Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders made history with her appointment of former U.S. Attorney Cody Hiland of Little Rock to the Arkansas Supreme Court and giving Republicans control of the court for the first time.
Hiland will fill the vacancy created by the death of state Supreme Court Justice Robin Wynne. Sanders said:
“Today, I appointed former prosecutor and U.S. attorney Cody Hiland to the Arkansas Supreme Court — marking the first time the Court will have a conservative majority. Cody brings decades of legal experience to the job — and I am confident he will serve our state well.
“This is the first time the Arkansas Supreme Court will have a conservative majority, and I know it will have the same effect on our state as it has had on our country.
“He will be there to call balls and strikes, interpreting state law as it is written and leaving the legislating to the Legislature.”
Hiland said, “My prayer is at the end of this term people will say that I brought honor to the title of associate Supreme Court justice.”
Arkansas U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton (R) said Hiland’s appointment was “an outstanding selection.”
“Cody Hiland is a good friend who is fair, impartial, and will apply the law without favor.
“A great day for Arkansas.”
Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin said:
“Congratulations to Associate Justice Cody Hiland.
“Cody’s experience as a U.S. Attorney and many years of both public service and private practice will serve him well on the Arkansas Supreme Court.
“He is an outstanding appointment.”
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has appointed former U.S. Attorney Cody Hiland of Little Rock to the Arkansas Supreme Court, to fill the vacancy created by the death of state Supreme Court Justice Robin Wynne.
Read more ›› https://t.co/h3AbSnDa3S pic.twitter.com/8SF0Fdf35p— AR Democrat-Gazette (@ArkansasOnline) July 3, 2023
Congratulations to my uncle, Cody Hiland, on being appointed to the Arkansas Supreme Court, by Governor Sarah Sanders.
I know you will serve the people of Arkansas with humility and grace. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/qRntHTcgcl
— Abby Kay (@Abbygirlkay) July 5, 2023