CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- West Virginia Supreme Court Justice Joseph P. Albright has recused himself for the remainder of the 2008 term for health reasons.

No cases set for argument this term will be delayed, court spokeswoman Jennifer Bundy said in a news release. All opinions in those cases will be issued before the term of court ends Nov. 21, according to the press release.

"I have been advised that my medical condition will likely not permit my full return on the Court before the commencement of the January, 2009 term," Albright wrote in a letter to Chief Justice Elliott E. Maynard. "While my powers of analysis are fully intact, it appears to be preferable for me to concentrate on the healing of my body and the restoration of my physical abilities."

According to the letter, Albright intends to resume his full judicial duties in January.

Oral arguments originally scheduled to be heard today will be heard Sept. 23, according to the release. The court will not go to Marshall University on that day, as originally scheduled. Cases scheduled for Wednesday will also be rescheduled.

Albright had an esophagectomy, where a portion of the esophagus removed, on July 28 at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Presbyterian Hospital, Bundy said. He is currently in the hospital recovering, she said.

Read more in Wednesday's Charleston Gazette.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- West Virginia Supreme Court Justice Joseph P. Albright has recused himself for the remainder of the 2008 term for health reasons.

No cases set for argument this term will be delayed, court spokeswoman Jennifer Bundy said in a news release. All opinions in those cases will be issued before the term of court ends Nov. 21, according to the press release.

"I have been advised that my medical condition will likely not permit my full return on the Court before the commencement of the January, 2009 term," Albright wrote in a letter to Chief Justice Elliott E. Maynard. "While my powers of analysis are fully intact, it appears to be preferable for me to concentrate on the healing of my body and the restoration of my physical abilities."

According to the letter, Albright intends to resume his full judicial duties in January.

Oral arguments originally scheduled to be heard today will be heard Sept. 23, according to the release. The court will not go to Marshall University on that day, as originally scheduled. Cases scheduled for Wednesday will also be rescheduled.

Albright had an esophagectomy, where a portion of the esophagus removed, on July 28 at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Presbyterian Hospital, Bundy said. He is currently in the hospital recovering, she said.

Read more in Wednesday's Charleston Gazette.