G G
G
Journal
Journal
G
Journal
February 2004
Journal
A Publication of the Judicial Council of Georgia
State of Judiciary Address: Georgia Courts at Work
Chief Justice Norman S. Fletcher delivered his State of the Judiciary address to a
Court Fee Study
Chief Justice Fletcher reported that the current Court Fee Program
joint session of the General
has brought about enhanced effi-
Assembly on Friday, January 16,
ciency in calculation, collection, and
2004.
remittance of fees across all levels
The Chief Justice
of courts. Training
spoke of "the things
classes have been
that are working well,
held during the past
about court system
year for over 500
needs, and about those
court officials. The
things which, if imple-
Administrative Office
mented, will make our
of the Courts entered
justice system work
into an agreement
even better."
with the Brain and
Spinal Injury Trust
Indigent Defense
Fund Commission to
Quoting Dr. Martin
act as the receiving
Luther King, Jr., Chief
and monitoring agent
Justice Fletcher characterized the indigent defense issue by saying,
Chief Justice Norman S. Fletcher addresses the General Assembly.
for fees. The result has been a much higher participation
"It is always the right time to do
rate by the courts and a higher rate
that which is right." He praised the
of collection.
legislature for its work in establish-
ing the Georgia Public Defender
Court Technology
Standards Council and asked the
In December 2003 based on the
lawmakers to avoid making changes recommendations of an independent
that might well "destroy the contem- study by the BearingPoint consult-
plated uniform, accountable sys-
ing firm, the Supreme Court created
tem."
the Committee on Court Technology.
continued on pg 3
Chief Justice
Receives NCSC
Carrico Award
The National Center for State Courts has named Chief Justice Norman S. Fletcher its inaugural Harry L. Carrico Award honoree. Chief Justice Fletcher was selected in recognition of his leadership and commitment to improving indigent defense in Georgia. The award presentation was made at the mid-year meeting of the Conference of Chief Justices held in San Fransico, CA, January 18-21, 2004.
INSIDE
People, Places & Events pg 2
Justice Benham Awards
pg 3
Judicial Election Ethics
pg 3
Alternative Dispute
Resolution Turns 25
pg 4
Court Technology Committee pg 5
From Our Facilities
Consultant
pg 6
Local Programs Showcase pg 8
Directory Corrections
pg 10
2 Georgia Courts Journal February 2004
People, Places and Events ...
In Memoriam
Senior Judge Edward Wheeler of Decatur died on October 9, 2003. Judge Wheeler served as a juvenile court judge in DeKalb County from 1975 until his retirement in 1995.
Senior Judge Jack Gunter of Cornelia died on November 24, 2003. Judge Gunter retired in 1992 after serving as a superior court judge in the Mountain Judicial Circuit for 20 years.
Sr. Judge Oscar D. Smith, Jr. of Columbus died December 17, 2003. Judge Smith served on the bench of the Columbus City Court from 1962-69 and as a superior court judge in the Muscogee Judicial Circuit from 1970-1980. After graduating from Georgia Southwestern College, he joined the Army Air Corps where he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross. Judge Smith earned his law degree from the University of Virginia Law School.
Retirements
Judge Margaret Huff, Probate Court of Gilmer County, retired in September after 24 years. Judge Huff was first elected in 1980, at the age of 21. Chief Clerk Anita Mullins has assumed the duties as judge.
Juvenile Court Judge Donald Manning, Brunswick Judicial Circuit, retired on December 31, 2003, after serving 15 years on the bench. Judge George M. Rountree succeeded Judge Manning on January 1, 2004.
Resignations
Judge Tripp Barwick, Decatur County Probate Court, resigned in October to enter private practice. Judge Edwin J. Perry, III, was sworn in to serve as probate court judge until a special election is held in March 2004.
DeKalb County District Attorney J. Tom Morgan has announced his resignation effective January 31, 2004. Mr. Morgan will return to private practice.
