G G G Journal Journal G Journal October 2003 Journal A Publication of the Judicial Council of Georgia Judicial Council Considers Judgeships At the meeting held on August 28, 2003, the Judicial Council recommended new superior court judgeships for six judicial circuits, ranked in order of need: 1. Gwinnett (9th judge), 2. Southern, 3. Cherokee, 4. Flint, 5. Coweta, and 6. Gwinnett (10th judge). These recommendations will be forwarded to the Governor and the legislature. Decisions regarding new judgeships are based on a number of factors including: weighted caseload, jury trials per judge, population per judge, etc. Caseload data is compiled each year by the Research Division of the Administrative Office of the Courts. Standing (l-r): Judge Robin Nash; Judge Marion Guess; Chief Judge J.D. Smith; Judge John Salter; Judge Haynes Henton Townsend; Judge George Kreeger; Judge Wallace Cato; Judge Fred Bishop; Judge Michael Karpf; Judge Hal Craig; Judge H. Gibbs Flanders; Judge Edward Carriere. Seated (l-r): Presiding Judge John H. Ruffin; Judge Martha Christian; Judge Elizabeth Long; Judge Peggy Walker; Chief Justice Norman S. Fletcher; Judge Susan Tate; Judge Linda Warren Hunter; Judge Marvin Sorrells; Judge Bryant Culpepper; Judge Walter C. McMillan. 8/28/03 Members not pictured: Presiding Judge Leah Ward Sears; Judge Phillip West; Judge Jerry Day. Website Showcases New Look There's a new look to the official website of the Judicial Branch of Georgia. Webmaster Brian Collins of the AOC debuted the changes on October 1, 2003 at georgiacourts.org "The site was redesigned with the user in mind. It looks dramatically different. It is easily navigable and stays anchored in the center of the web browser," Mr. Collins said, noting a few of the changes. Navigating the Site The information on georgiacourts.org has been reorganized to facilitate quicker navigation. Cascading menus for courts, court forms, agencies, councils, AOC services, and links increase the usability of the site. Information continued on pg 3 INSIDE People, Places & Events pg 2 District Spotlight: 2nd JAD pg 4 Supreme Courts Reviews Judicial Campaign Rules pg 6 Coordination for Cases Involving Families pg 7 From our Facilities Consultant: Making the Most of a SPLOST pg 8 Directory Corrections pg 10 Juvenile Court Judges Participate in Children's Summit pg 11 2 Georgia Courts Journal October 2003 People, Places and Events ... In Memoriam Judge Richard S. (Stan) Gault of Cumming died suddenly on July 23, 2003. Judge Gault was appointed to the bench of the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit on June 18, 1984 by Gov. Joe Frank Harris. He was currently Chief Judge of the BellForsyth Judicial Circuit which was created out of the Blue Ridge Circuit. During his distinguished career, Judge Gault served on the Judicial Council and as president of the Council of Superior Court Judges. He was a graduate of US Air Force Academy and the Emory University School of Law. Judge Gault served as judge of the State Court of Cherokee and Forsyth Counties prior to his appointment to the superior court bench. Senior Judge Robert E. Flournoy, Jr. of Marietta died on August 10, 2003 at the age of 72. Judge Flournoy served as a superior court judge of the Cobb Judicial Circuit for 14 years prior to his retirement in 2001. He was a graduate of Emory University and the University of Georgia School of Law. In addition to his judicial service, Judge Flournoy served in the Georgia General Assembly and as Mayor of Marietta. Senior Judge William H. Alexander, formerly a judge of the Fulton County Superior Court, died August 17, 2003 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Judge Alexander retired from the bench in 1996 after 11 years of service. He was a graduate of Fort Valley State University and the University of Michigan School of Law. He earned an LL.M degree from Georgetown University. Prior to his appointment to the superior court bench, Judge Alexander served on the City Court of Atlanta, the Criminal Court of Fulton County and the State Court of Fulton County. Judge Dan F. Pierce, Chief Magistrate of Walton County, died on July 29, 2003, after a long illness. Judge Pierce was appointed to the bench by Probate Court Judge Greg Adams in 1983. Retirements Gwinnett County Court Administrator Arthur V. O'Neill retired on September 15, 2003. Mr. Philip M. Boudewyns has been hired as the new