JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF GEORGIA council/Judicial... · Judge Stephen S. Goss Executive Committee Chair...

JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF GEORGIA

General Session

Friday, February 23, 2018 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd Building – Floyd Room 2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive

West Tower, 20th Floor Atlanta, GA 30334

Judicial Council of Georgia General Session

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd Building – Floyd Room

2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive West Tower, 20th Floor

Atlanta, GA 30334

Friday, February 23, 2018 10 a.m. – 12 noon

Lunch will be served immediately following the Council meeting

1. Preliminary Remarks and Introductions (Chief Justice P. Harris Hines, Est. Time – 5 Min.)

2. Approval of Minutes, December 8, 2017 (Action Item) TAB 1 (Chief Justice P. Harris Hines, Est. Time – 2 Min.)

3. Office of the Attorney General: Duty, Vision and Path Ahead (Attorney General Chris Carr, Est. Time 15 Min.)

4. Judicial Council Committee Reports

A. Legislation Committee TAB 2 (Presiding Justice Harold D. Melton, Est. Time – 10 Min.)

B. Budget Committee TAB 3 (Presiding Justice Harold D. Melton, Est. Time – 5 Min.)

C. Technology Committee TAB 4 (Presiding Justice Harold D. Melton, Est. Time – 5 Min.)

D. Court Reporting Matters Committee TAB 5

(Vice Chief Judge Christopher McFadden, Est. Time – 5 Min.)

E. Strategic Plan Committee TAB 6 (Judge W. Allen Wigington, Est. Time – 5 Min.)

F. Misdemeanor Bail Reform Committee

(Judge Matthew McCord, Est. Time – 5 Min.)

5. Report from Judicial Council/AOC TAB 7 (Ms. Cynthia H. Clanton, Est. Time – 10 Min.)

6. Reports from Appellate Courts, Trial Court Councils & State Bar TAB 8 (Est. Time – 10 min.)

A. Supreme Court

B. Court of Appeals

C. Council of Superior Court Judges

D. Council of State Court Judges

E. Council of Juvenile Court Judges

F. Council of Probate Court Judges

G. Council of Magistrate Court Judges

H. Council of Municipal Court Judges

I. State Bar of Georgia

7. Reports from additional Judicial Branch Agencies TAB 9

A. Council of Accountability Court Judges

B. Institute of Continuing Judicial Education

C. Georgia Commission on Dispute Resolution

D. Chief Justice’s Commission on Professionalism

E. Council of Superior Court Clerks

F. Georgia Council of Court Administrators

8. Old/New Business (Chief Justice P. Harris Hines, Est. Time – 5 Min.)

9. Outgoing Members (Chief Justice P. Harris Hines, Est. – 5 Min.)

10. Concluding Remarks and Adjournment (Chief Justice P. Harris Hines, Est. Time – 5 Min.)

Next Judicial Council Meeting

Friday, April 27, 2018 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. UGA Conference Center/Athens, GA

Judicial Council Meeting Calendar – 2018 Wednesday, August 8, 2018 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Hilton Marietta/Marietta, GA Friday, October 19, 2018 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Middle Georgia College/Macon, GA Friday, December 7, 2018 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sloppy Floyd Building/Atlanta, GA

Judicial Council Members As of January, 2018

Supreme Court Chief Justice P. Harris Hines Chair, Judicial Council 507 State Judicial Building Atlanta, GA 30334 404-656-3475/F 657-9586 [email protected] Presiding Justice Harold D. Melton Vice-Chair, Judicial Council 501 State Judicial Building Atlanta, GA 30334 404-657-3472/F 651-8642 [email protected] Court of Appeals Chief Judge Stephen L.A. Dillard 47 Trinity Avenue, Suite 501 Atlanta, GA 30334 404-657-9405/F 657-8893 [email protected] Vice Chief Judge Christopher McFadden 47 Trinity Avenue, Suite 501 Atlanta, GA 30334 404-656-3450/ F 651-6187 [email protected] Superior Court Chief Judge Kathy S. Palmer President, CSCJ PO Box 350 Swainsboro, GA 30401 478-237-3260/F 237-0949 [email protected] Judge Stephen D. Kelley President-Elect, CSCJ Brunswick Judicial Circuit 701 H Street, Suite 201 Brunswick, GA 31520 912-554-7372/F 264-8145 [email protected] Judge Stephen Scarlett Brunswick Judicial Circuit, 1st JAD Glynn County Courthouse 701 H Street, Box 203 Brunswick, GA 31520 912-554-7356/F 554-7387 [email protected] Judge Stephen Goss Dougherty Judicial Circuit, 2nd JAD P.O. Box 1827 Albany, GA 31702 229-424-2683/F 431-2174 [email protected]

Judge Arthur Lee Smith Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit, 3rd JAD PO Box 1340 Columbus, GA 31902 706-653-4273/F 653-4569 [email protected] Chief Judge Courtney Lynn Johnson Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit, 4th JAD 7240 DeKalb County Courthouse 556 N. McDonough Street Decatur, GA 30030 404-371-2457/F 687-3511 [email protected] Judge Robert C.I. McBurney Atlanta Judicial Circuit, 5th JAD T8955 Justice Center Tower 185 Central Avenue SW STE T-5705 Atlanta, GA 30303 404-612-6907/F 332-0337 [email protected] Judge Brian Amero Flint Judicial Circuit, 6th JAD Henry County Courthouse One Courthouse Square McDonough, GA 30253 770-288-7901/F 288-7913 [email protected] Judge Jack Partain Conasauga Judicial Circuit, 7th JAD PO Box 732 Dalton, GA 30722 770-278-6713/F 278-6714 [email protected] Judge Donald W. Gillis Dublin Judicial Circuit, 8th JAD PO Box 2016 Dublin, GA 31040 478-275-7715/F 275-2984 [email protected] Judge Bonnie Chessher Oliver Northeastern Judicial Circuit, 9th JAD P.O. Box 409 Gainesville, GA 30503 770-297-2333/F 822-8662 [email protected] Judge Carl C. Brown Augusta Judicial Circuit, 10th JAD 735 James Brown Blvd., Suite 4203 Augusta, GA 30901 706-821-2347/F 721-4476 [email protected]

State Court Chief Judge Gregory Fowler President, CStCJ Chatham County 133 Montgomery Street, Room 430 Savannah, GA 31401 912-652-7565/F 652-7566 [email protected] Judge Nancy Bills President-Elect, CStCJ Rockdale County 922 Court Street Room 305 Conyers, GA 30012 770-278-7724/ F 918-6695 [email protected] Juvenile Court Judge James Whitfield President, CJCJ Cobb Circuit 32 Waddell Street Marietta, GA 30090 770-528-2428/F 528-2576 [email protected] Judge Philip Spivey President-Elect, CJCJ Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit P.O. Box 1810 Milledgeville, GA 31059 478-445-7060/F 445-7059 [email protected] Probate Court Judge Rooney Bowen III President, CPCJ Dooly County P.O. Box 304 Vienna, GA 31092 229-268-4217/F 268-6142 [email protected] Judge Sarah S. Harris President-Elect, CPCJ Bibb County P.O. Box 6518 Macon, GA 31208-6518 478-621-6494/F 621-6686 [email protected]

Magistrate Court Judge James M. Griner, Jr. President, CMCJ Screven County PO Box 64 Sylvania, GA 30467 912-564-7375/F 564-5618 [email protected] Judge Glenda Dowling First Vice-President, CMCJ Pierce County 3550 US Hwy 84, STE 2 Blackshear, GA 30045-6900 912-449-2027/F 449-2103 [email protected] Municipal Courts Judge LaTisha Dear Jackson President, CMuCJ Municipal Court of Stone Mountain 875 Main Street Stone Mountain, GA 30083 770-879-4981/F 879-4976 [email protected] Judge Matthew McCord President-Elect, CMuCJ Municipal Court of Stockbridge 4602 North Henry Blvd Stockbridge, GA 30281 770-389-7906/F 389-7969 [email protected] State Bar of Georgia Mr. Brian D. “Buck” Rogers President, State Bar of Georgia Two Alliance Center 2560 Lenox Road NE, Suite 1250 Atlanta, GA 30326 404-591-1800/F 574-6248 [email protected]

All email addresses follow this format: [email protected]

Administrative Office of the Courts

244 Washington St. SW, Suite 300 Atlanta, GA 30334

Cynthia H. Clanton, Director 404-656-5171

As of February, 2018

Director’s Office Administration Tara Smith 404-463-3820 Budget Maleia Wilson 404-656-6404 Governmental and Trial Court Liaison Tracy Mason 404-463-0559 Tyler Mashburn 404-651-7616 Robert Aycock 404-463-1023 LaShawn Murphy 404-651-6325 James Rodatus 404-656-5453 Human Resources Stephanie Hines 404-657-7469 Jacqueline Booker 404-463-0638 General Counsel Jessica Farah 404-463-3805 Meisa Pace 404-463-3821