Appointments
Superior Courts At a swearing-in ceremony held November 7, 2003 in the Senate Chambers of the State Capitol, Governor Sonny Perdue administered the oath of office to Judge David L. Dickinson of the BellForsyth Judicial Circuit and Judge J. Bryant Durham, Jr. of the Rome Judicial Circuit. Judge Dickinson fills the vacancy left by the recent death of Chief Judge Stan Gault. Judge Durham succeeds Chief Judge Robert G. Walther who retired Nov. 1, 2003.
State Courts Judge Carla E. Brown, appointed by Gov. Perdue to the State Court of Gwinnett County, was also sworn-in on November 7. Judge Brown fills the seat vacated by Judge David Fuller.
Judge Troy Russell McClelland, III, took the oath of office December 30, 2003 to become judge of the State Court of Forsyth County. Judge McClelland succeeds Judge David L. Dickinson.
Elected
Judge Pam Ferguson was elected on November 1, 2003, as Probate Judge of Clayton County. The special election was held to fill the unexpired term of Judge Eugene Lawson who retired June 31, 2003.
Equality Commission
The Supreme Court Commission on Equality has a new name. The change to the Georgia Commission on Access and Fairness in the Courts (GCAFT) reflects the expanded mandate of the Commission to address broader issues of fairness and accessibility, including access for individuals with disabilities.
Contact Ms. Stephanie Chambliss at 404-463-3927 for more information on the Commission's new and on-going projects.
People, Places ... cont.
Awards for Community Service
Recipients of the 2003 Justice Robert Benham Awards for Community Service were announced on January 16, 2004 at the State Bar of Georgia mid-year meeting. The individuals recognized have combined a professional career with outstanding service and dedication to their community through voluntary participation in the community.
Judge William P. Adams, Bibb County State Court
Judge Stephen E. Boswell, Clayton County Superior Court
Ms. Cynthia Hinrichs Clanton, AOC General Counsel
Mr. James J. Dalton, II, Jonesboro
Judge James E. Drane, Cherokee Cty Magistrate Court
Mr. Kenneth B. Hodges, DA, Dougherty Judicial Circuit
Ms. Constance McManus, Marietta
Mr. John B. Miller, Savannah
Judge Robin S. Nash, DeKalb County Juvenile Court
Jacquelyn H. Saylor, Atlanta
David M. Zacks, Atlanta
JQC Election Rule
The Supreme Court of Georgia has issued the final version of the new rule governing judicial elections in the state. The rule includes the proposed changes published for comment on September 15, 2003. A new section specifies how sanctions will be applied. A new preamble to the Georgia Code of Judicial Conduct sets out ethical standards for the judicial and personal conduct of judges.
The new rules for judicial elections apply both to incumbents and to candidates. Unsuccessful candidates are still subject to discipline by the Judicial Qualifications Commission or the State Bar of Georgia.
The full text of the final rule can be viewed at www.georgiacourts.org
Staff Notes
Mr. Al Frazier, AOC Grants Manager, was named Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Atlanta Chapter of the Association of Fund-Raising Professionals (AFP), effective January 1, 2004. The executive committee meets monthly to discuss funding opportunities, trends, and strategies.
Click onto what's new at ...
www.georgiacourts.org
February 2004 Georgia Courts Journal 3
State of the Judiciary cont.
Mr. Bill Ide of Atlanta and Judge Timothy Pape, Floyd County Juvenile Court will serve as co-chairs. (See related story pg 5.)
Success Stories
Chief Justice Fletcher highlighted the work of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission, the Commission on Interpreters, and the drug court initiative as ongoing projects that reflect well on the court system.
The Chief Justice also noted that new projects such as a pilot business court and a study on revision of jury panels are in process.
Requests and Needs
Chief Justice Fletcher renewed requests for legislative support for: nonpartisan election of probate and magistrate court judges, as well as district attorneys; new superior court judgeships for five judicial circuits; sentencing reform; and the Legal Loan Forgiveness Program.
"The judicial branch is most concerned about suggested reductions in our already meager budget," Chief Justice Fletcher said. "It has been far too long since our judges, prosecutors, and other court personnel have received any salary increases." While he realizes the budget shortfalls at this time, the Chief Justice stated that salary concerns of the judiciary need to be addressed.
