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WHEELING -- Tim Armstead spent 20 years crafting laws in the West Virginia Legislature, and the past 16-months interpreting them.
A former speaker of the House of Delegates, Armstead now finds himself at the head of the table as chief justice of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.
It's role that has him playing a vital role in re-establishing the credibility of a court that saw its reputation tarnished in 2018. Spending and financial revelations at the court that year led to the resignations of former justices Menis Ketchum and Robin Jean Davis, and former Chief Justice Allen Loughry going to prison.
"I think we've made progress over the year in restoring confidence to the court," he said. "We have put in safeguards so we don't have a repeat of the events that tarnished the court.
"I really believe the court is on the right track now, but we still have some work to do. The old saying is it takes you years to establish a reputation -- and minutes to destroy it."
Armstead, 55, of Clendenin in Kanawha County resigned as House speaker on Aug. 21, 2018 shortly before being appointed to the Supreme Court by Gov. Jim Justice the following month.
Armstead in November 2018 was elected to an unexpired term on the court that expires at the end of 2020.
He is seeking re-election this year to the Division 1 seat on the court, and faces opposition from Marshall County Circuit Judge David Hummell and Richard Neely of Charleston.
"I am excited to do the work each day," Armstead said. "Everyday that we follow the rule of law, do our job and do it ethically, is one day closer to people having that trust."
Being on the court is a different experience from being in the legislature, according to Armstead.
"I enjoyed the 20 years in the legislature. It was fun," he said. "But I recognize the job (on the court) is very different. It is not our job make the law. Our job is to interpret the law and see that it follows the rules of the constitution and the laws of our state.
"It's really interesting work, and it's really rewarding. Everyday we are trying to resolve issues that affect West Virginians in a fair way."
A high number of child abuse and neglect cases continue to present major issues for West Virginia courts, and challenge is make certain the children involved "get into safe and loving homes," according to Armstead.
Family treatment courts have been established in five West Virginia counties -- including Ohio, Boone, Randolph, Roane and Nicholas counties.
"We think the family treament courts are going to be an important tool in addressing the situation," Armstead said. "We know that not in every case should you try and reunite the family. There are times when you need to have a child out of an abusive situation. Obviously, where there is abuse they need to be removed from that home.
"But where there is the potential for helping that family deal with addiction or assisting them in how to be a good parent, we certainly want to do that," he said.