Georgia courts journal, Sept. 2002

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Journal
Journal

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September 2002

Journal

Journal

A Publication of the Judicial Council of Georgia

Court Interpreter Training Program Goes Statewide

Today's courts face a multitude of obstacles in dispensing equal justice, providing for the non-English speaker's need to fully participate in court proceedings is at the top of the list.
Ms. Cristina Franco, of the AOC who serves as Program Director for the Georgia Commission on Interpreters, explains that in the past bilingual ability alone was the basis for acting as an interpreter. The job often fell to secretaries, college students, or social workers with no formal training in interpreting and only

a limited understanding of court proceedings. The objective of the Commission on Interpreters is to provide bilinguals who are trained and certified as qualified, professional interpreters.
Interpreter Orientation
Commission staff has devised a comprehensive educational program which includes an orientation program that introduces the interpreter candidate to legal terms, court procedures, and general Georgia law. Each candidate must take a written

Web Design Consortium Contracts Signed
Chief Justice Norman S. Fletcher (center) recently signed contracts with Georgia Southern University and Valdosta State University for their continuing participation in the AOC's Web Design Consortium. The AOC has renewed a similar contract with Sandersville Technical College.
Seated, Rebecca Davis, GSU; Chief Justice Norman S. Fletcher; Vaughn Vandegrift, provost of Georgia Southern University. Standing, Curtis Ricker, GSU; Greg Arnold, AOC; Judge William Woodrum, Ogeechee Judicial Circuit; Judge F. Gates Peed, Ogeechee Judicial Circuit; and David L. Ratley, AOC Director.

examination which tests English language proficiency, knowledge of court proceedings, and ethics. A candidate who passes the written exam is qualified to interpret in any of the courts in Georgia for a twelve-month period. Georgia is one of the first states that has established ethical standards and responsibilities for court interpreters.
The Commission also offers a series of study sessions for practicing court interactions funded by the Georgia Bar Foundation. The oral examination is given in accordance with the National Center for State Courts Consortium for State Court Interpreter Certification. Georgia has one of the highest pass rates in the NSCS Consortium.

continued on pg 3

INSIDE

Profile: Sr. Judge Findley AOC Reviews Court Fees Judicial Survey Results People, Places & Events District Reports Directory Corrections Videoconferencing
Committee Views ELMO

pg 2 pg 2 pg 5 pg 6 pg 9 pg 10
pg 11

Profile: Sr. Judge Emory Findley

2 Georgia Courts Journal September 2002
A bove all Judge Emory Findley is engaging. Whether his subject is the evils of the county unit system, a defendant on the stand who drew a pistol and shot the opposing counsel, or the saga of our state's judges learning to work together, the wisdom and energy of the man are apparent. In the 1980's, Judge Findley took the lead in strengthening the Council of Superior Court Judges and gaining a 10% salary increase for judges. Spend an afternoon talking with him now, and you will know why folks listened.
In 1977 when Judge Findley came to the bench of the Atlantic Judicial Circuit, terms of office for superior court judges varied from circuit to circuit, there were no uniform rules of court procedure, and no strong leadership coun- Sr. Judge Emory Findley cils for the judicial branch. As president of the Council of Superior Court Judges in 1984, he encouraged his colleagues to work together as allies in seeking increased funding from the General Assembly. The judge credits this successful effort to others including: Judge Osgood Williams of Atlanta, Judge Wallace Cato of Bainbridge, Judge William Fleming of Augusta, Chief Justice Harold Clarke.
Judge Findley's vision galvanized judges across the state and resulted in a strengthened and forward-looking judiciary. In retirement he has lost none of his keenness or commitment. His vision today includes providing sabbaticals to trial judges as a counterbalance to heavy case loads. He continues to work as a senior judge, presiding in more than 60 counties in the past seven years. Reflecting on his career as a judge and a leader, he simply says, "good things have happened."