The full text of the State of the Judiciary address can be viewed at http://www2.state.ga.us/Courts/Supreme/
4 Georgia Courts Journal February 2004
Alternative Dispute Resolution turns 25
In 1978 Georgia pioneered one of the first alternative dispute resolution (ADR) programs in the
10 years, using it mostly for domestic cases.
"In the courtroom setting, all too
understand the reality of the situation, and that goes back to the neutral." If mediation does not succeed,
nation. The tiny seed that was first
often, parents feel they have to
the litigants retain the right to pro-
planted at Atlanta's Neighborhood
advance their cause by criticizing
ceed in court.
Justice Center has now grown into a their spouse. ADR lets you avoid
Acceptance of ADR by judges is
hardy plant with off-shoots in coun-
discussions that are counter-
growing, Judge
ties throughout the state.
productive. If people are able
Etheridge said. "Most
The Office of Dispute Resolution celebrated its twentyfifth anniversary at a two-day meeting held at Lake Lanier Conference Center in November. More than 270 people attended.
Keynote speaker Harvard Law School professor Frank E. A. Sander, widely regarded as the "parent" of ADR, noted that Georgia responded energetically to the opportunities and challenges presented by ADR. Two Georgians, then-President Jimmy Carter and then-Attorney General Griffin Bell, initiated the first ADR programs in Neighborhood Justice Centers.
The ADR conference was sponsored by the Institute of Continuing Legal Education,
to reach an agreement, it's so
judges believe, as I do,
much better than if the court or
that judges are there to
the judge has to make these
resolve disputes. And
decisions for
whatever is the most
them," Judge
efficient way to do that
Flanders said.
is what we ought to be
The local bar,
doing. ADR is a much
originally skeptical, now supports the
Judge Philip Etheridge
cheaper, more efficient way to get disputes resolved. It's nice to see
program and
how far we've come and the
frequently refers cases,
Chief Judge
progress we've made in twenty-five years."
he added.
Gibbs Flanders
Challenges Ahead
While trained mediators or neu-
ADR still faces challenges
trals are used in the Dublin Circuit,
according to Justice Leah Ward
Superior Court Judge Philip F.
Sears. She cited the lack of public
Etheridge of the Atlanta Circuit
funding for mediation services and
serves as the neutral himself. Civil
decreasing support from private
cases are referred to
foundations. Speakers noted tensions
the Georgia Commission on Dispute Resolution, the Alternative
"ADR is a much cheaper, more efficient way to get disputes resolved."
him by his colleagues. He is assisted by his staff attorney, Nancy Grossman.
Judge Etheridge
between lawyers and non-lawyers trained as neutrals. The supply of qualified non-lawyer mediators now exceeds demand in Georgia. Maintaining the high quality of neu-
Dispute
said he offers litigants a trals also needs to be addressed.
Resolution Section of the State Bar,
"reality check," reviewing their
Ms. Leila Taaffe, director of the
and the Georgia Office of Dispute
cases and letting them know whether Georgia Office of Dispute
Resolution.
they are likely to prevail in court.
Resolution expects continuing devel-
For ADR to be effective, it is essen-
opment of ADR services. "I envision
Local Programs
tial to have a good neutral, Judge
that ADR processes will become
Chief Judge H. Gibbs Flanders, Jr.,
Etheridge said. "I try to be patient,
fully integrated in all trial courts in
Dublin Judicial Circuit, a strong pro- to listen and let them know I'm
Georgia as an ordinary means for lit-
ponent of ADR, chairs the Georgia
actively interested in their case, and
igants to take responsibility for
Commission on Dispute Resolution. not to be critical. I give them an
resolving their disputes," she said.
Judge Flanders has had an ADR pro- opportunity to have some control
More information is available at
gram in his four-county circuit for
over the outcome. They have to
www.ganet.org/gadr
Georgia ICM Graduates: Past and Present
Ms. Leslie E. Johnson, of the AOC (right center) and Mr. John Cowart, Second District Court Administrator (left center) are recent graduates of the Court Management Program offered by the Institute for Court Management. They join a growing number of Georgia court officials, including Ms. Marla Moore (left) and Mr. David Ratley (right) who have gained professional certification from the Institute.
