Georgia courts journal, Vol. 25, no. 1 (Oct. 1997)

Kendrick, Michael C., director, Fulton County Drug Court, comments on first cases 4,3
Kennedy, Justice Anthony M., U.S. Supreme Court, addresses 1996 Convocation on Professionalism, photograph 2,8
Kent, Judge Richard T., State Court, Colquitt County, elected 3,20
Kent, Judge Warren W. Jr., Helen, elected treasurer of Council of Municipal Court Judges 1,2
Key, Judge R. Michael, Juvenile Court, Troup County, serves on Child Placement Proceedings Project Implementation Committee 2,7
Kimbrell, Vicky 0., Georgia Legal Services, attends presentation of Child Placement Proceedings Project report 2,1
Serves on Child Placement Proceedings Project Advisory Committee 2,7
Kincaid, Judge Roger, chief magistrate, Gilmer County, elected 3,21
Kirbo, Ben, solicitor-general, State Court, Decatur County, appointed 3,2
L
Land, Sen. Oay, District 16, heads Senate Study Committee on Civil Justice Reform 1,9
Landing, Elizabeth, superior court clerk, Jenkins County, elected 3,21
Lane, Dianne B., court reporter, Eastern Judicial Circuit, attends Board of Court Reporting meeting; photograph 2,3
Lanier, Judge Betty S., chief magistrate, Coffee County, elected 3,21
Lavender, Robert W., district attorney, Superior Courts, Northern Judicial Circuit, elected 3,20
Lawler, Thomas, superior court clerk, Gwinnett County, elected 3,21
Lawrence, Judge N. Kent, State Court, Clarke County, attends Family Violence conference 2,3
Layson, Shelia, superior court clerk, Putnam County, elected 3,21
Lesueur, Judge R. Lawton Jr., chief magistrate, Sumter County, elected 3,21
Lewis, Judge Preston B. III, Probate Court, Burke County, elected 3,20
Little, Judge Jeannette L., State Court, Troup County, attends Judicial Council meeting; photograph 3,1
Serves on Commission on Family Violence; photograph 4,4

Lockette, Judge Willie E., Superior Courts, Dougherty Judicial Circuit, elected 3,20
Serves on Commission on Family Violence 4,4
Loggins, Senior Judge Joseph E., Superior Courts, Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, attends swearing-in ceremony; photograph 2,8
London, Judge Maylou K., chief magistrate, White County, elected 3,21
Lowe, Judge Jeff, chief magistrate, Lumpkin County, elected 3,21
Lucas, Linda, superior court clerk, Talbot County, elected 3,21
Lukemire, Judge Edward D., Superior Courts, Houston Judicial Circuit, takes office 1,2
Elected Superior Court Judge 3,20
M
Martin, Jane, Department of Human Resources, comments on new DUI legislation 5,19
Martin, Sharon, superior court clerk, Irwin County, elected 3,21
Mathews, Judge Thomas J., Juvenile Court, Bibb County, appointed 3,2
Mayo, Judge Martha R., Probate Court, Taliaferro County, elected 3,20
McCorvey, Judge Gary, Superior Courts, Tifton Judicial Circuit, elected 3,20
McDonald, Judge James E. Jr., Juvenile Court, Clarke County, elected vicechairperson of Commission on Family Violence 4,4
McGowan, Judge Jeffrey Paulk, Probate Court, Atkinson County, elected 3,20
McLane, Chief Judge H. Arthur, Superior Courts, Southern Judicial Circuit, serves on Commission on Appellate Courts 1,10; photograph 3,3
McVay, Judge Kip, Probate Court, Cherokee County, elected 3,20
Mears, Michael, director, Multicounty Public Defender Office, authors book on indigent defense 4,6
Mecklin, Judge Charles David Jr., elected president of Council of Municipal Court Judges 1,2
Messinger, Judge Steven J., Juvenile Court, Douglas County, awarded Master of Judicial Studies degree 3,2
Middleton, Judge Marie H., Probate Court, Long County, elected 3,20

Mikell, Gary, attorney, Statesboro, attends Board of Court Reporting meeting; photograph 2,3
Elected solicitor-general, State Court, Bulloch County 3,20
Miller, J. David, district attorney, Superior Courts, Southern Judicial Circuit, elected 3,20
Miller, Judge M. Yvette, State Court, Fulton County, appointed 2;2
Congratulated by Governor Miller; photograph 2,7
Miller, Gov. Zell, vetos death penalty proceedings b_ill 5,19
Mills, Judge Billy G., chief magistrate, Decatur County, elected 3,21
Moore, Marla S., assistant director for judicial liaison, AOC, attends Board of Court Reporting meeting; photograph 2,3
Tabulates voting results at Judicial Council meeting; photograph 3,18
Serves on Commission on Family Violence 4,4
Chairs protocol committee of Georgia Sexual Assault Task Force; introduces protocol 5,3
Attends American Judicature Society workshop 5,4
Moseley, Judge Tom, chief magistrate, Bartow County, elected 3,20
Moses, Mickey, solicitor-general, State Court, Jefferson County, elected 3,20
Murphy, Judge John R. III, State Court, Jefferson County, elected 3,20
N
Neal, Laura, superior court clerk, Telfair County, elected 3,21
Nunn, Judge George F. Jr., Superior Court, Houston Judicial Circuit, joins Judicial Council 3,18
0
Ogletree, Judge LaVerne C., Probate Court, Greene County, attends Judicial Council meeting; photograph 3,1
Serves on Commission on Family Violence 4,4
Oliver, Sen. Mary Margaret, District 42, serves on Senate Study Committee on Civil Justice Reform 1,9
Is vice-chair of Commission on Appellate Courts 1,10; 3,3
Introduces bill to raise number of judges on Court of Appeal 3,3

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

O'Neill, Arthur V., court administrator, discusses warrant process in Gwinnett Judicial Circuit 1,6
Attends American Judicature Society workshop 5,4
p
Pannell, Judge Charles A. Sr., Chatsworth, obituary 4,2
Peed, Judge F. Gates, State Court, Bulloch County, elected 3,20
Peeler, Mildred, superior court clerk, Wilkes County, elected 3,21
Perkins, Judge Dane, Superior Courts, Alapaha Judicial Circuit, elected 3,20
Phillips, Judge Bob, Probate Court, Charlton County, elected 3,20
Phillips, Susan, executive director, Children's Trust Fund, serves on Child Placement Proceedings Project Advisory Committee 2,7
Pope, Presiding Judge Marion T. Jr., Court of Appeals, serves on Commission on Appellate Courts; photograph 1,10; 3,3
Porter, Judge J. Richard III, Superior Courts, South Georgia Judicial Circuit, elected 3,20
Powell, Judge Kenneth, Probate Court, Bleckley County, elected 3,20
Pruse, Susan, superior court clerk, Chatham County, elected 3,21
R
Ralston, Sen. David, District 51, serves on Senate Study Committee on Civil Justice Reform 1,9
Serves on Commission on Appellate Courts 1,10; photograph 3,3
Randall, Rep. William C., District 127, serves on Commission on Appellate Courts 1,10; 3,3
Ratley, David L., serves as first vicepresident, Georgia Council of Court Administrators 5,2
Reaves, Richard E., Institute of Continuing Judicial Education, reports to Judicial Council 3,18
Reese, Rhonda, superior court clerk, Bryan County, elected 3,21
Rentz, Judge Ronald H., Juvenile Courts, Clay, Early, Miller, Quitman, and Randolph Counties, serves on Child Placement Proceedings Project Advisory Committee 2, 7
Robinson, Judge Dorthy A., Superior Court, Cobb Judicial Circuit, joins Judicial Council; photograph 3,18