Alison Lerner 404-657-4219 Judicial Services Christopher Hansard Division Director 404-463-1871 Research and Data Analysis Carla Hardnett 404-232-1857 Matthew Bishop 404-656-0371 Shimike Dodson 404-656-2614 Jeffery Thorpe 404-656-6413 Callie Weir 404-463-6887 Court Professionals John Botero 404-463-3785 Bianca Bennett 404-651-8707 Angela Choice 404-463-6478 Herbert Gordon 404-653-5127 Tynesha Manuel 404-463-3785 Amber Richardson 404-232-1409

Communications, Children, Families & the Courts Michelle Barclay Division Director 404-657-9219 Jerry Bruce 404-656-5169 Patricia Buonodono 404-463-0044 Elaine Johnson 404-463-6383 Paula Myrick 404-463-6480 Bruce Shaw 404-463-6106 Ashley Stollar 404-656-6783 Financial Administration Drew Townsend CFO/Division Director 404-463-9016 Kevin Brock 404-463-7281 Kim Burley 404-463-3816 Monte Harris 404-656-6691 Matthew Kloiber 404-463-5177 Janice Harkins 404-463-1907

All email addresses follow this format: [email protected]

Tanya Osby 404-463-0237 Tax Intercept Michael Cuccaro 404-656-7780 Information Technology Jorge Basto Division Director 404-657-9673 Willie Alcantara 404-519-9989 Bradley Allen 404-657-1770 Stephanie Cooper 404-227-2395 Angela He 404-651-8169 Christina Liu 404-651-8180 Tony Mazza 404-657-4006 Michael Neuren 404-657-4218 Wanda Paul 404-538-0849 Kriste Pope 404-731-1358 Pete Tyo 404-731-1357 Jill Zhang 404-463-6343

Georgia Judicial Exchange Christopher Cutts 470-733-9404 Tajsha Dekine 404-656-3479

Directions to the James H. “Sloppy” Floyd Building - Floyd Room

2 Martin Luther King, Jr., Drive

West Tower, 20th Floor

Atlanta, GA 30334

Note: Directions include parking information for the Pete Hackney Garage; however you can park in any number of parking lots around the Capitol and then walk to the Floyd Building (see map attached). Parking will be provided for Judicial Council members in the Pete Hackney Garage, through the main entrance on Jesse Hill Jr. Drive.

Southbound on I-75/I-85: Take Exit 248-A (MLK Jr. Dr.). Stay in right lane on exit ramp. Yield to the right onto Jesse Hill Jr. Drive. The entrance to the parking deck is on your right immediately after the pedestrian bridge (Pete Hackney Garage, $10.00 per day). To

enter the Floyd Building, you will need to show a valid picture I.D. The Floyd Room is on the 20th

floor of the West Tower. Northbound on I-75/I-85: Take Exit 246 (Fulton Street). Take the right exit. Turn right at the traffic light. Move to the left lane. Turn left at the traffic light onto Capitol Avenue. Stay in the right lane. Stay on Capitol Ave. past the State Capitol on your left. Turn right at traffic light onto MLK Jr. Drive. Next, turn left at the traffic light onto Jesse Hill Jr. Drive. The entrance to the parking deck is on your right immediately after the pedestrian bridge (Pete Hackney Garage, $10.00 per day). To enter the

Floyd Building, you will need to show a valid picture I.D. The Floyd Room is on the 20th

floor of the West Tower.

Westbound on I-20: Take Exit 58A (Capitol Avenue). Stay in the right lane. Take a right onto Capitol Avenue. Stay on Capitol Ave. past the State Capitol on your left. Turn right at traffic light onto MLK Jr. Drive. Next, turn left at the traffic light onto Jesse Hill Jr. Drive. The entrance to the parking deck is on your right immediately after the pedestrian bridge (Pete Hackney Garage,

$10.00 per day). To enter the Floyd Building, you will need to show a valid picture I.D. The Floyd Room is on the 20th


Westbound on I-20: Alternate Route Take Exit 58B (Hill Street). Stay in the right lane. Take a right onto Hill Street. Get in the left lane. Stay on Hill Street past two traffic lights and after going under railroad tracks. At the next traffic light, turn left onto Decatur Street. At the second traffic light, turn left onto Jesse Hill Jr. Drive. The entrance to the parking deck is on your left immediately before the pedestrian bridge (Pete Hackney Garage, $10.00 per day). To enter the Floyd Building, you will need to show

a valid picture I.D. The Floyd Room is on the 20th


Eastbound on I-20: Take Exit 56B (Windsor St/Spring St). Continue on ramp to third traffic light. Turn left onto Central Ave. Stay in right lane. At the MARTA overpass traffic light (5-way intersection), take right onto Memorial Drive. Continue on Memorial Dr. to third traffic light. Turn left onto Capitol Avenue. Stay in right lane. You will pass the State Capitol on the left then turn right at the traffic light onto MLK Jr. Drive. Next, turn left at the traffic light onto Jesse Hill Jr. Drive. The entrance to the parking deck is on your right immediately after the pedestrian bridge (Pete Hackney Garage, $10.00 per day). To

enter the Floyd Building, you will need to show a valid picture I.D. The Floyd Room is on the 20th


Access to the Floyd Building from Pete Hackney Parking Garage

1. Take elevator to Level 5 of the Pete Hackney garage

2. Take immediate right off the elevator to the pedestrian bridge

(If you are walking towards the elevator, this will be a left)

3. Exit elevator and take pedestrian bridge across to the

Butler Parking Garage

4. Make immediate right to the elevators

5. Take elevator to Level BR (bridge) of the Butler Parking Garage

6. Exit elevator and take pedestrian bridge to the Floyd Building

(Access through two entry doors is open to the public)

7. You will enter the Floyd Building at the East Tower.

8. Walk across to the West Tower.

9. Check‐in with security personnel and take elevator to the 20th floor

10. Meeting will be held in the Floyd Room

Signs are posted throughout the Pete Hackney and Butler parking garages to direct

you through these steps to the Floyd Building.

The Floyd Building is located at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and

Piedmont Avenue.

1

Judicial Council of Georgia General Session

The Carter Center Atlanta, GA December 8, 2017 ● 10:00 a.m.

Members Present Chief Justice P. Harris Hines, Chair Presiding Justice Harold D. Melton Judge Brian Amero Judge Rooney Bowen Judge Carl C. Brown Chief Judge Stephen L.A. Dillard Judge Joyette Holmes (for Judge Glenda Dowling) Judge Gregory Fowler Judge Donald W. Gillis Judge Stephen Goss Judge James M. Griner, Jr. Judge Sarah Harris Judge Joseph Iannazzone (for Judge Nancy Bills) Judge LaTisha Dear Jackson Judge Courtney Johnson Judge Stephen Kelley (and for Judge Stephen Scarlett) Judge Matthew McCord Vice-Chief Judge Christopher McFadden Judge Bonnie Chessher Oliver Judge Kathy S. Palmer Judge Jack Partain Mr. Brian Rogers Judge Arthur Lee Smith

Judge Philip Spivey Judge Gail S. Tusan Judge James Whitfield Members Absent Judge Stephen Scarlett Staff Present Ms. Cynthia Clanton, Director Mr. Brad Allen Ms. Michelle Barclay Mr. Christopher Hansard Ms. Stephanie Hines Mr. Tyler Mashburn Ms. Tracy Mason Ms. LaShawn Murphy Ms. Tara Smith Ms. Ashley Stollar Mr. Jeffrey Thorpe Ms. Callie Weir Ms. Maleia Wilson Guests (Appended)

Call to Order and Welcome

The meeting of the Judicial Council of Georgia (Council) was called to order at 10:05

a.m. by Chief Justice Hines. He welcome everyone and recognized those representatives sitting

in as designees for absent members1. Members and designees identified themselves for the

purposes of roll call, followed by staff and guests.

1 See Members Present

2

Adoption of Minutes – October 20, 2017

Chief Justice Hines directed the Council’s attention to the minutes of the October 20,

2017, meeting. A motion to approve the minutes was offered by Chief Judge Dillard, followed

by a second from Judge McCord. No discussion was offered and the motion was approved

without opposition.

Final Report: Court Reform Council

Judge Charlie Bethel presented on the work and final recommendations of the Court

Reform Council, which was created by Executive Order by the Governor. The Reform Council’s

proposals are intended to provide options for the General Assembly to consider, and focus on

three areas: the Administrative Procedures Act; statewide Business Court; and, sovereign

immunity. Judge Bethel presented an overview of the proposals in each area.

Preparing for the 2018 Legislative Session

Representative Wendell Willard spoke to the Council about the upcoming legislative

session. He also spoke to the recommendations made by the Court Reform Council. Mr.

Mashburn spoke to the Council about services to be provided by the JC/AOC staff during

legislative session, and thanked Rep. Willard and his staff for their support and partnership.

Committee Reports

Legislation Committee. Presiding Justice Melton reminded the Council that the

Committee makes recommendations on concepts, not concrete language, as things can change

during the legislative process. The Committee met on November 29, 2017, to consider proposals

for the 2018 session.

