SF Superior Court Bench elects first female African-American judge

The San Francisco Superior Court Bench elected its first female African-American presiding judge, incumbent Judge John Stewart announced Wednesday.

Judge Teri L. Jackson, who ran unopposed, has been a member of the San Francisco Bench since September 2002. Jackson’s two-year term will begin Jan. 1, according to court officials.

Jackson said in a statement:

“The San Francisco branch reflects the diversity of our city and the entire Bay Area, and we are fortunate to have such a diverse, energetic and innovative group of judges to assure equal and fair access to justice for all people who use our courts.”

He added:

“Together we share a commitment to assure that all San Franciscans are served justly and fairly in our justice system.”

Jackson hopes to further a “one-court” approach to justice in San Francisco, which she says would promote more efficiency and access to justice, according to court officials.