August Judicial Council Meeting
The Judicial Council met in Atlanta at the Georgian Club on August 9, 2017. Vice Chief Judge Christopher J. McFadden, Judge Stephen Kelley, Judge Bonnie Chessher Oliver, Judge Nancy Bills, Judge Philip Spivey, Judge Sara Harris, Judge Glenda Dowling, Judge Matthew McCord, and Mr. Brian D. “Buck” Rogers were administered the Council’s oath as its newest members. Judge LaTisha Dear Jackson was sworn-in last week by Chief Justice Hines.
Riding the Pine with Judge Alison Burleson
When the first superior courts were established in Georgia, there were just four counties divided into two judicial circuits. As the state expanded, so did the number of counties and judicial circuits. Today Georgia’s 159 counties are divided into 49 judicial circuits, many of which are multi-county circuits. In those circuits, judges “ride the pine” or “ride the circuit” traveling from county to county to hear cases.
Georgia’s Accountability Courts are WORKING!
Many wonderful events have taken place recently in Georgia’s Accountability Courts. On March 10, 2017, the Douglas County DUI/Drug Court was recognized by the Georgia House of Representatives in Resolution 571.
Sonny Seiler Recalls First Judicial Council
Mr. Sonny Seiler, an original member of the 1973 Judicial Council, recounted his time on the Council at the April 2017 Judicial Council meeting. Mr. Seiler also owns a certain mascot for the University of Georgia.
Dillard sworn in as Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals
Judge Stephen Louis A. Dillard was sworn-in as the 30th Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals of Georgia on June 21, 2017. After inviting all 10,000 of his Twitter followers to his investiture, as well as family, colleagues, and court personnel, both the Court of Appeals courtroom and Supreme Court courtroom were filled to capacity.
Nigerian Judges Visit Georgia
On Monday, August 7, 2017 a group of 14 judges from Nigeria were in Atlanta to learn about Georgia’s court system. T.J. BeMent, 10th District Court Administrator, and Will Simmons, 6th District Court Administrator, were presenters to the group…