Georgia courts journal, Vol. 24, no. 1 (Oct. 1996)

GA.
J'BOO Pl Vol. 24 No. 1 October 1996
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2i;./ /

Appellate Courts Commission holds public hearing

The 1996 General Assembly established the Commission on Appellate Courts (HR 1091) to analyze the current structure and operations of the Georgia appellate courts. Its goal is to determine what changes, if any, should be recommended in the structure and operations of the courts, in order to:
1) ensure a high quality of appellate review of trial court decisions where such review is required or appropriate;
2) facilitate the development of an organized and consistent body of appellate decisions for the guidance of the bench, bar and the general public;
3) provide for timely resolutions of appeals;
4) provide an efficient and costeffective appellate system, subject to the recognition that the system is paid for with public funds; and
Fonner ChiefJustice Harold G. Clarke addresses the commission.

Fonner ChiefJustice Harold Hill was among the speakers at the public hearing.
5) utilize judicial resources in an effective manner to adequately deal with the increasing judicial workload.
The commission held a public hearing on September 5 in Atlanta. Former ChiefJustices Willis B. Hunt Jr., Harold G. Clarke and Harold Hill were among those addressing commission members. Other speakers included former State Bar presidents, attorneys and a solicitor. Most expressed their support for the commission and the idea of reform. Former Chief Justice Harold Hill seemed to speak for many present when he said, "That's the bottom line: more judges or fewer cases, or both," a quote he attributed to another former justice, George T. Smith.
The commission's second meeting was held on September 27. A final report is due by the end of 1996.
See Appellate Courts, page 10

Fulton County to introduce Drug Court

The new Fulton County Drug Court plans to open its doors this fall under the supervision of superior court Judge Isaac Jenrette. The court will integrate trial and treatment phases for some 750 nonviolent offenders each year. Mission New Hope, a nonprofit coalition of community leaders, secured $768,000 in federal grant money to fund the drug court.
Judge Jenrette says the "program will offer nonviolent drug-dependent offenders a treatment-oriented court." Participants will attend counseling sessions, submit to weekly drug screens, report to a probation officer and appear regularly before Judge Jenrette for progress hearings. Failure to comply with these strict
See Drug Court, page 4

Inside

Historical Records Advisory Board ......... 3

Judge Eldridge sworn in ........................... 3

Committee on Substance Abuse ............. 3

Community outreach for kids .................... 4

JQC opinions ............................................... 4

Attorney general's opinions

......... 5

Prison adds courtroom ................................ 5

GIDC adds Juvenile Advocacy ................. 6

FYI: Election information ............................. 6

Gwinnett modernizes warrants ................. 6

Use of private probation services ............ 7

International visitors ................................... 7

Commission on Equality ............................ 8

Supreme Court gets home page ............. 8

SusTAIN adds accounting package ............ 8

Senate studies civil justice reform ... 9

See blue pages for Volume 23 index.

In Brief ...
Appointments
Court of Appeals Judge Frank M. Eldridge has been appointed for the term of July 16, 1996, through December 31, 1998.
Superior Court, Houston Judicial Circuit Judge Edward D. Lukemire was elected for the term January 1, 1997, through December 31, 2000; however, he was appointed and sworn in by Gov. Zell Miller on September 3, 1996, to complete the term of Chief Judge L.A. McConnell Jr., who has retired.
Superior Courts, Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Judge Ralph Van Pelt Jr. has been appointed for the term of September 20, 1996, through December 31, 1998.
Senior Judge Judge Joe B. Tucker of the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit was appointed a senior judge of the superior courts, effective September 1, 1996.
New member joins Judicial Council
The Judicial Council of Georgia welcomed a new member at its June meeting, Judge Amanda F. Williams, Superior Courts, Brunswick Judicial Circuit, First Judicial Administrative District. She replaces Judge David L. Cavender.
Chief Judge Robert L. Stevens honored
Chief Judge Robert L. Stevens of the Toombs Judicial Circuit was honored at a recent meeting of the Toombs Circuit Bar Association. Presiding in the superior courts of his circuit since January 1, 1965, Judge Stevens has the distinction of being the most senior in point of active service of any superior court judge in Georgia. In remarks made by Chief Judge Joseph J. Gaines of the Western Judicial Circuit, Judge Stevens was recognized for "honor and integrity of principle." He is not seeking re-election in November and retires from active service at the end of the year.
Donald Forbes becomes GCAC program manager
Donald C. Forbes has joined the AOC as program manager for the Georgia Courts Automation Commission. Mr. Forbes was formerly a project coordinator, General Government Systems Group, Computer Services Division, Department of Administrative Services (DOAS). He was responsible for providing computer services support to the judicial and legislative branches and over 20 executive branch agencies, as well as DOAS itself.
Learn what's new in traffic courts
The 1996 ABA Traffic Court Seminar will be held October 16-18 at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. The seminar will focus on new developments such as automated speed enforcement and computerized testing for alcohol and drug impairment, while spotlighting long-term challenges such as improving the administration of justice

and addressing problems of alcohol and drug-impaired driving. For more information, contact Teddi Fangon at the ABA (312-988-5693).
Municipal Court judges elect new officers
On August 6 at its annual meeting, the Council of Municipal Court judges elected new officers: President - Judge Charles David Mecklin Jr., Carrollton First Vice President - Judge Maurice H. Hilliard Jr., Roswell Second Vice President - Judge Margaret G. Washburn,
Berkeley Lake Secretary - Judge Philip C. Smith, Canton Treasurer - Judge Warren W. Kent Jr., Helen
Racial and Ethnic Bias Commission report available in Georgia State Law Review
The report of the Supreme Court Commission on Racial and Ethnic Bias in the Court System, Let Justice Be Done: Equally, Fairly, and Impartially, has been reprinted in the Georgia State Law Review, Vol. 13, No. 3, April 1996. The report contains a summary of the investigations and inquiries made by the commission, the findings of the commission, and recommendations for changes and improvements in the court system. To receive a copy, contact Lola Diamond at the AOC (404-656-5171).
Criminal Justice Coordinating Council schedules fall meeting for November 7
On November 7, the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council will hold its fall meeting in Forsyth at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center. Committee meetings will be held in the morning, beginning at 9:00. The full council meeting will convene at 1:00 P.M., with registration of members and guests.
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Forsyth Holiday Inn. Contact Mary Wilkinson (912-994-5691) by October 8 to make a reservation. To register for the meeting and receive an agenda, contact Jeannette H. Huckaby (404-5594949). There is no registration fee.
PLEASE NOTE ...
Georgia Courts Directory corrections
Page 15, the telephone number of Clayton County State Court Judge John C. Carbo III should be 770-4 77 -4500.
Page 15, the P.O. box number of I Iall County State Court Judge Kathlene F. Gosselin should be 737.
Page 53, the telephone number of Tiit County Superior Court Clerk Gwen C. Pate should be 912-386-7816.

Georgi,a Courts Journal

2

October 1996

Grants available from Records
Advisory Board
As reported in May's Georgia Courts Journal, the Georgia Historical Records Advisory Board is making program development grants to local governments to help establish or improve records management programs throughout the state.
On September 6, Secretary of State Lewis Massey announced that $194,950 has been awarded to 13 city and county governments under the Local Government Grant Program. Projects funded include computer inventory systems, imaging applications, integrated information systems and microfilm management systems.
The board will hold a second grant cycle this fall with an application deadline of December 2. Interested parties must attend one of the training workshops listed below in order to apply for a grant.
For more information, contact Bob Westby, Department of Archives and History (404-657-3849).
Training workshops:
Records Management and Grants Application Topics: How to establish or improve a local government records management program; how to apply for a local government records grant. Sept. 18, Macon; Oct. 1, Rome; Oct. 15, Tifton
Preservation Topics: Why we preserve records; defining preservation; decisionmaking for preservation; preparing for disasters; evaluating service and supplies; machine readable records; factors influencing records preservation. Sept. 19, Macon; Oct. 2, Rome; Oct. 16, Tifton
To register, contact Judy Wilson (706-542-1328). ~

Judge Frank M. Eldridge joins Georgia Court of Appeals

Frank M. Eldridge (left) was sworn in by Gov. Zell Miller on July 16 to fill the newly created tenth seat on the Court ofAppeals. Previously, Judge Eldridge served 17 years as a superior court judge of the Atlanta Judicial Circuit. He was an adjunct professor at the Emory University School ofLaw for 15 years. Judge Eldridge is a graduate ofVanderbilt University and its law school. He holds a master's oflaws degree in taxation from the New York University School ofLaw.