AOC Seeks Improvement in Court Fees Collection
Over the past 52 years, the practice of using court-imposed fees to support state and local programs has expanded from a single fee in 1950 that benefited the Peace Officer's Annuity and Benefit Fund to 21 separate court fees.
Audit Report
The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts recently published a comprehensive report regarding the assessment, collection, and disbursement of court-ordered fees. In part, the report states, "Based on our review of this system, we have concluded that the cumulative effect of trying to apply 21 fees in over 1,100 courts to a variety of cases makes the current process unwieldy. The fragmented nature of the system makes it difficult for courts or beneficiary programs to effectively manage the fees." According to the study, fees range from $.50 to 50% of the total fine amount and each fee must be calculated separately.
AOC to Assist Courts
As a result of the Auditor's Report, Mr. Kevin Tolmich, Budget Officer at the AOC, is heading the effort to improve collection and disbursement of fees. He explained, "We will be looking for a solution that simplifies the system while also maintaining the financial integrity of the programs being funded through these court fees."
To assess the current status of court fee collection and distribution, surveys were sent to judges of each level of court in June 2002. AOC staff members are making site visits to determine court collection procedures; dollar amounts assessed, collected, and disbursed; automation needs, etc.
Based on the information gathered, the AOC will continue to study ways to simplify the fee structure, provide training curriculum to appropriate court personnel, develop uniform policies for fee collection and remittance, and design an Action Plan for implementation.
For more information on the court fee study, contact Kevin Tolmich at 404-463-3822 or e-mail tolmichk@gaaoc.us

Interpreter Program cont.

Assistance from District Court Administrators
With the assistance of the District Court Administrators across the state, interpreter workshops are now widely available. From January to July of this year, 207 participants have attended orientation sessions held in Atlanta, Kennesaw, Jonesboro, Savannah, Augusta, and Valdosta. One hundred fifty-five of these candidates qualified as interpreters; five were fully certified.
The Administrative Office of the Courts supports the commission and maintains a registry of qualified and certified interpreters on its website -- www.georgiacourts.org
Target Languages
Court interpreters are available for the following languages: Arabic, Bosnian, Chinese -- Cantonese and Mandarin, Creole Haitian, Farsi, French, German,

Guarani, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Turkish, and Vietnamese. Eighty-five percent of interpreters are native speakers of their target language. Compensation for qualified interpreters begins at $35 per hour; for certified interpreters, $55 per hour.
Ms. Franco stated, "Our goal is to substantially increase the number of certified and qualified interpreters, and improve communication in the court system." She noted that the Commission is fortunate to have support from Georgia universities and colleges that are introducing interpretation courses in their curricula. Kennesaw State University, Georgia State University, and Georgia Perimeter College will be offering interpretation/translation courses as part of their graduate programs and Continuing Education programs.

Court Interpreter Training

September 14
September 19-20 September 26 September 28
October 2 October 3 October 4 October 24-25

Study Language Lab, GA Perimeter College, Clarkston Campus
Orientation Session, Maloof Auditorium, Decatur Review/Written Exam, Columbus Study Language Lab, GA Perimeter College,
Clarkston Campus Oral Exam By Appointment, Atlanta, 244 Washington St. Review/Written Exam, Maloof Auditorium, Decatur Oral Exam By Appointment, Atlanta, 244 Washington St. Orientation Session, Atlanta, 244 Washington St.

Contact the Commission on Interpreters at 244 Washington Street, Suite 300, Atlanta, GA 30334; telephone 404-463-6478.

September 2002 Georgia Courts Journal 3
Members of the Georgia Commission Interpreters
Presiding Justice Leah Ward Sears Supreme Court of Georgia
Judge Anne Elizabeth Barnes Court of Appeals of Georgia
Judge Robert B. Adams Conasauga Judicial Circuit
Judge Patti Cornett Probate Court of Hall County
Judge Jerry Day Chief Magistrate,Walker County
Judge Viviane Ernstes Municipal Court of Decatur
Judge Chong Kim Magistrate Court of Fulton County
Judge Wayne Purdom State Court of DeKalb County
Judge William Schneider Juvenile Court, Rockdale Judicial Circuit
Ms. Kathy Ashe State Representative
Ms. Brenda Avera AOC, Gwinnett Judicial Circuit
Ms. Wendy J. Glasbrenner Georgia Legal Services Program, Inc.
Ms. Catherine McCabe
Mr. Jesus A. Nerio, Esq.
Ms. Jean Ellen Padberg, Esq.
Mr. Ralph Perales, Esq.
Dr. Helen Ridley Kennesaw State University