Ms. Johnson now supervises the Regulatory Unit of the AOC Court Services Division which certifies and licenses court reports, court interpreters, and private probation providers. The State Justice Institute awarded a scholarship to Ms. Johnson for completion of the advanced level phase of the program. Mr. Cowart has served as district court administrator for the superior courts of the southwestern corner of the state for many years. He now enters Phase III of the Court Executive Development Program.
February 2004 Georgia Courts Journal 5
Court Technology Committee Formed
Chief Justice Norman S. Fletcher has announced the formation of the Supreme Court Committee on Court Technology. Mr. R. William Ide of Atlanta and Judge Timothy A. Pape of Floyd County Juvenile Court will serve as co-chairs.
The Committee will examine the governance structure of information technology (IT) in the Georgia courts and make recommendations for improvements. Additionally, the Committee will study e-filing guidelines, make recommendations on
their applicability to the Georgia Courts and develop a time-line for e-filing implementation.
"I am confident the committee will be able to accomplish our mission of improving technology and moving positively forward in our automation efforts for all of Georgia's courts," the Chief Justice stated.
Court Technology Committee:
Judge John D. Allen, Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit; Mr. Carlton W. Blair, Jr., Clerk, Chatham County State Court; Judge William M. Coolidge, III, Duluth Municipal Court; Ms. Gayle Collins, Clerk, Whitfield County Magistrate Court; Mr. John E. Cowart, Jr., District 2 Court Administrator; Mr. Malvern Ulysses Griffin, III, Atlanta; Ms. Jane Gaguski, Clerk, Lawrenceville Municipal Court Judge N. Jackson Harris, Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit; Ms. Kimberly Hunnicutt, Court Reporter; Judge Joseph Iannazzone, State Court of Gwinnett County; Judge Cliff L. Jolliff, Juvenile Court of Hall County; Mr. Steven D. Kelley, District Attorney, Brunswick Circuit; Mr. William L. Martin, III, Clerk, Georgia Court of Appeals; Ms. Jodie Overcash, District 7 Court Administrator; Judge John C. Pridgen, Cordele Judicial Circuit; Mr. Rudolph N. Patterson, Macon; Judge Thomas W. Reed, Magistrate Court of Dade County; Ms. Jean H. Rogers, Clerk, Crisp County Superior Court; Judge William J. Self, II, Probate Court of Bibb County; Ms. V. Natasha Perdew Silas, Public Defender Standards Council Ms. Rosa Stroud, Clerk, Henry County Probate Court Judge Brenda S. Weaver, Appalachian Judicial Circuit; Ms. Sherie M. Welch, Clerk, Supreme Court of Georgia; and Mr. F. Barry Wilkes, Clerk, Liberty County Superior Court
6 Georgia Courts Journal February 2004
Circuit Public Defenders: Office Space Wanted
From Our Facilities Consultant
Judson S. Bryant, Jr., A.I.A.
House Bill 770, establishing the new public defender system, is very specific about two issues, the courts served and the staff assigned. Only cases in the Superior Court and Juvenile Court will be defended by the Circuit Public Defender. Staff for the Circuit Public Defender's office is prescribed as follows:*
Circuit Public Defender (CPD) [1]
Assistant Circuit Public Defenders (ACPD) one for each superior court judge
ACPD for each full-time juvenile court judge.
Investigator [1]
Administrative Assistants [2]
*(see OCGA 17-12-23; -27, -28, -29)
Facility Needs
In many ways the Circuit Public Defender's facility needs are not much different from the District Attorney or the Solicitor. The Circuit Public Defender will require an office of approximately 350 ft.2 and each Assistant Circuit Public Defender will require an office of at least 250 ft.2. This will allow each lawyer a personal work space and an area for conferences with clients, opposing counsel, etc. The ACPD designated for defendants in juvenile court may need an additional 100 ft.2 to separate children from adult clients.
An Investigator can be adequately provided for in an area of 125 ft.2 - 150 ft.2. Since most of their work is done in the field, they will be using their offices primarily for filing reports and conducting meetings.
Administrative Assistants can adequately discharge their responsibilities in an open office environment where a space of 80 ft.2 is provided for work stations.