Committee on Substance Abuse offers educational videotapes and manual

Videotaped programs dealing with the impact of substance abuse on society and the judicial system are now available through the AOC and the Institute of Continuing Judicial Education. The Supreme Court Committee on Substance Abuse produced the series, which features roundrobin discussions and questionand-answer sessions with superior court judges.
The taped programs are divided into four subject areas: 1) judicial philosophies on cases involving substance abuse; 2) the pharmacology and psychopharmacology of substance abuse; 3) substance abuse assessment and treatment resources; and 4) sentencing and

disposition of substance-abusing offenders.
A new technical assistance manual produced by the Case-ProcessingManagement Subcommittee is also available through the AOC. The manual sets forth techniques to assist court systems in managing their drugrelated cases. The manual provides an overview of case-management programs, a history of case management and the principles defining the programs, additional options courts have implemented, and directives on implementing procedures.
For more information, contact Sandy L. Ward, Supreme Court Committee on Substance Abuse and the Courts (404-657-4219). ~

October 1996

3

Georgia Courts Journal

Atlanta Municipal Court sponsors community outreach for kids

Teens, Crime and the Community, a 12-week course for young residents of Atlanta's Mechanicsville neighborhood, teaches kids to take an active role in preventing crime; children also learn tactics to keep them away from the constant violence in their world. The program, sponsored by the Victims Witness Assistance Program of Atlanta Municipal Court, is funded by a grant for the National Crime Prevention Council.
Since April, the "Peacemakers" group has come together at the Dunbaar Community Center twice each week. Class coordinators work with 30 children ranging in age from 6 to 15; seven teen leaders help plan projects and activities. Lessons given by the coordinators include conflict management, drug abuse prevention, gang awareness, legal terms and language. To bring the reality of

street life into the classroom, the children produce their own skits and relate personal stories about life in one of Atlanta's most crime-ridden areas. Guest speakers have visited from the Grady Rape Crisis Center, Georgia Center for Children, DARE and other community organizations.
Aurelia Sands Belle, director of the Victim Witness Assistance Program, is proud of this effort to "teach kids to survive and succeed when the odds are against them." She reported that Capitol Homes will sponsor classes for young residents in the fall. On a recent site visit, Michelle Cotton of the National Crime Prevention Council chose the Mechanicsville Peacemakers group to be featured in a documentary film.
For more information on Teens, Crime and the Community, contact the Atlanta Municipal Court (404865-8100). ~

Drug Court continued from page 1
guidelines can result in criminal prosecution and jail time.
An offender enrolled in the program will always appear before the same judge. (This will be Judge Jenrette himself for the foreseeable future.) In this way, cases can be followed very closely from week to week. The judge must monitor compliance very closely and "remember who's who and who's done what," according to Judge Jenrette. The supervising judge plays a crucial role in inspiring and pushing participants to comply with the program and overcome addiction, he adds.
Judge Jenrette will begin hearing cases as soon as the U.S. Congress approves release of the funds. In the meantime, the judge and his staff are training personnel and establishing the treatment protocol. The start-up grant is expected to fund operation for 18 to 24 months. The court will work for federal and local continuation funding to make this an ongoing project. ~

Judicial Qualifications Commission

Summaries of Judicial Qualifications Commission
OQC) opinions appear in the Georgia Courts Journal
whenever they are issued. Copies of complete opinions can be obtained from the JQC at (770) 587-5208.
Opinion 206. If senior judges desire to engage in political activity, such judges shall first declare themselves ineligible to serve as judges in compliance with existing court rules and thereafter refrain from using either their titles or judicial positions to further the interests of any political candidate.
Opinion 207. Fair and truthful criticism of an opponent is not prohibited by Canon 7B(l)(c), but such criticism may not be of such a nature as to bring the candidate's own impartiality or that of the judiciary into question.
Opinion 208. It is inappropriate for a judicial candidate to act as a leader or hold any office in a political organization.
Opinion 209. It is inappropriate for a sitting judge to display a bumper sticker on his personal vehicle urging the re-election of a sitting superior court judge.

Opinion 210. It is inappropriate for a candidate for judicial office to personally solicit campaign funds in a newspaper advertisement or otherwise.
Opinion 211. It is inappropriate for a candidate for judicial office to use the designation "Judge" in political advertising without clearly designating therein the judicial position currently held by such candidate.
Opinion 212. It is inappropriate for a candidate for judicial office to use the designation "Judge" in political advertising if in fact the candidate does not presently hold a judicial position.
Opinion 213. Neither the Code of Judicial Conduct nor applicable advisory opinions permits a contested judicial election to be conducted as if it were a race for some other political office in which no ethical restraints are mandated and any such conduct will be closely scrutinized and appropriately sanctioned, when necessary.
Opinion 214. The mere use of the word "conservative" in a political advertisement would not be inappropriate. tlr.

Georgia Courts Journal

4

October 1996

Judges invited to tour new prison courtroom

The state of Georgia has added a courtroom to the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison (formerly the Jackson State Prison) for hearings in capital habeas corpus cases. Warden Tony Turpin (770-504-2011) extends an open invitation to any judge who wishes to view the new courtroom and its surroundings.
The courtroom is suitable for any

non-jury proceedings involving inmates at Jackson. It differs from older hearing rooms at the prison in that it is located in a courtyard outside the inner security perimeter and has a separate entrance through the administrative section of the prison; judges and attorneys do not enter secured areas.
A private office is located behind

the bench for the use of the presiding judge and his or her staff. The courtroom will also accommodate a limited number of press and other visitors.
In June, Judge William A Foster III of the Tallapoosa Judicial Circuit conducted a four-day evidentiary hearing in a death habeas case in the
new courtroom. to

Attorney general's opinions: February through June

Between February and June 1996, the state Attorney General Michael Bowers issued the official opinions summarized below. Complete copies may be obtained from the AOC.
Official
Firearms; sale of handguns. OCGA 1611-178 prohibits the receipt of a handgun by a person involuntarily hospitalized within the past five (5) years; that period of time is calculated from the person's release from hospitalization. OCGA 35-334 (d.1) (2) requires that judges of the probate courts and clerks of the superior courts advise the Georgia Bureau of Investigation of all persons involuntarily hospitalized after March 22, 1995. (3/5/96 No. 96-5)
Elections; judiciary; financial disclosure. Candidates for election to state-wide judicial office are not required to file with the Secretary of State the expanded financial disclosure forms outlined in OCGA 21-5-50(c). (5/20/96 No. 96-9)
Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority. The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority may not assume responsibilities from the Secretary of State pertaining to maintaining records of commissioned notaries public. (6120196 No. 96-11)
Unofficial
Victims of crimes. The "Crime Victims' Bill of Rights," OCGA 17-17-1 et seq.,

is not applicable to juvenile court proceedings. (2/9/96 No. U96-1)
Judges, Superior court; salaries. The Gwinnett County Commission may increase the annual salary supplement for superior court judges beyond the minimum $19, 750.00 provided for by local legislation, but a percentage of any such compensation must likewise be paid to the other county officials whose salaries are linked to local supplements paid to superior court judges. (219196 No. U96-2)
Copyright; fair use doctrine. The scope of the Fair Use Doctrine, 17 U.S.C. 107, for making copies for classroom use, for teachers who make copies for research and scholarship, and the potential liability of teachers, librarians and employees of non-profit institutions for exceeding the parameters of fair use. (2/4/96 No. U96-4)
Juveniles; felony sentences. The provisions of OCGA 49-4A-9(e) apply to all juveniles convicted of a felony in superior court, except those convicted of felonies for which the potential punishments include the death penalty or life imprisonment, and all such juveniles are thereby entitled to a sentence review by the sentencing court to determine if the child should be placed on probation, have his or her sentence reduced, or be transferred to the Department of Corrections for the service of the remainder of his or her sentence. (2/19/96 No. U96-5)