4 Georgia Courts Journal September 2002
On-line Travel Reimbursement Form
The AOC Fiscal Office has introduced an on-line travel reimbursement form using Microsoft Excel. Mr. Randy Dennis, Assistant Director for Finance, talks about the features of the new electronic forms.

Q. Why a new travel form?

R.D. Many people who claim

expenses are not familiar with the

state's regula-

tions on trav-

el. This form

has those reg-

ulations built

in. For

example, the

state allows a

maximum

Mr. Randy Dennis

of $28/day

for food expenses, except in high

cost areas. Any amount over $28

will automatically be deducted from

the claimed amount.

Also, with the new form when a

user selects his group, account num-

bers are automatically generated

which tell AOC fiscal employees

which accounts are to be charged for

those expenses.

Q. Where do users go to find the form?
R.D. The form is available on the AOC website, www.georgiacourts.org
Q. To complete the form, what program does the user need?
R.D. Microsoft Excel, and be sure to enable the macros when opening the form.
Q. Is the reimbursement form hard to use?
R.D. No. Quite the opposite. The user only needs to download the form and save it to his/her computer hard drive. From there the form can be used over and over again. There's no need to go back to the website. Just input your expense data, Excel does the math.
Instructions are included in the document. Before completing the

The Judicial Council Committee on Domestic Violence met on August 23, 2002, to announce grant awards to non-profit organizations that provide legal services to victims of domestic violence. The money was distributed as follows: Atlanta Legal Aid Society, $430,000; Glynn Community Crisis Center, Inc., d/b/a Amity House, $10,000; Georgia Legal Services, $1,106,000; and Circle of Hope, $54,000.
The Judicial Council Committee on Domestic Violence. Pictured (l to r), Ms. Cynthia H. Clanton; Judge William T. Boyett; Dr. Louise Bill; Ms. Linda A. Klein; Judge Melodie Clayton; Judge William P. Bartles; Judge Anne E. Barnes.

form, a vendor ID number must be obtained from the AOC fiscal office. Users can call me at 404-651-7613 to obtain that number.
Q. What happens when I need to use the form again?
R.D. Since you have already saved the form on your computer, all you need to do is press the "clear data" icon at the bottom of the page when you open the document. Personal data (i.e., name, address, phone number) and the vendor ID number will remain on the forms.
Q. Is use of the new form a requirement?
R.D. No. While we want people to use this new form, the AOC fiscal department will accept previous forms.
Q. Are there any other special instructions people need to know about?
R.D. Users must use the print function on the document itself, located at the bottom of the page. Don't use the print command on the Excel tool bar.
For more information about the travel reimbursement form, contact Randy Dennis at 404-651-7613 or dennisr@gaaoc.us

September 2002 Georgia Courts Journal 5
Judicial Opinion Survey on Public Trust

The Supreme Court Commission on Public Trust and Confidence in the Courts recently released a report of judicial responses concerning public perception of the courts. The judicial survey questions were based on concerns raised in a telephone survey and a series of focus groups. Researchers at the Carl Vinson Institute of Government devised the survey instrument to gauge the judges' view. The survey was sent to 1,416 judges; thirty-nine percent (551) of judges responded.
Judges were asked to evaluate (1) public trust and confidence in the courts and factors contributing to such public opinion; (2) the extent to which court personnel contribute to specific public concerns, i.e., timeliness of court proceedings, excessive cost in litigation, perception of unfair or unjust resolution of cases; (3) lawyer conduct; (4) judicial conduct; and (5) possible remedies.
Background information was solicited regarding experience on the bench, class of court, population of jurisdiction. Of the 551 respondents, 21% sit as superior court judges; 15% on the state court; 32% as magistrate court judges; 11% juvenile court; 14% as probate court judges; and 24% as municipal court judges.
Please Recycle

What the Survey Revealed
v Ninety-eight percent of respondents regarded their courts as being viewed by the public with a "great deal of confidence" or "some confidence."
v Better qualified judges and better qualified court personnel were seen by 81% of judges as being "highly effective" or "effective" in increasing the public trust and confidence.

