Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has appointed attorney and longtime public servant Cory Cox to serve as a Special Justice of the Supreme Court of Arkansas while Justice Barbara W. Webb is temporarily unable to carry out her duties.
The appointment was announced by Sanders as the Arkansas Supreme Court continues operating with Webb temporarily away from the bench. Chief Justice Karen Baker has certified that Webb is unable to serve as a justice at this time.
Cox’s appointment is temporary. He will serve through December 31, 2026, or until Justice Webb returns to the court, whichever happens first.
The governor pointed to Cox’s extensive legal and government background when announcing the appointment, saying his experience makes him well suited for the temporary position.
“Cory is a highly accomplished attorney, has decades of government experience, and is a dedicated public servant. As we pray for Justice Webb’s recovery, I know Cory has the character and work ethic to serve on the Court and uphold our Constitution. I’m deeply grateful for his service in this role,” said Governor Sanders.
Cox has previously served as a special justice on the Arkansas Supreme Court in a number of cases. His earlier experience with the court gives him familiarity with the role, while his broader career has included legal, administrative and leadership positions across Arkansas state government.
He currently works as the founder of Cory Cox Consulting. Before establishing his consulting work, Cox built a career that included several positions involving legal and public policy matters.
Cox began his government career in the Office of Governor Mike Huckabee, where he served as Assistant Legal Counsel and later as Deputy Legal Counsel. His work there focused on criminal justice issues.
His public service continued through several state agencies. Cox worked at the Arkansas Insurance Department, the Office of the Commissioner of State Lands and the Arkansas Department of Human Services.
He also served as Legislative Director and Chief of Staff in the office of the Arkansas Attorney General, giving him additional experience working with state government and legislative matters.
Cox said he was honored by the governor’s decision to appoint him and acknowledged Justice Webb in his statement following the announcement.
“I’m deeply honored that Governor Sanders has trusted me to serve in this capacity. I pray that Justice Webb makes a full and speedy recovery. Until that time, I look forward to working with the Court’s other justices to uphold Arkansas law and protect and defend the rights of Arkansas citizens,” said Cory Cox.
Cox’s background also includes work with several boards and commissions connected to the state’s criminal justice system and public institutions.
During his years in public service, he served on the Arkansas Sentencing Commission, which deals with matters involving sentencing policy. He also served on the Arkansas Criminal Code Revision Commission and the Arkansas Crime Victims Reparations Board.
His public involvement extends beyond state government. Cox was elected as a School Board Member of the Perryville School District, adding local education leadership to his professional experience.
Cox’s education includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science from Arkansas Tech University. He later earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas – Little Rock, William H. Bowen School of Law.
He lives in Perryville with his family.
The temporary appointment comes as the Supreme Court of Arkansas continues its work while Webb is unable to participate. Cox’s role is specifically tied to the period of Webb’s absence, meaning his service is expected to end when she returns or when the December 31, 2026, deadline arrives.
Until then, Cox will join the other justices in handling the court’s responsibilities and deciding cases that come before the state’s highest court.
The appointment adds another chapter to Cox’s long career in Arkansas public service. From his early legal work in the governor’s office to positions in state agencies and the attorney general’s office, he has spent decades working in areas tied to law, government and public policy.
Sanders said she was grateful for Cox’s willingness to take on the temporary responsibility while the state awaits Webb’s recovery. Cox, meanwhile, said his focus during the appointment will be on applying Arkansas law and protecting the rights of the state’s citizens.
His service on the Supreme Court will continue until Justice Webb returns or until the end of 2026, whichever occurs first.