Rogers, Curtis (Buddy) Jr., Treutlen County, elected second vice-president of Council of Superior Court Oerks 3,2
Rogers, Jean H., Crisp County, elected secretary-treasurer of Council of Superior Court Clerks 3,2
Rozier, Jeanette, superior court clerk, DeKalb County, elected 3,21
Ruffin, Judge John H. Jr., Court of Appeals, co-chairs Georgia Supreme Court Commission on Equality; photograph 1,8
Ruskell, G. Channing, solicitor-general, State Court, Cherokee County, appointed 3,2
s
Sams, Judge Fletcher, State Court, Fayette County, elected 3,20
Scarbary, Otis L., solicitor-general, State Court, Bibb County, elected 3,20
Scarborough, Judge Vickie, chief magistrate, Telfair County, elected 3,21
Scott, Sen. David, District 36, serves on Commission on Family Violence 4,4
Sears, Justice Leah J., Supreme Court, is keynote speaker at National Consortium of Task Forces and Commissions on Racial and Ethnic Bias in the Courts meeting 1,8
Attends presentation of Child Placement Proceedings Project report 2,1
Introduces Judge Isaac Jenrette at Drug Court Conference 2, 7
Seeliger, Judge Clarence F., Superior Court, Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit, elected chairperson of Commission on Family Violence 4,4
Shapiro, Michael, executive director, Georgia Indigent Defense Council, discusses increased funding to counties 4,6
Sheppard, Judge Clayton, chief magistrate, Washington County, elected 3,21
Simpson, Judge John, Superior Courts, Coweta Judicial Circuit, elected 3,20
Sinkfield, Rep. Georganna T., District 57, serves on Commission on Family Violence 4,4
Sirmans, Judge Rowan, chief magistrate, Atkinson County, elected 3,20
Skipper, Rep. Jimmy, District 137, serves on Commission on Family Violence 4,4
Smith, Carmen D., solicitor-general, State Court, Fulton County, elected 3,20

Smith, Former Justice George T., serves on Commission on Appellate Courts 1,10; photograph 3,3
Smith, Judge Phillip C., Canton, elected secretary of Council of Municipal Court Judges 1,2
Sorrells, Douglas, superior court clerk, Forsyth County, elected 3,21
Sorrells, Chief Judge Marvin W., Superior Court, Alcovy Judicial Circuit, remarks on restored Walton County Courthouse 5,6
Sparrow, Holly, assistant director for research, AOC, recognized for work on Child Placement Proceedings Project 2,7
Spires, Judge Janice Davidson, Probate Court, Houston County, elected 3,20
Stephenson, Jay, superior court clerk, Cobb County, establishes web site 4,5
Stevens, Chief Judge Robert L., Superior Courts, Toombs Judicial Circuit, honored 1,2
Stokes, Sen. Connie, District 43, serves on Commission on Family Violence 4,4
Story, Judge Richard W., Superior Courts, Northeastern Judicial Circuit, joins Judicial Council 3,18
Stripling, Judge James C., chief magistrate, Coweta County, elected 3,21
Sturdivant, Judge T.O. III, Magistrate Court, Cobb County, joins Judicial Council; photograph 3,18
Sullivan, Carolyn V., Houston County, elected chairperson of Superior Court Clerks Training Council 2,2
T
Tate, Judge Susan P., Probate Court, Clarke County, elected 3,20
Taylor, Judge Lawton G., chief magistrate, Ware County, elected 3,21
Thompson, Justice Hugh P., Supreme Court, attends presentation of Child Placement Proceedings Project report 2,1
Thompson, Sen. Steve, District 33, serves on Commission on Family Violence 4,4
Thurman, Judge Jim, chief magistrate, Lee County, elected 3,21
Thurmond, Michael, director, Department of Family and Children Services, serves on Commission on Family Violence 4,4
Tillman. Judge Curtis V., Atlanta, obituary 4,2
Tise, Judge Lindsay A., Superior Courts, Northern Judicial Circuit, elected 3,20

Issue numbers are in boldface type; page numbers follow. 5

Todd, Judge Reginald F., chief magistrate, Charlton County, elected 3;21
Tomlinson, Connie, court reporter, Augusta Judicial Circuit, attends Board of Court Reporting meeting; photograph 2,3
Towson, Judge William M. Sr., attends Judicial Council meeting; photograph 3,18
Tucker Judge Joe B., Superior Courts, Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, appointed senior judge 1,2 Attends swearing-in ceremony; photograph 2,8
Tuff, Judge Alma Young, chief magistrate, Burke County, elected 3,21
Turner, Judge John R., Superior Courts, Ogeechee Judicial Circuit, elected 3,20
u
Usry, Judge Terry, chief magistrate, Glascock County, elected 3,21
v
Van Pelt, Judge Ralph Jr., Superior Courts, Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, appointed 1,2
Is sworn in; photograph 2,8
w
Wall, Gloria, superior court clerk, Barrow County, elected 3,21

Warren, Judge Johnny W., former chief magistrate, Laurens County, is honored by ICJE Board ofTrustees 3,19
Washburn, Judge Margaret G., Berkeley Lake, elected second vice-president of Council of Municipal Court Judges 1,2
Webb, Victor L., tabulates voting results at Judicial Council meeting; photograph 3,18
Welch, Sherie M., clerk, Supreme Court, presents certificate of recognition to Judge Sanford Jones 2,1
Comments on new rule 4,9
Wheeler, Jan, named new director of Juvenile Advocacy Division of Georgia Indigent Defense Council 3,2
Whittemore, Judge Barrett, Whitfield County Magistrate Court, joins panel discussion on fostering judicial participation in task forces 2,3
Wilcox, Judge Tommy Day Jr., Superior Courts, Macon Judicial Circuit, attends Drug Court Conference; photograph 2,7
Wilkes, Barry, clerk, Superior Courts, Liberty County, establishes web site 4,5
Williams, Judge Amanda F., Superior Courts, Brunswick Judicial Circuit, joins Judicial Council 1,2
Serves on Commission on Family Violence 4,4
Williamson, Judge Brenda, chief magistrate, Lamar County, elected 3,21

Winters, Diane, Woodstock, serves on Commission on Family Violence 4,4
Wood, Dwight S., Hall County, elected president of Council of Superior Court Clerks 3,2
Wood, Judge Jerry, chief magistrate, Floyd County, elected 3,21
Wood, Chief Judge Jon B., Superior Courts, Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, attends swearing-in ceremony; photograph 2,8
Worthington, Karen L., joins Juvenile Advocacy Division as staff attorney 1,6
Receives recognition for work on Child Placement Proceedings Project 2,7
Wright, Judge Cynthia D., Superior Court, Atlanta Judicial Circuit, appointed 2,2
Sworn in; photograph 2,7
Serves on Commission on Family Violence 4,4
Wynne, Judge Charles S., chief magistrate, Hall County, elected 3,21
y
Yeager, Judy, court reporter, Alcovy Judicial Circuit, chairs Board of Court Reporting; photograph 2,3
z
Zoller, John, DeKalb County Juvenile Court, serves as president-elect, Georgia Council of Court Administrators 5,2

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

Administrative Office of the Courts

Child Placement Proceedings Project

Establishes SUSTAIN Users Group 3,2 Establishes Accounting and Budget Services
Users Group 3,2
Attorney General's Opinions
Official opinion: firearms; sale of handguns 1,5
Official opinion: elections; judiciary; financial disclosure 1,5
Official opinion: Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority; maintenance of records of notaries 1,5
Unofficial opinion: victims of crimes; the "Crime Victims' Bill of Rights;" juvenile proceedings 1,5
Unofficial opinion: judges; superior court; salaries 1,5
Unofficial opinion: copyright; fair use doctrine 1,5
Unofficial opinion: juveniles; felony sentences 1,5
Unofficial opinion: children, abused; placement 1,5
Unofficial opinion: motor vehicles; failure to stop for police 1,5
Unofficial opinion: traffic offenses; fines and forfeitures 1,5
Unofficial opinion: Peace Officer and Prosecutor Training Fund Act; funds collected under 1,5
Official opinion: officers and employees, public; conflict of interest 3,2
Unofficial opinion: rape and aggravated sodomy; prison sentences for 3,2
Unofficial opinion: weapons, deadly 3,2 Unofficial opinion: Grand Jury 3,2
Awards and Honors
ChiefJudge Robert L. Stevens honored by Toombs Judicial Circuit Bar Association 1,2
Judge Johnny W. Warren honored by Institute of Continuing Judicial Education 3,19
Judge DorothyT. Beasley receives Ben F. Johnson Jr. Public Service Award 4,2
Caseload
Key to caseload data chart 3,9 Judicial Council judgeship policy 3,10 Caseload data chart for CY 1995 3,11

