The word "judge" as used in these rules refers to any of the several active judges of the superior courts of Georgia, and to any senior or other judge authorized to serve as a judge of a superior court of this state.
Rule 2.2.Judge
Rule 2. DEFINITIONS · Not amended since adoption on record · Last verified July 17, 2026
In one sentenceRule 2.2 defines “judge” to cover every active superior court judge in Georgia along with senior judges and any other judge authorized to sit on a superior court, so references to “judge” throughout the rules reach the full range of jurists who may preside over a case.
Full Text of Rule 2.2
Plain-English Summary
Rule 2.2 keeps the definition of “judge” wider than just the active bench. It covers any of the several active judges of the superior courts of Georgia, plus any senior or other judge authorized to serve as a judge of a superior court of the state. Senior judges routinely fill in for active judges, handle overflow dockets, and take on cases reassigned for recusal, so leaving them out of the definition would create gaps in how the rest of the rules apply.
Because “judge” is defined this broadly, every provision in the Uniform Superior Court Rules that refers to a judge — including the assignment rules in Rule 3 and the assigned-judge definition in Rule 2.5 — applies with equal force whether an active or a senior judge is presiding over the matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does “judge” in the Uniform Superior Court Rules mean only active, sitting superior court judges?
No. Rule 2.2 also includes any senior or other judge authorized to serve as a judge of a superior court of the state.
What two categories of jurists does the definition of “judge” include?
The active judges of the superior courts of Georgia, and senior or other judges authorized to serve as a superior court judge.
Has Rule 2.2 been amended since it was adopted?
The recorded history is null, meaning no amendment has been logged since original adoption.
Why does it matter that senior judges are included in the definition of “judge”?
So that provisions referencing “judge” throughout the rules — on assignment, calendaring, or recusal — apply the same way whether a senior judge or an active judge is presiding.
Is the definition of “judge” limited to one particular superior court?
No. It refers to judges of “the several superior courts of Georgia,” meaning it applies statewide.
Source & verification. Rule text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Uniform Superior Court Rules, published by the
Council of Superior Court Judges of Georgia. Last verified July 17, 2026.
· Official source
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