court administrator for Gwinnett County. Resignation Judge David M. Fuller, Gwinnett County State Court, resigned September 1, 2003, to return to private practice. Appointments At a swearing-in ceremony held September 2, in the Senate Chambers of the State Capitol, Governor Sonny Perdue administered the oath of office to Judge William A. Fears of the Towaliga Judicial Circuit. Judge Fears fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Chief Judge E. Byron Smith. Judge Bernard E. "Gene" Roberts, III appointed by Gov. Perdue to the State Court of Hall County was also sworn-in on September 2. Judge Roberts formerly served as Chief Magistrate in Hall County. Swearing-in ceremonies were held on September 18 in honor of Judge Michael Annis of the Augusta Judicial Circuit and Judge Craig L. Schwall of the Fulton County State Court. Both were recently appointed to the bench by Gov. Perdue. Judge Annis fills the seat vacated by the retirement of Judge Robert Allgood. Judge Schwall's seat was created by the General Assembly earlier this year. Judicial Council The next meeting of the Judicial Council will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2003 at the Four Seasons Hotel 75 Fourteenth Street Atlanta, Georgia October 2003 Georgia Courts Journal 3 People, Places and Events ... Executive Search The Georgia Public Defender Standards Council is seeking applications for its Executive Director position. Qualifications include: significant experience in indigent defense and the ability to manage a large law practice. Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest, a resume and at least five references to Director Search, Georgia Public Defender Standards Council, 104 Marietta Street, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30303. Applications are due by November 10, 2003. Of Note Ms. Holly Sparrow, Deputy Administrator, Georgia Court of Appeals, recently attended the annual seminar of the Council of Appellate Staff Attorneys. The conference, sponsored by the Judicial Division of the American Bar Association, was held in Charleston, South Carolina, July 14-19, 2003. Ms. Sparrow was awarded a scholarship by the State Justice Institute to attend the event. Supreme Court Justice Robert Benham spoke at the graduation ceremony for the Carroll County Drug Court held August 14, 2003. The event at the Carrollton Cultural Arts Center was Justice Benham praised presided over the drug court graduates. by Judge Dennis Blackmon, Carroll County Magistrate Court. Also attending: Judge Daniel Camp, Carroll County Juvenile Court; Judge Maryellen Simmons, Carroll County Magistrate Court; and Judge Jeanette Little, State Court of Troup County. The 2003-2004 Georgia Courts Directory is now available. Purchase extra copies for your office today. Call Ashley Stollar at 404-656-6783 for more information. Website Showcases New Look cont. can also be accessed by links at the bottom of the page. A short list of featured items and quick links for frequently requested items also assist the user. While the site remains at georgiacourts.org users will find that URLs have changed. Items that have been bookmarked should be updated. The location of individual court websites has been changed to georgiacourts.org/courts/ and council websites are now located at georgiacourts.org/councils/ Other Enhancements If you can't find what you're looking for through the menus, a search engine, powered by GoogleTM, can find it for you. Searches can be made of georgiacourts.org or the web itself. The links feature has been consolidated and enhanced to include a better selection of state-wide and national links for legal and judicial sites. The site is best viewed with Internet Explorer and Netscape 4.0 or better. For questions or comments regarding www.georgiacourts.org contact Mr. Brian Collins at 404656-5171 or collinsb@gaaoc.us 4 Georgia Courts Journal October 2003 Randolph, Clay, Quitman Counties: District Spotlight: 2nd JAD Pooling Resources Works for Drug Court Can a drug court be effective even in a poor, sparsely populated rural area with few local resources? By drawing on the resources of Sanctions Drug court is held once a month, or as necessary. Before the hearing, other state agencies, Chief Judge Joe C. Bishop, Pataula the drug court team meets to discuss Judicial Circuit, has demonstrated that it can. the individual's progress and any Two years ago, Judge