Advisory Committee completes study and presents report 2,1
Names Michelle Barclay as project coordinator 2,2
Summary of report 2,4 List of committee members 2,7 Report available on World Wide Web 4,2
Civil Justice
Senate establishes Study Committee on Civil Justice Reform 1,9
Commission on Appellate Courts
Commission holds public hearing 1,1 Commission recommends adding judges
to the Court of Appeals 3,1
Council of Court Administrators
Council formed 5,2
Court of Appeals
Judge Frank M. Eldridge appointed 1,2 Judge Frank M. Eldridge sworn in;
photograph 1,3 Judge Gary B. Andrews sworn in as chief
judge; photograph 3,1
Court Reporting
Board of Court Reporting holds certification exam 2,3
Fees increase for court reporters 5,2
Court Technologies
Donald C. Forbes joins AOC as program manager for Georgia Courts Automatidn Commission 1,2
Gwinnett Judicial Circuit modernizes warrant process 1,6
SUSTAIN case-management software package installed in White and Elbert Counties 1,8
Supreme Court creates home page on World Wide Web 1,8
GeorgiaNet offers coverage of General Assembly 2,2
Video helps educate youth about Juvenile Justice Reform Act 2,2
American Judicature Society offers World Wide Web site 2,2

Cobb and Liberty County superior court clerks provide World Wide Web sites 4,5
Galileo database puts government publications on-line 5,2
Video highlights court experiences of the hearing-impaired 5,2
Courts Automation Commission launches Automated Justice Information System prototype in Baldwin County 5,3
Cobb County Magistrate Court provides World Wide Web site 5,5
Whitfield County develops electronic library 5,5
Courthouses
New prison courtroom opens 1,5 Fayette County Courthouse retires 4,1 Renovated Walton County Courthouse
receives renovation award 5,6
Drug Court
Fulton County plans new Drug Court 1,1 Fulton County Drug Court opens 4,3 Glynn county receives drug court grant 5,2
Educational Conferences and Seminars
Court Technology Conference 2,2 Metropolitan Atlanta Drug Court Training
Conference 2, 7 1996 Convocation on Professionalism 2,8 National Judicial College 3,2 National Conference on the Future of the
Judiciary 3,7 National Conference on Juvenile Justice 4,2 American Judicature Society workshop 5,4
Elections
Information on vote requirements 1,6 List of newly elected judges, district
attorneys and solicitors-general 3,20
Equality Commission
Hosts annual meeting of National Consortium of Task Forces and Commissions on Racial and Ethnic Bias in the Courts 1,8
Executive summary of final report available on World Wide Web 3,2
Guidelines adopted for interpreters 4,1

Issue numbers are in boldface type; page numbers follow.

7

Family Violence Commission

Municipal Courts

Sponsors state-wide conference 2,3 Members sworn in; photograph 4,4
Indigent Defense Council

Council of Municipal Court Judges elects new officers 1,2
Atlanta Municipal Court sponsors community outreach for kids 1,4

Establishes Juvenile Advocacy Division 1,6
Jan Wheeler becomes director of Juvenile Advocacy Division 3,2
Budget increases 4,1 History of indigent defense in Georgia
published 4,6
County awards for FY 97 4,7

Obituaries
Judge Josephine Holmes Cook 2,2 Judge J. Bowie Gray 4,2 Judge Asa D. Kelley Jr. 4,2 Judge Charles A. Pannell Sr. 4,2 Judge Curtis V. Tillman 4,2

Judicial Branch Appropriations
FY 1998 appropriations request submitted 3,8

Probation Advisory Council
Increased use of private probation services 1,7

Judicial Council

Publications

New members join 1,2; 3,18

Georgia Courts Directory available 1,10

Highlights of December meeting 3,18 Deadline for pilot projects 3,19; 4,10
Judicial Qualifications Commission
Opinions 206-214 1,4 Opinions 215-219 4,10 Walter C. Hartridge appointed new member
3I 2 Opinions accessible on World Wide Web
4,2

Report of the Child Placement Proceedings Project available 2,1
Annual Report available 4,3
Racial and Ethnic Bias Commission
Commission report published in Georgia State Law Review 1,2
Executive summary of final report available on World Wide Web 3,2
Records Preservation

Juvenile Courts Appointments 3,2 Legislation

Georgia Records Advisory Board grants available to local governments 1,3
Department of Archives offers preservation information S,2

1997 legislative update 5,1

Sexual Assault Task Force

Summaries of passed 1997 legislation 5,8 Georgia Protocol for Responding to

Local legislation S,16

Victims of Sexual Assault presented S,3

Death penalty proceedings bill veto message S,19

Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act S,19

State Courts
Appointments 2,2; 3,2 New judges sworn in; photographs 2,7;
3,22 New rule regarding court information
proposed 3,21
Substance Abuse and the Courts
Committee on Substance Abuse offers educational videotapes and manual 1,3
Committee on Substance Abuse holds spring retreat S,7
Superior Court Clerks
Superior Court Clerks Training Council elects new officers 2,2
Council of Superior Court Clerks elects new officers 3,2
Superior Courts
Appointments 1,2; 2,2 New judges sworn-in; photographs 2,7 New judgeship recommendations 3,1 Notice of new Uniform Rule for the
Superior Court 3,7 Judy Cramer named court administrator of
Atlanta Judicial Circuit Superior Court; photograph 5,4
Supreme Court
Chief Justice Benham delivers State of the Judiciary Address 3,4
Chief Justice Benham serves on Historical Society Board 4,2
Court rule affects new law school graduates 4,9

Index compiled by Jeff Glaser.

News and notes:
Supreme Court Commission on Equality

Judicial Qualifications Commission

New resources Copies of the new "Guide to Bias-
Free Communication," produced by the Equality Commission, are now available at no charge. The booklet contains suggestions for bias-free interaction. Topics include: gender neutrality, inclusive terminology, appropriate forms of address, and how to avoid stereotypes. For copies of the booklet, contact the commission (404-656-5171).
"Let Justice Be Done," a 40-minute training video created by the Equality Commission, features scenarios in which actors display gender, racial or ethnic bias. The professionally produced video, in conjunction with a study guide, will be used by the Institute for Continuing Judicial Education, the Chief Justice's Commission on Professionalism and other groups to foster discussion and help train judicial personnel in biasfree behavior.
Sharing our findings Commission representatives Judge
John H. Ruffin Jr., Judge Tommy Day Wilcox Jr. and Justice Carol W.

Hunstein traveled to South Carolina's annual conference of judges in August to share the commission's findings and talk about its work. South Carolina's judges plan to begin a study of bias in the court system in the near future and were eager to hear about the commission's progress. The Georgia judges distributed copies of the "Guide to BiasFree Communication" and the State Bar's "Court Conduct Handbook" and showed a portion of the training video "Let Justice Be Done."
Judge Ruffin co-chairs the commission. Judge Wilcox is a member, and Justice Hunstein serves as Supreme Court liaison.
Annual Report The commission's 1996-97 Annual
Report summarizes the commission's efforts to continue the implementation phases of the Supreme Court Committee for Gender Equality and Commission on Racial and Ethnic Bias in the Courts. Special projects and committee activities are reviewed. For a copy of the report, contact the commission. tc.

Opinion 220. Even without a showing of actual bias, prejudice or unfairness, and regardless of the merits or timeliness of a Motion to Recuse, it is inappropriate for any trial court judge to preside in any action wherein one of the parties holds a judicial office on the same or any other court which sits in the same circuit.
Opinion 221. The mere leaving of previously contributed 401-K funds with a newly elected judge's former law firm would not constitute a violation of any of the three per se grounds for disqualification in Canon 3E. However, to remove any possible violation of Canon SC, the judge should pay his pro rata share of the annual management fee paid by his former firm and should also be aware of the Commentary to Canon 3E suggesting disclosure of information which parties might consider relevant even if disqualification is not legally required.
Copies of the complete opinions can be obtained from the Judicial Qualifications Commission (770587-5208). tc,

Board of Court Reporting meets, elects officers
The Board of Court Reporting met on August 1 in Atlanta. Diane B. Lane, a Savannah court reporter, was elected chairperson. Connie Tomlinson, an Augusta court reporter, became vice chairperson. Three members beginning terms on the board were sworn in by Justice Carol W. Hunstein. Pictured here (from left): Abda Lee Quillian, attorney, Savannah; Debbie Paulk Mixon, court reporter, Tifton; Heidi Thompson, court reporter, Atlanta; Justice Hunstein. Ms. Quillian and Ms. Mixon are serving their first terms; Ms. Thompson is serving her second. tc.

