Miss. Supreme Court Justice Recuses Himself from Appeal of $15.2 Million Verdict

JACKSON, Miss. -- A Mississippi Supreme Court justice has recused himself from considering an appeal of a $15.2 million asbestos verdict, citing his past connections with asbestos litigation. Phillips 66 Co., et al., v. Lofton, No. 2010-CA-01465-SCT (Miss. Sup. Ct.).

In the one-page April 26 order, Justice Michael K. Randolph specifically noted that he has served as defense counsel for "numerous" asbestos defendants both locally and nationally.

"[I]n exercising his judicial discretion, [Justice Randolph] has elected to recuse himself from any involvement in this matter," the order states.

The high court heard oral arguments relating to the appeal on …