05/18/2026
Thank you to The Dahlonega Nugget for these questions and for running Judge Buck Levins’ responses in the May 13 edition of the paper. The Q&A is pasted below.
1. Why do you want to serve as a Superior Court judge, and what do you hope to contribute?
For the past six years, I have served the Enotah Circuit as a Superior Court Judge, and I seek to continue that service. Our communities in Lumpkin, White, Union, and Towns counties deserve a fair, experienced, and impartial judge who protects the rule of law while treating every person who comes into court with dignity and respect. I want to preserve public confidence in the judiciary by ensuring decisions are consistent, understandable, and grounded in law, and by maintaining a courtroom that is efficient, accessible, and attentive to the administration of justice.
2. What types of cases or legal areas do you have the most personal experience in?
I have spent my 20-year legal career in service to the law. Before joining the bench, I served more than a decade as a prosecutor handling serious felony cases and working closely with law enforcement. I have also practiced family law and served as defense counsel. That breadth of experience gave me a strong foundation when I became a judge and continues to inform my approach to fairness, accountability, and careful legal analysis. On the bench, I preside over criminal and civil matters and oversee the North Enotah Drug Court and the Parental Accountability Court. These programs help individuals break cycles of addiction, rebuild stability, and take responsibility for their families—work that strengthens public safety and community wellbeing.
3. Can you briefly summarize your judicial philosophy? How do you view the role of a trial judge in applying precedent, interpreting statutes, etc.?
I often compare my role as a judge to the role of a baseball umpire—everyone wants someone who will call fair balls and strikes. I believe it’s important to listen, adhere to strict construction of the Constitution, follow the law as written, and ensure our courts remain fair, accessible, and worthy of the public’s trust.
In interpreting statutes, I am guided by the plain meaning of the text, reading laws in their ordinary and commonly understood sense, and applying them as enacted by the legislature. My role is to apply the law faithfully, not to add to it or subtract from it. When the law is clear, it must be applied as written. When it requires interpretation, it must remain grounded in the text, the Constitution, and precedent.
4. What principles guide your decision-making process in the courtroom?
Justice is about applying the law consistently, treating every person with dignity, and deciding each case on the facts. I believe in a court system that is steady, impartial, and grounded in the Constitution. I’m committed to honoring my oath of office by protecting Constitutional rights and upholding the rule of law in every decision. I’m also committed to reducing unnecessary delays, managing dockets efficiently, and keeping cases moving fairly and promptly.
My wife and I live and work in the Enotah Circuit and are raising our family here. Like you, we want a safe, thriving community where the courts are open, accessible, and fair—a place where children can grow up with confidence in the rule of law. If you value a fair, experienced, and accessible court, I ask for your vote between now and May 19.
