Carley to be state's next chief justice

By Bill Rankin

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

When Georgia Supreme Court Justice George Carley determined he would resign when his term runs out at the end of next year, he knew he would be passing up the chance to be chief justice of the state's highest court.

But on Thursday, his six colleagues made sure that was not going to happen. The court voted unanimously to allow Carley to serve as chief justice for a two-month period next year before he leaves the bench.

"I am humbled beyond words," Carley said. "I'm excited. I'll do the best job I can."

Current Chief Justice Carol Hunstein came up with the idea.

"It was so nice of her," Carley said. "I'm so appreciative of her courtesy, kindness, generosity."

Carley has served the state with distinction as a judge for 32 years, Hunstein said.

"His keen mind, devotion to the law and commitment to maintaining the integrity and independence of the judicial branch are why we are taking this step," she said.

Carley would have been next in line to become the court's chief justice based on seniority, but he has said there was no chance he would seek reelection. Under state law, judges cannot collect their pensions if they stay on the bench after they turn 75. Carley will be 74 when his term ends next year.

Hunstein's term as chief justice, scheduled to end June 30, 2013, will be extended another two months. The months Carley will serve as chief justice next year have yet to be determined.

The court's action Thursday is not without precedent. In July 1992, when Justice Charles Weltner, battling esophagus cancer, announced he was retiring later that year, then-Chief Justice Harold Clarke stepped aside to let Weltner serve a brief period as chief justice. Weltner died that August.