Hugh Lawson (judge)

Roger Hugh Lawson Jr. (September 23, 1941 – March 29, 2024) was a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia.

Hugh Lawson
Senior Judge of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia
In office December 31, 2008 – March 29, 2024
Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia
In office 2006–2008
Preceded by	William Augustus Bootle
Succeeded by	C. Ashley Royal
Judge of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia
In office December 26, 1995 – December 31, 2008
Appointed by	Bill Clinton
Preceded by	Wilbur Dawson Owens Jr.
Succeeded by	Marc T. Treadwell
Judge of the Superior Court of Georgia, Oconee Judicial Circuit[1]
In office August 2, 1979 – December 26, 1995[1]
Member of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority[1]
In office 1976–1979[1]
Appointed by	George Busbee[1]
Member of the Georgia Board of Industry and Trade[1]
In office 1975–1979[1]
Appointed by	Jimmy Carter[1]
Member of the Board of Education of Pulaski County, Georgia[1]
In office 1975–1978[1]
Appointed by	Pulaski County, Georgia[1]
Personal details
Born	Roger Hugh Lawson, Jr.[1] (1941-09-23)September 23, 1941 Hawkinsville, Georgia, U.S.
Died	March 29, 2024(2024-03-29) (aged 82)
Spouse	Barbara Boots[1]
Education	Emory University (BA, JD)

Education and career

Born in Hawkinsville, Georgia, in 1941,^[1] Lawson received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Emory University in 1963 and a Juris Doctor from Emory University School of Law in 1964. He was in private practice in Hawkinsville from 1965 to 1979. He was a judge of the Superior Court of Georgia, Oconee Judicial Circuit of Georgia from 1979 to 1995.

Federal judicial service

On August 10, 1995, Lawson was nominated by President Bill Clinton to a seat on the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia vacated by Wilbur D. Owens, Jr. Lawson was confirmed by the United States Senate on December 22, 1995, and received his commission on December 26, 1995. He served as chief judge from 2006 to 2008, assuming senior status on December 31, 2008. Lawson died on March 29, 2024, at the age of 82.^[2]