Bishop was approached about issues that need to be addressed. starting a drug court by New Horizons Community Participants do not automatically Service Board. New Horizons provides mental health flunk out of the program if they fail a and substance abuse services in drug test. "You have got to under- eight west central Georgia coun- stand that people who have been ties with funds allocated through using drugs for 20 or 30 years will the DHR Division of Mental keep using. So we have a graduated Health, Developmental sentencing. For the first relapse, they Disabilities and Addictive get a week in jail; for the second, two Diseases. weeks. For the third, they go to the New Horizons offered to open detention center for up to 24 up space in its program for indiJudge Joe C. Bishop viduals referred by Judge months," Judge Bishop stated. "The goal is to get people off Bishop's court. Today this drug drugs. I don't think sending them to court accepts adult felony drug offenders in Randolph, prison works. The best candidates are Clay and Quitman counties. For the initial people who are sick year, Judge Bishop operated the court with and tired of being on no outside funding. The Council of Superior Court Judges now absorbs some of the cost. "The goal is to get people off drugs. I don't think sending drugs." So far, 16 individuals have participated in Referrals The local District Attorney and law enforcement screen drug offenders and make referrals to drug court. "I set it up that way because if they don't support someone going in, the program won't them to prison works.... The best candidates are people who are sick and tired of being on drugs." the drug court program, according to Mr. Giglio. Eight individuals are still working their way to sobriety and three have successfully graduated work," said Judge Bishop. Those selected and are gainfully employed. are referred to New Horizons for further screening. "Judge Bishop is an excellent New Horizons staff works as a team with the judge, the judge. We work well together to help DA, a probation officer and the defense attorney. these people," Giglio said. New Horizons provides an intensive two-year out- For further information on drug patient treatment program for drug court clients. The courts, contact James Banks of the program offers individual or group counseling and pro- AOC at 404-463-4155 or Jane Martin vides case management, including assistance in finding of the AOC at 404-463-4266. housing or a job, and medical care, according to Michael Giglio, Director of New Horizons in Randolph County. October 2003 Georgia Courts Journal 5 Seminole County: Courtroom Evidence Presentation System District Spotlight: 2nd JAD Adelegation from the Alabama courts recently visited the courtroom of Judge Ronnie Joe Lane of Donalsonville to view the high-tech evidence presentation system. The group from Alabama included Mr. Jeffery C. Duffey, President of the Montgomery County Bar Association; Judge Gene Reese, Circuit Judge for Alabama's 15th Circuit; Mr. Bob Merrill, 15th Circuit Court Administrator; Ms. Becki R. Goggins, The Sentencing Institute at Auburn University/ Montgomery; Ms. Suzanne Duffey, Executive Director of the Montgomery County Bar Association; and Mr. Jerry Baxley of IT-Lex, a Montgomery consulting firm. Victor L. Webb, AOC Field Service Technician for the Second JAD, demonstrated the capabilities of the system, which was designed by Micheal Marlowe, CEO of NSync Inc. in Norcross. Mr. Webb noted that the project was funded by the Council of Superior Court Judges, through the efforts of DCA, John E. Cowart, Jr. The Seminole County system consists of a sophisticated electronic switching device attached to a VCR, an overhead camera, audio cassette and computer connection, all linked to 12 LCD flat-screen monitors. Monitors are placed in the jury box adjacent to each juror's chair, at each counsel table, and at the bench. Touchscreen monitors on the witness stand and lectern allow a witness or attorney to place an arrow or make annotations on the screen to emphasize a particular fea- ture of a document or piece of evidence. "The system is especially valuable in cases that involve a lot of documents or photographs, because it is not necessary to show each juror the evidence individu- ally. They all see the same thing on their monitors," Judge Lane told the visitors. "You can save at least two days on a