October 1997

7

Georgia Courts journal

Judge saves time and money Attorney general's

by holding hearings at jail

opinions

Official Opinions

To help relieve jail overcrowding and keep down expenses in the Gwinnett Judicial Circuit, Superior Court Judge

judge can be used for very productively." Judge Oxendine said "We're very excited about doing it."

Paternity. Parties to a civil action to establish paternity are not entitled to a trial by jury. (2/14/97 No. 97-5)

James W. Oxendine is holding probation revocation hearings at the jail once a month, in addition to his regular hearings at the courthouse.
Judge Oxendine first suggested the idea to the county sheriff after learning that many prisoners in the nearly full Gwinnett County jail are awaiting revocation hearings on minor

He looks forward to telling other superior court judges how well the jail hearings are working. "I'm going to try to make a pitch to the judges about some of the things that we can do to save money and expedite the system," the judge said.
In addition to his one day at the jail, Judge Oxendine has two days a

Unofficial Opinions Fingerprinting. Georgia statutes authorizing the Department of Public Safety to require applicants for a driver's license or identification card to submit fingerprints do not violate the constitutional rights of Georgia citizens. (2/6/97 No. U97-7)

probation violations. "I said, 'Well,

month set aside at the courthouse

Complete copies of these opinions

why don't I come to the jail and do

for hearings on more serious proba-

are available from the AOC (404-

it?' He thought I was kidding at

tion violations. tli

656-5171). tli

first," Judge Oxendine said.

According to the judge, his

New judges join State Court of monthly sessions at the jail are much
more time-efficient than hearings at

the courthouse. "I can go over to the jail, and do 11 revocation hearings in

Richmond County

less than an hour," he said. "I simply

go over there, and they line them up

Richard A. Slaby (left)

outside the courtroom and bring them in one at a time, and I can hold the hearing very quickly. You lose time at the courthouse."
Another benefit is that prisoner transportation costs are eliminated

receives congratulations from the governor after being sworn in as judge ofthe State Court of Richmond County on July 23. Judge Slaby fills a new judgeship created

by the jail hearings. "Every time they bring a prisoner over to the courthouse, it costs about $55 or $60 per

by the General Assembly during the 1997 legislative session.

person," Judge Oxendine explained.

"This way, it keeps my case count

down and at the same time we're

saving the county." The new program has been well
received, according to the judge. He said, "My assistant district attorney

David D. Watkins (left) was sworn in as an associate judge ofthe State Court ofRichmond

who works with me likes it; the probation people like it; everybody likes it. And the sheriffs crazy about it."

County at the ceremonies on July 23, filling a second new judgeship.

The circuit is developing a plan for

a senior judge to take over the revo-

cation hearings at the jail. The elimi-

nation of prisoner transportation

costs would save more than enough

to pay a senior judge. "I think it's

something that a resident senior

Georgia Courts Journal

8

October 1997

:ol continued from page 1
>W,

ledifor 1cise
and vios that :gia's ild tl :; to :ocols. ~d the :e in :the er

Lt. Gov. H(J[J)ard was among supporters of the model medical protocol.
Commission on Family Violence is charged with developing a coordinated response and comprehensive plan to address family violence

throughout the state. With assistance from professionals and community advocates, the commission has developed four other protocols dealing with law enforcement, prosecutors, judges and batterers intervention programs.
Copies of the new protocol have been sent out to all task force chairs, shelter directors and various medical associations throughout Georgia. In-depth training in setting up the protocol and modifying it for local use, along with practical examples for using the protocol, were offered at the commission's annual conference on September 25 and 26. For more information, contact the commission director, Rachel Ferendk (404-657-3412). ~

dfrom page 1

md 3ar, from d," dur-
~'s
lts as erlitihear-

Committee members
Judge H. Gibbs Flanders Jr., Chair Superior Courts Dublin Judicial Circuit
William E. Cannon Jr. Attorney, Albany
Judge G. Bryant Culpepper Superior Courts Macon Judicial Circuit

Robert L. Doss Jr.

ies

Director, Administrative Office of

ost

the Courts

h

Atlanta

ja,

mts,

Chief Judge Kenneth B. Followill

ter

Superior Courts

~es

Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit

ourt

Judge W. Marion Guess Jr.

Probate Court of DeKalb County

y

Linda D. Hays

ling

Clerk of Superior Court

Newton County

9

Phyllis J. Holmen Atlanta Legal Services, Atlanta
Judge Jeannette L. Little State Court of Troup County
Judge Robert P. Mallis Superior Court Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit
Judge Charles David Mecklin Jr. Municipal Court of Carrollton
Judge Wayne M. Purdom Magistrate Court of DeKalb County
R. Leslie Waycaster Jr. Attorney, Dalton
Alvin T. Wong, Attorney, Atlanta
Staff
Holly K.O. Sparrow Assistant Director for Research, AOC
Jim R. Jester
AOC~
Georgin Courts Journal

Nominations sought for court administration awards
The Georgia Council of Court Administrators is seeking nominations for three achievement awards. The awards, which are being presented for the first time, will recognize:
the year's best program in court administration; the court manager who has made the greatest contribution to court
administration; and the individual who is not a court manager who has made the greatest
contribution to court administration.
The awards will be presented during the council's second annual conference on November 9-12 in Athens. Please submit your nominations in writing to the Georgia Council of Court Administrators, 244 Washington Street, S.W., Suite 550, Atlanta, GA 30334. The deadline for nominations is October 24.
The Council of Court Administrators was statutorily created to further the improvement of the courts and the administration of justice, to assist court administrators and managers in the execution of their duties, and to promote and assist in the training of court administrators, managers and support
personnel. tc.
Order your new Georgia Courts Directory
You don't have to share it with the whole office. To purchase additional copies of
the 1997-98 Georgia Courts Directory, send $15 per directory (no cash, please) to:
Administrative Office of the Courts 244 Washington Street, S.W. Suite 550 Atlanta, GA 30334

Georgia Courts JOURNAL
Vol. 25 No. 1
Georgia Judicial Council
Chief Justice Robert Benham, Chai! Presiding Justice Norman S. Fletcher,
Vice Chair Chief Judge Gary B. Andrews
Judge A. Wallace Cato Judge Robert J. Castellani Judge Rita L. Cavanaugh
Judge Howard Cook Judge E. Purnell Davis II Judge Philip F. Etheridge Judge Stephen E. Franzen Judge John E. Girardeau Judge Edward H. Johnson Judge Sanford J. Jones Judge William F. Lee Jr. Judge Jeannette L. Little Judge George F. Nunn Jr. Judge Johnny R. Parker
Judge Floyd E. Propst Judge Dorothy A. Robinson
Judge Richard W. Story Judge T.O. Sturdivant III Judge William M. Towson Sr. Senior Judge E. Mullins Whisnant Judge Amanda F. Williams
Administrative Office of the Courts
Director Robert L. Doss Jr.
Senior Communications Officer Billie Bolton
Editor Nancy K. Pevey
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Vol. 25 No. 1 October 1997

G4

J.s/1 Georeia Courts

Judicial Council creates committee to assess pro se litigation in Georgia

Chief Justice Robert Benham, chair of the Judicial Council, has appointed a 14-member committee to appraise the status of pro se litigation in the Georgia courts.
"What we've been charged with doing is really twofold," Judge H. Gibbs Flanders Jr., chair of the committee, explained. "First, we're trying

to determine the extent of prose litigation in Georgia at this time, and specifically what areas have the greatest amount of activity. And then, secondly, we'll try to determine how the courts can best respond to the needs of pro se litigants and the concerns of the courts in dealing with them effectively, making sure

Commission on Family Violence releases Model Medical Protocol

The Georgia Commission on Family

Judicial Circuit, chair of the commis-

Violence released A Model Medical

sion, presided over the event.

Protocol for Family Violence Incidents

Lt. Governor Pierre Howard, long-

at a press conference on August 4 in

time supporter of family violence leg-

the Supreme Court courtroom. Judge islation, was there to help announce

Clarence F. Seeliger, Stone Mountain

the initiative. "Today we add a new

and vital weapon to our

arsenal in the fight

against domestic vio-

lence," he said. Other

speakers included

Dr. Arthur Kellermann,

director of the Emory

University Center

for Injury Control; Dr.