Children, Abused; placement. Georgia Department of Family and Children Services may request that parents consent to placement of their children by the Department outside the family home, without the Department instituting legal action against the parents, either during the investigation of purported child abuse or after confirming child abuse, as long as the requirements under state and federal law for voluntary placements are met. (2/19/96 No. U96-6)
Motor vehicles; driver's failure to stop for police. In order for a violation of OCGA 40-6-395 to be considered a felony that requires transfer of the case to superior court for prosecution, it must satisfy the three elements outlined in OCGA 40-6395 (b) (5) (A). (3/19/96 No. U96-7)
Traffic offenses; fines and forfeitures. Priority of payment of surcharges to and .deductions from fines and forfeitures imposed in traffic cases. (4/9/96 No. U96-8)
Peace Officer and Prosecutor Training Fund Act; funds collected under. OCGA 15-21-75 imposes liability for delinquent payments of sums imposed under the Peace Officer and Prosecutor Training Fund Act of 1983 upon the person, agency or unit of government having the duties both of collection of those funds and remittance to the Department of Revenue. Georgia law now places that dual responsibility on the clerk of court. (5110196 No. U96-10) rtt;,

October 1996

5

Georgia Courts .fournal

GIDC launches
Juvenile Advocacy
Division
The Georgia Indigent Defense Council (GIDC) recently launched its Juvenile Advocacy Division to provide support and consultation to attorneys and guardians ad litem representing clients in juvenile court proceedings.
The division, staffed by two attorneys and a paralegal, offers assistance with issues such as deprivation, delinquency, unruliness, termination of parental rights, mental health, education and government benefits. The division also plans to conduct training seminars for attorneys and prepare a training manual and videotape. Another task will be to follow legislative actions affecting children, disseminate information and track the effects of any changes. The Juvenile Advocacy Division will serve as a clearinghouse for information from juvenile justice organizations across the country.
Increasing juvenile court caseloads and reductions in funding for indigent legal services were two factors leading to creation of the Juvenile Advocacy Division. The division's role was developed by a planning committee made up of representatives from groups including the defense bar, prosecutors, government officials and legislators, the judiciary, social services, and juvenile corrections. The planning committee will serve as an advisory board to the division.
Karen L. Worthington, formerly of the Georgia Supreme Court Child Placement Proceedings Project, has joined the division as the staff attorney. A second attorney will be added in the near future. Division staff can be reached at 404-894-2595 or 1-800-676-4432, or via E-mail at
staff@gidc.com. tc.

FYI:

Information about elections

Editor's note: The Administrative Office ofthe Courts recently received a query on vote requirements in primary, run-off and general elections. Because this subject is complex, the Georgia Courts Journal offers all its readers this refresher course.
Under current state law a majority vote is required for victory in the primary election and the primary runoff election. In the general election, a plurality vote is necessary; however, the General Assembly has set a mandatory minimum requirement of 45 % of the vote. That is, a candidate can win with a mere plurality vote, but that plurality must be at least 45%. Failing that, a general run-off election is held between the top two vote-getters. (Several constitutional offices are exempted from the plurality vote-and consequently require a majority vote-but judicial officers are not among those exempted.)

Accordingly, the primary election this year was held on July 9, and judges running for office were listed at the end of the Republican and Democratic ballots as nonpartisan candidates. For a judge to succeed in that election, he or she needed a majority vote. If a judge failed to receive a majority vote, he or she was placed in a primary run-off race held on August 6.
Even after winning the primary and run-off elections, a judicial candidate must be listed on the ballot in the November general election, in the event that write-in candidates qualify. If there are write-in candidates, the winner of the November election must obtain at least 45% of the vote, or go to a general run-off election be-
tween the two top vote-getters. tc.
Source: Elections Division, Secretary of State's Office

Gwinnett Judicial Circuit modernizes warrant process

The Georgia Supreme Court has approved an experimental rule authorizing the use of video conferencing and imaging technology for warrant application and issuance in the Gwinnett Judicial Circuit. According to Arthur V. O'Neill, court administrator, installation of personal computers is underway in the Gwinnett County Magistrate Court, all police precincts and the jail. The system should be operational in about a month.
Mr. O'Neill says that allowing law

enforcement personnel to obtain warrants via computer and video conferencing from the precinct or jail will save trips to the courthouse, giving the officers more time on patrol. "It's a win-win situation all around," he added.
The Supreme Court granted the circuit one year to test the new system. If successful, Mr. O'Neill says the circuit will work toward creating a uniform rule to implement the pro-
cess permanently. tc.

Georgia Courts Journal

6

October 1996

Vol. 23 September 1995- May 1996

Index

JOURNAL

A
Adamson, Judge Robert W., Superior Courts, Piedmont Judicial Circuit, attends swearing-in; photograph 4,7
Alexander, Josie A., member, Commission on Racial and Ethnic Bias in the Court System, recognized for service; photograph 2,7
Alexander, Judge William H., Superior Court, Atlanta Judicial Circuit, takes senior status 3,2
Allen, Judge John D., Superior Courts, Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit, appointed to Georgia Courts Automation Commission 1,2
Serves as member of Commission on Equality 4,18
Allgood, Judge Robert L., Superior Courts, Augusta Judicial Circuit, appointed 1,2
Sworn in; photograph 2,3
Andrews, Judge Gary B., Court of Appeals, serves on Judicial Council 1,6
Arnold, Judge Emmett J. III, State Court, Clayton County, resigns 2,2
Askew, Hulett H. "Bucky," director, Bar Admissions, honored by Georgia Supreme Court; photograph 5,12
Attridge, Byron, attorney, Atlanta, attends conference on Future of Judiciary 5,5
B
Bailey, Judge John H. Jr., Superior Courts, Northern Judicial Circuit, appointed 4,2 Sworn in; photograph 4,7
Baldwin, Judge A Quillian Jr., Superior Courts, Coweta Judicial Circuit, appointed 1,2
Sworn in; photograph 2,3
Baxley, Judge Thomas, State Court, Early County, appointed 3,2
Sworn in; photograph 3,6

Beasley, Chief Judge Dorothy T., Court of Appeals, liaison for Czech Republic visiting judges; photograph 1,7
Speaks at National Association of Women Judges conference 3,3
Receives gift from Georgia Association of Women Lawyers; photograph 3,26
Attends National Center for State Courts conference on Future of Judiciary 5,5
Makes presentation at Supreme Court Sesquicentennial Celebration; photograph 5,12
Hears oral arguments at Emory University School of Law; photograph 5,24
Bell, Senior Judge Hal, Superior Courts, Macon Judicial Circuit, deceased 5,2
Benefield, Judge Harold G., State Court, Clayton County, serves as new chief judge 2,2
Benham, Chief Justice Robert, Supreme Court, sworn in as chief justice; photograph 1,1
Accepts report of Racial and Ethnic Bias Commission; photograph 2,1
Speaks with Commission members following presentation of report; photograph 2,5
Presents certificate of recognition to Judge Alford J. Dempsey; photograph 2,9
Serves on the Judicial Conference Committee on Federal-State Jurisdiction 3,2
Speaks at National Association of Women Judges conference 3,3
Swears-in student court; photograph 3,6
Speaks at statewide conference of Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Delivers State of Judiciary address 4,4

Serves as co-chairperson of Supreme Court Committee on Substance Abuse and the Courts, remarks on judges training 4,6 Attends National Center for State Courts conference on Future of Judiciary 5,5 Makes opening remarks at Middle Judicial Circuit 200th anniversary celebration 5,8
Presides at Georgia Supreme Court Sesquicentennial Celebration; photograph 5,12 Presents amicus curiae certificates 5,12
Addresses Hispanic Bar Association; photograph 5,24
Biliary, Judge Joyce, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District, moderates panel at State/Federal Judicial Council meeting 5,3
Bishop, Judge Fred A. Jr., Superior Court, Gwinnett Judicial Circuit, attends computer training session; photograph 4,3
Authors "Internet offers boundless opportunities" 5,7
Blackbum, Judge Alan G., Court of Appeals, hears oral arguments at Emory University School of Law; photograph 5,24
Bolett, Albert J. III, attorney, co-founder of Georgia Hispanic Bar Association; photograph 5,24
Issue 1 - September 1995
Issue 2 - October 1995
Issue 3 - January 1996
Issue 4 - March 1996
Issue 5 - May 1996

Issue numbers are in boldface type; page numbers follow.