complicated trial because you go through wit- nesses and evidence much quicker." The system also allows jurors to view video evi- Vic Webb, AOC, (left) discusses the presentation system in Judge Lane's courtroom. The visitors from Alabama (below) view the system from the jury box. dence and hear audiotapes. An overhead camera can be zoomedin on evidence like fingerprints so that an enlargement is displayed on the monitors. A lapel microphone can be worn by a witness and is useful in abuse or rape cases to pick up otherwise inaudi- ble testimony, Judge Lane said. A special feature enables the judge to control what the jury views or hears. At the push of a button, the judge can black out the monitors to preview evidence before the jury sees it. He can also switch off microphones to enable him to have pri- vate sidebar conferences with the parties. The judge also has access to the Internet and legal references like Westlaw and LexisNexis at the bench. According to Mr. Marlowe, the cost of the system is around $22,000. Mr. Cowart noted that similar systems are being installed in Terrell and Early counties. Currently 11 of the 27 counties in the 2nd District have evidence presentation systems. "Attorneys can be trained to use the system in about one hour. In fact, some judges like it so much, they insist that all attorneys who appear before them use it," Mr. Cowart said. 6 Georgia Courts Journal October 2003 Supreme Court Reviews Judicial Campaign Rule The Supreme Court of Georgia is requesting public comment on changes the Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC) has proposed to rules governing judicial elections and disciplinary procedures. The public has until October 20, 2003 to respond. Campaign Conduct The changes would prohibit judicial candidates, including incumbents, from ordering subordinates to do things that the candidates themselves may not do. Candidates also would be barred from making statements in the election campaign on issues likely to come before the court. Another change would ban candidates from knowingly or "with reckless disregard" using or "participating in the publication of" false statements about themselves or their opponents. Candidates would be responsible for the content of any statement or ad published by a campaign committee, if they knew of it before it was released. The proposed rules would also, for the first time, allow candidates for judgeships, including incumbents, to personally solicit campaign contributions and endorsements. Complaints Procedures for handling complaints about judicial elections under Rule 27 would also be changed. Under the proposal, any complaint that a judicial candidate was "facially" violating Canon 7 rules would be sent immediately to a Special Committee. If the Committee believed more investigation was needed, it would request confidential written respons- es from both the candidate and the complaining party and share them with both parties. The identity of the complainant would be kept confidential. If the allegations were not substantiated, the Committee would dismiss the complaint. If they appeared to have merit, a public statement of the apparent violations would be released to both parties, and the matter would be referred to the full JQC for action. Comments The full text of the changes can be viewed on the Court's website, http://www2.state.ga.us/Courts/ Supreme/ under Recent Press Releases. Comments should be sent by mail to: Sherie M. Welch, Clerk of the Supreme Court, 244 Washington Street, SW, Room 572, Atlanta, GA 30334. Spangenberg Report on Alabama v. Shelton The Commission on Indigent Defense has accepted a study on legal representation for defendants who face misdemeanor charges that carry the possibility of imprisonment. The study found many courts are confused about how to make sure these defendants get adequate legal advice. The study, prepared by The Spangenberg Group, was based on site visits and interviews with judges and court personnel in 19 Georgia counties: Baldwin, Bibb, Bulloch, Chatham, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Dodge, Dougherty, Floyd, Fulton, Habersham, Hall, Houston, Lowndes, McDuffie, Richmond, Spalding and Toombs. These counties represent approximately 45% of the state's population. The complete study, Status of Indigent Defense in Georgia: A Study for Chief Justice's Commission on Indigent Defense Part II: Analysis