GASupreme, Justice John J. Ellington

BallotPedia, John Ellington

John has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and a Juris Doctor
from the University of Georgia. He also has degrees in Business and Political Science from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. He is a member of the First Baptist Church in Soperton. John and his wife, Sandra Kate, live on a family farm in Treutlen County, Georgia. He was born in Vidalia, Toombs County, Georgia.

John was a general trial lawyer and a partner with the law firm of Andrew, Threlkeld, & Ellington before being appointed to serve as a judge in 1991 in Treutlen County State Court, He has previously served as a municipal court judge, a superior court judge, and on the Georgia Court of Appeals. He has been serving on the Georgia Supreme Court since 2018.

John J. Ellington was appointed as a Judge to the Georgia Court of Appeals by Governor Roy E. Barnes in 1999. Following re-election, he served in this capacity until 2018. In 2018, he was elected to the Georgia Supreme Court and is still in this position. 

Awarded the Distinguished Judicial Service Award by the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Georgia, which recognizes outstanding service as a judge, in 2001, 2006, and 2007.

Has served as a Judge since 1991, including in County State Court, municipal court, and as a superior court judge.

Has served on the Georgia Supreme Court since 2018. The Georgia Supreme Court is the final court to hear disputes and interpret the Georgia Constitution.

- Awarded the Distinguished Judicial Service Award by the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Georgia, which recognizes outstanding service as a judge, in 2001, 2006, and 2007.
- Has served as a Judge since 1991, including in County State Court, municipal court, and as a superior court judge.
- Has served on the Georgia Supreme Court since 2018. The Georgia Supreme Court is the final court to hear disputes and interpret the Georgia Constitution.

Legal Experience

Alabama Reflector, Georgia Supreme Court upholds state’s six-week abortion ban, returns challenge to lower court

Argued that Georgia legislators must attempt to pass abortion restrictions again following the Dobbs decision because constitutional interpretation had changed and legislators should re-consider this new precedent.

- Argued that Georgia legislators must attempt to pass abortion restrictions again following the Dobbs decision because constitutional interpretation had changed and legislators should re-consider this new precedent.

Judicial Philosophy

Served as Eagle Scout Alumni Chairman for Troop #56, Boy Scouts of America.

Past President of the Vidalia Rotary Club, the Soperton Lions Club, and the Treutlen County Sportsman’s Club.

Former Chairman of Four Rivers Ducks Unlimited.

Served as a Director of Swainsboro Technical College.

Received the Robert Benham Award for Community Service from the State Bar of Georgia in 2016.

Taught Sunday school and is a former Chairman of the Board of Deacons.

- Served as Eagle Scout Alumni Chairman for Troop #56, Boy Scouts of America.
- Past President of the Vidalia Rotary Club, the Soperton Lions Club, and the Treutlen County Sportsman’s Club.
- Former Chairman of Four Rivers Ducks Unlimited.
- Served as a Director of Swainsboro Technical College.
- Received the Robert Benham Award for Community Service from the State Bar of Georgia in 2016.
- Taught Sunday school and is a former Chairman of the Board of Deacons.

Community Involvement

As of March 19, 2024, John J. Ellington did not have a website or any information online.

Judicial Administration

Ethics & Conduct

John J. Ellington

John J. Ellington was appointed as a Judge to the Georgia Court of Appeals by Governor Roy E. Barnes in 1999. Following re-election, he served in this capacity until 2018. In 2018, he was elected to the Georgia Supreme Court and still serves in this capacity.

Past President of the Vidalia Rotary Club, the Soperton Lions Club, and he Treutlen County Sportsman’s Club.

- Served as Eagle Scout Alumni Chairman for Troop #56, Boy Scouts of America.
- Past President of the Vidalia Rotary Club, the Soperton Lions Club, and he Treutlen County Sportsman’s Club.
- Former Chairman of Four Rivers Ducks Unlimited.
- Served as a Director of Swainsboro Technical College.
- Received the Robert Benham Award for Community Service from the State Bar of Georgia in 2016.
- Taught Sunday school and is a former Chairman of the Board of Deacons.

As of March 19, 2024, John J. Ellington did not have a website and did not complete our questionnaire.

- The Georgia Supreme Court is very similar to the US Supreme Court. The Georgia Supreme Court consists of nine judges called Justices. They are the final authority on the Georgia Constitution. 
- Supreme Court Justices are the final court for appeals in the State of Georgia. This means they hear all types of civil cases, criminal cases, and cases involving the State of Georgia. 
- Supreme Court Justices hear cases to determine if a prisoner is being held by the state in error. They hear any cases involving the death penalty or the potential of the death penalty. 
- Unlike trial courts, Supreme Court Justices do not decide cases on their own. Instead the decisions are made as a group by majority vote. An individual Justice will then publish a majority opinion.
- The Supreme Court Justices internally choose a Supreme Court Chief Justice, who presides over oral arguments, leads case deliberations, chairs the Judicial Council of Georgia, and serves four year terms.
- Supreme Court Justices are elected to six year terms. Elections are nonpartisan and statewide. The Governor can appoint Supreme Court Justices when vacancies arise.