In the past 5-10 years has public trust and confidence in the Georgia courts increased, decreased, or remained the same?

Remained the same

Increased

21% 37%

41%
Decreased
v 50% answered that public opinion toward the Georgia courts is based on inaccurate information.
v When asked what judicial conduct contributes to increased time and cost of litigation, a majority of judges answered that disorganization/inefficiency; indecisiveness; poor case management and scheduling were among factors that "significantly contribute" or "contribute."

Comments from Judges
v We should remember that most of us were lawyers before becoming judges. What is routine to most of us is earth-shattering to a litigant, particularly a party in a divorce/custody action, or a DUI, or a juvenile proceeding. People really appreciate a judge, in any court, who takes the time to act concerned.
v Streamline the court system with two levels of courts.
v Better education of the public on the role of the judiciary. Judges who move cases and have judgedriven courts, instead of lawyerdriven courts; more effective use of ADR; do away with jury trials in divorce actions; Drug Courts and Family Courts in all circuits.
v Litigants need to be better educated as to what expectations to have for their court appearance. Lawyers fail miserably in this regard.
v My own perception is that the lack of public confidence is almost entirely related to the amount of crime in the community and the lack of discipline of attorneys who flagrantly violate rules of ethics.
v We must use media to inform. If we do not tell our story, no one else will. We are not even trying.
For more information, contact the AOC at 404-656-5171.

6 Georgia Courts Journal September 2002
People, Places and Events ...

In Memoriam
Former Court of Appeals Judge Harold R. Banke, Sr., died on July 9, 2002, following a lengthy illness. Appointed to the Court of Appeals in 1977, Judge Banke served as chief judge in 1985 and as a presiding judge until his retirement in 1991. He was a superior court judge in the Clayton Judicial Circuit for 15 years. The Clayton County Justice Center complex, dedicated in November 2000, was named in Judge Banke's honor.
Retirements
Judge Sallylu Hart, Probate Court of Thomas County has announced her retirement from the bench effective September 30, 2002. She has served the probate court for 37 years, presiding as Judge for the past 21 years.
Ms. Gail Arceneaux, Deputy Clerk of the Court of Appeals, was honored at a reception at the court on July 24, 2002. Ms. Arceneaux's career at the court spanned 25 years. (Above) She was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from the court by Chief Judge Alan Blackburn.

Appointments
Alcovy Judicial Circuit Covington native Horace Johnson, Jr. is the new fourth superior court judge in the Alcovy Judicial Circuit. Judge Johnson was sworn in by Governor Barnes on September 3, 2002 at the State Capitol. He is a graduate of Emory University and the University of Georgia School of Law and has practiced law in Covington since 1985.
Atlanta Judicial Circuit Governor Barnes has appointed Fulton County State Court Judge M. Gino Brogdon, Sr. to the bench of the superior court of the Atlanta Judicial Circuit. Judge Brogdon, a six-year veteran of the State Court, fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Isaac Jenrette. He is a graduate of Oberlin College and the Indiana University School of Law.
Magistrate Diane Bessen of Atlanta has been named by Gov. Barnes to replace Judge Brogdon on the State Court of Fulton County. Judge Bessen is a graduate of Emory University and Emory School of Law.

