Atlanta, May 2, 2024 – A ceremony to unveil the portrait of the Honorable Hugh P. Thompson, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia, is scheduled for Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 2 p.m. The event will take place in the Supreme Court courtroom.
The current Chief Justice Michael P. Boggs will receive the portrait on behalf of the Supreme Court. The artwork was created by Suzanne Royal.
Chief Justice Boggs remarked on Thompson's career saying, “Chief Justice Thompson’s distinguished career in public service was personified by the professionalism, kindness, and courtesy he extended to all.” He added that Thompson's approach bolstered stability and integrity within the bench and improved public trust in courts. “We are deeply indebted to him for his service,” he said.
Justice Thompson hails from Milledgeville and was appointed to Georgia's Supreme Court by then-Governor Zell Miller in 1994. He retired early in January 2017 before his term as Chief Justice concluded and during a period when two additional justices were added to expand the court from seven to nine members. At that time, he expressed his intention to facilitate a smoother transition and fulfill a promise made to the late Justice P. Harris Hines regarding Hines' tenure as Chief Justice before retiring in 2018.
Prior to his role on Georgia’s highest court, Thompson served as a superior court judge in the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit starting in 1979 after an appointment by Governor George Busbee. He held this position until ascending to Chief Judge from 1987 until joining the Supreme Court in 1994.
Thompson's judicial career began with positions as Judge of both Milledgeville City Court and Baldwin County Court between 1971 and 1979 while also managing a general law practice during that time frame.
An alumnus of Mercer University School of Law (1969), he completed undergraduate studies at Emory University and Oglethorpe University. Justice Thompson is married to Jane D. Thompson; they have two adult sons together.
Media representatives planning coverage should complete an online request form if intending photography or video recording during this event which will also be available via live stream through gasupreme.us.