of Implementing Alabama v. Shelton in Georgia, can be found on the AOC website, www.georgiacourts.org Georgia Public Defender Standards Council Begins Work The Georgia Public Defender Standards Council, created by the Georgia Indigent Defense Act of 2003, will replace the Georgia Indigent Defense Council (GIDC) in January 2004. The GPDSC elected its first officers at its organizational meeting in Atlanta on August 11, 2003. The Council will be chaired by Emmet J. Bondurant, Atlanta, Bondurant, Mixson & Elmore LLP, C. Wilson DuBose, Madison, Winkler DuBose & Davis LLC, will serve as Vice Chair. V. Natasha Perdew Silas, Atlanta, Staff Attorney, Federal Defender Program, Inc., will serve as Secretary of the Board. Other members of the Council include: Judge Michael E. Hancock Michele M. Henderson Edward Hine, Jr. Paul M. Kurtz Judge Willie E. Lockette E. Wycliffe Orr, Sr. Evelyn Turner Pugh Gerald P. Word The Georgia Public Defender Standards Council is seeking applications for its Executive Director position. See People, Places, pg 3, for further information on this position. October 2003 Georgia Courts Journal 7 Report to Judicial Council: Coordination Needed in Cases Involving Families Enhanced coordination among the various classes of courts in Georgia is needed to filed in either probate or juvenile court. Juvenile courts have concurrent jurisdiction with superior courts address problems created by over- in custody and child support cases lapping court jurisdiction in cases and proceedings to terminate involving children parental rights. and families. A report prepared by UGA's Institute of Government found that families can be vulnerable to conflicting information caused by lack of coordination among courts. Ms. Karen "A single family may be involved in more than one class of court at the same time ... Unless there is a protocol or agreement established between the courts, the overlapping jurisdiction may only be discovered by happenstance" State courts, magistrate courts and municipal courts may consider matters that lead children into foster care or juvenile court, such as domestic violence, child abuse, contributing to the delinquency of a Baynes, author of the report, pre- minor, and others. sented these findings to the Judicial Council of Georgia at its August Recommendations 2003 meeting. The report recommends that the Administrative Office of the Courts Protocols Needed pursue ways to provide enhanced "A single family may be support to courts serving children involved in more than one class of and their families by bringing the court at the same time. For example, various classes of courts, their coun- an incident of alleged child abuse or cils and the other service-providing neglect may be referred to juvenile entities into a formalized structure court; there is a related criminal for communication and problem- action in state court; and a child solving. Such a task force would custody issue in superior court. provide needed coordination and Unless there is a protocol or agree- children will be less likely to fall ment established between the courts, through the cracks between each the overlapping jurisdiction may class of court," the report states. The only be discovered by happen- full report can be viewed on the stance," the report said. AOC website at Ms. Baynes noted that legisla- http://www.georgiacourts.org/aoc/ tion has created confusion. augjcagenda.pdf Guardianship applications can be 8 Georgia Courts Journal October 2003 From Our Facilities Consultant: Making the Most of a SPLOST ... Judson S. Bryant, Jr., A.I.A. Has the Gravy Train left the Station? Since the introduction of the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), counties throughout the state have enjoyed the ability to provide for capital projects without property tax increases. In many instances, SPLOST's have been approved by the same voters who rejected property tax-supported General Obligation Bonds. With a SPLOST funding, the tax burden is spread across all consumers, resident or otherwise, and allows counties to improve public facilities while limiting the affect on residents. Counties such as Chatham, Forsyth, Hall and Troup that enjoy a substantial tourist industry have been able to construct more public facilities at less cost per permanent resident than could have been expected with property tax increases. But counties should not expect