A newsletter for Georgia’s judges highlighting the judicial branch across the state – both on and off the bench.
We recently spoke with new State Bar President Bill Gentry. By virtue of his office, President Gentry will serve on the Judicial Council of Georgia until June 30, 2027. Condensed and edited for clarity. Noelle Lagueux-Alvarez: Please tell our readers a little about yourself. Bill Gentry: I was born and raised in Atlanta, more precisely … Continue reading Bill Gentry: An Interview with the New State Bar President
Georgia voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2024 creating the Georgia Tax Court, which began accepting filings on July 1, 2026. The Honorable Frank O’Connell, appointed by Governor Brian Kemp as the first Chief Court Judge of the Tax Court, recently spoke with JC/AOC staffer, JoAnna P. Deering, about his recent appointment and his vision … Continue reading From Vision to Reality: Chief Court Judge Frank O’Connell Previews the Georgia Tax Court’s First Year
by JoAnna Deering When Georgia voters approved a constitutional amendment in November 2024 establishing the Georgia Tax Court, they initiated one of the most consequential reforms to the state’s tax adjudication system in decades. Designed to replace the executive‑branch Georgia Tax Tribunal, the new statewide court represents a deliberate effort to bring greater uniformity, independence, … Continue reading Creating Uniformity in Tax Law: The Role of Georgia’s New Tax Court
Now in its fifth year, Robes Reading Across Georgia continues to grow in creativity, participation, and joyful impact on students across the state. What began as a vision to help connect judges with local classrooms through reading has evolved into a statewide celebration of literacy, civic engagement, and community connection. This year marked a new … Continue reading Robes Reading Across Georgia Celebrates Its Fifth Year
In this Q&A, Emily Youngo speaks with JC/AOC staffer, JoAnna P. Deering, about her recent appointment as Clerk of Court of the Georgia State-wide Business Court and shares how her office ensures accuracy, accessibility, and innovation in court operations. Edited and condensed for clarity. JoAnna Deering: Congratulations, Emily, on your recent appointment as Clerk of … Continue reading At the Clerk’s Desk: A Conversation with Emily Youngo
The Georgia Council of Court Administrators (GCCA) is a collective body of court officials and professionals established in 1997. Its primary mission is to promote the education of court officials, enabling them to efficiently execute court operations. To achieve this, GCCA offers two educational conferences per year, focusing on the National Association for Court Management's … Continue reading The Georgia Council of Court Administrators (GCCA): A Commitment to Education and Community Service
Jessica Jones and her two Belgian Malinois JC/AOC staffer, JoAnna P. Deering, recently spoke with Jessica Jones, the Information Technology Operations Manager for the Judicial Council/Administrative Office of the Courts. Edited and condensed for clarity. JoAnna Deering: Congratulations, Jessica, on your recent promotion to IT Operations Manager. What was your role prior to this promotion? … Continue reading Jessica Jones—Information Technology Operations Manager for the JC/AOC—Supports the Judiciary by Managing Security and Accessibility of Critical Applications
In honor of National Veterans and Military Families Month, we asked Georgia's Model Veteran Treatment Courts for success stories to share and inspire. The Cobb County Veterans Accountability and Treatment Court provides a path to recovery, accountability, and renewed purpose for those who have served our nation. The stories below highlight the courage, perseverance, and … Continue reading Cobb County Veterans Accountability and Treatment Court Success Stories
In recognition of Substance Abuse and Misuse Prevention Month, we highlight the life-changing impact of Georgia’s Model Drug Courts. These programs transform lives through accountability, treatment, and hope. We invite you to read the success stories and watch the videos below as we celebrate the individuals, families, and communities strengthened through recovery. Alcovy Judicial Circuit … Continue reading Drug Court Success Stories-2025
Noelle Lagueux-Alvarez: Our hearts sank when we heard the news of the courthouse fire in Wayne County. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience, Judge Bennet. Would you please summarize what happened? Judge Vi Bennett: On the morning of Friday, September 26, 2025, a fire began in the clock tower of the … Continue reading Resilience in Wayne County following September 2025 Courthouse Fire: A Conversation with Wayne County State Court Judge Vi Bennett