Ed Carnes on Thursday became chief judge of the federal appeals court in Atlanta, succeeding Joel Dubina who led the court as chief since June 2009.
Carnes, appointed to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 1992 by President George H.W. Bush, is regarded for well-written, often pointed opinions sprinkled with humor and irony. The busy court, which is allotted 12 judges, oversees appeals out of Georgia, Alabama and Florida.