Michael Johnson steps down as Fulton judge

Michael D. Johnson on Friday spent his final day on the Fulton County Superior Court bench presiding over a criminal case calendar call, taking pleas and determining which cases are ready to go to trial before another judge.

Johnson, a judge since 2005, surprised the legal community in May by notifying Gov. Nathan Deal he would resign. The announcement fueled speculation Johnson may run for another office, such as a seat in Congress. On Friday, Johnson said he had enjoyed his time as a judge and said he would be making an announcement "very soon."

About the Author

Bill Rankin

Bill Rankin has been an AJC reporter for more than 30 years. His father, Jim Rankin, worked as an editor for the newspaper for 26 years, retiring in 1986. Bill has primarily covered the state’s court system, doing all he can do to keep the scales of justice on an even keel. Since 2015, he has been the host of the newspaper’s Breakdown podcast.

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