Record storage space will vary depending on the caseload of each circuit. An area of 200 ft.2 should be adequate. Storage to disk, especially CD's, can limit the amount of paper files maintained. Inactive files should be stored, securely, off-site.
Finally, a reception area of approximately 200 ft.2 is required. Public restrooms must be provided if none are available elsewhere in the building.
Planning Ahead
A location for the Public Defender's office must be designated. As with any circuit-wide, state-funded service, offices are often located in each county courthouse. The courts would be best served if the entire Public Defender's office were housed under one roof. In other courthouses an office of approximately 150 ft.2 should be designated for the CPD to take initial information on the assigned cases and conduct initial interviews.
Most of the courthouses in Georgia are full to overflowing and do not have a contiguous area of the size required. Constructing an addition for the Public Defender could cost $100-$150 per ft.2 or $30,000$40,000 for an addition of 2,400 3,000 ft.2. Finding rental space would cost $8 -$10 per ft.2 or even $12 -$15 per ft.2.
Conclusion
When the General Assembly appropriates funds for staffing Circuit Public Defender offices, counties will be relieved of certain costs . But those costs will be replaced with new costs for housing the state-paid staff. Each of the forty-nine circuits will be required to provide between 2,500 5,000 ft.2 of centrally-located office space within the circuit.
Contact Marla Moore or David Ratley at the AOC, 404-656-5171, for information on assistance for local facilities planning.
February 2004 Georgia Courts Journal 7
Making the Most of a SPLOST ... Part Two
From Our Facilities Consultant
Judson S. Bryant, Jr., A.I.A.
Editor's Note: Part One of this article appeared in the October, 2003 issue of the Georgia Courts Journal. Mr. Bryant previously addressed development of a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax initiative to fund capitol projects. Please refer to the earlier article for information on SPLOST Master Planning, Project Needs, and Cost Projections. Part Two continues the discussion of financing building projects and local community involvement.
Pay as you go or borrow?
Borrowing against the revenue stream versus a "pay as you go" philosophy assumes that the county has a borrowing agent in the form of a Building Authority or is willing to pursue Certificates of Participation (COPs). A Building Authority, created by local legislation, allows a county to borrow funds without voter approval using the county revenue stream to secure the debt.
Costs of Bonds
With bond rates at historic lows, interest paid on bonds can be as little as two percent. Construction projects that are high on the priority list are good candidates for bond consideration.
Bond issuance has its costs. There are legal fees, bond counsel fees, cost of issuance, etc. The total cost of the bond issuance may approach ten percent of the face value of the amount bonded. These costs must be covered from either existing county funds or as a deduction against the revenue stream.
For example: a courthouse is to be built at a projected cost of $20,000,000; securing bonds against the sales tax revenues could cost the county as much as $1.8 million. If the county has no additional revenue source for interest and bond costs, the $1.8 million must come directly from the revenue stream. In effect this lowers funds available for all projects by $1.8 million. If a project is budgeted at $180 per square foot, a cost to the project of $1.8 million will reduce the building area by 10,000 square feet.
Cash flow becomes key in the cost analysis. Since regular payments including POI are made against bond indebtedness, sales tax revenues can be invested and used to make payments. Such investments yield a fixed percentage while the bond indebtedness is also fixed. If the sales tax revenues can be invested to produce income equal to the interest on the bond, then the net effect on project scope is zero.
The Role of a SPLOST Committee
Every major corporation on the Fortune 500 operates with a Board of Directors. These are people from diverse backgrounds who bring to the table points of view that support good decision-making. A SPLOST Committee functions in a similar manner. The extensive research developed in the early phases of the SPLOST Master Planning can be rendered useless if an error in judgment or data is perceived. The Master Plan must address community concerns.
The committee guides each step the Master Planning process. Their recommendations define each project on the critical list, each funding approach, and the size and budget for each project. The committee prioritizes the project list and informs and motivates voters.
