Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Harold Melton scheduled his retirement from the bench for July 1, 2021. Melton said he would begin his post-retirement planning following this announcement. Melton’s replacement will be Governor Brian Kemp’s (R) third nominee to the nine-member supreme court.
Under Georgia law when an interim vacancy occurs, the seat is filled using the assisted appointment method of judicial selection. The governor selects the interim justice from a slate of candidates provided by the Georgia Judicial Nominating Commission. The commission recommends at least five candidates to the governor unless fewer than five applicants are found to be qualified. There is no requirement that the governor appoint a candidate from the nominating commission’s list.
Chief Justice Melton joined the Georgia Supreme Court in 2005. He was appointed to the court by Governor Sonny Perdue (R).
Before serving on the state supreme court, Melton began his legal career in the Georgia Department of Law. He went on to serve as a section leader with the Consumer Interests Division. He also served as executive counsel to Gov. Perdue.
Following Melton’s retirement, the Georgia Supreme Court will include the following members:
• Michael P. Boggs: appointed by Gov. Nathan Deal (R) in 2017
• David Nahmias: appointed by Gov. Sonny Perdue (R) in 2009
• Nels Peterson: appointed by Gov. Nathan Deal (R) in 2016
• Charlie Bethel: appointed by Gov. Nathan Deal (R) in 2018
• John Ellington: elected in 2018
• Carla W. McMillian: appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp (R) in 2020
• Sarah Warren: appointed by Gov. Nathan Deal (R) in 2018
• Shawn LaGrua: appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp (R) in 2020
In 2021, there have been eight supreme court vacancies in seven of the 29 states where replacement justices are appointed instead of elected. The vacancies have been caused by retirements.
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