Justice Melton summarized the recommendation to amend Chapter 25 of Title 47 of the

O.C.G.A., filed last session as HB 571 by the Magistrates Retirement Fund and brought to the

Council by the Council of Magistrate Court Judges. Judge Griner was recognized to explain the

bill. By way of the Committee report, Justice Melton proposed that the Council support

legislation to amend Title 47 Chapter 25 of the O.C.G.A. to make changes to the Magistrates

Retirement Fund, regarding eligibility and options for survivor’s benefits. A motion was offered

by Judge McFadden, with a second by Judge Palmer. The motion was approved without

opposition.

3

Justice Melton summarized the recommendation to amend O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15, proposed

by the Georgia Commission on Child Support. This proposal was intended to be done as part of

legislation passed last year, which the Council supported. By way of the Committee report,

Justice Melton proposed that the Council support legislation to amend O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15 to

make the use of multiple worksheets discretionary in cases in which there is more than one child

and there is a likelihood that a child will become ineligible to receive support within two years of

a final order being entered. A motion was offered by Judge Palmer, with a second by Judge

Whitfield. The motion was approved without opposition.

Justice Melton summarized the recommendation to amend O.C.G.A. § 15-6-77 and 15-6-

61, proposed by the Standing Committee on Judicial Workload Assessment. This proposal is a

carryover item from last session. By way of the Committee report, Justice Melton proposed that

the Council support legislation to amend O.C.G.A. § 15-6-77 to require that separate case

number entries be maintained, for case count purposes only, for post-judgment proceedings filed

more than 30 days after judgment or dismissal in an action; and, to amend O.C.G.A. §15-6-61 to

provide for the computerized record-keeping of such new cases. Judge Palmer clarified that this

is for case count purposes only and no separate fee is involved. A motion was offered by Judge

Palmer, with a second by Judge Bowen. The motion was approved without opposition.

Justice Melton stated that the recommendation regarding the preliminary report of the Ad

Hoc Committee on Misdemeanor Bail Reform would be held until later in the meeting.

Justice Melton presented the Felony Probation Bench Card to the Council. He reminded

the Council that it had previously authorized the Committee to act on its behalf during legislative

session, if necessary.

Technology Committee. Justice Melton referred to the written report provided in the

materials, and spoke to the progress of the single sign-on portal. He thanked Representative

Willard for his efforts on e-filing legislation.

Misdemeanor Bail Reform Committee. Judge Wayne Purdom delivered a comprehensive

overview on the Committee’s findings and recommendations as presented in its preliminary

report, provided in the materials. The Committee expects to finalize its report by the end of

January. Judge Purdom reported that the Committee will not have separate legislative

recommendations from the Criminal Justice Reform Council, and would like the Council to

support any legislation that comes from that body. The Chief Justice entertained a motion for the

4

Judicial Council to support the Criminal Justice Reform Council going forward with these

concepts, as reported by Judge Purdom. Judge McCord offered a motion, followed by a second

by Judge Dear Jackson. After some discussion, the motion was approved without opposition. At

Judge Purdom’s request, the Administrative Office of the Courts was tasked with looking into

statewide rates and contracts for electronic messaging of court notices.

Strategic Planning Committee. Judge Allen Wigington deferred to the written report.

Judicial Workload Assessment Committee. Judge Palmer presented the Trial Court

Caseload Reporting Policy as an action item. She reviewed the substantive changes made to the

policy, including the deadlines for caseload reporting by courts (changed from April 1 to March

15 of each year) and delivery of reports to courts (by June 1 of each year) and the General

Assembly (by October 1 of each year) as well as the implementation of a process for correcting a

report or submitting caseload data after the deadline. The Committee felt it was necessary to

have absolute deadlines to do the work required. Judge Palmer asked the Council to approve the

policy and deadlines as presented in the document; Judge McFadden offered a motion, followed

by a second from Judge Iannazzone. The policy was approved without opposition.

Education and Training Committee. Judge Brian Rickman presented an overview of the

committee’s work and stated its consensus that commonality of training is a viable goal to an

extent, but it is not practical to fundamentally get away from the needs of the individual classes

of court. Judge Brian Rickman presented the Committee’s recommendations, which seek to

advance or support efforts made by the Institute of Continuing Judicial Education to offer best

practices in training and education of trial court judges: 1) Request for ICJE to advertise on its

website common course offerings so that judges from any class of court may participate; 2)

Councils should explore making available scholarship money to send judges to training at the

National Judicial College; 3) ICJE create a library of knowledge where judges can review and

research information on specific topics; 4) the Council of Juvenile Court Judges should review

the current provisions in the juvenile code regarding training; and, 5) Support ICJE’s Fiscal Year

2019 enhancement request for an Electronic Media Curriculum Project Coordinator. Judge

Rickman stated that the committee will meet once per year, with the consensus that the Institute

of Continuing Judicial Education is the infrastructure for training judges. A motion to approve

the recommendations was offered by Judge Bowen, followed by a second by Judge Griner. The

recommendations were approved without opposition.

5

The Chief Justice called for a ten minute break; the meeting reconvened at 11:56 a.m.

Given the worsening winter weather, the Chief Justice indicated the remainder of the agenda

would be covered as quickly as possible and urged everyone to make their departures based on

their own personal situations.

Reports from the Judicial Council/AOC

Ms. Clanton stated she would forego her prepared remarks due to the weather and

highlighted three resources produced by the AOC: the 2017-2018 Georgia Courts Directory, and

asked that any changes be sent to her or to Michelle Barclay; the Felony Probation Bench Card,

which will be made available on the JC/AOC website; and, the draft Mental Health Bench Card

being developed by the Standing Committee on Access, Fairness, Public Trust and Confidence.

These resources are intended to serve as tools to all judges. Ms. Clanton closed her remarks by

stating the agency’s continuing commitment to serving the judiciary and asked that members let

her know of any questions or concerns they may have.

Reports from Appellate Courts and Trial Court Councils

Supreme Court. Chief Justice Hines referred members to the written report provided in

the materials. He reminded members of the Rule 3.15 reporting requirement, to be filed between

January 1 and April 15. Ms. Tee Barnes informed the Council that the Court has worked hard to

make the form easier to use and clarified that the required personal information will not be made

public. Chief Justice Hines announced the Day on the Bench event planned for the Middle

Judicial Circuit on December 15.

Court of Appeals. Chief Judge Dillard introduced Ms. Chris Smith, the Court’s Deputy

Court Administrator. He announced that the Court’s panels will now have the ability to have 2-1

decisions; back up panels have been abolished. A press release has been prepared and posted on

the Court’s website.

Council of Superior Court Judges. Judge Palmer referred members to the written report

provided in the materials. Chief Justice Hines recognized Mr. Shannon Weathers as the

Council’s Interim Executive Director.

Council of State Court Judges. Judge Fowler referred members to the written report

provided in the materials.

Council of Juvenile Court Judges. Judge Whitfield referred members to the written report


6

Council of Probate Court Judges. Judge Bowen referred members to the written report


Council of Magistrate Court Judges. Judge Griner referred members to the written report


Council of Municipal Court Judges. Judge Dear Jackson noted that the Council will be

looking at filling its vacancies on several Judicial Council committees.

State Bar of Georgia. Mr. Rogers spoke briefly on behalf of the State Bar.

Council of Accountability Court Judges. Judge Goss referred members to the written

report provided in the materials.

Institute of Continuing Judicial Education. A written report was provided in the materials.

Georgia Commission on Dispute Resolution. A written report was provided in the

materials.

Council of Superior Court Clerks. Mr. Mike Holiman referred members to the written

report provided in the materials.

Georgia Council of Court Administrators. Ms. Stephanie Hines referred members to the

written report provided in the materials.

Old Business

Ms. Karlise Grier, Executive Director of the Chief Justice’s Commission on

Professionalism, spoke to the Council regarding a bench guide on the Service Members Civil

Relief Act. The draft guide will be available in early 2018 and Ms. Grier asked that anyone

interested in serving as a reader or editor to please contact her.

Mr. Pete Skandalakis, incoming Executive Director of the Prosecuting Attorneys’

Council, spoke briefly to the Council.

New Business

No new business was offered.

Concluding Remarks

Chief Justice Hines recognized Judge Tusan in absentia as an outgoing member of the

Council and thanked her for her service. The next Council meeting will be held on February 23,

2018, at 10 a.m. in Atlanta.

Adjournment

Hearing no further business, Chief Justice Hines adjourned the meeting at 12:17 p.m.

7

Respectfully submitted:

______________________

Tracy Mason Assistant Director, Judicial Council/AOC For Cynthia H. Clanton, Director and Secretary

The above and foregoing minutes were approved on the _____ day of ___________________, 2018.