Paulding Judicial Circuit Judge Tonny Beavers, Chief Magistrate of Paulding County, was recently appointed to the Superior Court bench by Governor Roy Barnes. Judge Beavers formerly served as associate juvenile court judge and maintained a law practice in Dallas. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia and the John Marshall School of Law.
Juvenile Courts Judge Hugh Hadden of Augusta has been named to the juvenile court bench in Columbia County. Judge Hadden will serve part-time; he replaces Judge James Blanchard.
Buena Vista attorney Wayne Jernigan has been sworn in as a new juvenile court judge in the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit. Judge Jernigan took the oath of office from Judge Aaron Cohn at the Government Center complex in Columbus early in July.
District Attorney Richard Mallard is the new DA for the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit. He replaces Joseph Martin III who retired earlier this year.
Make Note...
The AOC Fiscal Users Group will meet October 1, 2002, Georgia Center for Continuing Education in Athens, GA.
Contact Mr. Randy Dennis, Asst. Director for Finance,
404-651-7613.

September 2002 Georgia Courts Journal 7

Judicial Council Actions

Judges of the Judicial Council of Georgia

F At the meeting held on August 29, 2002, the Judicial Council recommended new superior court judgeships for the Gwinnett Judicial Circuit and the Cherokee Judicial Circuit. These recommendations will be forwarded to the Governor and the Legislature. Recommendations for new judgeships are based on a number of factors including: weighted caseload, jury trials per judge, population per judge, etc. Judgeship data is compiled each year by the Research Division of the Administrative Office of the Courts.
F David Ratley, AOC Director reported that requests for assistance from the contract architect have been received from: Henry County, Fulton County, Crisp County, Lumpkin County and Sumter County.

Standing (l-r): Judge Marion Guess; Judge Bryant Culpepper; Judge Marvin Sorrells; Judge Martha Christian; Judge Michael E. Hancock; Judge Jerry Day; Judge Hal Craig; Judge Carlton Vines; Presiding Judge J.D. Smith; Judge Philip Taylor; Judge George Kreeger; Judge J. Carlisle Overstreet; Judge William Bartles; Judge Phillip West; Judge Dawson Jackson.
Seated (l-r): Judge Michael Karpf; Judge Susan Tate; Chief Judge G. Alan Blackburn; Presiding Justice Leah Ward Sears; Chief Justice Norman S. Fletcher; Judge Melodie Clayton; Judge Peggy Walker; Judge Elizabeth Long; Judge Wallace Cato. 8/29/02

People, Places and Events ... cont.

Magistrate Courts Judge Patricia Barron has been appointed Chief Magistrate for Clarke County. She succeeds Judge Michael Coleman who resigned to run for superior court judge. Judge Barron is a graduate of Mercer University and the Georgetown School of Law. She has served as an associate magistrate and an adjunct professor at UGA School of Law.
The Glynn County superior court judges have appointed Tim Barton, formerly county public defender, to the position of Chief Magistrate. Judge Barton took office on July 17,2002, and will complete the unexpired term of Judge Joe Hammill.

Awards & Honors
Justice Robert Benham of the Supreme Court of Georgia was recently honored by the State Bar of Georgia with its Tradition in Excellence Award. Justice Benham was recognized for his outreach efforts during his term as Chief Justice, as well as his distinguished service on the bench.
Also at the State Bar's annual meeting, Judge Purnell Davis II of the Toombs Judicial Circuit was named the first recipient of the Annual Professionalism Award. Judge Davis was nominated by his fellow judges because of his reputation for civility, honesty and integrity.

Cobb Superior Court Administrator Skip Chesshire was awarded the Lady Justice Pin at the annual meeting of the National Association of Court Managers held in July, 2002. Mr. Chesshire is a member of the NACM Board of Directors and has served as the Cobb superior court administrator since 1985. The Lady Justice Award acknowledges exceptional effort and service to the organization.
Nolan Martin, 8th District Court Administrator, recently completed the Court Executive Development Program offered by the Institute of Court Management. His paper, entitled "The Efficacy of Drug Courts in Georgia," received the "Director's Award of Merit for Applied Research."

