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# Debbra K. Halford

Mississippi FOURTH Chancery District Court · Chancellor

## Profile

- Court: Mississippi FOURTH Chancery District Court
- State: Mississippi
- Role: Chancellor
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-26

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### electronic media coverage

Scope: statewide

Mississippi allows electronic media coverage of public judicial proceedings in appellate and trial courts of record, subject to the rules and presiding judge control.

Evidence excerpt: Electronic media coverage of public judicial proceedings shall be allowed in the appellate and trial courts of record in this state subject to the conditions below.

[Mississippi Rules for Electronic and Photographic Coverage of Judicial Proceedings](https://courts.ms.gov/research/rules/msrulesofcourt/rules_electronicphotographic_coverage.pdf)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### presiding judge discretion

Scope: statewide

The presiding Mississippi justice or judge may limit or terminate electronic coverage when necessary to protect rights, witnesses, dignity of the court, or orderly proceedings.

Evidence excerpt: The presiding justice or judge has the discretion to limit or terminate electronic coverage at any time during the proceedings

[Mississippi Rules for Electronic and Photographic Coverage of Judicial Proceedings](https://courts.ms.gov/research/rules/msrulesofcourt/rules_electronicphotographic_coverage.pdf)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### advance notice for media

Scope: statewide

Mississippi media representatives must provide advance notice for electronic or photographic coverage under the court rules.

Evidence excerpt: Rule 5 ... requires that media representatives give at least 48 hours

[Mississippi Rules for Electronic and Photographic Coverage of Judicial Proceedings](https://courts.ms.gov/research/rules/msrulesofcourt/rules_electronicphotographic_coverage.pdf)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.sos.ms.gov/content/documents/ed_pubs/pubs/2026JD/JD%20and%20Court%20Calendar%202026.pdf)
- [Official roster](https://www.sos.ms.gov/content/documents/ed_pubs/pubs/2026JD/JD%20and%20Court%20Calendar%202026.pdf)
- [Mississippi Secretary of State Judicial Directory official judicial roster](https://www.sos.ms.gov/content/documents/ed_pubs/pubs/2026JD/JD%20and%20Court%20Calendar%202026.pdf)
- [Mississippi Rules for Electronic and Photographic Coverage of Judicial Proceedings](https://courts.ms.gov/research/rules/msrulesofcourt/rules_electronicphotographic_coverage.pdf)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- Debbra K. Halford has held the role of a Chancery Court judge in Mississippi’s 4th District since being appointed by former Governor Haley Barbour in 2005
- Seasoned Chancery Court judge with over 15 years of judicial experience in Mississippi

### Education


### Additional information

- In July 2022, she refused to block the state’s abortion ban from going into effect, despite arguments citing a 1998 Mississippi Supreme Court decision that recognized abortion rights under the state constitution.
- Judge Halford has been involved in high-profile cases, including rulings on Mississippi’s abortion laws.
- She presides over cases involving domestic and family matters, divorce, child custody, property division, adoptions, alimony, estates, land disputes, and commitments of mentally disabled individuals.
- Her role as a chancellor involves interpreting state law in civil and equity matters within her jurisdiction
- Halford’s long tenure reflects her continued service and recognition within the local judicial system