A federal judge who has presided over some of the most high-profile Georgia cases in recent years will take senior status starting in January, creating a new vacancy.
Judge Steve C. Jones, who was appointed to the bench by former President Barack Obama, became eligible for senior status in March. Jones has worked as an active district judge for 13 years.
“It has always been my goal and judicial practice to make sure everyone has their day in court, is treated fairly, is given respect and receives an explanation for my decisions,” Jones said this week in a statement.
Jones has handled some of the hottest cases to come through the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, including challenges to Georgia’s abortion law, voting rules and political maps.
“The most satisfying part of my job has been receiving a case and moving it toward completion so that the parties receive an answer to the legal questions presented,” Jones said. “The most challenging part of my job has been ensuring that cases proceed in a manner that does not delay justice but also affords due process and sufficient preparation time — in essence, balancing the need to move cases toward completion in a timely manner with the needs of parties who may request extensions of time to prepare their case.”