8 Georgia Courts Journal September 2002
Judges' Councils Name Officers

Council of Superior Court Judges Judge J. Carlisle Overstreet President Augusta Judicial Circuit
Judge Martha C. Christian President-Elect Macon Judicial Circuit
Chief Judge H. Gibbs Flanders Secretary-Treasurer Dublin Judicial Circuit
Council of State Court Judges Judge Melodie H. Clayton President Cobb County
Judge Carlton H. Vines President-Elect Chattooga County
Judge David M. Fuller Secretary Gwinnett County
Judge Brenda H. Cole Treasurer Fulton County
Council of Probate Court Judges Judge Darin McCoy President Evans County
Judge W. Marion Guess, Jr. President-Elect DeKalb County
Judge Susan Tate First Vice President Clarke County
Judge Mary T. Cranford Secretary-Treasurer Coweta County

Council of Magistrate Court Judges Judge Philip P. Taylor President Cobb County
Judge Jerry Day President-Elect Walker County
Judge Haynes Henton Townsend First Vice President Whitfield County
Judge Alec Glenn Dorsey Secretary Wilcox County
Judge Glenda Dowling Treasurer Pierce County
Council of Municipal Court Judges Judge Viviane Haight Ernstes President Decatur
Judge Charles L. Barrett, III President-Elect Duluth
Judge William M. Coolidge, III Vice President Buford
Judge Kathryn Gerhardt Secretary Macon
Judge A. Frost Ward Treasurer Morrow

TPO Video Available
Protection Orders: Things You Need to Know" is a video that does just what it says. Introduced by Chief Justice Norman S. Fletcher and narrated by Judge Thelma Wyatt Cummings Moore of the Atlanta Judicial Circuit, the 20 minute video describes what a Temporary Protective Order (TPO) is and gives step-by-step instructions on how to obtain a TPO. Ms. Julie Koob, Executive Director of the Georgia Commission on Family Violence, said,"Protection orders can mean the difference between life and death to victims of domestic violence. This video helps to provide access to the courts for victims to obtain safety."
Copies of the video are to be widely distributed to shelters, superior court clerks, and secretaries for superior court judges making them accessible to victims. The videos will also be distributed at the 9th Annual Domestic Violence Conference to be held in Pine Mountain, on October 24-25, 2002.
The Judicial Council Pro Se Committee, Georgia Commission on Family Violence, Council of Superior Court Judges, and Criminal Justice Coordinating Council worked jointly on the development and production of this video.
To order a copy of "Protection Orders: Things You Need to Know," contact Ms. LaShawn Murphy, AOC, at 404-651-6325.

7th JAD
Administrative Judge: Judge George H. Kreeger
District Court Administrator: Jody Overcash
Circuits: Cherokee, Cobb, Conasauga, Douglas, Lookout Mountain, Paulding, Rome, Tallapoosa.
4 The juvenile mediation program in Haralson, Paulding, and Polk counties was awarded a $44,195 grant to extend mediation services to deprivation cases. Ms. Angela Norris, with the 7th District, says, "We hope to offer services for rehabilitation of delinquent youth at risk and provide shelter care for deprived children. Mediation provides a forum where legal rights of children and parents are protected."
The goal of the Juvenile Mediation Program is to transfer cases from the court docket that might be better served through mediation. Ms. Norris also pointed out, "We hope to expedite the placement of children in DFAC's custody and into permanent stable homes."
4 Under the direction of Superior Court Judge Jack Partain and Drug Court Coordinator George Shirilla, the Conasauga Judicial Circuit Drug Court has been operating since February 2002.
Click onto what's happening ...
www.georgiacourts.org

September 2002 Georgia Courts Journal 9

8th JAD
Administrative Judge: Judge Phillip West
District Court Administrator: Nolan E. Martin
Circuits : Cordele, Dublin, Middle, Ocmulgee, Oconee.
4 Interpreters Training -- the 8th District is promoting use of qualified court interpreters. A workshop was held at Heart of Georgia Technical School in Dublin on August 29-30.
4 An architectural needs assessment is underway in Crisp County for a proposed Justice Center Complex.
4 Courtroom presentation systems (ELMOs) are in the works for Crisp, Jasper, Jones, Emanuel, and Candler counties.

