FROM THE BENCH

Jimmy Carter ’ s Influence on the Judiciary

C . MURRAY SAYLOR The Saylor Law Firm LLP msaylor @ saylorlaw . com

B y the time Jimmy Carter was Governor from 1971-1975 , Georgia judges were elected by popular vote . However , governors did make interim appointments . In 1972 , Governor Carter established a judicial nominating commission to assist in filling interim vacancies . Such a commission still exists . Governor Carter appointed more women and minorities to his staff , the judiciary , and major state boards and agencies than all his predecessors combined . These appointments were part of Carter ’ s broader initiative to ensure that Georgia ’ s judiciary reflected the diversity of its population .

Governor Carter appointed the first woman to a state court , Cobb County State Court Judge Dorothy

8 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2024