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Judge McGinley announces retirement, bid for senior judge post

Judge C. Creed McGinley

Circuit Court Judge C. Creed McGinley of Savannah announced Wednesday he is retiring, effective Oct. 31.
In a letter to Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, McGinley said he is giving notice “well in advance” so that the selection process for his replacement can begin and the post be filled by Nov. 1.
“The pandemic has created backlog and it is imperative that there be no delay in my successor assuming their duties,” McGinley wrote.
McGinley has served as Circuit Court judge for the 24th Judicial District since January 1988. He was reelected to an eight-year term in 2014.
He said, however, that he intends to make a bid to be named a senior judge.
Senior judges are not attached to any specific judicial district. They are appointed to hear cases considered difficult, such as when a district court judge may have a conflict with a case, or one which is likely to be lengthy and cause a backlog in the court’s docket.

11 Comments

  1. Steve Norman White on January 6, 2021 at 2:51 pm

    Congratulations Judge McGinley. You have served your District well and faithfully. Enjoy your retirement and I pray that you will be appointed as a Senior Judge.

  2. Diane Johnson on January 6, 2021 at 3:51 pm

    Congratulations Judge McGinley, My Dear Friend. Thank you for being Great Friend ‼️

  3. Judge Donald Parish on January 10, 2021 at 9:32 am

    Thanks for your having been a great mentor to many including myself. I join with the entire bar of the 24th judicial district in wishing you well.

    • Nina Towe on November 9, 2021 at 9:10 am

      Why did you reduce bond for a killer ?????

      • Jama on June 25, 2023 at 5:21 pm

        Because everyone has a rite to an affordable bond, and they are also innocent until proven guilty. After they are given due process….

  4. Charles McGinley on January 10, 2021 at 2:54 pm

    Creed, Enjoy your retirement! We hope you get the new position.
    from Cousin Tom & Barbara

    • Michelle Slavens on July 12, 2021 at 12:34 pm

      Maybe you and Derek Grooms can spend some quality time together.

  5. Art D. Wells on January 12, 2021 at 8:37 am

    Congratulations. You will be sorely missed by the citizens of the 24th Judicial District. Enjoy retirement.

  6. Cary on January 13, 2021 at 2:47 am

    Congratulations Creed. Thanks for serving & doing a great job. Wishing you much success in your journey to your desired judgeship. Enjoy your retirement. God bless & keep you safe. Cary Duncan,Sr.

  7. Timothy Sagely on January 28, 2021 at 12:44 pm

    Congratulations Mr Creed, you have served our county great, i can say you are a very great Judge even though I have to say this as being under you at one time, I was blessed and really thank you with all my heart, you are a very Honest Judge, I kinda think its funny to hear ppl say your name an they just freeze, i ride the Amtryke Bike thats lite up at night an ive seen you walk getting your exercise like im doing and its great to see that. I hope an pray 🙏 for you to get the senior judge, may God bless you and your family for many years to come. Thanks for having a listening ear to our community….

  8. Patricia McGovern on February 15, 2022 at 2:22 pm

    I’m curious as to why you lowered bail on a man covered in his dead wife’s blood, after he killed her in front of their baby son & then confessed to the killing. Bond was originally $250,000 in this case and you lowered it to $25,000. I have read several articles about you and low bail appears to be your pattern. I certainly would not want you to be a “ senior judge” if I were one of the victims involved in these cases.

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