Bowles, Former Justice Jesse G., Supreme

Court, attends Georgia Supreme Court

Sesquicentennial Celebration; photo-

graph 5,13

-

Brogdon, Judge M. Gino Jr., State Court,
Fulton County, appointed 4,2

Sworn in; photograph 5,9

Brown, Judge S. Phillip, Superior Courts, Macon Judicial Circuit, appointed 4,2

Sworn in; photograph _4,7

Bryant, Carl A., attorney, Albany, serves on Commission on Equality 4,18 -

Bryant, Judge George H., Superior Courts, Northern Judicial Circuit, attends swearing~in ceremony; photograph 4,7

Burke, Judge Kelly R., Magistrate Court, Houston County, appointed fo Geprgia Courts Automation Commission 1,2

Serves _on Judicial Council 4,6

Caldwell, Judge Johnnie L. Jr., Superior Courts, Griffin Judicial Circuit, appointed 1,2
Sworn in; photograph 1,5
Cannon, Sr. Judge Olin B. Jr., Middle Judicial Circuit, receives amicus curiae certificate from Supreme Court of Georgia 5,8
Carley, Justice George H., Supreme Court, receives award from Law-Related Education Consortium 4,2
Participates in Georgia Supreme Court Sesquicentennial Celebration; photograph 5,12
Carlisle, Judge M. Russell Jr., State Court, Cobb County, appointed 4,2
Sworn in; photograph 4,21
Carnes, Chief Judge Charles L., State Court, Fulton County, receives Ogden Doremus Award 1,2
Cavender, Judge David L., Superior Courts, Atlantic Judicial Circuit, attends swearing-in; photograph 1,5
Chason, Judge Willard H., Superior Courts, South Georgia Judicial Circuit, announces retirement 5,2
Chesshire, Skip, court administrator, Cobb Judicial Circuit, announces on-line jury services 1,4
Christian, Judge Martha C., Superior Courts, Macon Judicial Circuit, serves as chairperson of State Bar Commission on Family Courts 3,8

Claiborne, Ruth F., attorney, Atlanta, serves on Commission on Equality 4,18

Clarke, Former Supreme Court Chief Justice Harold G.,welcomesNational Association of Women Judges conference 3,3

Serves-

as

chair

of

the

Commission -

on

the Sesquicentennial of the Supreme

Coiirt of Georgia 4,1; 5,12

Honored at his portrait unveiling;

photograph .,22

.

. .\

Receives Ben F. Johnson Jr. Public

Service Award 5,2

Makes presentation atGeorgia Supreme Court Sesquicentennial celebration; photograph 5,12; 5,13

Cleveland, A. Gus, former president, State Bar of Georgia, presents portrait of_ former ChiefJustice Harold G. Clarke 4,22

Cline, Judge James L., Superior Courts, Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit, appointed 1,2

Sworn in; photograph 1,5

Conger, John Gray, Superior Courts, Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit, appointed district attorney 4,2

Cooper, Judge Clarence, U:S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia, swears-in Chief Justice Robert Benham; photograph 1,1

Coursey, Chief Judge Daniel M., Superior Court, Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit, serves on Judicial Council .4;6

Cowart, Judge_ Richard M., Superior Courts, Southern JudicialCircuit, appointed 1,2

Cowen~ Judge Linda S., State Court, Clayton County, appointed 4,2

Sworn in; photograph 4,18

Custer, Cheryl F., district attorney, Rockdale Judicial Circuit, serves on Commission gn Equality 4,18

Cutler, Lloyd N ., attorney, invited speaker at National Association of Women Judges conference; photograph 3,1

D
D'Alemberte, Talbot, president, Florida Stafe University, speaks at National Center for State Courts conference on Future of Judiciary 5,5
Daniel, Roxann Gray, State Court, Muscogee County, appointed solicitor 4,2

Daniel, Judge William W., Superior Court, Atlanta Judicial Circuit, announces retirement 4,2
Dempsey, Judge Alford J., Superior Court,' AtlantaJudicial Circuit, recognized for work with Commission on Racial and -Ethnic Bias; photograph 2,9
D'Entremont, Inez Grant, assistant district attorney, Northeastern Judicial Circuit, argiies before Court of Appeals at Emory University School of Law; photograph 5,24
Dious, Ivory Kenneth, attorney, Athens, serves as member ofCommission on Equality 4,18
Downs, Judge Doris L. "Dee," Superior Court, Atlanta Judicial Circuit, appointed 4,2
Sworn in; photograph 5,3
Doss, Robert L. Jr., director, Administrative Office of the Courts, attends presentation of report of Commission on Racial and Ethnic Bias in the Court System; photograph 2,5
Eulogizes Judge Robert H. Hall 3,4
Attends National Center for State Courts conference on Future of Judiciary 5,5
Attends Georgia Supreme Court Sesquicentennial celebration; photograph 5,12
Duffey, Judge Aubrey, Superior Courts, Coweta Judicial Circuit,- appointed 1,2
Sworn in; photograph 2,3
E
Eidson, Timothy Lee, State Court, Worth County, appointed solicitor 1,2
F
Fletcher, Presiding Justice Norman S., Supreme Court, takes oath as Presiding Justice; photograph 1,8
Presents certificate of recognition to Josie A. Alexander; photograph 2,7
Serves on Judicial Council 4,6
Makes opening remarks at commission on Equality meeting 4,18
Participates in Georgia Supreme Court Sesquicentennial Celebration; photograph 5,12
Forehand, Chief Judge W.J., Superior Courts, Tifton Judicial Circuit, announces retirement 5,2

Issue numbers are in boldface type; page numbers follow. 2

Franzen, Judge Stephen E., Juvenile Court, Gwinnett County, serves on Judicial Council 1,6
Fryer, Judge Joel J., Superior Court, Atlanta Judicial Circuit, takes senior status 3,2
Fuller, Judge Hilton, Superior Court, Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit, appointed chairperson of Georgia Courts Automation Commission 1,2
G
Ginsberg, Justice Ruth Bader, U.S. Supreme Court, to speak at National Association of Women Judges conference 1,6
Addresses National Association of Women Judges conference; photograph 3,1
Girardeau, Judge John E., Superior Courts, Northeastern Judicial Circuit, serves on Judicial Council; photograph 4,6
Attends National Center for State Courts conference on Future of Judiciary S,5
Girth, Marjorie L., former dean, Georgia State University College of Law, serves on Commission on Equality 4,18
Glass, Sandra C., clerk of Superior Court, Oconee County, appointed to Georgia Courts Automation Commission 1,2
Glover, Judge Irma B., State Court, Cobb County, appointed 4,2
Sworn in; photograph 4,21
Glazebrook, Judge Elizabeth R., Superior Courts, Appalachian Judicial Circuit, announces resignation 4,2
Gosselin, ChiefJudge Kathlene F., State Court, Hall County, serves as co-chair of Commission on Equality 4,18
Gottfried, Judge Maureen, State Court, Muscogee County, appointed 3,2
Sworn in; photograph 3,6
Graham, Duncan, attorney, Middle Judicial Circuit, receives amicus curiae certificate from Supreme Court of Georgia S,8
Grant, Chief Judge William F., Superior Courts, Northern Judicial Circuit, attends ceremony; photograph 4,7
Announces retirement S,2
Guess, Judge W. Marion Jr., Probate Court, DeKalb County, elected president of National Probate Judges Council 3,2

