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Judge R. Rucker Smith, Professional background and legal expertise 

Richard has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and a law degree from Emory University School of Law. He currently lives in Americus, Georgia.

Richard is currently the Chief Judge in the Southwestern Judicial Circuit. Previously, he worked as an assistant district attorney and a private attorney, handling civil and criminal cases. 

Richard Rucker Smith is a Superior Court judge in the Southwestern Judicial Circuit. He was first appointed in 1992 and has served in this capacity since. 

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Has been a superior court judge since 1992.

Worked as an assistant district attorney (ADA), investigating and prosecuting individuals accused of crimes on behalf of the district attorney.

Handled criminal and civil cases as a private attorney.

Has a law degree from Emory University School of Law.

- Has been a superior court judge since 1992.
- Worked as an assistant district attorney (ADA), investigating and prosecuting individuals accused of crimes on behalf of the district attorney.
- Handled criminal and civil cases as a private attorney.
- Has a law degree from Emory University School of Law.

Legal Experience

As of March 19, 2024, Richard Rucker Smith did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Community Involvement

Richard Rucker Smith

Richard Smith is a current judge running for re-election in the Superior Court in the Southwestern Judicial Circuit. He was first appointed in 1992 and has served in this capacity since. 

Worked as an assistant district attorney (ADA). ADAs investigate and prosecute individuals accused of crimes on behalf of the district attorney.

- Has been a superior court judge since 1992.
- Worked as an assistant district attorney (ADA). ADAs investigate and prosecute individuals accused of crimes on behalf of the district attorney.
- Handled criminal and civil cases as a private attorney.
- Has a law degree from Emory University School of Law.

As of March 19, 2024, Richard Rucker Smith did not have a website and did not complete our questionnaire.

Richard received his bachelor’s degree from University of Florida in 1974. He later earned his law degree from Emory University School of Law. Richard currently lives in Americus, Georgia.

Richard is currently the Chief Judge in the Southwestern Judicial Circuit. After receiving his law degree, he worked as an assistant district attorney and handled civil and criminal litigation in the private sector. 

Richard is a current judge running for re-election in the Superior Court in Southwestern Judicial Circuit. He was first appointed in 1992 and has served since as lead council. 

Richard R. Smith previously served as a chairman of the Long Range Planning Committee of the State Bar of Georgia, and the Bench and Bar Committee of the State Bar of Georgia.

- Richard R. Smith previously served as a chairman of the Long Range Planning Committee of the State Bar of Georgia, and the Bench and Bar Committee of the State Bar of Georgia.

Richard R. Smith has served on the Judicial Council of Georgia. He also served as the Administrative Judicial District, overseeing multiple judicial circuits.

Richard R. Smith served as a chairman for the Judicial Section of the State Bar of Georgia.

- Richard R. Smith has served on the Judicial Council of Georgia. He also served as the Administrative Judicial District, overseeing multiple judicial circuits.
- Richard R. Smith served as a chairman for the Judicial Section of the State Bar of Georgia.

- Georgia Superior Court Judges hear a wide range of criminal cases from petty theft and public drunkenness to murder. Some cases in front of the Georgia Superior Court involve the death penalty. 
- On the civil side, Superior Court Judges hear cases on divorce, titles to land, contract disputes, and premises liability. 
- Superior Court Judges are elected by judicial circuit. Each county surrounding Atlanta has its own judicial circuit, while rural judicial districts typically consist of multiple counties.
- Superior Court Judges are elected to four year terms. Elections are nonpartisan. The Governor can appoint Superior Court Judges when vacancies arise. 