____________________________________

P. Harris Hines Chief Justice

LC 21 5941S

______________________________________________ offers the following

substitute to HB 705:

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

1 To amend Title 15 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to courts, so as to

2 increase the general jurisdictional limits for certain civil claims in magistrate courts; to

3 increase the filing fee for filings in magistrate courts; to provide for related matters; to repeal

4 conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

5 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

6 SECTION 1.

7 Title 15 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to courts, is amended by revising

8 paragraph (5) of Code Section 15-10-2, relating to the general jurisdiction of magistrate

9 courts, as follows:

10 "(5) The trial of civil claims including garnishment and attachment alleging tort, in which

11 exclusive jurisdiction is not vested in the superior court and the amount demanded or the

12 value of the property claimed does not exceed $15,000.00 $25,000.00, and the trial of all

13 other civil claims, including garnishment and attachment, in which exclusive jurisdiction

14 is not vested in the superior court and the amount demanded or the value of the property

15 claimed does not exceed $15,000.00, provided that no prejudgment attachment may be

16 granted;"

17 SECTION 2.

18 Said title is further amended by revising subsection (a) of Code Section 15-10-80, relating

19 to filing fees in magistrate courts, as follows:

20 "(a) Upon filing any civil action the plaintiff shall pay a filing deposit as established by

21 local court rule, not to exceed $22.00 which shall cover all costs of the action except

22 service of process, as follows:.

23 (1) Where the amount of the claim does not exceed $15,000.00, the filing deposit shall

24 not exceed $22.00; and

- 1 -

LC 21 5941S

25 (2) Where the amount of the claim is $15,000.00 or greater, the filing deposit shall not

26 exceed $40.00."

27 SECTION 3.

28 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.

- 2 -

Judicial Council Program & Subprograms FY 2018 $ Change AFY 2018

Administrative Office of the Courts 6,832,792.00$ 6,838,932.00$

Increase to reflect adjustment in agency premiums to DOAS self-insur. 7,875.00$

Reduction to funds to reflect an adjustment in merit system assessments. (1,735.00)$

Child Support Collaborative 119,000.00$ 119,000.00$

Georgia Council of Court Administrators 19,057.00$ 19,057.00$

Council of Magistrate Court Judges 190,449.00$ 190,449.00$

Council of Probate Court Judges 182,176.00$ 182,176.00$

Council of State Court Judges 2,882,422.00$ 2,882,422.00$

Council of Municipal Court Judges 16,185.00$ 16,185.00$

Civil Legal Services to Victims of Domestic Violence 2,500,000.00$ 2,500,000.00$

Other Programs

Council of Accountability Court Judges 659,516.00$ 659,430.00$

Reduction to funds to reflect an adjustment in merit system assessments. (86.00)$

Appellate Resource Center 800,000.00$ 800,000.00$

Judicial Qualifications Commission 819,866.00$ 819,771.00$


Institute of Continuing Judicial Education 565,452.00$ 552,375.00$


Reduction to reflect savings (12,617.00)$

Total 15,586,915.00$ (7,118.00)$ 15,586,915.00$

Judicial Council Operations Amended Fiscal Year 2018HB 683 (FY 2018A) - Section 6

DEPARTMENT PROJECT FY 2018 Budget YTD TOTAL

EXPENDITURES REMAINING Budget Spent

Administrative Office of The Courts 6,832,792$ 3,805,990$ 3,027,499$ 55.70%

Child Support Collaborative 174 119,000$ 68,559$ 50,441$ 57.61%

Georgia Council of Court Administrators 141 19,057$ 528$ 18,529$ 2.77%

Council of Magistrate Court Judges 204 190,449$ 90,242$ 100,207$ 47.38%

Council of Probate Court Judges 205 182,176$ 98,748$ 83,428$ 54.20%

Council of State Court Judges 206 258,608$ 142,792$ 115,816$ 55.22%

Council of State Court Judges Ret. 207 2,623,814$ 1,205,396$ 1,418,418$ 45.94%

Council of Municipal Court Judges 142 16,185$ 10,266$ 5,919$ 63.43%

Legal Services for Domestic Violence 103 2,500,000$ 2,425,000$ 75,000$ 97.00%

Other Judicial Council Subprograms 5,909,289$ 4,041,530$ 1,867,759$ 68.39%

Accountability Courts 195 659,516$ 262,406$ 397,110$ 39.79%

Resource Center 500 800,000$ 466,667$ 333,333$ 58.33%

Judicial Qualifications Commission 400 819,866$ 337,874$ 481,992$ 41.21%

Inst of Continuing Jud Ed Operations 300 64,000$ 19,118$ 44,882$ 29.87%

Inst of Continuing Jud Ed Administration 301 501,452$ 207,142$ 294,310$ 41.31%

Separate Judicial Council Programs 2,844,834$ 1,293,208$ 1,551,626$ 42.10%

TOTAL JUDICIAL COUNCIL 15,586,915$ 9,140,727$ 6,446,885$ 58.64%

FY2018 - Judicial Council Operations

Financial ReportBudget as of January 31, 2018

244 Washington Street SW • Suite 300 • Atlanta, GA 30334 404-656-5171 • www.georgiacourts.gov

Judicial Council of Georgia Administrative Office of the Courts

Chief Justice P. Harris Hines Cynthia H. Clanton Chair Director

Memorandum TO: Judicial Council of Georgia FROM: Standing Committee on Court Reporting Matters RE: Policies and Fees for Court Reporting Services in Civil Cases DATE: February 7th, 2018 On January 10th, 2018, the Standing Committee on Court Reporting Matters (CRMC) approved passage of the Policies and Fees for Court Reporting Services in Civil Cases. Staff members are currently preparing a final draft to present to the Judicial Council to publish for public comment. The committee will follow the current timeline to roll out the proposed changes:

2/23/18 Judicial Council Meeting, CRMC update 4/27/18 Judicial Council Meeting, JC will be notified of CRMC progress (Draft Rules to be shared with JC)

5/1/18 Public commentary period begins (45 days) 6/14/18 Public commentary period ends 7/1/18 Gather comments and compile report for CRMC

7/27/18 Proposed CRMC meeting to review comments 8/8/18 Judicial Council Meeting, CRMC update 9/1/18 Submit Rules to the House/Senate Judiciary Committees

244 Washington Street SW • Suite 300 • Atlanta, GA 30334

404-656-5171 • www.georgiacourts.gov



Memorandum

TO: Judicial Council of Georgia

FROM: Chief Judge W. Allen Wigington, Chair

RE: Strategic Plan Standing Committee Report

DATE: February 7, 2018

The Strategic Plan Standing Committee met on January 23, 2018 for a working session.

After hearing updates on several key initiatives, the Committee voted to close out several initiatives

as completed. Key initiatives 1, 2, and 7 relate to promoting public accessibility in the courts, using

technology as an effective communication tool, and enhancing the professional image of the

judiciary in the community. Over the past several months, the AOC has hosted various events and

featured stories to promote the work of the judiciary. While the Committee voted to mark these

initiatives as completed, work on these goals overall will continue as they are integral to promoting

courts.

The Committee also voted to close out key initiative 6, promoting multi-disciplinary judicial

education, as the Judicial Council recently approved the recommendations of the Standing

Committee on Education and Training on best practices in training and education for trial court

judges. The Committee recommended keeping the Standing Committee on Education and

Training as an inactive Judicial Council Committee should the need for future best practices in

training and education arise.

Updates on key initiatives 3 and 5 were presented to the Committee. The Committee discussed a

core service model which will allow the AOC Office of Research and Data Analysis (ORDA) to

offer training to courts on how to implement CourTools measures themselves. The ODRA webpage

was shared with the Committee. The webpage has been redesigned to be more interactive. The

ODRA will continue to promote the redesigned webpage and will measure webpage traffic.

Judge James M. Anderson II, Judge of the Norcross Municipal Court, has been appointed to the

Committee to fill the unexpired term of Judge E. R. “Ray” Lanier. The next scheduled meeting of

the Committee is March 27, 2018 at the State Bar of Georgia.

http://www.georgiacourts.gov/

Judicial Council of Georgia

Strategic Business Plan for FY 2017 – FY 2019

Strategy Map

4

Drivers

Vision

To improve justice in all Georgia courts through collaboration, innovation, and information

Mission

The Judicial Council and AOC lead

collaboration on policy across

Georgia’s courts to improve the

administration of justice in Georgia

Guiding Principles

- Uphold the independence and integrity of the judiciary- Promote efficient and effective administration of justice- Support informed, fact-based decisions that affect the

courts- Collaborate with key stakeholders in judicial, executive,

and legislative branches

Strategic Objectives

KeyInitiatives 1. Promote public accessibility and

transparency in the courts

2. Promote the use of technology as an effective communication tool

3. Encourage ongoing use of CourTools

measures to promote access and fairness in the courts

Improve Citizen Experience with Georgia Courts

4. Encourage ongoing Executive and Legislative branch communications and initiatives of mutual interest

5. Modernize court information collection and workload assessment to accurately reflect the work of the courts

6. Promote effective multi-disciplinary judicial education practices across multiple councils and groups

7. Enhance the professional and ethical image of the judiciary in the community

8. Monitor and share trends and best practices of interest to the judiciary

9. Assist the judiciary in business continuity and leadership succession planning

Improve Collaboration and Planning

Build Thought Leadership

MeasuresOf Success 1. Utilize individual measures identified for each Key Initiative

2. Track progress on Key Initiatives by assigned AOC Senior Leadership

3. Report progress on Key Initiatives to the Judicial Council




Memorandum TO: Judicial Council of Georgia FROM: Michelle Barclay, Division Director RE: AOC’s Communications, Children, Families, and the Courts Division DATE: February 23, 2018 The Communications, Children, Families and the Courts Division of the AOC serves as the hub for all communications and provides staff for the Supreme Court of Georgia Committee on Justice for Children, chaired by Justice David Nahmias; the Georgia Commission on Child Support, chaired by Judge Michael Key; and the Access, Fairness, Public Trust and Confidence Committee of the Judicial Council, co-chaired by Justice Robert Benham and Justice Carol Hunstein, of which Justice Britt Grant and Justice Michael Boggs are now both committee members; as well as grant funded work related to children and families. This Division assists with general grant research for courts in partnership with the legal staff in the Director’s Division. Staff also serves as a liaison to the Georgia Commission on Family Violence (GCFV), chaired by Holly Tuchman, and the Council of Accountability Court Judges with Judge Stephen S. Goss as its current Chair. Following is a brief synopsis of the work.

