Judge Christopher McFadden takes the oath to become chief judge for the Georgia Court of Appeals. Judge Sara Doyle administered the oath while McFadden's wife, Gordon State College professor Linda Hyde, and their son, Johnny, watched. (Courtesy photo: Bruce Shaw/Administrative office of the Courts Georgia)

Judge Christopher McFadden was sworn in Tuesday as chief judge of the Georgia Court of Appeals.

McFadden replaces Chief Judge Stephen Dillard for a two-year term as the intermediate appellate court's leader and spokesman.

Dillard was recognized this year by the Georgia General Assembly for his social media communications. Dillard has 16,000 Twitter followers.

“It will be difficult to follow Georgia's Twitter laureate, but I will do my best,” McFadden said.

Former Chief Judge Sara Doyle gave McFadden the oath of office. He was joined by his wife, Gordon State College Professor Linda Hyde, and their son Johnny, who held the Bible for his father.

Judge Carla Wong McMillian replaces McFadden as the court's vice chief. McFadden gave her the oath of office after he had finished his. The changes take effect July 1.

“As I contemplated this occasion, I found myself thinking paradoxically of the opening lines to Dante's 'Inferno,'” McFadden said. “Midway upon the journey of our life, I found myself within a forest dark. For the straightforward pathway had been lost.”

McFadden said he is approaching the midpoint of his judicial career—“assuming I'm reelected in 2022.” He got a laugh when he added, “and I'd like to take this opportunity to announce my campaign.”

Then he continued with the Dante analogy. “I do not believe I've lost the way, but a judge's path is challenging and strewn with moral hazards. So this a suitable occasion for reflection and reaffirmation,” he said.

McFadden was elected to the Court of Appeals in 2010 and took office in January 2011. He was reelected in 2016.

“Eight and a half years ago, I promised to remember that, while the office a big deal, I personally am not,” McFadden said. “I affirm that being called 'your honor' is not an entitlement, it's a challenge.”

He said he still wears a robe belonging to his father, who was a longtime judge in Ohio.

McFadden graduated from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta in 1980 and the University of Georgia School of Law in Athens in 1985. After that, he started a private practice focusing on appellate work, which he continued until his election to the bench.

McFadden in his remarks Tuesday said intelligence, patience and wisdom are important qualities for judges.

“But the seminal virtue is courage. Without it, the others are pale, puny things,” he said. “It's worth remembering that the most vile judicial act in the history of Western civilization—and the only sin called out in the creed of Christian churches—was an act of judicial cowardice.”

McFadden thanked colleagues, supporters, friends and family gathered in the courtroom.

“I am deeply honored to serve as a judge of this extraordinary court and even more honored to take my turn at its helm,” he concluded. “I resolve to do so to the very best of my ability and understanding.”

Former Court of Appeals judge and now Georgia Supreme Court Justice John Ellington spoke to recognize visitors. Ellington broke several bones in a fall from his roof while working on his home in May. He approached the podium in a wheelchair. But he stood up to speak, showing his normal strong voice and signature humor. He paused whenever he mentioned the University of Georgia, which he identified as “an applause line.” He introduced judges from both appellate courts, as well as others. Then he called for “anyone else who wants to be a judge” to stand.

“In law and in life,” Ellington said, “it's the people you meet and the friends you make that make the difference.”