Chuck Clegg and Supreme Court Justice Gerald Titus

On Tuesday April 28th, the New Martinsville Rotary Club met at Quinet’s Court Restaurant and welcomed current Supreme Court Justice Gerald Titus to speak to the local members and guests. Rotary President Chuck Clegg introduced the judge to the gathered group. Justice Titus explained that he was appointed to fill the vacated position, when Chief Justice Tim Armstead died in 2024.

With more than 22 years of legal experience in both civil and criminal law, he believes that he brings a broad, balanced perspective to the Court. He explained that he believes judges do not make law or policy.

“I believe in a fair and independent court system to help make our communities safer, reduce crime and the drug abuse crisis and ensure the law is enforced. “

Justice Titus was among twelve candidates who asked to be considered to fill the high court position. Each candidate was reviewed by a panel of lawyers who made recommendations to Governor Morrisey. After the panel interview, Titus was selected to be interviewed by the governor. A few days later he was summoned to the governor’s office a second time for another interview with Morrisey. Finally, he was selected to fill the remaining six years of the vacated justice position.

Titus attended Washington Lee College where he achieved his law diploma and his law license. In his early years at the college, he played on the school’s basketball team. He had hopes of being part of the team for all his college years, however he soon realized that in order to achieve his goal of becoming a lawyer he would have to give up basketball and concentrate on his education.

Persons running for judgeship accept that it is a non-partisan position. They also realize once they accept the position, it is a tight walk discussing subjects that may come before the court. Even in casual conversations, judges must be mindful of expressing their personal opinions.

During Judge Titus’s talk with the members, he spoke of the court, and the fact that today, as much as 50% of the cases that come before them are a result of social issues involving children being removed from homes, child care, abuse, and other domestic problems. The rest of the cases they hear are civil and criminal along with proper sentencing of defendants who feel they were improperly represented.

Judge Titus was asked why the general public should care about who sits on the high court. He explained that the business before the court may not directly affect most people, but a strong court is one of three governing bodies in this state, that ensure a proper functioning government which determines if fairness and adhering to state and federal laws have been followed.The five members of the high court are there to represent all interests of the public equally and fairly.

Judge Titus was asked, when you look in the mirror, do you see someone who enjoys their work and is dedicated to justice with a common-sense approach.

He replied, “I do enjoy going to work each day. To be part of the system of governing by the written law, is something I have always wanted to do.”

Judge Titus resides in Charleston with his family.