Bill Text: MS SR23 | 2025 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Commend career and public service of Law Research Senior Counsel and Vietnam Veteran Honorable Cotton Ruthven.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Introduced) 2025-02-04 - Title Suff Do Be Adopted [SR23 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2025-SR23-Introduced.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2025 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Boyd
Senate Resolution 23
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE EXTENSIVE CAREER AND PUBLIC SERVICE OF THE HONORABLE ARLIN C. "COTTON" RUTHVEN OF OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI LAW RESEARCH SENIOR RESEARCH COUNSEL AND DECORATED VIETNAM COMBAT VETERAN, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT.
WHEREAS, we join the Mississippi Law Research Institute and The University of Mississippi School of Law in recognizing the legal career and public service of Arlin C. "Cotton" Ruthven on the occasion of his retirement; and
WHEREAS, Cotton Ruthven, a native of Neshoba County, Mississippi, received a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1967, provided distinguished service to his country as an Infantryman during the Vietnam War, rising to the rank of Company Commander, 1st Air Cavalry Division, and earning notable honors that include the Silver Star, the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster and the Bronze Star with "V" Device; and
WHEREAS, Cotton Ruthven retired from the Armed Forces in 1972 and has remained a steadfast supporter of veterans organizations, as an advocate, board member and officer; and
WHEREAS, Cotton Ruthven, after receiving a degree of Juris Doctorate from The University of Mississippi School of Law in 1976, served as Law Clerk to Chief Justices Robert G. Gillespie, Neville Patterson and Harry G. Walker of the Supreme Court of the State of Mississippi and became an associate at the law firm of Thompson, Alexander & Crews and subsequently a partner at Waller & Waller, Attorneys at Law; and
WHEREAS, Cotton Ruthven joined the Mississippi Law Research Institute of The University of Mississippi School of Law in 1990 as Senior Research Counsel and served in that position for over thirty years until his retirement in 2024, providing vital research assistance and advice to the Mississippi Legislature; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of Cotton Ruthven's service to the United States and to the State of Mississippi as a United States Army officer, as a champion of veterans, and as a lawyer and counsel to the Mississippi Law Research Institute, The University of Mississippi School of Law and the Mississippi Legislature, we recognize and give thanks for the legacy of a dedicated public servant in promotion of justice and the rule of law in the State of Mississippi and express our admiration, respect and deepest gratitude for his service:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby extend the recognition of the Mississippi Senate to Cotton Ruthven, Esquire, on the occasion of his retirement from his long tenure as Research Counsel to the Mississippi Law Research Institute of The University of Mississippi School of Law and commend his distinguished career of effective public service.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Cotton Ruthven and his family, forwarded to William Wilkins, Director of the Mississippi Law Research Institute, and to Frederick Slabach, Dean of The University of Mississippi School of Law, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
