ATLANTA – Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael Boggs will step down from the bench at the end of March, ending a 21-year judicial career that saw him rise from a state representative to the highest court in the state. His decision, announced in a letter to Gov. Brian Kemp on Tuesday, paves the way for a new appointment to the state’s top judicial body.
A Respected Tenure Comes to an End
Boggs, who has served as chief justice since July 2022, emphasized his commitment to public service in his resignation letter. He described his time on the bench as a privilege, stating, “Throughout my service, I have endeavored to be a good steward of the public’s trust.”
His judicial career spanned multiple roles, beginning as a superior court judge before moving to the Court of Appeals and later the Supreme Court. He was first appointed to the Supreme Court by then-Gov. Nathan Deal in 2016 and successfully retained his seat through two elections. His leadership has been marked by efforts to improve Georgia’s judicial system and ensure access to justice.
A Personal Decision Rooted in Family Priorities
Boggs’ resignation comes as he and his wife, who recently retired from full-time teaching, face increasing personal and family obligations. The couple, originally from Pierce County in south Georgia, plans to focus on their private lives after decades of public service.
The 61-year-old justice will return to private legal practice, according to a news release from the Supreme Court. While he did not specify his next steps, his extensive judicial experience positions him for a variety of roles within the legal sector.
Governor Kemp’s Crucial Appointment
With Boggs’ departure, Gov. Brian Kemp will have the authority to appoint a new justice to the Georgia Supreme Court. The selection will likely draw significant interest, as Georgia’s high court plays a pivotal role in interpreting state laws and shaping legal precedents.
Kemp has appointed three justices to the court during his tenure, and his choice for Boggs’ replacement will likely reflect his judicial philosophy. The appointed justice will have the advantage of incumbency heading into any future elections.
Additionally, the court will need to elect a new chief justice from among its sitting members. The selection process will be closely watched, as the chief justice holds significant administrative responsibilities and serves as the face of Georgia’s judiciary.
The Legacy of a Reform-Minded Jurist
Boggs’ tenure as chief justice saw a focus on court modernization and public trust. His leadership coincided with challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the judicial system to adapt rapidly to remote proceedings and backlog management.
His influence also extended beyond the courtroom. As chair of Georgia’s Judicial Council, he played a role in shaping policy reforms aimed at improving court efficiency and fairness. His departure leaves a legacy of judicial integrity and system-wide improvements.
Georgia’s legal community is already speculating about potential successors, with names of seasoned judges and legal scholars circulating as possible contenders. Whoever takes the role will inherit the responsibility of maintaining stability in one of the state’s most influential institutions.
