CATLETTSBURG — Judge George W. Davis III put on a black robe in front of a full courtroom on Friday and raised his right hand to take the oath of his new office — circuit judge.
Gov. Steve Beshear appointed Davis to the position on July 24. He’s served as a Boyd County district judge since 1999.
He was sworn in by Judge C. David Hagerman, chief Boyd County circuit judge.
Davis’ wife, Marcia Caniff-Davis, held the Bible for her husband’s swearing in.
“I’m really proud of him, it means a lot,” she said. “He’s worked awful hard.”
Addressing the crowd, Davis talked about his first experience running for district judge in 1998. He recalled knocking on the doors of many homes in the county and sitting down with people to talk about what they wanted in a judge.
“Every person I talked to told me they wanted a fair, firm judge who treated everyone equally,” Davis said.
He said that’s the kind of judge he’s tried to be during his years on the bench.
Davis brought an 1877 copy of the Kentucky Revised Statutes, a book several inches thick, which belonged to his great-great grandfather to the ceremony. The statutes today would probably take up a whole bookshelf he said.
“One thing has remained the same, and that is the rule of law,” Davis said.
He said he would continue that tradition.
Jesse Ross, 68, of Durbin, attended the ceremony as a friend of the family. He’s a friend of Davis’ father and said he’s known Davis all of his life.
“It’s great to see someone come all the way from start to finish,” Ross said.
Davis said after the ceremony that he and District Judge Gerald B. Reams Jr. have worked hard to manage the district court effectively and organize the docket.
He said he looks forward to the challenge of making the circuit court more efficient so people can move through the system quicker.
“I’ve worked hard for the last 20 years to get to this position,” Davis said.
Davis always wanted to be in public service, but originally thought of running for a legislative position, he said. He worked for two circuit court judges after graduation from law school.
Seeing their effect on the community made him want to be a circuit judge, Davis said.
Several members of the state judiciary attended the ceremony, including Deputy Chief Justice Will T. Scott of the Kentucky Supreme Court, Judge Janet L. Stumbo of the Kentucky Court of Appeals and Judge Susan M. Johnson, chief regional district judge.
Johnson served as Davis’ mentor when he first became a district judge. She said the position was challenging because of his high standards.
“He expected only the best from himself and those surrounding him,” Johnson said.
KATIE BRANDENBURG can be reached at kbrandenburg@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2657.
Local News
Related Photos
-
John Flavell
-
John Flavell
Discussion
Davis sworn in as circuit judge
- Local News
-
-
Shepherd hopes to make ruling Tuesday
A Franklin circuit judge said Monday he hopes to issue a ruling by Tuesday on some lawmakers’ challenge to a state legislative redistricting plan passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Steve Beshear.
-
SLIDESHOW: Giants beat Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI
The New York Giants won their fourth Super Bowl and eighth NFL championship Sunday in Indianapolis, scoring in the final minute to defeat New England 21-17.
-
APD receives various theft reports
The following information was taken from Ashland Police Department reports:
-
Russell team takes rival in regional
Russell Middle School academic team coach John VanHoose said everyone was feeling the pressure from season-long rivals Verity Middle School as members worked to claim top scores during Saturday’s Region 18 Middle School Governor’s Cup competition.
-
Family traditions
Ralph Stanley II doesn’t complain when people talk about his daddy.
-
KSP trooper to perform in tribute concert
A Kentucky State Police trooper will trade his gray uniform for a sequined white jumpsuit next month to raise money to assist a cancer patient and several other causes.
-
What's happening: 2/6/12
The Kyova branch of the Boyd County Public Librart will host the Tax-Aide Program, conducted by the American Association of Retired Persons, from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays.
-
Spirit strong for community event
Ashland’s Community Souper Bowl Party was so spirited, many in the crowd didn’t even realize there was a football game on the big screen.
-
Old union hall wall gives way
City workers in Catlettsburg were called to an emergency situation a few minutes before kickoff of the Super Bowl on Sunday when the front wall of an old union hall collapsed onto Main Street, according to Mayor Randal Peterman.
-
Mom, daughter share Scouting experience
After 13 years with the Girl Scouts, Chrissy Moore said she still likes to wear her vest, and she’s particularly proud of the patches and badges she’s collected.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Shepherd hopes to make ruling Tuesday
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Few Answers in Death of Sons of Missing Utah Mom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
Raw Video: Deadly Helicopter Crash in Australia
Raw Video: Smoke, Purported Gunfire in Syria
Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
Blast Kills Husband of Missing Utah Mom, 2 Boys
Obama: US, Israel Will Work Against Iran Nukes
NJ Museum Finds 19th Century Recording
Snow Causes Disruptions in Much of Europe
Clinton: Vetoed U.N. Syria Resolution 'travesty'
Romney Picks Up Decisive Win in Nevada Caucuses
Gingrich Renews Vow to Campaign Until Convention
Romney Rolls to Easy Win in Nevada GOP Caucuses
Raw Video: Missing Family Found Alive in Ore.
Police Clear Tents From Occupy Site in DC
Killer of Fla. Girl Found in Landfill Gets Life