Committee on Justice for Children (J4C): Former Juvenile Court Judge Jerry Bruce is the program attorney for the J4C. Grant funding for 2017 has begun which will last until December 30th, 2018. Funding beyond that date is uncertain. The priorities for now include:

The Court Process Reporting System provides a daily snapshot of data relating to every child in foster care, allowing judges, attorneys, and CASAs to stay up-to-date on every factor related to the child’s permanency plan. The system also allows for uploading and e-filing of court orders, which are then sent to DFCS every day, allowing for improvement of outcomes when the State seeks federal reimbursement for a portion of foster care expenses.


The Cold Case Project, jointly managed by J4C and the Office of the Child

Advocate, identifies foster care cases which are not moving toward permanency and convenes a series of permanency round-table meetings to brainstorm solutions to permanency roadblocks.

The Peer Review Project, also jointly managed by J4C and the Office of the Child Advocate, sends child welfare law experts to view dependency proceedings in juvenile courts around the State. The Peer Reviewers evaluate hearing quality and attorney function using a national best-practice model. Each court receives a written evaluation with recommendations, and regional trainings are offered for attorneys to address issues revealed during the reviews.

The Court Improvement Initiative is a twice-yearly meeting group composed of

leading juvenile court judges and their stakeholders. J4C reviews the best-practice model with each jurisdiction individually, and at the meetings each jurisdiction reports on its efforts to implement best practices. Each meeting includes a session for judges at which data for each jurisdiction are reviewed and moderated discussions are held on best-practice implementation in light of needs revealed by the data.

J4C also sponsors two awards for child welfare attorneys and one for DFCS case managers to highlight the importance of this work. The next awards will be given at the State Bar annual meeting in June 2018.

A Georgia Child Welfare Law Specialist meeting was held on Oct 12-13, 2017; attended by over 40 GA attorneys who have become CWLS certified.

J4C and OCA sponsored a statewide Summit that took place November 27-29,

2017. It was attended by judges, attorneys, DFCS case managers and supervisors, CASAs, service providers, and other stakeholders.

J4C provides expertise on a wide range of juvenile court topics at state and national conferences.

The next meeting will be on May 24, 2018. See: j4c.georgiacourts.gov

Communications: Improving communication can improve justice in all Georgia courts through collaboration and innovation, so it remains a priority under the Judicial Council Strategic Plan. Staff works daily to promote and even generate positive content about Georgia’s judicial branch, all courts, and judges. Our aim with this content continues to instill faith in our state’s system of justice and the rule of law. Daily and periodic tasks


within Communications include writing the JC/AOC Annual Report-https://jcaocannual.report/, publishing the Georgia Courts Journal http://journal.georgiacourts.gov/; maintaining the Georgia Courts Directory-http://georgiacourts.knack.com/gcd2/, assisting with drafting and distribution of press releases; updating Judicial Council materials; providing substantive content for our Facebook/Twitter pages and the JC/AOC website (https://www.facebook.com/GACourts; https://twitter.com/Gacourts) and http://georgiacourts.gov; taking photos and drafting daily messages for events and communications. A Day on the Bench to celebrate Bill of Rights Day was held on December 15 in the Middle Judicial Circuit which is archived on our livestream channel, https://livestream.com/accounts/15641258.

Child Support Commission: The Commission staff works collaboratively with Georgia’s Department of Human Services in several areas, including supporting the Parental Accountability Courts (PAC) and general support for the process and the law surrounding child support. We continue to support and train PAC coordinators on use of the database that has begun giving us statistical evidence of the efficacy of those courts. Our Research Division has done a pilot study of the results of data collected over a three year period, which we have shared with the Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) We have a meeting set to discuss the initial draft of the report, and discuss the PAC expansion for 2018. HB 654 has been filed and is in committee hearings this week to correct a provision that passed last legislative session that requires the use of multiple worksheets in families with more than one child; this was not proposed by the Commission but changed pre-filing; the Commission seeks to reinstate its original language and intent. Courts, attorneys, mediators and the public are using the new online calculator; the only issue continues to be internet connectivity within the courthouses around the state. The Excel calculators will be retired on September 30, 2018. Commission staff is training users on the new calculator, and has videos available on its website for use by self-represented litigants. We have been doing trainings around the state on the new calculator, child support law, and income withholding. Staff has begun work on its quadrennial federal guidelines review, collecting orders from October 2017 from twelve courts selected by economic experts. http://csc.georgiacourts.gov.

Access, Fairness, and Public Trust and Confidence Committee (AFPTCC): The AFPTCC continues to work on a variety of projects designed to strengthen the public’s trust and confidence in the judicial system. Contract Attorney, Tabitha Ponder joined our Division in December, and has been working with Committee members on the following:

Attorney Talley Wells and several group members have worked to finalize the companion guide and a bench card to assist judges facing mental illness in the courtroom for the Americans with Disabilities Act Court Handbook. These deliverables are available for distribution.

Judge Rodatus and Georgia State University Law Intern, Timur Selimovic who is also a fellow with GSU Center for Access to Justice, continue on with AFPTCC. They are finalizing the tool kit for Georgia judges that will provide information


on a variety of self-help service delivery models which was presented at the February 21st meeting.

Tiffany Sargent at ICJE has confirmed that the judicial trainings on Inclusion & Human Trafficking (Ethics Panel) has been added to the Municipal and State Courts Annual Training calendars, as required by the State Judicial Institute grant. Additionally, Juvenile Court has recently agreed to add the same to their calendar.

Taylor Jones is arranging Justice Benham to meet with Judge Goss in February to discuss on-going Accountability Court matters, and how we can ensure that more sensitivity is brought to the racial discrepancies within this class of court. Judge Goss will also update the Committee during the February meeting.

The AFPTCC is also working on the production of a Georgia-specific guide for judges on the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. The AFPTCC is partnering with Emory University, Georgia State University and the State Bar of Georgia Military-Veterans Law Section on this project. Similar guides have been created in other states, and you can find one similar state-specific guide at this link: https://mckinneylaw.iu.edu/practice/clinics/_docs/IndianaJudgesGuide.pdf. The first draft will be available during the February meeting.

Judge Dear-Jackson who serves as the Council of Municipal Court Judges (CMuCJ) representative for AFPTCC, along with LaShawn and Tabitha are working to prepare a survey to collect data so that a Best Practices Guide can be developed and to assist in the development of a state-wide remote access system.

Charles Lester with the Justice for All (JFA) working group will be presenting the group’s Strategic Plan at the February meeting, in hopes of collaborating with the AFPTCC to assist with implementing their plan.

Family Violence Grants: In addition to serving as liaison to the GCFV as mentioned previously, the staff in this division works with multiple state partners on to address family violence case improvement. A Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grant was used to bring a national Domestic Violence training to Georgia's judges from October 22-25, 2017. Staff also provides limited support to the state funded civil legal services grants for victims of domestic violence.

Council of Superior Court Judges of Georgia Suite 104, 18 Capitol Square, Atlanta, Georgia 30334

(404) 656-4964 Fax (404) 651-8626

Council of Superior Court Judges Report to Judicial Council February 2018 The Council of Superior Court Judges held its annual meeting and winter training seminar in Athens, Georgia, January 16-19, 2018. Approximately 250 judges and senior judges participated. The meeting and seminar were interrupted by winter weather. The Council thanks Executive Director Doug Ashworth, Missy Tolbert, and the ICJE staff, as well as Chairman Greg Poole, Vice-Chairman Katie Lumsden, and the MCJE Committee for their efforts in adjusting the schedule as necessary to make the educational seminar a success. The seminar included such topics as issues and sanctions on motions for discovery; evidentiary issues in complex divorce cases; budget, staffing, and human resource issues in accountability courts; probation best practices for release; jury charges, instructions, and verdict forms for divorce and child support; training for senior judges to assist with accountability courts; appeals involving workers’ compensation and employment issues; rules for interviewing a child to determine parental alienation; ethical issues and boundaries for accountability courts; the opioid epidemic; reports from the Court Reform Council and State Bar of Georgia; an update on procedural rules of the Judicial Qualifications Commission; ethical obligations outside the courtroom; awarding attorneys’ fees; court security and judicial emergency operations; death penalty cases; and proposed Uniform Superior Court Rule 22, regarding recordings and the use of electronic devices on courtrooms. The Governor recently appointed six Superior Court Judges: Judge Clint G. Bearden of the Northeastern Judicial Circuit; Judge Howard C. Kaufold, Jr., of the Oconee Judicial Circuit; Judge John A. “Trea” Pipkin, III, of the Flint Judicial Circuit, Judge Kathryn L. Powers of the Clayton Judicial Circuit, Judge T. Craig Earnest of the Pataula Judicial Circuit; and Judge Benjamin A. Land of the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit. Judge Tain Kell and Judge Wade Padgett will lead New Judge Orientation on March 8-9, 2018 in Dublin.

