Hamilton County Circuit Court Judge Jacqueline Schulten Bolton will not seek a new term

photo Jacqueline Schulten Bolton

After 15 years on the Hamilton County Circuit Court bench, Judge Jacqueline Schulten Bolton has announced she will not seek re-election next year.

Bolton said Wednesday after the announcement that her service has been a "humbling experience."

She will complete her current eight-year term. Her replacement will take office Sept. 1, 2014.

Bolton, 62, was the second woman to serve as a Circuit Court judge in Hamilton County when she was elected in 1998. She came after Judge Marie Williams, who was appointed in 1995 and won election in 1998.

Williams said Bolton's background and experience in journalism and law brought "many assets to the bench."

"She's been a delight to work with; we've cooperated extensively," Williams said.

The pair crossed paths many years before taking office, Williams said. Bolton was the incoming president of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority at the University of Georgia when Williams pledged the group.

In a letter to the Times Free Press, Bolton wrote, "It has been a privilege to have been elected to serve the people of Hamilton County and Tennessee. I leave the bench with profound appreciation and respect for my colleagues on the bench and my fellow lawyers."

Bolton began her career in Chattanooga as a reporter, first with WTVC-TV Channel 9 and later as anchor for WRCB-TV3, before earning her law degree. She was appointed to the Hamilton County Juvenile Court judge position in 1989 and lost a bid for election in 1990.

Contact staff writer Todd South at tsouth@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6347. Follow him on Twitter @tsouthCTFP.

Upcoming Events