The committee should consist of representatives of county constituencies, as well as leaders from the business community. The chair should be an individual capable of finding consensus and pushing for decisions. While discussion and discord is the way of all committees, the chair should strive for unanimity.
continued on pg 11
8 Georgia Courts Journal February 2004
Local Programs Showcase
DeKalb Juvenile Court Project Destiny Assists At-Risk Teens
The Juvenile Court of DeKalb County recently launched Project Destiny -- a program that links members of the business community with at-risk teenagers. Through partnerships with local businesses, the DeKalb County School System and community organizations, the program provides at-risk teens with the skills to enter the workforce.
Chief Judge Gregory A. Adams of the DeKalb Juvenile Court believes, "the level and magnitude of services to be provided to youth under this initiative is unprecedented in DeKalb's recent history. This effort is the bridge to assist many of these youth to become productive, law-abiding citizens."
The program now serves 160 juveniles, some of whom are current probationers and others who have already completed probation. A two-year, $600,000 Youth Offender Reentry grant from the U.S. Dept. of Labor funds the program.
Lack of education is one of the main risk factors for teens who enter the criminal justice system, according to DeKalb program manager Gloria G. Leslie. Eligible juveniles must be 14 - 21 years old, at least two years behind in school or school drop-outs. Teens must be drug free and willing to participate.
Achievement Plan
In collaboration with the school system, an individual achievement plan is developed for each child,
(l-r) Dr. Gary McGiboney, DeKalb County Schools; Chief Judge Gregory A. Adams, DeKalb Juvenile Court; Mr. Ben Jakes, Executive Director, Project Destiny; and Dr. Johnny Brown, Superintendent, DeKalb County Schools, look on as a student learns to use the computer.
based on their level of educational attainment. The plan may focus on achieving the skills to return to school, pass the GED, or to upgrade basic skills. Tutoring and other services are offered outside the school setting in a county building. Teens who participate may be paid a stipend of up to $250 for successfully reaching their goals. Job training is also part of the program.
For more information, contact Ms. Gloria Leslie at (404) 2942394.
Cobb Magistrate Court Adopts e-filing
Cobb County Magistrate Court will go live in 2004 with an efiling system that is custom-
dispossessory procedures, said Magistrate Court Administrator Ms. Bobbie C. Ely.
designed for the court.
Filings become official when the
"We have tried to make the sys-
user receives an e-mail confirmation
tem as convenient as
from the court. Later,
we could for our citi-
a hard copy and case
zens," noted Chief
number will be sent to
Magistrate Judge
the filer by mail. In
Frank R. Cox. "It also
addition, a copy will
helps us because now
go to the sheriff's
the users themselves
office to be served on
will be inputting the
Judge Cox and Ms. Sherry Head, the defendant.
information we need
Cobb County Magistrate Court
The system accepts
into the system, which reduces data
credit card payments, according to
entry for our employees. We wanted
Sherry Head, Civil Division Manager
something that would interface with
for the court. There is no cost to the
our case-tracking system and elimi-
user beyond the normal filing fees.
nate unnecessary steps and duplica-
Best of all, the service will be avail-
tion of effort, given that over 5,000
able around the clock, allowing users
small claims were filed in this court
to avoid parking problems and lines
in 2003."
at the clerk's office.
Initially, e-filing will be used only
For more information, contact
for small claims and landlord-tenant/
Ms. Bobbie Ely at 770-528-8900.
February 2004 Georgia Courts Journal 9
Local Programs Showcase
Recorder's Court of Chatham County
Municipal court, for most Americans, is where the rubber meets the road. For many, it will be their only encounter with the court system. That's why Judge LeRoy Burke, III sees himself partly as an ambassador, not just for the Recorder's Court of Chatham County, but for the court system as a whole.
Given the court's annual caseload of some 72,000 cases, and as one of only two full-time judges of the Recorder's Court, Judge Burke has plenty of opportunity to practice his diplomatic skills. The judge expects to get further practice when the G-8 Summit is held in nearby Sea Island in June 2004. The court is deep in preparations for dealing with the hundreds of protesters who
are likely to show up in Savannah.
Mr. Brian Hart, Court Admini-
strator, is fine-
tuning plans for
processing those
arrested in an
orderly way
without creating
too much back-
log in the
court's ordinary business.
Under nor-
Judge LeRoy Burke, III
mal conditions, traffic and local
ordinance violations take up much
of the court's time. Judges conduct
commitment hearings in misde-
meanor and felony cases as well as
bond and first appearance hearings.