Sheryl Heron, Emory

emergency medicine

physician; Jean Douglas,

executive director of

the Women's Resource

Judge Clarence F. Seeliger presided over the press conference

Center to End Domestic

releasing the Model Medical Protocol.

See Protocol, page 9

these litigants have a fair day in court and have access to the courts to the greatest degree possible."
The Pro Se Litigation Committee held its first meeting on June 30. The committee will hold bi-monthly meetings until December, 1998. The work of the committee will focus on those civil actions in which citizens most often represent themselves before the court rather than hire a lawyer. These actions indude domestic relations cases, small claims, landlord/tenant disputes, enforcement actions such as garnishments and contempt, liens, probate and others. Criminal case actions will not be part of the committee's study.
See Pro se litigation, page 9
Inside
Use of private probation grows ........ 3 Judge Glaze honored .......................... 3 Child Placement Project ..................... 4 Substance Abuse Committee ........... 4 Technology Talk ..................................... 5
Senate Sentencing Commission ..... 6 Commission on Equality ...................... 7 JQC opinions .......................................... 7 Board of Court Reporting ................... 7 Judge holds hearings at jail .............. 8 AG opinions ............................................. 8 New judges sworn in ............................ 8
See blue pages for Volume 24 index.

In Brief ...

Judicial appointments
Superior Court, Atlanta Judicial Circuit Judge Melvin K. Westmoreland was appointed for the term September 24, 1997, through December 31, 1998.
State Court, Evans County Judge Barbara J. Nelson was appointed for the term July 23, 1997, through December 31, 1998.
State Court, Richmond County, Division I Judge Richard A. Slaby was appointed for the term July 23, 1997, through December 31, 1998. (See photo, page 8.)
State Court, Fulton County Judge Susan B. Forsling will be sworn in on October 17, 1997.
State Court, Richmond County, Division II Judge David D. Watkins was appointed for the term July 23, 1997, through December 31, 1998. (See photo, page 8.)
Juvenile Court, Newton County Judge Billy J. Waters was sworn in on September 2, 1997. He succeeds Judge Virgil Costley Jr., who resigned effective August 31. Judge Costley was appointed to the juvenile court in 1977.
Senior judges
Judge Billy Shaw Abney retired from the juvenile court bench of Catoosa and Walker Counties and was appointed a senior judge effective July 1, 1997. Judge Abney was appointed to the Juvenile Court of Walker County in 1.971 and to the Juvenile Court of Catoosa County in 1989.
Judge Don A. Langham retired from the superior court bench of the Atlanta Judicial Circuit and was appointed a senior judge effective September 1, 1997. Judge Langham was appointed to the superior court in 1985. Prior to that, he served on the State Court of Fulton County.
Judge Othniel W. McGehee retired from the juvenile court bench of Bibb County and was appointed a senior judge effective February 1, 1997. Judge McGehee was appointed to the juvenile court in 1969.
In memoriam
Judge Oliver Wendel Horne Jr. of Cordele died on January 30 at the age of 85. Judge Home served on the Superior Courts of the Cordele Judicial Circuit from 1951until1966, when he took senior status.
New members join Judicial Council
The Judicial Council of Georgia welcomed two new members at its June meeting: Judge Edward H. Johnson, Court of Appeals, and Judge Johnny R. Parker, Probate Court of Gordon County. They replace Judge Dorothy T. Beasley and Judge LaVerne C. Ogletree, respectively.

Awards and honors
Supreme Court Justice Robert Benham received the 1997 Distinguished Service Scroll Award from the UGA Law School Association at the State Bar meeting on June 13. This is the highest honor awarded by UGA's law school alumni.
Justice Benham has been elected to a three-year term on the Westville Board of Trustees. Westville, a private, notfor-profit educational museum located in Lumpkin, GA, was the site for a Supreme Court session in April. The historic Chattahoochee County courthouse is located on the museum grounds.
On June 6, Judge Dorothy T. Beasley of the Court of Appeals was presented with The Tradition of Excellence Award by the General Practice and Litigation Section of the State Bar of Georgia. On May 24, she was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters by St. Lawrence University in New York. Also in May, the Georgia Council for Intemation.al Visitors elected Judge Beasley to its Board of Trustees.
Judge Kenneth 0. Nix of the Cobb Judicial Circuit was awarded the 1997 Ogden Doremus Award by the Council of State Court Judges at its spring meeting. Judge Nix served on the State Court of Cobb County from 1982 until 1995, when he was appointed to the superior court bench by Gov. Miller.
Mark your calendar: Criminal Justice Coordinating Council 1997 Fall Meeting
The council will hold its fall meeting on November 5 and 6 at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, Georgia. Committee meetings will run consecutively all day on November 5. The council meeting will be held on the morning of November 6, adjourning around 1:00 P.M. There is no fee to attend. To register and receive an agenda, contact Jeannette H. Huckaby (404-559-4949).
Learn what's new in traffic courts
The 1997 ABA Traffic Court Seminar will be held Oct. 14-16 at Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco, CA. For registration information, contact the ABA Judicial Division (312-988-5701).
ICM offers seminar on managing court libraries
"Managing Court Libraries in the 21st Century: Changing Realities and Changing Roles for Court Librarians" will be held November 6-8 in Williamsburg, VA. The seminar is sponsored by the Institute for Court Management of the National Center for State Courts. For more information, contact Erick Low or Peggy Rogers (1-800-877-1233).

Georgia Courts Journal

2

October 1996

More courts using private probation
In fiscal year 1997(July1, 1996, through June 30, 1997), the County and Municipal Probation Advisory Council received quarterly activity reports from all private companies registered with the state to provide contract probation services to county and municipal courts. Although this is only the second year that private companies were required to report their caseloads and collection to the state, indicators continue to show an increase in the number of courts that favorably view private probation services, according to Jim Jester, program manager.
The number of courts contracting for private probation services increased from 314 to 363 during fiscal year 1997, and probation caseloads increased from 58,389 cases to 81,017. In addition, private companies reported collecting over $24 million in restitution, fines and court costs, and enforcing the completion of nearly 1.6 million hours of community service work.
The County and Municipal Probation Advisory Council, supported by the Administrative Office of the Courts, is responsibile for regulating private probation across the state. A list of certified providers, private probation rules and regulations, and caseload activity information is available from the council (404-656-5171). tr.

Judge Glaze honored for
juvenile court work
Judge Martha K. Glaze received the 1997 Award for Meritous Service to the Juvenile and Family Courts ofAmerica from Judge James M. Farris (retired) ofBeaumont, Texas, a past president ofthe council.

Presiding Judge Martha K. Glaze of the Juvenile Court of Clayton County received the 1997 Award for Meritous Service to the Juvenile and Family Courts of America on July 14. The award was presented by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges at its annual meeting in Big Sky, Montana.
The award is based on a judge's work in the courtroom and community and on his or her ability to implement new programs. Since being appointed to the bench in 1977, Judge Glaze has introduced numerous innovations in her court, including a juvenile mediation project and

a program requiring monetary restitution by juveniles.
"I was very, very thrilled and honored to have won this," Judge Glaze said. "I'm proud of our court and the things we've done." She was nominated by her staff and credits them for many of the court's innovative projects, saying, "They are not only open to new ideas, they bring ideas to me. They have the ability to put new programs and ideas in action."
A committee of six judges from around the nation, chaired by Judge Carmen Ferrante of Paterson, New Jersey, selected Judge Glaze to receive this honor. tr.

Please note these Georgia Courts Directory changes ...

Page 11, the telephone number of Judge Hulane Evans George, Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit, should be 912-445-4270. The fax number should be 912-445-2622.
Pages 18 and 19, Judge Mark H. Murphy, Juvenile Courts of Haralson,

Paulding and Polk Counties, should be listed as "Judge," not"Assoc. Judge."
Pages 47 and 78, the address of District Attorney Richard A Malone, Middle Judicial Circuit, should be 101 North Main Street, County Office Building, Second Floor, Swainsboro, GA 30401.