great benefit with little effort. State projections of sale tax revenues have dropped ten percent since September 11, 2001. Poor planning and unrealistic expectations have left many projects underfunded. Counties that have operated on the assumption that sales tax extensions will be rubber-stamped by voters have been faced with a growing constituency wanting to know why current projects are unfinished. Much needs to change in the way SPLOST projects are conceived, managed and funded if the voters can be expected to continue to support the Golden Goose. Master Planning Three critical questions must be answered by any county thinking about a SPLOST. Of all capital projects needed by the county which ones are most critical, required within five years and fundable by a five-year sales tax revenue stream? Should the county "pay as you go" or borrow against the revenue stream? Is the project list understood and supported by the voters? Defining critical capital projects, funding methodology and project packaging for voters must be completed to establish project size, location(s), budgets and insure passage of the SPLOST. Needs Analysis Project size is determined by a comprehensive needs analysis. The needs analysis should roughly define the departments to be housed, the square footage allotted for each department, the relationships among departments and the special functions of each department. In Henry County, for example, the needs analysis yielded a court facility program for specific limited jurisdiction courts and associated clerk and prosecution functions. In Troup County, the antiquated courthouse was found to be inadequate for current and future needs. The needs analysis yielded a new judicial facility housing all courts, certain court-related operations of the Sheriff's Department, prosecutors, and court records. In both counties, collateral functional requirements were also included. Public parking facilities, inmate holding, conference rooms, storage and jury operations were all identified as needs. The needs study should not be limited by projected cost of construction. Demographic data, caseload information, and factors affecting growth of each department should be analyzed for periods of not less than fifteen years. Once this projection is completed, construction cost estimates and land acquisition costs using projects of similar size and complexity can be developed. The master plan can be implemented in stages, if construction costs will exceed anticipated revenues. This was the case in Henry County where the rapidly expanding population, and increasing caseloads of the courts far exceeded the revenue stream of a given sales tax referendum. Consequently, the development plan called for a facility that was in keeping with funds made continued on pg 9 SPLOST cont. available by the SPLOST while designing a package with flexibility and expansion in mind. Cost Projections Costing for projects should not be limited to simple estimates of construction costs. Architectural and engineering fees usually run between six to eight percent of estimated construction costs. Boundary surveys and topographical information required by the construction team can be estimated at one to one and one half percent of construction costs. If program management services are secured, the county should budget an additional 3% of the total cost of construction. Materials testing and other fees should be budgeted at a minimum of two percent. All costs must be identified and chargeable against specific projects to define how much actual building can be afforded. (See table below.) In the estimate below, the Total Program Costs is almost fourteen percent more than the actual cost to build the project. There are other project delivery methodologies including Design/Build that purport to lower Total Program Costs. The point in the example is the obligation in the pre-SPLOST planning process to identify all costs for budgeting. Judson Bryant is Facilities Coordinator for the Administrative Office of the Courts. Mr. Bryant is available to work with judges, court administrators, and county personnel to determine local facility needs and consult on architectural design of judges' chambers, courtrooms, jury rooms, etc. To request architectural services contact Marla Moore or David Ratley at the AOC, 404-656-5171. To be continued in the next issue of the Georgia Courts Journal. Building