The court serves both the City of
Savannah and unincorporated
Chatham County.
Judge Burke, first appointed to the bench in 1993, has been reelected three times. He is active in the Council of Municipal Court Judges and serves on the Municipal Court Judges Training Council.
Judge Burke is especially mindful of the needs of pro se litigants. "Often we have to administer both justice and mercy, and help people along," he said. "I try to make sure pro se's understand from the beginning what the stakes are. I explain that traffic violations are criminal offenses and what the penalties are. For certain types of violations I advise them that a lawyer would be helpful, and that they have the right to an attorney."
Drug Court Evaluation Workshop a Success
Over 140 people from across Georgia gathered in Savannah in September to learn more about strategies for evaluating the effectiveness of drug courts. Judges, prosecutors, probation officers, treatment providers, law enforcement officers, case managers, defense attorneys and public
Please Recycle
defenders came to discover what evaluation requires, and how to go about it in their own courts.
The workshop was sponsored by the AOC, the Bureau of Justice Assistance and the NCSC.
Ms. Debra Nesbit, AOC Assistant Director for Legislative and Governmental Affairs, stated that, "although there are no plans to mandate evaluations for drug court programs in Georgia, the attendance reflects the widespread interest in demonstrating that drug court programs are effective."
An effective evaluation can reveal not just whether a program is working, but where it could be improved. It can identify gaps in service, factors associated with drop-out rates, where resources are most needed, and allows for rapid adjustments, according to the invited speakers.
For information on Georgia's drug courts, see the AOC website, www.georgiacourts.org, or contact Ms. Nesbit, (404) 651-7616, or Program Manager Mr. James Banks, (404) 463-4155.
10 Georgia Courts Journal February 2004
2003-2004 Georgia Courts Directory Corrections
Please note these corrections.
SUPERIOR COURT Bell-Forsyth Judicial Circuit Judge David L. Dickinson 100 W. Courthouse Square, Ste. 30 Cumming, GA 30040 770-781-2133/F 888-8862
Rome Judicial Circuit Judge J. Bryant Durham, Jr. Three Government Plaza, Suite 310 Rome, GA 30161 706-291-5124/F 290-6080
SENIOR JUDGE Correction: Judge Wm. Dan Knight, Sr. (not Jr.)
Add: Judge Robert G. Walther One Old Shorter Hill Rome, GA 30161-3264 706-291-1433
STATE COURT Forsyth County Judge Troy Russell McClelland, III 100 W. Courthouse Square Cumming, GA 30040 770-781-2130/F 886-2834
Gwinnett County Judge Carla E. Brown 75 Langley Drive Lawrenceville, GA 770-822-8503/F 822-8536 cebrown@co.gwinnett.ga.us
JUVENILE COURT Brunswick Circuit Judge George Rountree 1725 Reynolds Street Brunswick, GA 31520 912-554-7039 grountree@glynncounty.org
MAGISTRATE COURT Clayton County Delete: Judge Barbara Briley Judge Clara E. Bucci
Add: Judge Edward R. Downs, Jr. Judge Gloria Darty Reed
Cobb County Delete: Judge Laura Austin
Add: Judge Doug Davis 8010 Roswell Road, Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30350 770-993-3300
Coffee County Delete: Judge Mitchell Allen McCrimmon
Add: Judge Joe Allen Dillard 1238 Timber Trail Nicholls, GA 31554 912-345-5542
Cook County Chief Magistrate from: Judge Ellen Wood to: Judge Ellen Graham
Hall County Chief Magistrate Judge Margaret Gregory
Polk County Chief Magistrate Delete: Judge Rick Crawford Add: Judge Jean Crane
Rockdale County Add: Judge Garland C. "Gary" Moore PO Box 289 Conyers, GA 30012 770-929-4075
SPECIAL COURT City Court of Atlanta Judge Gary E. Jackson 150 Garnett Street, SW, Suite 623 gejackson@atlantaga.gov
MUNICIPAL COURT Bartow Add: Judge Annie L. Durden PO Box 267 Bartow, GA 30413
Blairsville Delete: Judge Joyce Kitchens
Cave Spring Delete: Judge Ronald D. Hunter
Add: Judge Steven Burkhalter Three Government Plaza Rome, GA 30160
Dillard, Mountain City, Sky Valley Delete: Judge Frank Sutton
Hephzibah Judge Ben Swain McElmurray, Jr. 407 Telfair Street Augusta, GA 30901 706-724-0702
Metter Delete: Judge Ogden Doremus
Add: Judge J. Kendall Gross PO Box 695 Metter, GA 30439 912-985-4619
Justice Hines Speaks to Accountants
February 2004 Georgia Courts Journal 11
Making the Most of a SPLOST ... cont.
