LITTLE ROCK- Late Wednesday, Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Annabelle Clinton Imber informed Governor Mike Beebe of her intention to retire from the Court on January 1, 2010. In their meeting, Imber cited personal reasons and a wish to explore new service opportunities as her motivations to retire one year before her term expires. Imber has served 20 years on the bench, and been an Associate Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court since 1997.


Beebe will appoint a justice to serve the final year of Imber's term.


"Annabelle Imber has always served as a thoughtful, deliberative and considerate judge. Her decision to give this much advance notice of her retirement will allow her potential successors ample time to prepare their campaigns. I thank Justice Imber for her diligence in working to ensure equal justice under the law for the citizens of Arkansas." - Governor Mike Beebe