How are judges for the Georgia Supreme Court and Court of Appeals selected?

How are judges for the Georgia Supreme Court and Court of Appeals selected?

• A. They are appointed by the Governor with Senate confirmation
• B. They are selected by a nonpartisan judicial nominating commission and appointed by the Governor
• C. They are chosen by lot from among sitting Superior Court judges
• D. They are elected by voters in statewide elections

Answer: (D)

In Georgia, judges for the state’s high courts are chosen by statewide vote. The elections are nonpartisan, so party labels don’t appear on the ballot, and judges serve six-year terms. When a vacancy occurs, the Governor can appoint someone from a Judicial Nominating Commission slate to fill the seat temporarily, but the vacancy is ultimately filled by a statewide election at the next general election. This combination—regular selection by voters in statewide elections—is why the correct answer highlights election by the people, rather than appointment, lottery, or local/partial elections.

In Georgia, judges for the state’s high courts are chosen by statewide vote. The elections are nonpartisan, so party labels don’t appear on the ballot, and judges serve six-year terms. When a vacancy occurs, the Governor can appoint someone from a Judicial Nominating Commission slate to fill the seat temporarily, but the vacancy is ultimately filled by a statewide election at the next general election. This combination—regular selection by voters in statewide elections—is why the correct answer highlights election by the people, rather than appointment, lottery, or local/partial elections.