How the Supreme Court Inspires Me Today Justice and Tradition Since 1845
In my line of work, justice is a concept I take pride in. Fighting for those who need to be heard is what I do best. Long before I was an attorney, I was a law student looking to gain as much knowledge and experience as possible. What better place to learn law and order than the Georgia Supreme Court? Fifteen years ago, I was a fresh-faced law student working at the Supreme Court to get a firsthand look at the state’s highest court. When I think of the Georgia Supreme Court, I feel nostalgic for those days and still look at this court with the same sense of awe for both its history and innovation. The history of Georgia’s Supreme Court is fascinating since it was one of the last states ever to form its own Supreme Court. Several decades had passed after the American Revolution (1775-1783), and Georgia still used different local courts to review past cases or errors. It wasn’t until 1845 that our state founded and recognized the Georgia Supreme Court as the court of last resort, the state’s highest court. Joseph Henry Lumpkin, Hiram Warner, and Eugenius Nisbet were the first three justices. Each had an annual salary of $2,500 and had to travel throughout the state to hold court
hearings. Now, Georgia’s Supreme Court is in Atlanta with nine judges of varying backgrounds.
The Georgia Supreme Court is known for its diverse bench and demonstrates that different perspectives and identities are involved in the state’s most important decisions. The first African American justice on Georgia’s Supreme Court was Robert Benham, appointed in 1989 and the Chief Justice from 1995–2001. Benham remained on the bench until his retirement in 2020. Meanwhile, Leah Ward Sears was not only African American but also the first woman and youngest justice ever to be appointed to Georgia’s Supreme Court. Sears served as a justice from 2005–2009. Georgia’s bench is diverse, and each justice honors a shared belief in equality and fairness. As a law student, watching the dignity of the Supreme Court and its lasting tradition reminded me why the law was my passion. The law goes beyond politics and partisan issues to create and preserve equality and stability. Fifteen years later, I am still proud to be in such a rewarding field.
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Salmon Croquettes With Dill Sauce
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This dish is light and refreshing, making it perfect for spring! The crispy salmon patties pair perfectly with the cool dill sauce dolloped on top. Ingredients • 1 1/2 cups plain yogurt or fat-free sour cream • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard • 6 sprigs fresh dill, chopped • 2 14.75-oz cans salmon packed in water • 4 celery stalks, finely chopped • 1 large white onion, finely chopped • 4 large eggs, beaten • 1/2 tbsp salt • 1 tbsp pepper • 2 tbsp olive oil Directions 1. In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, Dijon mustard, and dill to make the dill sauce. Set aside. 2. Drain the salmon, then remove and discard the bones and skin. In a large bowl, mix the salmon, celery, onion, eggs, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into 8 patties. Coat a medium skillet with olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Cook the patties until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. 3. Put a dollop of the dill sauce on top of each patty and serve.
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