Children, Family & Courts
The Administrative Office of the Courts has recently contracted with the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia to assess court system needs in providing improved services to children and families. Every level of court is involved in decision-making that touches the lives of Georgia's most vulnerable citizens, our children.
Ms. Karen Baynes, formerly Associate Judge of the Juvenile Court of Fulton County, is now Director of Governmental Services at the Institute of Government and will lead the research team in conducting the needs assessment. Her practical experience, knowledge and compassion for children will be of great value in crafting workable solutions for improvements in service-delivery.
David Ratley, AOC Director, noted that this effort is one more step on the road to making the AOC a pre-eminent service-provider and a nationally recognized leader in judicial support efforts.

CYCC Offers Video on Tobacco Hazards

The Children and Youth Coordinating Council has released "Fatal Addiction: Tobacco's Deadly Grasp," a video that features teens and families whose lives have been damaged by a choice to smoke cigarettes.
Dr. Pete Colbenson, director of CYCC, said, "This documentary comes at a time when Georgia is recognizing its need to focus on educating youth about tobacco use."

Dr. Kathleen Toomer, director of the Georgia Division of Public Health, noted, "the `Fatal Addiction' documentary is a good place to start. This program demonstrates the harm tobacco causes families."
To receive a free copy of "Fatal Addiction" contact Judy Reynolds, CYCC Public Information Officer, by phone 404-656-9345 or e-mail judyreynolds@cycc.state.ga.us

10 Georgia Courts Journal September 2002

2002-2003 Georgia Courts Directory Corrections

Some information ran incorrectly or was inadvertently left out of the 2002-2003 Georgia Courts Directory. Please note these corrections.

SUPERIOR COURT Alcovy Judicial Circuit Add: Judge Horace Jerome Johnson, Jr. 116 S. Broad Street Courthouse Annex 6 Monroe, GA 30655 770-267-1491/F 267-1365 (delete from Juvenile Court of Alcovy Circuit)
Atlanta Judicial Circuit Judge M. Gino Brogdon, Sr. Fax 404-730-7160
Coweta Judicial Circuit Judge Aubrey Duffey Judge John Simpson ZIP Code 30112
Paulding Judicial Circuit Add: Judge Tonny S. Beavers (delete from Magistrate of Paulding, Municipal Courts of Dallas, Hiram)
SENIOR JUDGES State Court Judges Add: Jack B. Smith 1716 Deerfield Circle Decatur, GA 30033 404-634-7245/F 634-3531
STATE COURT Burke County Judge Jerry Daniel FAX 706-437-9200
Fulton County Judge Diane Bessen FAX 404-224-0572

Toombs County Delete: Judge Malcolm Bryant
JUVENILE COURT Clayton Circuit Assoc. Judge Steven Teske 770-477-3260
Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit Delete: Assoc. Judge Nikki L. Marr
Assoc. Judge Linda Bratton Haynes 404-294-2916/F 297-3907 lbhaynes@co.dekalb.ga.us
Assoc. Judge Desiree Sutton Peagler Fax 404-294-2143
MAGISTRATE COURT Baldwin County Judge Genna McLeod Wilkes 140 Island Drive
Cherokee County Add: Judge Joseph Henry Oczkowski 90 North Street, Suite 150 Canton, GA 30114 770-479-8516
Clarke County Chief Magistrate Delete: Judge John M. Coleman Add: Judge Patricia D. Barron
DeKalb County Add: Judge Joyce Averils 3630 Camp Circle Decatur, GA 30032 678-476-1119/F 476-9428

Fayette County Chief Magistrate Delete: Judge A.K. Melear Add: Judge Charles Floyd
Hart County Delete: Judge Robert D. Banks Add: Judge Joseph Haley PO Box 698 Hartwell, GA 30643 706-246-0580/F 376-6821
Miller County Add: Judge Joyce S. Newberry 155 South First Street Colquitt, GA 39837 229-758-4110/F 758-8133
SPECIAL COURTS City Court of Atlanta Senior Judge Edward T. Brock 380 Kennedy-Sells Road Auburn, GA 30011 770-867-3424/F 867-3424 etbrock@mindspring.com
MUNICIPAL COURTS Covington Delete: Judge Jerry O. Capes
Judge David Strickland davidstrickland-covington@ worldnet.att.net
Screven Delete: Judge Raymond S. Gordon
Monroe Chief Judge William R. Ashe Gholbrooks@monroega.com
continued on pg 5