Council of State Court Judges Impartial Courts Judicial Excellence Accessible and Efficient Justice

244 Washington Street, S.W.

Suite 300 Atlanta, GA 30334

404-651-6204 FAX 404-463-5173

Report of the Council of State Court Judges

Judicial Council Meeting February 23, 2018

State Court judges have completed a follow-up study to the time and motion study of their work from the fall. The National Center for State Courts is requesting the judges to review the time for various case categories to determine if there were other factors involved in the preparation or hearing of a case to disposition or appeal. State Court judges have been working hard with the Judicial Council Ad Hoc Committee on Misdemeanor Pretrial Release and Bail Reform and the Criminal Justice Reform Council and offering recommendations to improve the practice of pretrial release and initiate bail reform on low level misdemeanor offenses. The Ad Hoc Committee, Chaired by Chief Judge Wayne Purdom of DeKalb County State Court has been extended to examine the use of citations as a charging document on low level misdemeanors like those used in traffic misdemeanor offenses. The Council welcomes Shalonda Jones-Parker to the state court bench in Clayton County State Court. She fills the vacancy created by the appointment of State Court Judge Kathryn Powers to the superior court for the Clayton Circuit. The Council congratulates Judge Neal Dettmering of Douglas County State Court on his recent retirement and application for Senior Judge status. Judge Dettmering served as a state court judge for over 16 years and created the DUI and Drug Courts in Douglas County Accountability Courts.

On Friday, Six recently appointed state court judges completed their new judge orientation the last week in January in Athens, Georgia. Courses included an introduction to the state judicial branch and its governance and policymaking functions; technology and judicial resources; a day on criminal cases which includes a wet lab conducted by law enforcement officers and demonstrations on field sobriety evaluations and BAC testing; a day on civil case management; and concluding the fourth day with discussions on immigration, traffic case management and domestic violence cases.

The Legislative Subcommittee of the Council continues to conduct weekly telephone conferences during the legislative session to stay abreast of Bills and Resolutions as they are presented and travel to their assigned committees for vetting. Respectfully submitted,

H. Gregory Fowler Judge H. Gregory Fowler President, Council of State Court Judges

Staff Bob Bray Executive Director

Executive Committee

Judge H. Gregory Fowler President (Chatham) Judge Nancy Bills President Elect (Rockdale) Judge Joseph C. Iannazzone Secretary (Gwinnett) Judge T. Russell McClelland Treasurer (Forsyth) Judge Richard A. Slaby Immediate Past President (Richmond District 1 Judge Gregory V. Sapp (Chatham) District 2 Judge R. Violet Bennett (Wayne) District 3 Judge John K. Edwards, Jr. (Lowndes) District 4 Judge Jason T. Harper (Henry) District 5 Judge Alan W. Thrower (Baldwin) District 6 Judge John G. Breakfield (Hall) District 7 Judge Wesley B. Tailor (Fulton) District 8 Judge Allen Dee Morris (Cherokee)

244 Washington Street SW • Suite 300 • Atlanta, GA 30334 Phone: 404-656-5171 • Fax: 404-651-6449

Council of Probate Court Judges of Georgia

Judge Rooney Bowen, III President (Dooly)

Judge Sarah Harris

President Elect (Macon-Bibb))

Judge T. J. Hudson First Vice President (Treutlen)

Judge Darin McCoy

Secretary-Treasurer (Evans)

Judge Alice W. Padgett Immediate Past President (Columbia)

The following is a summary of activities and current initiatives by the Council of Probate Court Judges: 2018 Probate Judges’ Day at the Capitol On January 22, 2018, our Council hosted our annual Probate Judges’ Day at the Capitol. Over sixty probate judges from across the state gathered for a full slate of events, which culminated in a luncheon that was catered by The Varsity. We had an opportunity to feed a number of legislators, Capitol Hill staffers and other invited guests. More importantly, it was yet another opportunity for us to fellowship with one another. Strategic Planning Recently, our Council’s leadership gathered at the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center to hold sessions to craft the most current iteration of our Council’s Strategic Plan. Judge Sarah Harris, our Council’s President-elect, has led the way on this effort and Judge Allen Wigington has graciously agreed to serve as the plan manager. Based upon the new goals that are set forth in the plan, we are confident that the operations of both our Council and our class of court will be enhanced as a result of achieving each one. Judge TJ Hudson At the end of last year, Judge TJ Hudson of Treutlen County, our Council’s First Vice President, was involved in a serious car accident, which resulted in him being injured. In the past couple of months, he has been on the mend and sounds better each day. We look forward to him returning to full strength and we cannot wait to see him at our Spring Conference in March. Thank You! For the past two years, I have had the distinct privilege of representing our Council as a member of the Judicial Council. Within those years I have had the honor to serve with judges from the respective classes of court who have committed their immense brainpower and talent to working for the good of state’s courts. I humbly thank you for your collegiality, professionalism and commitment to serving our state’s citizenry. Finally, I wish Judge Sarah Harris, my friend and colleague, all the best, as she assumes the role as our next Council president. Our Council is, indeed, in great hands! Respectfully submitted,

Judge Rooney Bowen, III President, Council of Probate Court Judges of Georgia

Report to Judicial Council of Georgia February 23, 2018

Council of Municipal Court Judges

Judge LaTisha Dear Jackson, President City of Stone Mountain 875 Main Street Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083 770-879-4981 [email protected] Judge Matthew McCord, President-Elect City of Stockbridge [email protected] Judge Dale “Bubba” Samuels, Vice President City of Franklin Springs & Monroe [email protected] Judge JaDawnya Baker, Secretary City of Atlanta [email protected] Judge John Clayton Davis Treasurer City of Love Joy [email protected] Judge Gary E. Jackson Immediate Past President City of Atlanta [email protected] District One Judge Richard Sanders Judge Derek White District Two Judge Jason Moon Judge Willie Weaver, Sr. District Three Vacant Judge Fred Graham District Four Judge Garland C. Moore Judge David Will District Five Judge Christopher Portis Judge Donald Schaefer District Six Judge J. Kristi Lovelace Judge Ted Echols District Seven Judge Timothy McCreary Judge Roger Rozen District Eight Judge Michael Gailey Judge Tommy J. Smith District Nine Judge Pamela Boles Judge Claude Mason District Ten Judge Lori Duff Judge Ryan S. Hope

Report to the Judicial Council of Georgia – February 23, 2018 Here is an overview of recent events, programs, and activities of the Council of Municipal Court Judges (CMuCJ):

Council Meeting Endeavors The Council has revived its Lunch 'n' Learn series, in partnership with A Strong Hand Up (ASHU), through district meetings around the State. ASHU will offer new approaches to offender education and offer topics of discussions on mental illness, the opioid epidemic, marijuana issues, shoplifting and anger vs. domestic violence. To date, the 10th and 3rd districts have conducted meetings. CMuCJ Savings Plan With the passage of HB 370 in the 2017 legislative session, the Council has the authority to create a tax deferred savings plan for all members in good standing. The Saving Plan committee has met with various financial service firms regarding establishment of the structure of the plan(s), professional administration, investments and management oversight of the plan. The Council’s Executive Committee approved the inaugural plan’s concept at its January meeting. The committee will finalize the proposal for implementation. Legislation Presently, for the 2018 session of the General Assembly, the Council of Municipal Court Judges does not plan to seek any legislative initiatives. The CMuCJ is still actively engaged in the efforts of the Criminal Justice Reform Council due to the possible effects of its work on municipal courts. The CMuCJ has continued to monitor and participate in discussions regarding traffic reform and probation. As such, the CMuCJ will continue its efforts through representation on any continued works of the Judicial Council Ad Hoc Committee on Misdemeanor Bail Reform and monitor any legislation to come from the final report of the Criminal Justice Reform Council. Additionally, the CMuCJ is still actively participating through its representative on the Certiorari Review Subcommittee, whose purpose is to re-examine existing law with an effort to streamline and economize the Courts appellate practice in Georgia. The Council looks forward to the great work to come from this working group to standardize the process for municipal courts. Uniform Rules Amendments At its January meeting, the Council’s Executive Committee voted to approve adoption of Uniform Superior Court Rule 7.3 (Interpreters and the Notice for Need of Interpreter). In doing so, it will marry the Municipal Judges Benchbook Interpreters chapter authored by the Commission on Interpreters (COI) representative, Ms. Jana Edmondson. Additionally, the Council plans to adopt the recently revised Uniform Superior Court Rule 22 governing the use of electronic devices in courtrooms and the

mailto:[email protected]