Page 58, add Jill Hardy-Hobbs, 310 Bibb County Courthouse, Macon, GA 31201. Phone: 912-749-6336.
Page 60, add Susan M. Walker, Route 5, Box 230, Glennville, GA 30427.Phone:912-654-2280.to

October 1997

3

Georgia Courts Journal

Update:
Child Placement Project

The Child Placement Project (CPP), created by the Supreme Court to assess and evaluate superior and juvenile court proceedings involving abused, neglected and deprived children, presented its final report and plan for improvements to the court in October 1996. Since then, CPP's implementation committee has launched several projects to help meet the goals included in the report.
Pilot record-keeping projects The Fulton County Juvenile Court
and the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) are developing a plan for sharing part of the court's database with five satellite DFCS offices beginning this fall. Initially, only the court calendar will be shared; later, other non-confidential records may be added. Access to the database will allow caseworkers to get client information without phoning or visiting the court.
Fulton, Rockdale and Troup Counties are testing a computerized record-keeping system to help citizen review panels track the children who come before them. The new computer program saves time over paper record-keeping methods and allows storage of information for update at each review.
The program was developed by a private consulting firm, which will monitor its effectiveness and report to the Council ofJuvenile Court Judges (CJCJ). If the pilot project is successful and its continued use is approved by the council, it may be adopted statewide for these cases.
increasing education and ensuring representation
With the endorsement of the Council of Juvenile Court Judges, the Office of the Attorney General, the

Georgia Indigent Defense Council and the Emory University Child Advocate Program, CPP and DFCS have contracted with the Child Welfare Institute of Atlanta to begin a regional training program around the state. The day-long training program will address the responsibilities of caseworkers, attorneys and judges involved in deprivation hearings.
The morning session will contain three tracks:
a track for caseworkers who have never testified in court;.
a track for attorneys who want to begin working in the child deprivation field;
and an advanced track for judges, lawyers and caseworkers who are experienced in the deprivation field.
The afternoon session will feature a mock adjudicatory hearing. The program will be offered on the following dates:
November 7, Athens January 9, Albany January 23, Macon February 20, Savannah March 13, Augusta April 17, Gwinnett County May 15, Cobb County June 19, Rome Registration materials were recently mailed to potential attendees.
Newsletter and web page The project publishes a quarterly
newsletter covering child placement issues in Georgia and around the country. Information is also available on the world wide web at www.state. ga.us/Courts/Supreme.
Contact For more information about the
Child Placement Project, contact project coordinator Michelle Barclay (404-656-5171). ~

Substance Abuse Committee puts treatment providers on the Internet
A new, comprehensive resource is available for judges and other court personnel needing information on substance abuse treatment providers. The Supreme Court Committee on Substance Abuse and the Courts has
Court ofAppeals Judge J.D. Smith (right) recently stepped down after 3 years as cochair of the committee. Chieffustice Benham presented him with a plaque thanking him for his seroice at the committee's September 22 meeting. contracted with the Metropolitan Atlanta Council on Alcohol and Drugs to operate a computerized referral database of treatment providers.
The database is available on the world wide web at www.macad.org and contains detailed and frequently updated information on over 600 agencies and programs throughout Georgia. Treatment resources covered include day and outpatient treatment, short-term residential and long-term residential. Funding for the database has come from grants from the Edward Byrne Memorial Drug Control and System Improvement Formula Grant Program administered by the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council.
Information on treatment providers is also available in a 202-page printed directory researched and
See Substance Abuse Committee, page 6

Georgia Courts Journal

4

October 1997

Talk ... Technology Talk ... Technology Talk ... Technology Talk . .. Technology Talk . ..

Georgia Courts Automation Commission:
Focus on the Superior and State Court Information System (SSCIS) project

Currently, one of the most complex projects of the Georgia Courts Automation Commission (GCAC) is the creation of a statewide database for the courts. The new Superior and State Court Information System (SSCIS) will contain detailed criminal and civil case information from superior and state courts across Georgia.
Although participation in the project is entirely voluntary, the value of such a database to local managers, as well as state planners, is expected to attract virtually all eligible courts. As Don Forbes, GCAC manager explained, "What we're doing is a massive undertaking: to get a single automated system, to obtain standardization of data, to gather data at a single, central location."
In May 1996, GCAC entered into a contract with the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) for development of the courts database. The project also has a separate component for juvenile courts, but access to that information will be much more restricted than information from superior and state court records.
When complete, the database, consisting of court case records from all participating counties, will provide for annual casecounting, provide for electronic inquiries on individual cases from remote sites, and allow court managers access to information they need for local case management, regional comparisons, and compliance with the mandatory reporting requirements of state and federal agencies.

In phases one and two of the project, the contractors from GTRI defined the information to be collected from each court and designed the proposed database. The third and current phase is to determine how to collect the data. Collecting the existing data includes converting information from the current automated case management systems in use by the courts. Mr. Forbes noted that most automated courts in our state are using one of six standard software systems. These are: Sustain, Cott, User Friendly, Software Group, Ikon and Harris.
Beginning this fall, SSCIS will be tested at three pilot sites in Bibb, Douglas and Floyd Counties. The GTRI contractors will take data from the systems now in use in these courts, put the data into SSCIS and

run a series of tests on the accuracy and usability of the data. After the new SSCIS is tested and proven, GCAC will seek additional counties to participate. Mr. Forbes would like to have data from six additional counties in the database by June 30, 1998.
The Georgia Supreme Court plans to continue its support of the project by hiring a database coordinator to oversee SSCIS when pilot-testing is complete.
The legislature approved $700,000 to help defray the costs of bringing new counties onto the system. GCAC hopes to recruit counties having the largest caseloads into the SSCIS system as early as possible. As these larger counties become part of the new database, the goal of a truly statewide reporting system comes closer to reality. rte.

Letter to the editor
Dear Georgi.a Courts Journal,
I read with interest your article on page 5 of the May 1997 issue [about superior court clerk web pages]. The Thomas County Superior Court also has a web site, ~ome.rose.net/-thosct, with access to court schedules and calendars and other information, as well as links for on-line legal research. (We're in the process of expanding the latter.)
Yours very truly, Judge Harry Jay Altman II Southern Judicial Circuit
Editor's note: The Georgi.a Courts Journal welcomes news about Georgia's courts, their programs and personnel.

Talk ... Technology Talk ... Technology Talk . .. Technology Talk . .. Technology Talk . ..

October 1997

5

Georgia Courts Journal

Senate Structured Sentencing Commission begins work, will report to General Assembly

The 18-member Senate Structured Sentencing Commission held its first meeting on June 18 in Atlanta. The commission is co-chaired by Judge Lawton Stephens of the Western Judicial Circuit and District Attorney Paul Howard of the Atlanta Judicial Circuit. Established by Senate Resolution 100, the commission is charged with examining Georgia's criminal sentencing structure, comparing our practices to those of other states, and recommending changes to ensure a rational, consistent and planned approach to sentencing. "It's always been of interest to me to see if there's some way we can promote what's been called 'truth in sentencing.' I think that's what everybody is really aiming for," Judge Stephens said.
: :

The commission members, appointed by the president of the senate, include state senators, attorneys, representatives of the judicial branch, representatives of victims' rights advocacy organizations, and others who are knowledgeable in the fields of criminal justice and corrections.
The commission's first three monthly meetings have focused on assessing the current sentencing situation in Georgia and learning about possible alternatives. Judge Stephens said the commission is trying to answer such questions as: "What percentage of their sentences are people actually serving? How many people do we have incarcerated? How much is it costing to house these people? Are there more cost-effective alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent offenders?"
At the first meeting, Professor Ronald F. Wright of the Wake Forest Law School addressed the commission. Prof. Wright, a nationally recognized expert on sentencing guidelines, discussed North Carolina's policies and the differences among various other sentencing approaches. At later meetings, representatives of the Department of Corrections and the Department of Pardons and Paroles reviewed Georgia's current sentencing policies and statistics.
Three subcommittees have been formed: the status-assessment subcommittee, the solutions-assessment subcommittee, and the fiscal subcommittee.
Recommendations will be presented to the 1998 General Assembly. Judge Stephens reported that the commission has no preconceived notions regarding the outcome of its investigation. "We've spent a lot of time trying to assess exactly where we are now and whether we need to completely overhaul the system or

just fine-tune it," he said. "I don't think that anybody on the commission is committed to any particular idea of how it ought to be done. We're all out here with open minds."
Commission members
Judge Lawton Stephens, co-chair Superior Courts, Western Judicial Circuit
Paul Howard, co-chair District Attorney, Atlanta Judicial Circuit
Sheriff Jackie Barrett Atlanta
Sheriff John Cary Bittick Forsyth
Tom Brown DeKalb County Department of Public Safety
Alex Crumbley Attorney, McDonough
Senator Nathan Dean District 31
Wayne Gamer Commissioner, Department of Corrections
Vivian Malone Jones Research analyst, retired, Atlanta
Senator Clay Land District 16
Sheriff Bill Massee Milledgeville
Davis Morgan Chair, County Commission Newton County
J. Tom Morgan District Attorney, Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit
Senator Sonny Perdue District 18
Walter Ray Chair, State Board of Pardons and Paroles, Atlanta
Lydia J. Sartain District Attorney, Northeastern Judicial Circuit
Helen Scholes Director of Victims' Services, Dept. of Corrections, Kennesaw
Senator Charles Walker District 22 ~

