Atlanta, June 22, 2017 – Judge Charles “Charlie” Bethel of the Georgia Court of Appeals has been designated to serve in place of Justice Britt C. Grant in the related appeals of Women’s Surgical Center, LLC et al. v. Berry et al. (S17A1317) and Berry et al. v. Women’s Surgical Center, LLC et al. (S17X1318). The Supreme Court of Georgia will hear arguments in the case on June 26, 2017 during its 10:00 A.M. session. In this case, owners of a women’s surgical center in Cartersville, GA are appealing a Fulton County court ruling that rejects their constitutional challenges of Georgia laws that require them to obtain a “certificate of need” from the State before making an addition to their facility. In addition to hearing arguments, Judge Bethel will participate in the Court’s decision.

Judge Bethel, 41, was appointed to the Georgia Court of Appeals by Gov. Nathan Deal in November 2016 and took office in January 2017. Prior to becoming a judge, Judge Bethel served in the Georgia Senate for three terms. He was also elected twice to serve on the Dalton City Council. Judge Bethel previously clerked for Judge Charles A. Pannell, Jr. of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. He also practiced law with Minor Bell & Neal in Dalton, and served in legal, managerial, and executive roles with J+J Flooring Group in Dalton.

Judge Bethel was raised in Dalton and received his Business and Law degrees from the University of Georgia. In addition to his judicial duties, Judge Bethel is currently serving on the Court Reform Council established by Gov. Deal. Judge Bethel is the recipient of several honors and recognitions associated with his public service, including multiple citations as one of the 100 Most Influential Georgians by Georgia Trend Magazine, as well as previous inclusion in the 40 Under 40.

Judge Bethel and his wife, Lynsey, continue to make their home in Dalton with their three children: Henry, Jeb, and Joanna. The Bethel family attends the First Baptist Church of Dalton.

(Designated judges are appointed when a justice must recuse himself or herself from a particular case. The Supreme Court of Georgia maintains a list of select judges from around the state and when the need arises, the Court appoints the next judge on the list.)