In a courtroom, justice is often measured in rulings, orders, and compliance. But in Mississippi’s 9th Chancery Court Subdistrict II, justice is increasingly being measured in something else: knowledge.
Last week, the Mississippi 9th Chancery Court Subdistrict II launched its first “The Basics of Life” session, a community-centered initiative designed to equip youth and families with practical life skills that court officials have repeatedly seen missing during chancery and youth court proceedings. The session brought together educators, financial institutions, and local business owners to teach essential skills ranging from financial literacy to vehicle maintenance.
Court officials say the initiative is intentionally preventative, aimed at addressing gaps in access and knowledge before those gaps escalate into deeper court involvement.
Seeing the need from the bench
The concept for The Basics of Life emerged directly from what Chancery Court Judge Debra Giles and court staff encounter daily while presiding over chancery and youth court cases.
Through their work, Judge Giles and members of the court, including Kierre Rimmer of the Chancery Court Subdistrict, regularly observe families entering the legal system due to unmet needs that extend beyond legal disputes. These needs often involve limited access to resources or a lack of exposure to essential life skills.
Court officials report that many families involved in proceedings may not possess knowledge that others take for granted, such as financial management, basic hygiene practices, or routine vehicle maintenance. While Mississippi law does not permit the removal of children from their homes solely because of poverty, court staff have observed that instability frequently stems from a lack of access to information or support rather than willful neglect.
Based on those observations, the court determined that proactive education could help reduce risks, improve household stability, and keep children safely in their homes.
From courtroom to classroom
Members of the Chancery Court collaborated to design the program, brainstorming potential approaches and reaching out to individuals within their intervention court steering committee as well as members of the broader community who were willing to partner and share their expertise.
The inaugural session included participation from Mississippi State University Extension Services, the Junior Auxiliary of Cleveland, and Planters Bank of Indianola, along with local business owners who provided hands-on instruction. Educational topics included budgeting, hygiene, healthy cooking, and vehicle maintenance — areas the court identified as directly tied to long-term stability and self-sufficiency.
One portion of the session focused on automotive basics. Youth participants received instruction on safe tire removal and replacement, tire pressure checks, and oil changes — skills that can help prevent roadside emergencies, reduce financial strain, and promote personal safety.
That session was led by Kris Jackson Jr., owner of Woogie’s Auto Detailing & More, in partnership with Chris Nissen, owner of Chris Truck Repair & Tire Service. Court officials noted that the inclusion of local professionals helped reinforce real-world applicability and mentorship.
Mentorship beyond the lesson
In addition to technical instruction, the program emphasized guidance and positive reinforcement. Darrrius Clark, head coach of the 7th and 8th grade boys basketball team at Merritt Middle School, was recognized for assisting with youth engagement and participation.
Court officials emphasized that the presence of trusted adults and community leaders was a critical component of the program. The court views mentorship as an extension of its broader mission to support youth development and accountability outside the courtroom.
Access to justice, redefined
At its core, The Basics of Life initiative reflects the court’s broader understanding of access to justice.
According to court officials, access to justice includes ensuring individuals have the knowledge and tools necessary to avoid legal system involvement whenever possible. Instruction in money management, vehicle maintenance, hygiene, and healthy living are viewed as preventative strategies that address issues commonly encountered during court proceedings.
By shifting its focus from reaction to prevention, Mississippi’s 9th Chancery Court Subdistrict II is advancing a model of justice that prioritizes education, stability, and empowerment alongside traditional legal functions.
Court leaders say they hope to expand the initiative through continued community partnerships and future sessions, reinforcing the belief that meaningful justice can begin well before a family ever enters a courtroom.