Georgia Courts Journal

6

October 1997

Vol. 24 October 1996 - June 1997

Geor iaCourts

Index

JOURNAL

A
Abernathy, Leslie Case, solicitor-general, State Courts, Cherokee and Forsyth Counties, elected 3,20
Allen, Judge John, Superior Courts, Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit, serves on Commission on Family Violence 4,4
Alston, Jo, superior court clerk, Harris County, elected 3,21
Anderson, Pat V., Elbert County, elected secretary of Superior Court Clerks Training Council 2,2
Andrews, Chief Judge Gary B., Court of Appeals, elected chief judge 3,1
Sworn in; photograph 3,1
Tabulates voting results at Judicial Council meeting; photograph 3,18
Arnold, Greg, senior research associate, AOC, recognized for work on Child Placement Proceedings Project 2,7
Tabulates voting results at Judicial Council meeting; photograph 3,18
Ash, Judge Tommy Walton, Probate Court, Ben Hill County, elected 3,2
8
Bagley, Judge Jeffrey S., State Court, Forsyth County, appointed 3,2
Sworn in; photograph 3,22
Baird, Judge Michael P., chief magistrate, Clayton County, elected 3,21
Banke, Senior Judge Harold R. Sr., serves on Commission on Appellate Courts 1,10; 3,3
Photographed with Commission on Appellate Court members 3,3
Bankston, Judge Michael, State Court, Mitchell County, elected 3,20

Barclay, Michelle, named new project coordinator for Child Placement Proceedings Project 2,2
Attends National Conference on Juvenile Justice 4,2
Barnes, Representative Roy E., District 33, serves on Commission on Family Violence 4,4
Barnette, Judge Michael A., chief magistrate, Barrow County, elected 3,20
Barrett, Sheriff Jackie, Fulton County Sheriff's Department, serves on Commission on Family Violence 4,4
Barton, Ansley, director, Georgia Commission on Dispute Resolution, reports to Judicial Council 3,18
Bazemore, J.A., solicitor-general, State Court, Screven County, elected 3,20
Beasley, Chief Judge Dorthy T., Court of Appeals, attends reception for visiting lawyers and judges; photograph 1,7
Serves on Commission on Appellate Courts; photographs 1,10; 3,3
Reports to Judicial Council on status of Commission of Appellate Courts 3,18
Awarded Ben F. Johnson Jr. Public Service Award 4,2
Bedford, Judge T. Jackson, Superior Court, Atlanta Judicial Circuit, elected 3,20
Belle, Aurelia Sands, director, Victim Witness Assistance Program, comments on "Peacemakers" group 1,4
Benham, Chief Justice Robert, attends tribute to President Kwasniewski of Poland; photograph 1,7
Attends reception for visiting lawyers and judges; photograph 1,7
Meets with Justice Wilson Sandura of Zimbabwe; photograph 1,7
Comments on new Supreme Court World Wide Web page 1,8
Serves on Commission on Appellate Courts; photographs 1,10; 3,3

Presides at presentation of Supreme Court's Child Placement Proceedings Project report 2,1 Introduces Justice Anthony Kennedy at Professionalism Convocation 2,8 Delivers State of Judiciary Address 3,4 Summarizes Final Report of the Commission on Lawyer Discipline 3,18 Elected to Board of Curators of Georgia Historical Society 4,2 Chairs the Supreme Court Committee on Substance Abuse and the Courts, presides over spring retreat 5,7 Bessonette, George A., solicitor-general, State Court, Clinch County, elected 3,20 Bobbitt, Judge Thomas III, chief magistrate, Laurens County, elected 3,21 Bowden, Ralph T., solicitor-general, State Court, DeKalb County, serves on Commission on Family Violence 4,4 Sworn in to Commission on Family Violence; photograph 4,4 Bowers, Attorney General Michael, opinions 1,5; 3,2 Serves as ex-officio member of Commission on Family Violence 4,4 Boyett, Judge William, serves on Board of Court Reporting; photograph 2,3 Brackett, Judge Dwain, Probate Court, Union County, elected 3,20
Issue 1 - October 1996
Issue 2 - December 1996
Issue 3 - March 1997
Issue 4 - May 1997
Issue 5 - June 1997

Issue numbers are in boldface type; page numbers follow.

Brandenburg, Judge Lynn, Probate Court, Pike County, elected 3,20
Brannen, Dianne, superior court clerk, Bibb County, elected 3,21
Braswell, Judge Morris, State Court, Gayton County, elected 3,20
Bray, Bob, City Court of Atlanta, serves as treasurer of Georgia Council of Court Administrators 5,2
Burkhalter, Judge Steve, Probate Court, Floyd County, elected 3,20
Burt, Judge Jennifer Evans, Probate Court, Dawson County, elected 3,20

Clarke, Former Chief Justice Harold G., addresses Commission on Appellate Courts; photograph 1,1
Colby, Edward L. Jr., solicitor-general, State Court, Liberty County, elected 3,20
Cole, Dave, Council of State Governments, speaks at Committee on Substance Abuse spring retreat 5,7
Colston, Tami, district attorney, Superior Court, Rome Judicial Circuit, elected 3,20
Conger, John Gray, district attorney, Superior Courts, Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit, elected 3,20

c
Caldwell, Judge Donald, chief magistrate, Catoosa County, elected 3,21

Connelly, Judge Kristina Cook, Superior Courts, Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, attends swearing-in ceremony; photograph 2,8

Caley, Sylvia B., Atlanta Legal Aid, serves on Commission on Family Violence 4,4

Serves on Commission on Family Violence 4,4

Campbell, Carol, deputy division director, Conner, Joy, superior court clerk,

Department of Family and Children

Washington County, elected 3,21

Services, attends presentation of Child Placement Proceedings Project report 2,1

Cook, Chief Judge Howard, State Court, Gwinnett County, votes at Judicial Council meeting; photograph 3,1

Serves as member of Child Placement

New member ofJudicial Council 3,18

Proceedings Project Advisory Committee

2,7

Cook, Judge Josephine Holmes, Superior

Court, Atlanta Judicial Circuit, obituary

Carley, Justice George H., Supreme Court,

2,2

attends presentation of Child Placement

Proceedings Project report 2,1

Copelan, Judge Jesse Jr., State Court,

Putnam County, elected 3,20

Carter, Ben, architect, Monroe, remarks on

restored Walton County Courthouse 5,6 Costley, Judge Virgil Jr., Juvenile Court,

Newton County, serves on Child

Carter, Kay, superior court clerk, Charlton

Placement Proceedings Project Advisory

County, elected 3,21

Committee 2, 7

Cason, Judge Betty B., Probate Court, Carroll County, elected 3,20

Cramer, Judy, named court administrator, Atlanta Judicial Circuit Superior Court;

Cato, Judge A. Wallace, Superior Courts,

photograph 5,4

South Georgia Judicial Circuit, attends Judicial Council meeting 3,18

Crawford, Judge Linton Jr., State Court, Habersham County, elected 3,20

Cavanaugh, Judge Rita, magistrate court judge, Spalding County, attends Judicial Council meeting; photograph 3,18

Crow, Sara L., Lowndes County, elected vice-chairperson of Superior Court Clerks Training Council 2,2