Project Costs Projected costs for a standard public sector building: Hard Building Costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$6,000,000.00 Architectural and Engineering Fees 7% of Hard Building Costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 420,000.00 Topographical and Soils Testing 1.5% of Hard Building Costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 90,000.00 Material Testing and Other Fees 2% of Hard Building Costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 120,000.00 Construction Cost Sub Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$6,630,000.00 Program Management Services 3% of Construction Costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 198,900.00 TOTAL COSTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$6,828,900.00 October 2003 Georgia Courts Journal 9 Protected Health Information and the Courts The federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (or "HIPAA") was enacted in 1996. Under the law, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) was authorized to promulgate standards for assuring the privacy of protected health information (or "PHI"). The judicial community should be aware of HIPAA standards. The regulations do contain a provision for disclosure of health information for judicial and administrative hearings in specified circumstances. General information on HIPAA can be found at the website of the US Department of Health & Human Services, at http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/ Additionally, the National Center for State Courts website, http://www.ncsconline.org, contains a white paper on the topic as it pertains to courts. The information contained within this article is drawn from the websites and white paper aforementioned as well as from Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information, as amended (45 CFR Parts 160 and 164). 10 Georgia Courts Journal October 2003 2003-2004 Georgia Courts Directory Corrections Please note these corrections and additions. SUPERIOR COURT Atlanta Circuit Judge Constance C. Russell T5705 Justice Center Tower Augusta Circuit Judge Michael N. Annis 530 Greene Street, Suite 312 Augusta, GA 30911 706-821-2837 Towaliga Circuit Judge William A. Fears Butts County Courthouse 26 Third Street Jackson, GA 30233 770-775-8205 SENIOR JUDGES Justice Richard Bell 225 E. Ponce de Leon Avenue Decatur, GA 30030 Judge Clarence L. Peeler, Jr. 417 Clairemont, #218 Decatur, GA 30030-5500 STATE COURT Fulton County Add: Judge Craig Schwall Delete from Fulton Magistrate Court Hall County Add: Judge Bernard E. Roberts, III Delete from Hall Magistrate Court JUVENILE COURT Clayton Circuit Judge Steven C. Teske steve.teske@co.clayton.ga.us Paulding Circuit Judge Sandra W. Miller FAX 770-505-3867 smiller@paulding.gov Stone Mountain Circuit Add: Assoc. Judge Linda Bratton Haynes 3631 Camp Circle Decatur, GA 30032-1399 404-294-2916 lbhaynes@co.dekalb.ga.us PROBATE COURT Gilmer County Delete: Judge Margaret E. Huff Add: Acting Judge Anita Mullins MAGISTRATE COURT Early County Delete: Judge Melodie Anderson Add: Judge Robin M. Altman Fulton County Judge Chong Joo Kim 230 Peachtree Street, Suite 1800 Atlanta, GA 30303 404-525-2500/F 521-1303 Add: Judge Franklin N. Biggins Suite 500 1401 Peachtree Street, NE Atlanta, GA 30309-3000 404-885-6655/F 885-6647 Judge Sterling Eaves 1409 N. Highland Avenue, Ste. L Atlanta, GA 30306 404-724-0886 Judge Jane Morrison The Candler Building, Suite 422 127 Peachtree Street Atlanta, GA 30303 404-221-0115/F 221-0116 Gwinnett County Add: Judge James A. Hinkle Gwinnett Justice & Admin. Center 75 Langley Drive Lawrenceville, GA 30045-6900 770-822-8081/F 822-8075 Houston County Judge John W. Geiger PO Box 888 Perry, GA 31069 Jackson County Delete: Judge Glenn H. Evans Johnson County Delete: Judge Paul Douglas Lamar County Delete: Judge Denise Connell Add: Judge Richard Bryan Stokes 205 Spencer Street Barnesville, GA 30204 770-358-2069 Lumpkin County Judge William "Jeff" Lowe FAX 706-867-8643 Randolph County Judge Linda Palumbo FAX 229-732-5635 also Municipal Court of Shellman Spalding County Add: Judge June Rainey 301 Tomochichi Road Griffin, GA 30223 770-228-0121 Tattnall County Add: Judge Sharon Fincher PO Box 513 Reidsville, GA 30453 912-557-4375/F 557-3136 October 2003 Georgia Courts Journal 11 Juvenile Court Judges Participate in Children's Summit Ten Juvenile Court