Supreme Court Justice Harris Hines (second from left) spoke to the Association of Government Accountants at their monthly meeting held on November 20, 2003, at the Atlanta Merchandise Mart. Members of the AOC Fiscal Department, (l-r) Mr. Vince Harris, Ms. Roxanne Harkcom, and Mr. Randy Dennis are pictured with Justice Hines.
Directory Corrections cont.
MUNICIPAL COURT cont. Peachtree City Delete: Judge Mitchell Powell
Thomson Delete: Judge H. Bradford Morris, Jr.
Whitesburg Judge Betty Cason PO Box 338 Carrollton, GA 30112 770-830-5840
Zebulon Judge Ben Miller, Jr. PO Drawer 671 Thomaston, GA 30286 706-647-5466
FEDERAL JUDGES Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals
Senior Judge James C. Hill Suite 14-400, US Courthouse 300 N. Hogan Street Jacksonville, GA 32202-4259 904-301-6630/F 301-6635
SUPERIOR COURT CLERK Brantley County
M. Anthony Ham PO Box 1067 Nahunta, GA 31553
Educating the Community
Do not attempt to secure a SPLOST if you are unsure of the projects to be funded. A public that does not understand the need for a project, will not fund a project. A SPLOST initiative is sensitive to timing and education of the community regarding the county's facility needs.
Knowing voter opinion is critical. Many constituents have limited need to use the county courthouse; therefore, they are generally uninformed as to the need for adequate space.
In the early phases of a SPLOST during the needs analysis, an outside consultant can be the fastest way to secure accurate analysis of estimated needs and costs. The Administrative Office of the Courts can provide the assistance of a facility planner to help define the scope of space needed by the courts. Assistance can also be sought from private consulting firms.
Contingency funds should be set aside in case of unforeseen conditions that might arise. Being prepared for the worst can mean the difference between having a project ready as promised, or one left unfinished because of a funding shortfall.
Judson Bryant is Facilities Coordinator for the Administrative Office of the Courts. To request his services contact Marla Moore or David Ratley, 404-656-5171.
Mears Named Executive Director of Public Defender Standards Council
The Georgia Public Defender Standards Council (GPDSC) has named Mr.
that the defendant's attorney has a duty to represent him vigorously,"
Mr. Mears said. "The
Mike Mears as its first
response from judges to
Executive Director. The
my appointment has
decision was announced
been very positive.
by Mr. Emmett Bondurant
That's significant
in December.
because death penalty
As the former director
cases have the most
of the Georgia Multi-
potential for conflict
County Public Defender
built-in."
office, Michael Mears is already a familiar figure to many judges. "I have
Executive Director Mike Mears
Mr. Mears plans to meet with the chief judge in every circuit to
defended death penalty cases in the
answer their questions about the
vast majority of Georgia counties.
new system. He noted that the pub-
For the most part, I have never seen lic defender system cannot be estab-
a judge who does not understand
lished "by edict from Atlanta. I will
listen to judges and take advice from them and from county commissioners."
GPDSC's other officials are: Chief Legal Officer, Mr. Jim Martin, former Commissioner of DHR; Deputy Director of Training and Performance Standards; Mr. Gary Parker, of Columbus, former State Senator and a criminal defense lawyer; Deputy Director of Legislative and Governmental Affairs, Ms. Sarah Smith Haskin.
For more information, contact GPDSC, 104 Marietta Street, Atlanta, GA, 30303, telephone: 404-232-8900.
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