By Chief Judge Christopher C. Edwards and Taylor Wood Most courts and lawyers are familiar with more than one frequent frivolous self-represented plaintiff. These self-represented litigants file the bizarre complaints that are shared among lawyers as dark entertainment, resulting in hearings that resemble theater of the absurd, challenging even the best tempered jurists’ ability to … Continue reading The Georgia Law of Screening Orders: Preventing Repeated Frivolous, Malicious, and Unsubstantiated Complaint Filings by Self-Represented Litigants
Superior Court, Get Ready Now for Election Night Court Under O.C.G.A. § 21-2-412
By: Judge Christopher C. Edwards and Kyle Harris Timmons New Georgia lawyers quickly learn one of the top ten on the “don’t ever” list is: don’t ever call a Superior Court judge at night. Almost everything can wait at least until morning with no harm done, and probably until the next scheduled hearing day. This … Continue reading Superior Court, Get Ready Now for Election Night Court Under O.C.G.A. § 21-2-412
Reflections from a Newly Retired Judge
(Or, “Zoom Court” – You Have Got To Be Joking!”) by Senior Judge Linda Cowen, State Court of Clayton County As I settle into retirement after 27 years on the State Court bench in Clayton County, I have been reflecting on those years. This week, my first week of retirement, I have intentionally been practicing … Continue reading Reflections from a Newly Retired Judge
Meet Peterson M. David, the New CFO for the Judicial Council of Georgia/Administrative Office of the Courts
Let us introduce you to Peterson, our newly hired Chief Financial Officer for the Judicial Council/Administrative Office of the Courts. Condensed and edited for clarity. Michelle Barclay: First, welcome. We are so glad to have you on board. And thank you for agreeing to do this interview with me. Please tell our readers a little … Continue reading Meet Peterson M. David, the New CFO for the Judicial Council of Georgia/Administrative Office of the Courts
Judge Ana Maria Martinez: Continuing Her Family Legacy, Supporting the Latin Community, and Serving the Public in So Many Ways
Inspired by Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15th through October 15th, we recently spoke with Judge Ana Maria Martinez of the DeKalb County State Court. Noelle Lagueux-Alvarez: Would you please share your journey to the bench? Judge Ana Maria Martinez: I would be remiss if I did not start by telling you … Continue reading Judge Ana Maria Martinez: Continuing Her Family Legacy, Supporting the Latin Community, and Serving the Public in So Many Ways
Georgia State-Wide Business Court Welcomes New Judge and Bids Farewell to Inaugural Judge
Judge William "Bill" Hamrick III was appointed judge of the Georgia State-Wide Business Court by Governor Kemp on August 3, 2022 and was sworn into office on September 26. Prior to joining the Business Court, Judge Hamrick served on the Superior Court for the Coweta Judicial Circuit beginning in 2012. Surrounded by family, friends, and many … Continue reading Georgia State-Wide Business Court Welcomes New Judge and Bids Farewell to Inaugural Judge
Appointing a Special Master – How? When? and Why?
by Hon. R. Keegan Federal, Jr. Through recent CJE programs around the State, many if not most trial judges in Georgia are now familiar with Uniform Superior Court Rule 46, but many if not most have not yet taken advantage of the benefits available under the Rule. This article specifies how a Special Master can … Continue reading Appointing a Special Master – How? When? and Why?
Judges Read Meaningful Tweets in Celebration of Constitution Day 2022
In celebration of Constitution Week in 2022, we partnered with the Georgia Center for Civics Engagement and Georgia Family Connection Partnership for a series called #judgesreadmeaningfultweets. Georgia students asked the questions, judges provided the answers. Thank you to everyone that participated. We look forward to next year!
Herbert Gordon: First-Rate Manager, Fixer, and Family Man
We recently spoke with Herbert Gordon, who serves as the Program Manager for the Georgia Courts Registrar and as the Program Manager for the Office of Court Professionals at the Judicial Council/Administrative Office of the Courts. Condensed and edited for clarity Noelle Lagueux-Alvarez: Would you please share your professional background with our readers? Herbert Gordon: … Continue reading Herbert Gordon: First-Rate Manager, Fixer, and Family Man
Records Restriction Clinic
Wilcox County, GeorgiaAugust 20, 2022 by Noelle Lagueux-Alvarez, Esq. One of Wilcox County’s native sons, Judge Shawn Rhodes—who serves as the County’s Probate Court Judge, Magistrate Court Judge, and as the Municipal Court Judge for two cities—addressed attendees at the start of the clinic and welcomed the volunteers as “water bearers” to this legal desert … Continue reading Records Restriction Clinic
My Journey Matters Graduation Ceremony
Nineteen graduates of the My Journey Matters program in Fulton Superior Court had a celebratory event on July 22. The program has been profiled before. It was started by Judge Shawn LaGrua (now Justice LaGrua) and has since been taken over by Judge Rachelle Carnesale. The program was designed to divert young men and women … Continue reading My Journey Matters Graduation Ceremony
Tracy Mason—Answering the Call to Public Service
We recently spoke with Tracy Mason, a long-serving employee, and current Senior Assistant Director for the Judicial Council/Administrative Office of the Courts. Condensed and edited for clarity Noelle Lagueux-Alvarez: Thank you, Tracy, for taking time to talk with me. Would you please share your professional background with our readers? Tracy Mason: It’s my pleasure, and … Continue reading Tracy Mason—Answering the Call to Public Service