Elected chief magistrate 3,21

Crumbly, R. Alex, attorney, serves on

Chambless, Rep. Thomas S., District 163,

Commission on Appellate Courts 1,10;

chairs Commission on Appellate Courts;

photograph 3,3

photographs 1,10; 3,3

Culpepper, Judge G. Bryant, Superior

Champion, Barry, court administrator,

Courts, Macon Judicial Circuit, chairs

Whitfield County, remarks on electronic

Child Placement Proceedings Project

library 5,5

Advisory Committee 2,1; 2,7

Chesshire, Skip, Cobb County, serves as president, Georgia Council of Court Administrators 5,2
Christian, Judge Martha, Superior Courts, Macon Judicial Circuit, joins panel discussion at Commission on Family Violence conference 2,3

Presents Child Placement Proceedings Project report; photograph 2,1
Attends National Conference on Juvenile Justice 4,2
Cummings, Judge Vivian, Probate Court, Wilkinson County, elected 3,20

D
Davenport, Judge Chris, chief magistrate, Jeff Davis County, elected 3,21
Davis, Angie, court administrator, creates Cobb County Magistrate Court web site 5,5
Davis, Judge E. Purnell II, Superior Courts, Toombs Judicial Circuit, joins Judicial Council 3,18
DeLoach, Daniel E. Jr., court administrator, recieves grant for Glynn County drug court 5,2
Deveaux, Judge Clinton E., Municipal Court, Atlanta, is volunteer faculty at National Judicial College 3,2
Dickert, Judge Neal W., Superior Courts, Augusta Judicial Circuit, elected 3,20
Drennan, Diane, Citizen Review Panel, Fulton County, attends presentation of Child Placement Proceedings Project report 2,1
Serves on Child Placement Proceedings Project Advisory Committee 2,7
Dunaway, Judge Roger W. Jr, Superior Courts, Toombs Judicial Circuit, elected 3,20
E
Easterlin, Ben F. N, president, State Bar, serves on Commission on Appellate Courts 1,10; 3,3
Eldridge, Judge Frank M., Court of Appeals, appointed 1,2
Sworn in; photograph 1,3
Ellison, Larry, superior court clerk, Glynn County, elected 3,32
English, Boyd, solicitor-general, State Court, Coffee County, elected 3,20
Etheridge, Judge Philip F., Superior Court, Atlanta Judicial Circuit, joins Judicial Council 3,18
Exley, Judge Preston G., chief magistrate, Effingham County, elected 3,21
F
Faircloth, Kay, Cordele Judicial Circuit, is secretary, Georgia Council of Court Administrators 5,2
Farrow, Sen. Steve, District 54, serves on Senate Study Committee on Civil Justice Reform 1,9
Findley, Becky, superior court clerk, Quitman County, elected 3,21

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

Fletcher, Presiding Justice Norman S., Supreme Court, attends presentation of Child Placement Proceedings Project report 2,1
Swears in Chief Judge Gary Andrews; photograph 3,1
Floyd, Judge Wanda T., chief magistrate, Baker County, elected 3,20

Gray, Judge J. Bowie, Tifton, obituary 4,2
Green, Sandra, superior court clerk, Taliaferro County, elected 3,21
Griffies, Joan, superior court clerk, Coweta County, elected 3,21
Gross, Judge Lisa, State Court, Screven County, elected 3,20

Folson, Judge William R., State Court, Brooks County, elected 3,20
Forbes, Donald C., joins AOC as Georgia Courts Automation Commission program manager 1,2
Foster, Judge William A. III, Superior Courts, Tallapoosa Judicial Circuit, conducts hearing in prison courtroom 1,5

H
Hadley, Carol, director, Women's Health Section, DHR, serves on Commission on Family Violence 4,4
Ham, Lynn W., superior court clerk, Monroe County, elected 3,21
Hancock, Judge George, chief magistrate, Stewart County, elected 3,21

Fowler, Judge Eddy, Probate Court, Franklin County, elected 3,20
Franklin, Herbert E. (Buzz), district attorney, Superior Courts, Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, elected 3,20

Harris, Phyllis, juvenile court clerk, Fayette County, comments on Fayette County Courthouse 4,1
Harris, Steven L., solicitor-general, State Court, Fayette County, elected 3,20

Franzen, Judge Stephen E., Juvenile Court, Gwinnett County, serves on Child Placement Proceedings Project Implementation Committee 2,7
Freeman, Judge Linda, chief magistrate, Terrell County, elected 3,21

Hartridge, Walter C., attorney, Savannah, appointed to Judicial Qualifications Commission 3,2
Hays, Chief Fred, Gainesville Police Department, serves on Commission on Family Violence 4,4

Fryer, Judge Nancy P., Probate Court, Terrell County, elected 3,20
Fuller, Judge Hilton, chairperson, Georgia Courts Automation Commission, reports to Judicial Council 3,18
G
Gaines, Judge Joseph J., Superior Courts, Western Judicial Circuit, honors Chief Judge Robert L. Stevens 1,2
Gilbert, Judge Quintress J., Juvenile Court, Bibb County, appointed 3,2
Gilland, Martha, director, Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, serves on Commission on Family Violence 4,4
Gitter, Marsha, executive director, Georgia Council for the Hearing Impaired, attends American Judicature Society workshop 5,4
Glover, Gary, attorney, Augusta, reviews instructions for court reporters certification exam; photograph 2,3
Gosselin, Chief Judge Kathlene F., State Court, Hall County, co-chairs Georgia Supreme Court Commission on Equality; photograph 1,8
Serves on Commission on Appellate Courts 1,10; photograph 3,3

Hays, Linda D., Newton County, elected first vice-president of the Council of Superior Court Clerks 3,2
Heam, Judge George J. III, Juvenile Court, Walton County, attends presentation of Child Placement Proceedings Project report 2,1
Serves on Child Placement Proceedings Project Advisory Committee 2,7
Henderson, Annette Z., Department of Corrections, serves on Commission on Family Violence 4,4
Hill, Former Chief Justice Harold, addresses Commission on Appellate Courts; photograph 1,1
Hill, Judge Wm. Ralph Jr., attends swearing-in ceremony; photograph 2,8
Hilliard, Judge Maurice H. Jr., Roswell, elected first vice-president of Council of Municipal Court Judges 1,2
Hines, Justice P. Harris, Supreme Court, attends presentation of Child Placement Proceedings Project report 2,1
Hodges, Ken, district attorney, Superior Courts, Dougherty Judicial Circuit, elected 3,20
Howard, Judge Patrice, Probate Court, Putnam County, elected 3,20

Howard, Paul, district attorney, Superior Court, Atlanta Judicial Circuit, elected 3,20
Hunstein, Justice Carol W., Supreme Court, attends presentation of Child Placement Proceedings Project report 2,1
Delivers address at Georgia Commission on Family Violence conference 2,3
Hunt, Former Chief Justice Willis B. Jr., addresses Commission on Appellate Courts 1,1
Hutcheson, Jo Ann, superior court clerk, Haralson County, elected 3,21
J
Jackson, Judge Stephen L., Superior Courts, Waycross Judicial Circuit, elected 3,20
Jenrette, Judge Isaac, Superior Court, Atlanta Judicial Circuit, supervises new Fulton County Drug Court 1,1
Speaks at Drug Court conference; photograph 2,7
Comments on new Fulton County Drug Court 4,3
Jester, Jim, program manager for the County and Municipal Probation Advisory Council, remarks on private probation services 1,7
Johnson, Glenda Sue, superior court clerk, Gilmer County, elected 3,21
Johnson, Leslie, clerk, Board of Court Reporting, attends board meeting; photograph 2,3
Jollif, Judge Cliff L., Juvenile Court, Hall County, serves on Commission on Family Violence 4,4
Jolly, Sheryl B., solicitor-general, State Court, Richmond County, elected 3,20
Jones, Judge Sanford J., Juvenile Court, Fulton County, attends presentation of Child Placement Proceedings Project report 2,1
Accepts certificate of recognition; photograph 2,1
Serves on Child Placement Proceedings Project Advisory Committee 2,7
Joins Judicial Council 3,18
K
Kelley, Judge Asa D. Jr., Albany, obituary 4,2
Kelley, Stephen, district attorney, Superior Courts, Brunswick Judicial Circuit, elected 3,18
Kemp, Sen. Rene D., District 3, serves on Senate Study Committee on Civil Justice Reform 1,9

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