By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – Alabama Supreme Court justice Tom Parker has been on the court since last year. He's now campaigning for the position of Chief Justice in this year's elections. Court records show Parker has issued only one original written opinion since he joined the court. It was issued on February 24th, and it was 14 pages long. Parker has not ruled on 73 original cases. Court records also suggest Parker had the highest average number of days where cases were pending in his office - 256. At least two of his fellow Supreme Court justices have even suggested Parker could be relieved of cases because people deserve speedy justice. Parker says it has taken time to get up to speed because he had not previously served as a judge. He also says he had to hire a new staff when he took office.