H
Hall, Former Justice Robert H., Supreme Court, retrospective; photograph 3,4
Harris, Chief Judge Barbara A., Municipal Court, Atlanta, serves on Commission on Equality 4,18
Hart, Judge Bettieanne Childers, Superior Courts, Augusta Judicial Circuit, appointed 1,2
Sworn in; photograph 2,3
Harvey, Chief Judge John R., Superior Courts, Atlantic Judicial Circuit, attends swearing-in; photograph 1,5
Hill, Former Chief Justice Harold N. Jr., Supreme Court, attends Georgia Supreme Court Sesquicentennial Celebration; photograph S,13
Hines, Justice P. Harris, Supreme Court, appointed 1,2; photograph 1,3
Participates in Georgia Supreme Court Sesquicentennial celebration; photograph S,12
Hull, Judge Frank M., U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia, attends National Association of Women Judges conference; photograph 3,1
Hunt, Judge Willis B. Jr., U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia, presides at swearing-in ceremony of Chief Justice Benham 1,1
Attends Georgia Supreme Court Sesquicentennial Celebration; photograph S,13
Hunstein, Justice Carol W., Supreme Court, announces National Association of Women Judges conference 1,6
Chairs National Association of Women Judges conference; photographs 3,1; 3,3
Speaks at Middle Judicial Circuit 200th anniversary celebration S,8
Hunter, Judge Linda Warren, Superior Court, Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit, attends computer training session; photograph 4,3
Ingram, Former Justice G. Conley, Supreme Court, attends Georgia Supreme Court Sesquicentennial Celebration; photograph S,13
Ingram, Judge S. Lark, Superior Court, Cobb Judicial Circuit, appointed 3,2
Sworn in; photograph 3,5

J
Jackson, Carol A., clerk of Superior Court, White County, serves on Commission on Equality 4,18
Jenrette, Judge Isaac, Superior Court, Atlanta Judicial Circuit, addresses Judicial Council meeting; photograph 4,1
Johnson, Judge Edward H., Court of Appeals, chairs Georgia Law Related Education Consortium, remarks on upcoming conference 3,7
Makes welcoming remarks at Law Related Education conference 4,2
Johnston, Judge Robert G. III, Superior Courts, Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit, appointed 2,2
Jones, Judge Steve C., Superior Courts, Western Judicial Circuit, appointed to Georgia Courts Automation Commission 1,2
Appointed to superior court bench 3,2
Appointed to Judicial Qualifications Commission 4,2
Jones, State Rep. Vernon, district 71, attends Georgia Supreme Court Sesquicentennial Celebration; photograph S,13
K
Keeble, Judge Allen B., Superior Courts, Coweta Judicial Circuit, attends swearing-in; photograph 2,3
Kelly, Chief Judge Asa D., Superior Courts, Dougherty Judicial Circuit, announces retirement 4,2; S,2
Kilpatrick, Paul Jr., former president, State Bar of Georgia, presents Commission on Racial and Ethnic Bias in the Court System report; photograph 2,1
Makes remarks at presentation of portrait of former Chief Justice Harold G. Clarke 4,22
Klein, Linda A., attorney, Atlanta, serves on Commission on Equality 4,18
Knight, Chief Judge W.D., Superior Courts, Alapaha Judicial Circuit, announces retirement S,2
L
Lane, Roger B. Sr., State Court, Mcintosh County, appointed solicitor 3,2
Lawson, Judge Hugh, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Georgia, sworn-in 4,2

Issue numbers are in boldface type; page numbers follow. 3

Lawton, Spencer Jr., district attorney, Eastern Judicial Circuit, serves on Commission on Equality 4,18
Lee, Judge William F., Superior Courts, Coweta Judicial Circuit, attends Judicial Council meeting; photograph 4,1
Lester, Charles T. Jr., attorney, Sesquicentennial Commission member, attends ceremonial session; photograph 5,12
Little, Judge Jeannette L., State Court, Troup County, serves on Judicial Council 4,6
M
Maietta, Madeline, deputy administrator, Court of Appeals, assumes duties 3,2
Marshall, Former ChiefJustice Thomas 0., Supreme Court, attends Georgia Supreme Court Sesquicentennial Celebration; photograph 5,13
Martin, Chief Judge Faye Sanders, Superior Courts, Ogeechee Judicial Circuit, attends swearing-in; photo~ graph 3,5
Martin, Nolan E., district court administrator, Eighth Judicial District, assists with Middle Judicial Circuit 200th anniversary celebration 5,8
Martin, William L. III, clerk and court administrator, Court of Appeals, attends oral arguments at Emory University School of Law; photograph 5,24
Mather, Judge John R., State Court, Fulton County, appointed 4,2
Sworn in; photograph 5,9
Matthews,Judge Walter J., Superior Court, Rome Judicial Circuit, attends Judicial Council meeting; photograph 4,1
Mayoue, John C., attorney, Atlanta, serves on Commission on Equality 4,18
McBroom, William T., Superior Courts, Griffin Judicial Circuit, appointed district attorney 2,2
McConnell, Chief Judge L.A. Jr., Superior Court, Houston Judicial Circuit, announces retirement 5,2
McGarity, Judge Arch Walker, Superior Courts, Flint Judicial Circuit, appointed 1,2
McLane, ChiefJudge H. Arthur, Superior Courts, Southern Judicial Circuit, attends Judicial Council meeting; photograph 4,6

McManus, Kermit Neal, Superior Courts, Conasauga Judicial Circuit, appointed district attorney 4,2
McMillan, Chief Judge Walter C. Jr., Superior Courts, Middle Judicial Circuit, hosts Middle Judicial Circuit 200th anniversary celebration 5,8
Receives amicus curiae certificate from Supreme Court of Georgia 5,8
McWhorter, Chief Judge T. Penn, Superior Courts, Piedmont Judicial Circuit, attends swearing-in; photograph 4,7
Mears, Michael, former acting director, Georgia Indigent Defense Council, briefs Judicial Council; photograph 4,16
Messinger, Judge Steven J., Juvenile Court, Douglas County, attends presentation of report of Commission on Racial and Ethnic Bias in the Court System; photograph 2,5
Miller, Gov. Zel1, swears in Justice P. Harris Hines;.photograph 1,3
Swears in Judge James L. Oine; photograph 1,5
Swears in Judge Johnnie L. Caldwell Jr.; photograph 1,5
Swears in Judge Robert L. Russell III; photograph 1,5
Swears in Judge Robert L.Allgood; photograph 2,3
Swears in Judge Bettieanne Childers Hart; photograph 2;3
Swears in Judge A Quillian Baldwin Jr. and Judge Aubrey Duffey; photograph 2,3
Receives National Association of Women Judges President's Award 3,26
Swears inJudge S. Lark Ingram; photograph 3,5
Swears in Judge Jack Partain; photograph 3,5
Swears in Judge William E. Woodrum Jr.; photograph 3,5
Swears in Judge Thomas Baxley; photograph 3,6
Swears in Judge Maureen Gottfried; photograph 3,6
Swears in Judge John H. Bailey Jr.; photograph 4,7
Swears in Judge Samuel D. Ozburn; photograph 4,7 .
Swears in Judge S. Phillip Brown; photograph 4,7

Swears in Judge T. David Motes; photograph 4,7
Swears in Judge Robert H. Sullivan; photograph 4,18
Swears in Judge Linda S. Cowen; photograph 4,18
Swears in Judge Kelly D. Turner; photograph 4,18
Swears in Judges M. Russell Carlisle Jr., Irma B. Glover and Toby B. Prodgers; photograph 4,21
Swears in Judge Wendy Lee Shoob; photograph 5,3
Swears in Judge Doris L. Downs; photograph 5,3
Swears in Judge Brenda S. Weaver; photograph 5,3
Swears in Judge Constance C. Russell; photograph 5,4
Swears in Judge Patsy Y. Porter; photograph 5,9
Swears in Judge John R. Mather; photograph 5,9
Swears in Judge M. Gino Brogdon; photograph 5,9
Addresses Georgia Supreme Court Sesquicentennial Celebration; photograph 5,12
Miller, Judge Yvette, director, State Board of Worker's Compensation, as chair of Civil Impact Subce>rrimittee comments on substance abuse training 4,6
Moore, Judge Thelma Wyatt Cummings, Superior Court, Atlanta Judicial Circuit, attends National Center for State Courts conference on Future of Judiciary 5,5
Motes, Nolie Joiner, attorney, receives amiclls curiae certificate from Georgia Supreme Court 5,13
Motes, Judge T. David, Superior Courts, Piedmont Judicial Circuit, appointed 4,2
Sworn in; photograph 4;7
Moulton, Judge Tracy E. Jr., Superior Courts, Pataula Judicial Circuit, appointed 1,2
Moultrie, Alton J., executive director, Commission on Racial and Ethnic Bias in the Court System, recognized for service; photograph 2,1
Honored by Georgia State University Black Law Student Association 3,2
Mullis, Judge Horace Frederick Jr., Superior Courts, Oconee Judicial Circuit, appointed 5,2

