New Judge

Jet, May 28, 2001

NEW JUDGE: Justice Wallace B. Jefferson is assisted with his robe by his wife, Rhonda Jefferson, at his investiture ceremony as the first Black justice on the Texas Supreme Court. At far right is Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas, Thomas Phillips. Jefferson, 37, was appointed to the top court by Gov.

Rick Perry. He was actually sworn in to office in April so that he could be on the job for the court's last scheduled oral arguments this term. The recent ceremony was the official ceremony conferring the authority of the position. Jefferson is a Republican as are the other eight members of the court. Justice Jefferson earned his bachelor's degree at Michigan State University and law degree at University of Texas.