The office of the Honorable Mark Morefield, judge of the 75th State District Court, has confirmed his resignation, effective at the end of this week. His departure marks the conclusion of a judicial career that began on Jan. 4, 2011, following his election in November 2010 when he defeated the late Rusty Hight, the previous 75th State District judge.
In one of his final official acts, Morefield swore in several newly-elected and reelected officials during a ceremony held on Thursday, Jan. 2, in the third-floor courtroom of the Liberty County Courthouse.
Known for his preference to avoid the spotlight, Morefield wanted minimal fanfare regarding his retirement. His longtime court coordinator, Peggy Thrasher, spoke on his behalf, explaining his decision to step down.
“He just felt like it was time,” Thrasher said. “He’s a really big history buff and wants to have time for traveling.”
Morefield has officially notified the Texas Governor’s Office of his resignation, prompting Governor Greg Abbott to appoint someone to complete the remainder of Morefield’s term. In the interim, Judge Robert Trapp, presiding judge of the Second Administrative Judicial Region of Texas, will assign temporary judges to handle the court’s caseload until an appointment is made.
“Any district judge who retires before the end of their term has to notify the governor. Then it’s up to the governor to appoint a person who applies for the position to finish the unexpired term,” Trapp told Bluebonnet News. “If a judge leaves the bench before an appointment is made, then it is up to the presiding judge to appoint someone temporarily until the governor makes his appointment.”
Trapp assured the public that there will be no interruptions or downtime in service at the 75th District Court. Cases will continue to be tried and heard without delays.
Before serving as district judge, Morefield, a resident of Liberty, Texas, operated a successful private law practice in Liberty for 40 years. He is widely regarded as a legal scholar with extensive knowledge of the law, which earned him respect among his peers and the local legal community.
Morefield also would have been ineligible to seek reelection to another term due to age limitations, as the mandatory retirement age for judges in Texas is 75.
Thrasher also announced her intention to retire later this year. However, she plans to remain in her role until a new district judge is appointed to help facilitate a smooth transition.
Tommy Chambers. Go for it.
Go for it, Tommy.
Mark Morefield was an amazing judge.