Issue numbers are in boldface type; page numbers follow. 4

N
Neville, Judge William J., Superior Courts, Ogeechee Judicial Circuit, attends swearing-in; photograph 3,5
Announces retirement 5,2
Nix, Judge Kenneth 0., Superior Court, Cobb Judicial Circuit, appointed 3,2
0
Ogletree, Judge LaVerne, Probate Court, Greene County, named Georgia probate court judge of the year 5,2
Oliver, State Sen. Mary Margaret, District 42, addresses Georgia Supreme Court Sesquicentennial Celebration; photograph 5,12
Ozburn, Judge Samuel D., Superior Courts, Alcovy Judicial Circuit, appointed 4,2 Sworn in; photograph 4,7
p
Partain, Judge Jack, Superior Courts, Conasauga Judicial Circuit, appointed 3,2 Sworn in; photograph 3,5
Perkins-Hooker, Patrise M., attorney, receives amicus curiae certificate from Georgia Supreme Court 5,13
Phipps, Judge Herbert E., Superior Courts, Dougherty Judicial Circuit, appointed 1,2
Pope, Presiding Judge Marion T. Jr., Court of Appeals, hears oral arguments at Emory University School of Law; photograph 5,24
Porter, Judge Patsy Y., State Court, Fulton County, appointed 4,2
Sworn in; photograph 5,9
Prodgers, Judge Toby B., State Court, Cobb County, appointed 4,2 Sworn in; photograph 4,21
Propst, Judge Floyd E., Probate Court, Fulton County, serves on Judicial Council 1,6 Receives Treat Award for Excellence; photograph 3,8
Pullen, Judge Douglas, Superior Courts, Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit, appointed 2,2 -
R
Radakovich, Judge Nina M., City Court, Atlanta, honored by Law Related Education Consortium 4,2

Rahn, Judge Albert "Ronnie" III, Superior Courts, Atlantic Judicial Circuit, attends swearing-in; photograph 1,5
Rathbone, David L., court administrator, Eastern Judicial Circuit, attends National Center for State Courts conference on Future ofJudiciary 5,5
Reno, Janet, U.S. Attorney General, addresses National Center for State Courts conference on Future of Judiciary 5,9
Rentz, Judge Ronald H., Juvenile Court, Pataula Circuit, appointed to Georgia Courts Automation Commission 1,2
Ridley, Helen S., professor, Kennesaw State College, serves on Commission on Equality 4,18
Ruffin, Judge John H. Jr., Court of Appeals of Georgia, Co-Chair, Commission on Racial and Ethnic Bias in the Court System, presents commission's report; photograph 2,1
Serves as co-chair of Commission on Equality 4,18
Russell, Judge Constance C., Superior Court, Atlanta Judicial Circuit, appointed 4,2
Sworn in; photograph 5,4
Speech at swearing-in ceremony 5,4
Russell, Judge Robert L. III, Superior Courts, Atlantic Judicial Circuit, appointed 1,2
Sworn in; photograph 1,5
s
Salmon, Judge Larry, Superior Courts, Rome Judicial Circuit, attends computer training session; photograph 4,3
Sears, Justice Leah J., Supreme Court,
attends Georgia Supreme Court Sesquicentennial Celebration; photographs 5,12; 5,13
Shapiro, Michael B., named executive director of Georgia Indigent Defense Council 4,2
Shoob, Judge Wendy Lee, Superior Court, Atlanta Judicial Circuit, appointed 4,2
Sworn in; photograph 5,3
Smith, ChiefJudge Dewey, Superior Courts, Coweta Judicial Circuit, attends swearing-in; photograph 2,3
Announces retirement 5,2
Smith, Judge J.D., Court of Appeals, serves as co-chair of Supreme Court Committee on Substance Abuse and the Courts 4,6

Snow, Cubbedge Jr., former president, State Bar of Georgia, presents portrait of former Chief Justice Harold G. Clarke 4,22
Stevens, Chief Judge Robert L., Superior Courts, Toombs Judicial Circuit, announces retirement 5,2
Story, Chief Judge Richard W., Superior Courts, Northeastern Judicial Circuit, appointed to Georgia Courts Automation Commission 1,2
Sullivan, Judge Robert H., State Court, Carroll County, appointed 4,2
Sworn in; photograph 4,18
T
Tanksley, Judge Jeptha C., deceased 4,2
Tidwell, Judge G. Earnest, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia, eulogizes Judge Robert H. Hall 3,4
Treat, Judge William W., National Council of Probate Judges, presents Treat Award to Judge Floyd E. Propst; photograph 3,8
Turner, Judge Kelly D., State Court, Lowndes County, appointed 4,2
Sworn in; photograph 4,18
w
Walker, Imogene L., attorney, attends Georgia Supreme Court Sesquicentennial Celebration; photograph 5,13
Walsh, W. Terence, attorney, receives amicus curiae certificate 5,13
Weaver, Judge Brenda S., Superior Courts, Appalachian Judicial Circuit appointed 5,2
Sworn in; photograph 5,3
Welch, Sherie, clerk, Supreme Court, honored by Georgia State University Black Law Students Association 3,2
Participates in Supreme Court Sesquicentennial Celebration; photographs 5,12; 5,13
Whisnant, Judge E. Mullins, Superior Courts, Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit, appointed senior judge 1,2
Woodrum, Judge William E. Jr., Superior Courts, Ogeechee Judicial Circuit, appointed 3,2
Sworn in; photograph 3,5
Wright, Judge Cynthia D., State Court, Fulton County, attends National Association of Women Judges conference; photograph 3,3

Issue numbers are in boldface type; page numbers follow.

5

Administrative Office ofthe Courts

Court of Appeals

Family Courts Commission

Reports on pending court-related legislation 3,1; bill summaries 3,10
Reports on 1996 Legislative action S,1; bill summaries S,15
Presents CT 1994 caseload data chart for superior court circuits 4,9
Attorney General's Opinions
Unofficial opinion: juveniles, felony offenses of; superior court jurisdiction 2,3
Unofficial opinion: depositions; disclosure by court reporter 2,3
Unofficial opinion: deposit account fraud; arrest warrant for 2,3
Voting Rights; mentally incompetent 2,9 Driver's licenses, reinstatement of 2,9 Attorney's fees incurred by public
employees 2,9 Voting; registration 3,5 Campaign contributions; "immediate
family" 3,5 Unofficial opinion: official language of
Georgia 3,5 Unofficial opinion: criminal offenders;
restitution by 3,5
Awards and Honors
Chief Judge Charles L. Carnes receives Ogden Doremus Award 1,2
Judge Floyd E. Propst receives Treat Award for Excellence 3,8
Justice George H. Carley receives award for service 4,3
Judge LaVerne Ogletree named Probate Judge of the Year S,2
Former Chief Justice Harold G. Oarke receives service award S,2
Caseload
Key to CT 1994 caseload data chart 4,9 Judicial Council judgeship policy 4,10 Caseload data chart for CT 1994 4,11
Child Placement Proceedings Project
Overview of procedures and purposes 1,3

