office was delivered by Chief Justice Tim Armstead. Only Justice Hutchison’s wife, Viki, and Court Clerk Edythe Nash Gaiser were invited to attend due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19.
“I’m excited to continue the work we’ve begun, and hopefully we’ll get a lot more done in the next four years,” Justice Hutchison said. “I thank everybody for their support.”
Justice Hutchison was elected June 9 to an unexpired term that ends December 31, 2024.
He initially was appointed to the Supreme Court in December 2019 by Governor Jim Justice to fill a vacancy left by the resignation of Allen Loughry. His appointment ended after the June 9 election was certified and a 48-hour period to allow challenges had expired, which was late Tuesday.
Chief Justice Tim Armstead and Beckley attorney Bill Wooton also were elected June 9, but those terms begin January 1, 2021.
