Chief Justice Elliot "Spike" Maynard on Thursday appointed retired West Virginia Supreme Court Justice Thomas E. McHugh to fill Justice Joseph Albright's vacancy on the court for the remainder of the fall term.

Maynard said in a statement Thursday that he was grateful that McHugh, 72, agreed to set aside an active mediation and law practice to serve on the court.

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Albright, who has been hospitalized in Pittsburgh since late July for treatment of esophageal cancer, notified the court Tuesday that he will recuse himself for the remainder of the fall term for health reasons.

"The important thing is for Justice Albright to have a speedy recovery," McHugh said in a prepared statement. "I greatly respect the court. It is an honor to serve in Justice Albright's place during his period of recovery."

Cases postponed Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday will be rescheduled during the current term, Maynard said.

Maynard said in a statement Thursday that he was grateful that McHugh, 72, agreed to set aside an active mediation and law practice to serve on the court.

McHugh was elected to the Supreme Court in 1980 and served as a justice until his retirement on Dec. 31, 1997. He has since practiced law with the Charleston firm of Allen, Guthrie and McHugh.

Albright, who has been hospitalized in Pittsburgh since late July for treatment of esophageal cancer, notified the court Tuesday that he will recuse himself for the remainder of the fall term for health reasons.

"The important thing is for Justice Albright to have a speedy recovery," McHugh said in a prepared statement. "I greatly respect the court. It is an honor to serve in Justice Albright's place during his period of recovery."

Cases postponed Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday will be rescheduled during the current term, Maynard said.