judges participated in the First Lady's Summit on Our Children organized by Mary Perdue, wife of Governor Sonny Perdue. The summit was a statewide event designed to energize community resources on behalf of Georgia's abused and neglected children. Many of these children are supervised by the state's juvenile courts until they are placed in safe and permanent homes. The Summit was anchored in Atlanta and held simultaneously in Tifton, Columbus, Savannah, Augusta, Macon, Dalton, and Toccoa. Inivited participants included: Judge Peggy H. Walker, Douglas Circuit, President of the Council of Juvenile Court Judges; Judge Douglas J. Flanagan, Augusta Circuit; Judge Michael Key, Coweta Circuit; Judge John W. Beam, Jr., Eastern Circuit; Chief Judge Thomas J. Matthews, Macon Circuit; Judge Tom Rawlings, Middle Circuit; Judge Joanna Temple, Mountain Circuit; Judge Robin S. Nash, Stone Mountain Circuit; Judge Warner L. Kennon, Sr., Chattahoochee Circuit; and Judge Holli G. Martin, Tifton Circuit. The judges described their concerns about the child welfare system at the local and state levels. The AOC, through the Supreme Court of Georgia Child Placement Project, provided organizational support for the August 27 event. Courts Directory Corrections cont. Please note these corrections and additions. MAGISTRATE COURT cont. Walton County Judge Catherine "Kitty" Yarbrough Chief Magistrate Worth County Add: Judge Michael R. Carter, Sr. 542 Porter's Corner Road Sylvester, GA 31791 229-776-5082 MUNICIPAL COURT Alpharetta Delete: Judge Roy C. Roberts Add: Judge Donald W. Schaefer Judge Barry L. Zimmerman Forest Park Judge John Clayton Davis 1561 Hwy. 42 North McDonough, GA 30523 Kennesaw Judge Donald W. Singleton 2727 Paces Ferry Road, Suite 1710 Atlanta, GA 30339 Marietta, Woodstock Judge Diane M. Busch 800 Kennesaw Ave., Suite 400 Marietta, GA 30060 770-426-4619/F 4726-4846 McDonough Add: Judge Ernest Blount Judge Christopher Chapman 369 Macon Street McDonough, GA 30253 St. Mary's Delete: Judge John S. Meyers Add: Judge Harold R. Moroz COURT ADMINISTRATORS Gwinnett County: Superior, State, and Magistrate Court Delete: Arthur V. O'Neill Add: Philip M. Boudewyns Fulton County Juvenile Court Michael N. WIlson FAX 404-730-6633 Also Juvenile Court Clerk JUVENILE COURT CLERKS Clayton County Delete: Nancy H. Pitts Add: Robin Austin Glynn County Delete: Karen A. Manning Add: Phillip S. Corbitt 912-554-7046 OFFICIAL COURT REPORTERS Susan S. Williams 423 Bedford Drive ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS Leslie Johnson Phone: 404-463-4198 Jane H. Martin Phone: 404-463-4266 Court of Appeals Offers Docket Online The Georgia Court of Appeals has launched a web-based docket inquiry system that can be easily searched by court officials, lawyers or members of the public who want to track a case before the court. This efficient and free new service can be accessed at the court's website, www.gaappeals.us The docket, dating back to January 2003, can be searched by appellate case number, trial court case number or a word from the style of the case (i.e., party name). The site displays docketing information, filings and motions related to a case, including court actions and final judgment, as it moved through trial courts to the Court of Appeals. In addition, it shows the disposition of cases to which the Supreme Court has granted certiorari. Attorney information is also available. The Court of Appeals Docket Search is located at www.gaappeals.us/docket/ John Ruggeri, the Court's information technology project manager, noted that the system was developed in-house with the help of the Court's web master, Bob McAteer. The inquiry system uses Novell NetWare open-source software, thus reducing the cost to taxpayers. "With increasing caseloads in the Court -- the number of cases filed in the court calendar year 2003 increased by 6% -- this application should prove useful in assisting the court to continue to provide rapid access to information while reducing the number of telephone calls that must be answered by Court staff," said Mr. Ruggeri. Georgia Courts Journal Administrative Office of the Courts 244 Washington Street, S.W., Suite 300 Atlanta, GA 30334-5900 PRESORT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ATLANTA, GA PERMIT #1880 NORMAN S. FLETCHER Chief Justice DAVID L. RATLEY Director COURTS JOURNAL STAFF Billie Bolton Ashley G. Stollar Philippa Maister