Who's On Your Ballot: Supreme Court
- Floyd County Democrats
- Apr 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 28
The Supreme Court of Georgia is made up of nine justices and is the highest court in the state. The Georgia Supreme Court reviews decisions made in lower state courts and is the final state authority on questions involving the constitutionality of state statues, election contests, and petitions from the Court of Appeals. The Supreme Court of Georgia also rules on criminal cases involving the death penalty.
Right now, our Federal civil rights protections are being gutted. From the loss of abortion access to gerrymandered maps and new strains of voter suppression, the federal government can be seen as no longer protecting our freedoms. In many instances, the fight to protect our rights will play out state by state, and state supreme courts are where these freedoms are won or lost.
Why is this important?
An example is bodily autonomy - the extent to which the government has the right to dictate choices regarding birth control, abortion, and pregnancy.
In 2019, the Georgia General Assembly passed HB481, a law that criminalizes most abortions after about 6 weeks (once cardiac activity is detected). At the time it passed in 2019, HB481 was clearly a violation of federal law as expressed in Roe v. Wade. In 2022, when the US Supreme Court ended the federal right to an abortion by overturning Roe v. Wade, HB481 became law in Georgia.
A challenge to the constitutionality of HB481 under the Georgia Constitution was brought in Fulton County. Fulton County Superior Court Judge McBurney ruled that, prior to fetal viability, HB481 was an unconstitutional violation of a woman’s right to control her own body and reject state interference with her healthcare choices. On appeal, the Supreme Court of Georgia overruled that decision. Justices Charlie Bethel and Sarah Hawkins Warren voted with the majority upholding the constitutionality of HB481.
Miracle Rankin and Jen Jordan are challenging Justices Bethel and Hawkins on May 19.
► Read more and find sources about Georgia's May 19 Nonpartisan Election for Supreme Court
Miracle Rankin built her career advocating for individuals and families, standing up to powerful corporations to secure justice for Georgians. A graduate of Spelman College and the University of Georgia School of Law, Rankin has served in leadership roles within Georgia’s legal community and was the 40th president of the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys. She is endorsed by The Democratic Party of Georgia, Fair Fight Action, and Emily’s List.
Incumbent Charlie Bethel was appointed in 2018 by Republican Governor Nathan Deal. In Ballotpedia’s 2020 report examining the partisanship exhibited by the justices’ behavior before they joined the court, Bethel was rated Strong Republican. Justice Bethel upheld HB481.
Jen Jordan is a former State Senator (District 6) known for her advocacy for voting rights and reproductive rights. She gained national attention for her opposition to Georgia's "heartbeat" abortion bill, sharing her personal experiences with pregnancy loss. She is a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Georgia School of Law. She is endorsed by The Democratic Party of Georgia, Fair Fight Action, and Emily’s List.
Incumbent Sarah Hawkins Warren was appointed in 2018 by Republican Governor Nathan Deal. In Ballotpedia’s 2020 report examining the partisanship exhibited by the justices’ behavior before they joined the court, Bethel was rated Strong Republican. Justice Warren upheld HB481.
To learn more about the importance of judicial races sign up for this webinar: Beyond the Bench: Why Judicial Elections Matter
More Info
Other races:
This page is adapted from content created by our colleagues at the DeKalb County Democrats
Comments