Associated Press - November 20, 2009 3:34 PM ET

MONROE, La. (AP) - Marcus Clark is Louisiana's newest Supreme Court justice.

On Thursday, Clark took his oath of office much the same way he campaigned for the seat - with a display of his experience as a deputy, prosecutor and judge.

Hundreds of people attended the swearing-in ceremony at the Monroe Civic Center's Jack Howard Theatre and heard his former colleagues voice their praise and congratulations. Chief Justice Catherine Kimball told the audience Clark had attended all of the court's conferences after his October election. She says that was a first and noted that type of diligence would serve him well on the state's highest court.

Clark expressed sadness about leaving his seat on the 4th District Court, where he served for 13 years, but said he believed he could do more for the community in his new position.

Clark is replacing Justice Chet Traylor of Winnsboro, who retired in May.

Information from: The News-Star, http://www.thenewsstar.com

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