The Council of Municipal Court Judges

recording of judicial proceedings. Both amendments will be formally presented to the membership for adoption at the Council’s Business Meeting in June. Strategic Planning A business plan was developed to enable the Council to continue to prioritize and deliver the services that would best support its courts across the judicial system of Georgia. As a critical component to the yearly development of the CMuCJ and the services and representation it provides its membership, contributors will meet to re-examine those strategic goals, assess their progress in implementing them, set goals for accomplishing those parts of the plan which have not yet been implemented, and originate new initiates. Additionally, as a part of this process, participants will seek alignment of the current IT Plan with the Strategic Business Plan and that of the Judicial Council of Georgia. The planning session is scheduled to be held April 12-14, 2018 in Fort Gaines, Georgia. Strengthening the Council The CMuCJ is continuing its collaborating with the Judicial Council Access, Fairness, Public Trust and Confidence (AFPTC) Committee, co-chaired by Justice Benham and Justice Hunstein. The CMuCJ and AFPTC will maintain this partnership through training in CY2018, on how courts can best provide services to transgender individuals, implicit bias and human trafficking. Additionally, the Council will assist with the next steps from the December 2016 symposium, Georgia Reflections of Ferguson: The Role of the Courts. Next Meeting The Council of Municipal Court Judges Executive Committee is scheduled to meet April 12, 2018, in conjunction with its Strategic Planning Session. Respectfully submitted, Judge LaTisha Dear Jackson President, Council of Municipal Court Judges

244 Washington Street SW • Suite 300 • Atlanta, GA 30334

404.656.2613 • www.gaaccountabilitycourts.org

Council of Accountability Court Judges

Report to Judicial Council

February 2018

In the time since the Council of Accountability Court Judges (CACJ) last reported to the Judicial Council the

CACJ has held meetings of the Executive Committee, as well as the Semi-Annual meeting for the members

of the CACJ, on January 19, 2018 in Athens, Georgia.

The CACJ is pleased to report the following Council accomplishments and activity:

The CACJ released the Adult Felony Drug Court, Adult Mental Health Court, DUI Court, Family Treatment

Court, and Veterans Treatment Court certification applications in December. Each court that is subject to

apply for certification or re-certification returned their application back to the CACJ in January. The CACJ

Standards and Certification Committee is scheduled to review the applications on February 16, 2018. It

should be noted that the 2017/2018 certification cycle is the first for the Veterans Treatment Courts and is

pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-1-17.

The CACJ Funding Committee released the FY18 Emergency Funds Grant opportunity on January 25, 2018.

The purpose of this opportunity is to support existing courts in need of funding for participant evidence-based

treatment and drug testing for final quarter of the fiscal year. As Georgia’s Accountability Courts continue to

mature and increase their ability to serve more and more eligible citizens the need for treatment and drug

testing funds g continues to be in demand. Additionally, the CACJ Funding Committee released the FY19

Accountability Courts Grant solicitation on February 19, 2018. At this time the CACJ anticipates eight (8)

implementation courts beginning their operations on July 1, 2018.

The CACJ in partnerships with the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), and with the support of the

Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC), has successfully received Accountability Court program data

in an automated manner for the first time in FY18. The data that is received is housed in a repository

platform hosted and supported by the AOC. The CACJ would like to recognize Mr. Tony Mazza of the AOC

for his work and leadership throughout the implementation process. His dedication to the development of the

repository platform has significantly contributed to a successful implementation. During the first two quarters

of FY18 approximately 15,000 individual participant records were received from the courts. There is still

plenty of work and process refinement that must take place; however, the implementation should be

considered a great step forward in CACJ’s ability to further assist the courts in their efforts to improve

participant outcomes. The implementation was also made possible by the hard work of the two state

contracted case management vendors for Accountability Courts; FivePoint Solutions and Integrated

Management Solutions (IMS).

The CACJ continues to work closely with the Administrative Office of the Courts, and the Criminal Justice

Coordinating Council, to further develop the Accountability Courts of Georgia under the guidance and

expertise of Judges.

Taylor Jones

Executive Director Judge Stephen S. Goss

Executive Committee Chair

Dougherty Judicial Circuit

Council of Accountability Court Judges

GEORGIA COMMISSION ON DISPUTE RESOLUTION

244 WASHINGTON STREET, S.W., SUITE 300, ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30334-5900 404-463-3808; www.godr.org

The following is an update on the initiatives and activities for the Commission on

Dispute Resolution:

New Chair-Elect and Members

On January 31, Justice Britt C. Grant swore in new Chair-Elect, Hon. Jane C.

Barwick, Superior Court Judge Fulton Superior Court and new members Hon. Cindy

M. Morris, Superior Court Judge of the Conasauga Judicial Circuit and Mr. Herbert

H. (Hal) Gray, III, Esq.

2017 Registration Renewal Season

Last year’s on-time registration renewal period ended December 31. A total of 2054

“neutrals” - mediators, arbitrators, and evaluators renewed prior to the deadline.

Currently, there are approximately 2,300 registered neutrals in Georgia. Registration

categories include: general civil, domestic relations, specialized domestic violence,

arbitration, early neutral evaluation, juvenile delinquency, and juvenile dependency.

Neutrals who wish to conduct court-ordered or court-referred ADR sessions must be

registered pursuant to the Supreme Court ADR Rules.

ADR Program Directors’ Conference

The 2017 ADR Program Directors Conference was held November 15-17 in

Savannah. There were 29 program representatives present for the event. The

agenda featured sessions on program management, online dispute resolution, the

neuroscience and psychology of decision making, updates to data collection, and

proposed revisions to the guidelines for mediating cases with domestic violence.

Facilitated discussions were also helpful in identifying areas where the Georgia

Office of Dispute Resolution could provide further support to existing court

programs. Feedback was overwhelming positive and plans are underway for another

conference in the fall.

ADR Institute

The 24th Annual ADR Institute and 2017 Neutrals’ Conference was held Friday,

December 8, at the State Bar of Georgia. There were 288 attendees in total. Mr. R.

Wayne Thorpe, Esq., received the 2017 Chief Justice Harold G. Clarke Award in

recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of alternative dispute

resolution in Georgia.

Upcoming Commission Meeting Date

The next Commission meeting date is May 9, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. in Room #1 of the

State Bar of Georgia. Meeting information as well as previous minutes are posted on

the GODR website at www.godr.org.

Chair

Judge Charles E. Auslander, III

Chair-Elect

Judge Jane C. Barwick

Executive Director

Tracy B. Johnson

Program Coordinator

Karlie Sahs

Commission Members

Justice Britt C. Grant

Justice Keith R. Blackwell

Judge Amanda H. Mercier Emily S. Bair, Esq.

Raymond G. Chadwick, Jr., Esq.

Mary Donovan, Esq. Judge C. Andrew Fuller

Herbert H.(Hal) Gray III, Esq.

Melissa C. Heard, M.S.S.W. Timothy Hedeen, Ph.D.

Judge Stefani R. Lacour, Esq.

Judge M. Cindy Morris, Esq. Patrick T. O’Connor, Esq.

Rep. Jay Powell, Esq.

Edith B Primm, Esq. Vjollca Prroni Young

http://www.godr.org/

The Honorable P. Harris Hines (Chair) Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Georgia Atlanta, Georgia Professor Nathan S. Chapman University of Georgia School of Law Athens, Georgia Professor Clark D. Cunningham Georgia State University College of Law Atlanta, Georgia J. Antonio DelCampo DelCampo Weber & Grayson, LLC Atlanta, Georgia Gerald M. Edenfield Edenfield, Cox, Bruce & Classens, PC Statesboro, Georgia The Honorable Susan E. Edlein Fulton County State Court Atlanta, Georgia Elizabeth L. Fite DeKalb County Law Department Decatur, Georgia Rebecca Holmes Liles Grist Bibb County Solicitor General’s Office Macon, Georgia Associate Dean Sheryl Harrison-Mercer Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School Atlanta, Georgia The Honorable Horace J. Johnson, Jr. Alcovy Circuit Superior Court Covington, Georgia The Honorable Steve C. Jones U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia Atlanta, Georgia Nicole C. Leet Gray Rust St. Amand Moffett & Brieske LLP Atlanta, Georgia Professor Patrick E. Longan Mercer University School of Law Macon, Georgia Maria F. Mackay Watkinsville, Georgia The Honorable Carla W. McMillian Court of Appeals of Georgia Atlanta, Georgia Brian D. “Buck” Rogers Fried Rogers Goldberg LLC Atlanta, Georgia Claudia S. Saari DeKalb County Public Defender’s Office Decatur, Georgia Adwoa Ghartey-Tagoe Seymour Cox Enterprises, Inc. Atlanta, Georgia Assistant Dean Rita A. Sheffey Emory University School of Law Atlanta, Georgia Nicki Noel Vaughan Gainesville, Georgia R. Kyle Williams Williams Teusink, LLC Decatur, Georgia Dr. Monica Willis-Parker Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta, Georgia Karlise Y. Grier Executive Director Terie Latala Assistant Director Nneka Harris-Daniel Administrative Assistant