Oral arguments heard at Emory University School of Law S,24

Courts Automation

Supreme Court appoints new members to Georgia Courts Automation Commission 1,2

Automated disposition reporting programs 1,4

Cobb Superior Court offers on-line service

for jurors 1,4



Georgia On~Line network 4,3

"Internet offers boundless opportunities,"

by Judge Fred A Bishop S,7



Public hearing held, August 17, 1995 1,2 Report issued and recommendations made
3,1
Family Violence Commission Second annual statewide conference held
3,7
Gender Equality (See Equality Commission)
Indigent Defense Council Michael B. Shapiro, new director 4,3

Court Futures Technology's impact on the judicial system
4,20
Court Reporting Court reporters and the Fair Labor
Standards Act 2,2
District Attorneys Appointments 2,2; 4,2

Judicial Branch Appropriations
FY 19~7 appropriations request submitted 4,8
FY 1997 appropriations increase S,14 Table of state appropriations: FY 1996
and 1997 s,14
Judicial Council
N~w members join 1,6 Highlights from December meeting 4,1

Educational Programs and Seminars
National Juvenile Justice Conference held in Atlanta 1,2
Georgia Law Related Education Conference 2,7
National Association of Women Judges Conference in Atlanta 3,1
Criminal Justice Coordinating Council sponsors Third' Annual Victims Conference 4,3
State-Federal Judicial Council to meet in Savannah S,3
Elections
Candidates in contested judicial elections S,6
Equality Commission
Commission established, first meeting held 4,1

Judicial Qualifications Commission
Opinion 201 1,5 Opinions 202-204 4,19 Opinion 205 S,9
Legislation
Speed limits reduced in highway work zones 1,4
DUI statute amended 1,5 Pending court-related legislation 3,10 Reports on court-related legislative action
S,1 Pilot courts of non-uniform jurisdiction
S,1 1996 Legislative Update S,15 Local legislation S,23
Olympic Games
Judicial Council Olympic Committee meets 4,3
Metro courts schedules for Olympic Games S,7

Issue numbers are in boldface type; page numbers follow. 6

Probate Courts
Handbook updated 4,3
Probation Advisory Council
Private probation service providers required to register 1,3
Registration of private probation contractors begins 4,7
Publications
Georgia Courts Directory available 1,6 Let Justice Be Done: Equally, Fairly, and
Impartially available 2,10 Drug Courts: Treatment-Based Alternatives
for Our Court Systems available 3,9 "Certified Court Reporters Handbook"
available 4,3 Courthouse Technology Report-Technology
and Trends: in the Federal Court System available 4,3 "Guide to Georgia Courts" available in English and Spanish 5,3
Racial and Ethnic Bias Commission
Presentation of report, Let Justice Be Done: Equally, Fairly, and Impartially 2,1
Recommendations, survey results and findings published 2,4
Related Organizations (National)
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg scheduled as speaker for National Association of Women Judges conference 1,6
National Center for State Courts sponsors U.S. visit of Czech judges; photograph 1,7
National Center for State Courts holds National Conference on the Future of the Judiciary 5,5
State Courts
Judges, appointments 1,2; 3,2; 4,2 Solicitors, appointments 1,2; 3,2; 4,2 Justice Department approves new
judgeships 3,6 Swearing-in ceremonies; photographs
3,6; 4,18; 4,21; 5,9,

Substance Abuse and the Courts
Committee on Substance Abuse issues paper on drug courts 3,9
Superior court judges attend workshop on substance abuse issues 4,6
Nationwide satellite conference 5,2
Superior Court Clerks
IRS regulations affect bail receipts 4,7 Local government records-management
grant program approved 5,2
Superior Court Judgeships
New judges sworn-in; photographs 1,5; 2,3; 3,5; 4,7; 5,3; 5,4
Judgeships recommended for Gwinnett and Stone Mountain Circuits 4,1
Superior Courts
Appointments 1,2; 2,2; 3,2; 4,2; 5,2 Superior Court Benchbook, new edition
published 1,2 Cobb Superior Court on-line service for
jurors 1,4 Speech of Judge Constance C. Russell at
swearing in 5,4 Middle Judicial Circuit celebrates 200th
anniversary 5,8 Cost-analysis of new superior court judge-
ship and judicial circuit division 5,10
Supreme Court
Justice Robert Benham sworn in as Georgia's first African American Chief Justice 1,1
Judge P. Harris Hines sworn in as Supreme Court justice 1,3
Justice Norman Fletcher takes office as Presiding Justice 1,8
Celebration planned for court's 150th anniversary 4,1
Chief Justice Benham delivers State of the Judiciary Address 4,4
Portrait of former Chief Justice Harold G. Clarke unveiled 4,22
Sesquicentennial celebration activities 5,12

Index compiled by Elaine Diedrich.

Issue numbers are in boldface type; page numbers follow. 7

Use of private International visitors
probation services grows

The first quarter of 1996 marked the beginning of the statutory requirement for private probation companies to report caseload and financial collection activities to the state.
From January 1 through March 31, the AOC received quarterly activity reports from 23 private companies who provide contract probation services to county and municipal courts. According to this data, 283 different courts contracted for casesupervision, counseling and collection services offered by the private companies. Those companies reported collecting over $6.4 million in restitution, fines and court costs while supervising over 54,000 misdemeanor offenders assigned to them by the courts.
Second-quarter (April 1 through June 30) data show that 31 additional courts now receive private probation services, increasing the total number of courts to 314. Financial collections grew from $6.4 million to $6.7 million. Total caseloads increased by 8%, as the number of misdemeanants went from 54,000 to over 58,400.
Privatized services are particularly in favor with courts that have limited resources to monitor probated cases, according to Jim Jester, AOC program manager for the County and Municipal Probation Advisory Council. The services are most popular among municipal courts; 199 of the 314 courts under contract are municipal courts.
The County and Municipal Probation Advisory Council, supported by the AOC, has the responsibility to provide oversight for private probation across the state. For more information, contact Mr. Jester (404-6565171). Cc

Chie!Justice Robert Benham, his wife, Nell Benham, and Olympic Hall ofFamer Ralph Boston (far right) were among the guests attending a Centennial Olympic Tribute honoring Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski on July 21. The event, held at Spivey Hall, was presented by the Polish-American Council ofthe Polish Olympic Committee and the city ofAvondale Estates.
The Supreme Court and the Court ofAppeals hosted two receptions during the Centennial Olympic Games for visiting lawyers and judges. Pictured here with ChiefJustice Robert Benham and ChiefJudge Dorothy T. Beasley is AssistantJudge Minoru Morishita ofJapan.
Justice Wilson Sandura, the judge president ofthe High Court of Zimbabwe, met with ChiefJustice Robert Benham on August 28. The judge's visit to the court was part ofa U.S. tour sponsored by the International Visitor Program of the U.S. Information Agency Bureau ofEducational and Cultural Affairs.

October 1996

7

Georgia Courts Journal

Pictured (from left to right): Washington State Supreme Court Justice Charles Z. Smith, Hall County State Court Chief Judge Kathlene F. Gosselin and Georgia Court of Appeals Judge John H. Ruffin Jr.

