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Governor Kemp Issues Statement on Justice Benham's Retirement

Today Justice Robert Benham announced his retirement from the Georgia Supreme Court, effective March 1, 2020. Following Justice Benham's announcement, Governor Brian P. Kemp issued the following statement:

"Justice Benham is a trailblazer, freedom fighter, and fiercely compassionate soul who has always led by example and personified integrity," said Governor Kemp. "The profession of law and Georgia's Judiciary are immeasurably better because of Robert Benham. Neither will be the same once he leaves the bench. The Kemp family thanks Justice Benham for his courage, tenacity, and friendship, and we wish him the very best in his retirement."

Georgia Supreme Court Justice Robert Benham says he plans to leave the bench March 1. A statement from the high court says that's before his current term ends a year from now. The statement says Gov. Brian Kemp will appoint Benham's replacement. When tapped by then-Gov. Joe Frank Harris in December 1984, Benham was the first African American appointed to the high court. He's been elected to six-year terms ever since and served as chief justice from 1995 to 2001.

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