September 2002 Georgia Courts Journal 11
Videoconferencing Committee Views ELMO

On July 24, 2002, members of the Supreme Court

Videoconferencing

Committee had a chance to

view and interact with the

ELMO system that is used in

the Supreme Court of

Georgia's courtroom in

Atlanta. ELMO (Electric

Light Machine Organization)

is an evidence presentation

and videoconferencing tool The July 24 ELMO demonstrathat could be useful in many tion in Atlanta.

court proceedings. The committee is working on a uniform court rule regarding use of such technology.
To demonstrate the capabilities

of ELMO, a student intern acting as a lawyer in the courtroom, questioned George W. Stanley, an expert witness located off-site. Mr.

Stanley, a GBI Firearms Section Manager, was shown on a screen lowered from the ceiling of the courtroom. Computer monitors at the lectern and at each justice's seat provided a clear view of Mr. Stanley as he gave testimony. Committee
chair Judge Kathleen Gosselin, of the Northeastern Judicial Circuit; Judge Joseph Iannazzone, of the Gwinnett County State Court; and Mr. Tom Ulbricht, deputy court administrator for Fulton County Superior Court, viewed the demonstration from the bench. Other members of the committee watched from the gallery.

Georgia Courts Directory Corrections cont.

US BANKRUPTCY COURT Northern District Delete: Judge A. David Kahn
Add: Judge C. Ray Mullins 1270 US Courthouse 75 Spring Street, SW Atlanta, GA 30303 404-215-1002
Add: Judge Paul W. Bonapfel 1492 US Courthouse 75 Spring Street, SW Atlanta, GA 30303 404-215-1018

DISTRICT COURT ADMINISTRATORS District 10 L. Tom Gunnels, Jr. 706-312-7230
STATE COURT CLERKS Henry County Marian Bradberry 770-898-7600/F 989-7607
DISTRICT ATTORNEYS Ogeechee Circuit Delete: R. Joseph Martin, III Add: Richard Mallard

Floyd County Beverly Bailey-Daniel 706-290-6082
JUDICIAL QUALIFICATIONS COMMISSION Walter C. Hartridge Bouhan, Williams & Levy LLP PO Box 2139 Savannah, GA 31402-2139
"Your Guide to the Georgia Courts"
Brochure is Available!

OFFICIAL COURT REPORTERS Carroll County Delete: Jean Clements

Call
404-656-5171
to Request Copies

New Program Director at the Board of Court Reporting

You might not know exactly what the Board of Court Reporting does. Sharon Reiss wants that to change. Ms. Reiss, of the AOC serves as Program Director for the Board of Court Reporting (BCR), and hopes to change the view reporters, judges, court administrators, and others who interact with the Board.
Because the BCR is responsible for the yearly licensing and license renewal of reporters, Ms. Reiss says that "our emphasis is to make sure that the testing produces qualified and competent reporters. By promoting the competence and integrity

of those who become reporters, the Board hopes to gain increased visibility."
But there's more to the Board of Court Reporting. Ms. Reiss hopes to send representatives of the Board to regional meetings of
Ms. Sharon Reiss judges and others who interact with court reporters. In this manner, the BCR

can answer questions, distribute information about their duties and responsibilities, develop relationships, and receive feedback.
A new webpage is being designed to allow better access to information about the Board's function, pertinent information about certification, registration of court reporting firms, fee schedules, legislation, etc. For further information on the Board of Court Reporting, contact Ms. Sharon Reiss at 404463-4171 or reisss@gaaoc.us

Georgia Courts Journal
Administrative Office of the Courts
244 Washington Street, S.W., Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30334-5900

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NORMAN S. FLETCHER Chief Justice
DAVID L. RATLEY Director
BILLIE BOLTON Assistant to Director for Communications
ASHLEY G. STOLLAR Editor/Graphic Design