How many judges sit on the Georgia Court of Appeals and how are they selected?

• A. Twelve judges elected statewide on a nonpartisan basis for six-year terms
• B. Nineteen judges appointed by the governor for life terms
• C. Nine judges elected by district for four-year terms
• D. Judges are chosen by lottery every year

Answer: (A)

The number and method of selection are designed to keep the Court of Appeals as a statewide, nonpartisan body with relatively stable terms. The state’s intermediate appellate court is made up of twelve judges. They are elected in statewide, nonpartisan elections, rather than by district or by appointment for life, and each serves a six-year term. This setup ensures that the court’s composition reflects broad statewide choices rather than local or partisan blocs. If a vacancy occurs, the governor can appoint someone to fill the seat temporarily until the next general election, at which point the seat is filled through an election for the remainder of the term.