CHIEF JUSTICE'S COMMISSION

ON PROFESSIONALISM

PRESS RELEASE CONTACT For Immediate Release Nneka Harris-Daniel

January 10, 2018 Chief Justice’s Commission on Professionalism

(404) 225-5040 [Phone] (404) 225-5041 [Fax]

[email protected] Atlanta, GA. The 19th Annual Justice Robert Benham Awards for Community Service will be presented on Tuesday, February 27, 2018, at a special ceremony. Since 1998, these awards have been presented to honor lawyers and judges in Georgia who have made significant contributions to their communities and demonstrate the positive contributions of members of the Bar beyond their legal or official work. The Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest recognition given by the State Bar of Georgia and the Chief Justice’s Commission on Professionalism, co-sponsors of the Justice Robert Benham Awards for Community Service. This year it will be awarded to two outstanding community and public servants, The Honorable Robert Chasteen, Jr. of Fitzgerald and Ms. Avarita Hanson of Atlanta. This award is reserved for a lawyer or judge who, in addition to meeting the criteria for receiving the Justice Robert Benham Award for Community Service, has demonstrated an extraordinarily long and distinguished commitment to volunteer participation in the community throughout his or her legal career. Awards are given to selected attorneys in the judicial districts of Georgia from which nominations were received. This year’s other recipients are: Mr. Patrick O’Connor, Savannah; Mr. Gregory Edwards, Albany; Mr. Charles E. Jones Fort Valley; Ms. La’Keitha Carlos, Decatur; Ms. Ann Bishop, Atlanta; Ms. Allegra Lawrence-Hardy, Atlanta; Mr. Robert Remar, Atlanta; Mr. Tommy Holland, Jonesboro; The Honorable Kathryn Schrader, Lawrenceville; The Honorable Thomas Hodges, III, Hartwell. These honorees have served a wide range of community organizations, government-sponsored activities, and humanitarian efforts outside of their professional practices and judicial duties. Their fields of service include: youth athletics and mentoring programs, literacy programs, social services, church and religious activities, politics, promotion and support for legal aid programs, community development, education, sports, recreation, and the arts. These awards recognize the commitment of Georgia lawyers to volunteerism, encourage all lawyers to become involved in community service, improve the quality of lawyers’ lives through the satisfaction they derive from helping others, and raise the public image of lawyers. All honorees are members of the State Bar of Georgia.


The Awards Presentation is scheduled for Tuesday, February 27, 2018, from 5:30 p.m. to

8:00 p.m. at the State Bar of Georgia Headquarters, 104 Marietta Street N.W., Third Floor,

Atlanta, Georgia. The schedule of events is as follows:

Pre-Awards Reception with heavy hors d'oeuvres, 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.

Awards Ceremony, 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.

Dessert and Coffee Reception, 7:15 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Awards will be presented by Georgia Supreme Court Justice Robert Benham. Chief

Justice Harris Hines and State Bar President Brian D. “Buck” Rogers will bring special remarks

and Bill Liss, Business Editor with WXIA Television News in Atlanta, will join in the ceremony.

The Selection Committee is chaired by Janet G. Watts of Watts & Watts, Jonesboro, Georgia. The

program is free and open to the public, but registration by February 26, 2018, is required.

To register, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/19th-annual-justice-robert-

benham-awards-for-community-service-tickets-40949300460.

For more information, please contact Nneka Daniel at (404) 225-5040.

* * * * *

The State Bar of Georgia and theChief Justice’s Commission on

Professionalism

present the

19th Annual Justice Robert Benham Awards

for Community Service

Since 1998, these awards have been presented to honor judges and lawyers in Georgia whohave made significant contributions to their communities and demonstrate the positive

contributions of members of the Bar beyond their official or legal work.

This year’s recipients:

Mr. Patrick T. O’Connor, SavannahMr. Gregory W. Edwards, AlbanyMr. Charles E. Jones, Fort ValleyMs. La’Keitha D. Carlos, DecaturMs. Ann Bishop, Atlanta

Ms. Allegra Lawrence-Hardy, AtlantaMr. Robert B. Remar, AtlantaMr. Tommy T. Holland, JonesboroHon. Kathryn M. Schrader, LawrencevilleHon. Thomas L. Hodges, III, Hartwell

Lifetime Achievement AwardHon. Robert W. Chasteen, Jr., Fitzgerald

Ms. Avarita Hanson, Atlanta

State Bar of Georgia, 104 Marietta Street, N.W., Atlanta, GA 30303

Tuesday, February 27, 20185:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Program and receptions

Free and open to the public

Please register for the Awards Ceremony at the link here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/19th-annual-justice-robert-benham-awards-for-community-service-

tickets-40949300460For more information, please contact Nneka Harris-Daniel at [email protected] or 404-225-5040.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/19th-annual-justice-robert-benham-awards-for-community-service-tickets-40949300460

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/19th-annual-justice-robert-benham-awards-for-community-service-tickets-40949300460


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By Katheryn Tucker (/author/profile/Katheryn Tucker/) | January 10, 2018 at 05:49 PM

Legal Awards Season Starts on Twitter

(http://www.almreprints.c

Justice Robert Benham. Photo: John Disney/ ALM

Legal awards season launched on Twitter on Wednesday with an announcement of

the honorees for the awards named for Georgia Supreme Court Justice Robert

Benham.

“Congratulations to the 19th Annual Justice Robert Benham Awards for Community

Service Honorees,” the Chief Justice’s Commission on Professionalism(https://www.law.com/dailyreportonline/sites/dailyreportonline/2017/09/18/high-court-appoints-new-head-of-professionalism-commission/),@CJCPGA89, tweeted Wednesday. “Join us on February 27, 2018, 5:30 pm at the State

Bar of Georgia as we celebrate the 2018 recipients.”

The commission (https://www.law.com/dailyreportonline/almID/1202786863087/), along with the bar, have presented these awards since 1998 to

honor lawyers and judges in Georgia who have made significant contributions to

their communities and demonstrate the positive influence of members of the bar

beyond their legal or official work, the group said in a separate news release.

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1 of 5 1/18/18 8:49 AM

The highest of the honors is the Lifetime Achievement Award. This year, the top

trophies will be awarded to Superior Court Judge Robert W. Chasteen Jr. of the

Cordele Judicial Circuit and Avarita Hanson of Atlanta.

Chasteen, 66, was elected as a Superior Court judge in 2004 and re-elected in 2008,

according to his bio in an announcement when he filled in on the Georgia Supreme

Court. He served as a Municipal Court judge in Ben Hill County from 2000-2004.

From 1969-2004, he was a partner in Mills & Chasteen, a law firm located in his

hometown of Fitzgerald. Chasteen served as county attorney for Ben Hill County for

35 years, and he served as president of the State Bar of Georgia from 1995-1996.

Hanson retired in August after 11 years as executive cirector of the Chief Justice’s

Commission on Professionalism, according to a Georgia Supreme Court

announcement. “Avarita Hanson has been a true leader in the profession of law in

Georgia,” Chief Justice P. Harris Hines said. “Since 2006, she has worked tirelessly to

enhance professionalism among Georgia’s lawyers and ensure that the practice of

law remains a high calling. It will not be easy to replace her.”

The executive director is responsible for developing and providing superior and

relevant educational programs and for coordinating professional activities of the

organized bar, courts, law schools and law firms. The new executive director is

Karlise Grier.

This award is reserved for a lawyer or judge who, in addition to meeting the criteria

for receiving the Justice Robert Benham Award for Community Service, has

demonstrated an extraordinarily long and distinguished commitment to volunteer

participation in the community throughout his or her legal career, the commission

said.

The other awards are given to selected attorneys across the state who have served a

wide range of community organizations, government-sponsored activities, and

humanitarian efforts outside of their professional practices and judicial duties, the

commission said. Their fields of service include: youth athletics and mentoring

programs, literacy programs, social services, church and religious activities, politics,

promotion and support for legal aid programs, community development, education,

sports, recreation, and the arts.

The commission seeks to recognize the commitment of Georgia lawyers to

volunteerism, encourage all lawyers to become involved in community service,

improve the quality of lawyers’ lives through the satisfaction they derive from

helping others, and raise the public image of lawyers.

And the winners are:

• Patrick O’Connor, managing partner of Oliver Maner in Savannah and past

president of the State Bar of Georgia.

• Dougherty County District Attorney Gregory Edwards in Albany.

• Charles E. Jones, chief legal officer at Fort Valley State University in Fort Valley.

• La’Keitha Carlos, chief of staff to DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond in Decatur.

• Ann Baird Bishop of Sponsler, Bishop, Koren & Hammer in Atlanta.

• Lawrence & Bundy co-founder Allegra Lawrence-Hardy in Atlanta.

• Rogers & Hardin partner Robert Remar in Atlanta.

• Retired litigator Tommy Holland in Jonesboro.

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