Commission on Equality hosts national meeting

The Georgia Supreme Court Commission on Equality hosted the annual meeting of the National Consortium of Task Forces and Commissions on Racial and Ethnic Bias in the Courts in Atlanta on May 10-11. More than 80 men and women from 27 states and the District of Columbia participated.
Georgia Supreme Court Justice Leah J. Sears delivered the keynote address. The focus of the meeting was "Justice and Women of Color." Panel discussions were held on "The

Impact of Law School Admission Practices on Women of Color" and on "Justice and Women of Color: Then, Now and in the Future."
The Georgia Supreme Court Commission on Equality is co-chaired by Chief Judge Kathlene F. Gosselin of the State Court of Hall County and Judge John H. Ruffin Jr. of the Court of Appeals. Washington Supreme Court Justice Charles Z. Smith was consortium moderator. He is cochair of the Washington State Minority and Justice Commission. ~

SUSTAIN accounting software installed

The SUSTAIN case-management software package has been enhanced to include an accounting component for use in superior courts. White and Elbert Counties have been chosen for the first installations.
SusTAIN's case-management accounting package includes Cash Receipts, Accounts Receivable and General Ledger modules. This casebased accounting approach allows the clerk of court's office to receive money for cases (and other transactions in their office), automatically

credit money to cases, track all moneys associated with cases, generate monthly reports, disburse money to various funds or accounts, and send notices of costs due. Integrated case-management accounting replaces manual and stand-alone accounting packages.
Following refinements to the statewide module, the software will be ready in about three months for installation at each SUSTAIN site wishing to integrate accounting with their case-management package.~

Supreme Court has new home on the Web
The Georgia Supreme Court now has a home page on the World Wide Web at http://www.state.ga.us/Courts/ Supreme.
"Computers are changing the ways lawyers and judges do business. From searching the statutes using Georgia Law on Disk to sending messages via e-mail to real-time transcription of trials, we have many 'automated tools' that simply did not exist a few years or a few months ago," says Chief Justice Robert Benham.
The Supreme Court's home page will be a tool available to the general
Find the Supreme Court's home page at http://www. state.ga.us/Courts/Supreme.
public-as well as lawyers and judges-to obtain information about the court. "This opens our courts to a wide audience, as wide as the World Wide Web, available to anyone with access to a computer and modem," according to the chief justice.
In addition to the rules of both the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals, the site provides access to the court's history, a roster of the justices who have served since its establishment in 1845 and biographies of the current members. Summaries prepared for the news media of court opinions and cases scheduled for oral argument are also available, going back to January 1996.
In addition, the Supreme Court's home page includes news from auxiliary agencies, including the AOC and the Judicial Qualifications Commission. Information on the Office of Bar Admissions, the Office of Dispute Resolution and the Judicial Administrative Districts will be added soon. ~

Georgia Courts Journal

8

October 1996

Senate begins civil justice reform study

During the 1996 session of the General Assembly, the Senate adopted SR 446 (see box), establishing the Senate Study Committee on Civil Justice Reform. The study panel will examine the way courts handle noncriminal cases, to consider possible reforms in the civil justice system.
Sen. Clay Land of Columbus (District 16) was named by Lt. Governor Pierre Howard to head the committee. Other members are Sen. Steve Farrow (District 54), Sen. Rene D. Kemp (District 3), Sen. Mary Margaret Oliver (District 42) and Sen. David Ralston (District 51).
Sen. Land points out that there have been calls for reforms in the civil justice system from a number of quarters in recent years, but that "there has not been sufficient research to determine whether those reforms are necessary." He says the panel will examine, among other indicators, case loads, the types of cases that are being filed, the length of trials and the verdicts that are being returned. Land emphasized that this committee is "not a vehicle for tort reform, nor will it seek to justify the status quo."
"I think the most important function of this committee will be to gather information and determine what kind of reforms, if any, are necessary," said Sen. Land.
The committee's first meeting was held on August 26 in Atlanta. Two University of Georgia professors, Prof. Tom Eaton of the School of Law and Dr. Susette Talarico of the Political Science Department, were the featured speakers. The professors, authors of a recently released, four-year survey of tort cases in Georgia, provided statistics on tort litigation and discussed obstacles to accessing data about civil cases, trials and verdicts. Their complete findings
are available in the Georgia Law Review, Spring 1996, Vol. 30, No. 3.

The committee's second meeting was held on September 13. The panel heard from proponents for court reform. On October 25, the commission will hear from members of the State Bar of Georgia, and members of the

Court Futures Vanguard will present their findings and recommendations. The final meeting on December 5 will provide an opportunity for the commission members to reach a consensus and begin producing a final report. t1-

A Resolution
Creating the Senate Study Committee on Civil Justice Reform; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, much attention has been focused recently on our Civil Justice System and questions have been raised as to whether it continues to serve the needs of our citizens, protecting individual rights and providing justice to all; and
WHEREAS, many reforms have been discussed in recent years designed by those who believe significant changes to the Civil justice System are necessary; and
WHEREAS, it is imperative that any reforms to our Civil Justice System, which has been a beacon of democracy in our state and country for over 200 years, should be based upon a thorough and thoughtful analysis of the perceived problems and proposed solutions; and
WHEREAS, proposed reforms to our Civil Justice System can best be evaluated by studying those reforms in a setting which encourages the presentation of factual information and allows for informed debate,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE, that there is created the Senate Study Committee on Civil Justice Reform. The committee shall be composed of five members of the Senate to be appointed by the President of the Senate. The committee chairperson shall be named by the President of the Senate, and the chairperson shall call all meetings of the committee and set a meeting schedule for such times and places as the chairperson deems advisable and appropriate.
BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED that the committee shall examine whether reforms to our Civil Justice System are necessary and, if so, what specific reforms are recommended. The committee may conduct such meetings at such places and at such times as it may deem necessary or convenient to enable it to exercise fully and effectively its powers, perform its duties, and accomplish the objectives and purposes of this resolution. All members of the committee shall receive the allowances authorized for legislative committees but shall receive the same for not more than five days unless additional days are authorized by the President of the Senate. Except as otherwise provided in this resolution, the funds necessary to carry out the provisions of this resolution shall come from the funds of the Senate. The committee shall make a report of its findings and recommendations with suggestions for proposed legislation, if any, to the Senate on or before December 31, 1996. The committee shall stand abolished on December 31, 1996.

October 1996

9

Georgia Courts Journal

Appellate Courts Commission meets continued from page 1

Georgia Courts JOURNAL
Vol. 24 No. 1

Pictured here (left to right): Presiding Judge Marion T. Pope Jr., ChiefJudge Dorothy T. Beasley, Chieffustice Robert Benham and Rep. Thomas S. Chambless-four ofthe 13 members of the Commission on Appellate Courts.
Rep. Thomas S. Chambless (District 163) chairs the commission; Sen. Mary Margaret Oliver (District 42) is vice chair. The other members are: Senior Judge Harold R. Banke Sr.; Chief Judge Dorothy T. Beasley, Court of Appeals; Chief Justice Robert Benham, Supreme Court; R. Alex Crumbley, attorney; Ben F. Easterlin N, president of the State Bar; Judge Kathlene F. Gosselin, State Court, Hall County; Chief Judge H. Arthur McLane, Superior Courts, Southern Judicial Circuit; Presiding Judge Marion T. Pope Jr., Court of Appeals; Sen. David E. Ralston, District 51; Rep. William C. Randall, District 127; and former Justice George T. Smith.
Order your new Georgia Courts Directory
You don't have to share it with the whole office. To purchase additional copies of the 1996-97 Georgia Courts Directory, send $15 per directory (no cash, please) to:
Administrative Office of the Courts 244 Washington St., S.W. Suite 550 Atlanta, GA 30334

Georgia Judicial Council
Chief Justice Robert Benham, Chair Presiding Justice Norman S. Fletcher,
Vice Chair Judge GaryB. Andrews Chief Judge Dorothy T. Beasley
Judge Kelly R. Burke Chief Judge A. Wallace Cato
Judge Rita L. Cavanaugh Chief Judge Howard Cook ChiefJudge Daniel M. Coursey, Jr. Judge E. Purnell Davis II Chief Judge Philip F. Etheridge Judge Stephen E. Franzen Judge John E. Girardeau
Judge Sanford J. Jones Judge William F. Lee Jr. Judge Jeannette L. Little Judge George F. Nunn Jr. Judge LaVeme C. Ogletree Judge Floyd E. Propst Chief Judge Dorothy A. Robinson Chief Judge Richard W. Story ChiefJudge William M. Towson Sr. Judge E. Mullins Whisnant Judge Amanda F. Williams
Administrative Office of the Courts
Director Robert L. Doss Jr.
Senior Communications Officer Billie Bolton
Editor NancyKahnt
The Georgia Courts Journal is a publication of the Judicial Council and the Administrative Office of the Courts. It welcomes news about Georgia's courts, their programs and personnel. Editorial and circulation offices: AOC, Suite 550, 244 Washington St., SW, Atlanta, GA 30334-5900, (404) 656-5171.

Georgia Courts JOURNAL
Administrative Office of the Courts 244 Washington Street, S.W., Suite 550 Atlanta, GA 30334-5900

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