Georgia courts journal, Vol. 26, no. 1 (Oct. 1998)

Costley, Judge Virgil Jr., Juvenile Court,

Fitzgerald, Chief Judge Richard, Jefferson

Newton County, retires 1,2

Family Court, Louisville, Kentucky,

Helps develop guidelines for child deprivation cases 4,4

serves on child placement guidelines workshop faculty 2,5

Cook, Dr. Betty Ann, Board of Pardons and Paroles, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7

Flanders, Judge H. Gibbs Jr., Superior Court, Dublin Circuit, chairs Pro Se Litigation Committee 1,1; 1,9

Cranford, Judge John Herbert, State Court, Coweta County, appointed 4,2

Reports on Pro Se Litigation Committee activities; photograph 3,5

Crumbley, Alex, McDonough, serves on Senate Structured Sentencing Commission 1,6
Culpepper, Judge G. Bryant, Superior Courts, Macon Judical Circuit, serves on Pro Se Litigation Committee 1,9

Followill, Judge Kenneth B., Chief Judge, Superior Courts, Chattahoochee Judical Circuit, serves on Pro Se Litigation Committee 1,9
Forsling, Judge Susan B., State Court, Fulton County, appointed judge 1,2

Attends child placement guidelines

Sworn in; photograph 2,2

workshop 2,5

Franzen, Judge Stephen E., Juvenile Court,

Helps develop guidelines for child deprivation cases 4,4

Gwinnett County, attends child placement guidelines workshop 2,5

Helps develop guidelines for child

D
Darby, Richard, Peace Officers Training Council, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7

deprivation cases 4,4
Freeman, Chief Justice Charles E., Supreme Court, Illinois, receives Trumpet Award 3,2

Dean, Senator Nathan, District 31, serves on

Senate Structured Sentencing Commission

G

1,6

Garner, Wayne, commissioner, Department

Dempsey, Judge Alford J. Jr., Superior Court, Atlanta Circuit, is pilot family court judge

of Corrections, serves on Senate Structured Sentencing Commission 1,6

3,4

Gilland, Martha, director, Criminal Justice

Doss, Robert L. Jr., director, Administrative Office of the Courts, serves on Pro Se

Coordinating Council, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7

Litigation Committee 1,9

Glaze, Judge Martha K., Juvenile Court,

Serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Resigns as director of Administrative Office of the Courts 4,1
Douglas, Jean, director, Women's Research Center to End Domestic Violence, speaks at press conference announcing Commission on Family Violence Model

Clayton County, receives Award for Meritorious Service from the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges 1,3
Attends child placement guidelines workshop 2,5
Helps develop guidelines for child deprivation cases 4,4

Medical Protocol 1,1

Gosselin, Judge Kathlene F.,Superior Courts,

Northeastern Circuit, appointed 4,2

E
Etheridge, Judge Philip F., attends Judical Council meeting; photograph 3,1

Gault, Judge Richard S., Superior Court, Blue Ridge Circuit, serves on Judical Council; photograph 3,4
Guess, Judge W. Marion Jr., Probate Court,

DeKalb County, serves on Pro Se

F

Litigation Committee 1,9

Farris, Judge James M., Beaumont, Texas, past Gunnels, Tom, Tenth Judical District Court

president, National Council of Juvenile

Administrator, presents training seminar

and Family Court Judges, presents Award for court clerks; photograph 2,3

of Meritorious Service; photograph 1,3

Ferencik, Rachel, director, Commission on Family Violence, attends annual conference; photograph 2,2
Finney, Chief Justice Ernest A. Jr., Supreme Court, South Carolina, receives Trumpet Award 3,2

H
Hays, Linda D., clerk, Superior Court, Newton County, serves on Pro Se Litigation Committee 1,9
Harrison, Judge Dunbar, obituary 3,2

Hearn, Judge George, Juvenile Court, Walton County, attends child placement guidelines workshop 2,5
Helps develop guidelines for child deprivation cases 4,4
Henderson, Annette Z., Dept. of Corrections, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Heron, Dr. Sheryl, emergency medicine physician, speaks at press conference announcing Commission on Family Violence Model Medical Protocol 1,1
Holmen, Phyllis J., Georgia Legal Services, serves on Pro Se Litigation Committee 1,9
Horne, Sr. Judge Oliver Wendel Jr., Cordele, obituary 1,2
Howard, Paul, District Attorney, Atlanta Judical Circuit, serves on Senate Structured Sentencing Commission 1,6
Howard, Lt. Governor Pierre, announces Commission on Family Violence Model Medical Protocol; photograph 1,1
Hungate, Carla V., Men Stopping Violence, assistant project director, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Hunstein, Justice Carol W., Supreme Court Commission on Equality, speaks to South Carolina annual conferem:e of judges 1,7
Swears in new members of Board of Court Reporting; photograph 1,7
Initiates "Court in School" program 4,7
I
Iannazzone, Judge Joseph, Magistrate Court, Gwinnett County, demonstrates video warrant system; photograph 3,6
J
Jenrette, Judge Isaac, Fulton County Drug Court, holds session at Therrell High School, photograph 4,7
Johnson, Chief Judge Walker P. Jr., Superior Court, Macon Circuit, presides over Bibb County Drug Court 3,9
Jolliff, Judge Cliff L., Juvenile Courts, Hall and Dawson Counties, attends child placement guidelines workshop 2,5
Serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Helps develop guidelines for child deprivation cases 4,4
Jones, Carol E., Greensboro, Judical Qualifications Commission, appointed 4,2

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

Jones, Judge Sanford, Juvenile Court, Fulton County, attends child placement guidelines workshop 2,5
Helps develop guidelines for child deprivation cases 4,4
Jones, Vivian Malone, serves on Senate Structured Sentencing Commission 1,6
Jugar, Richard, court administrator, Stone Mountain Circuit, receives Council of Court Administrators 1997 President's Award 3,2
K
Kaslow, Dr. Nadine, chief psychologist, Grady Health System, speaks at press conference announcing Commission on Family Violence Model Medical Protocol 1,9
Kellermann, Dr. Arthur, director, Emory University Center for Injury Control, speaks at press conference announcing Commission on Family Violence Model Medical Protocol 1,1
Serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Key, Judge R. Michael, Juvenile Court, Troup County, attends child placement guidelines workshop 2,5
Helps develop guidelines for child deprivation cases 4,4
L
Land, Senator Clay, District 16, serves on Senate Structured Sentencing Commission 1,6
Lane, Diane B., elected chairperson, Board of Court Reporting 1,7
Langham, Judge Don A., Superior Court, Atlanta Judical Circuit, appointed senior judge 1,2
Lee, Judge William F. Jr., Superior Courts, Coweta Judical Circuit, attends Judical Council meeting; photograph 3,1
Little, Judge Jeanette L., State Court, Troup County, serves on Pro Se Litigation Committee 1,9
Serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Lockette, Judge Willie E., Superior Court, Dougherty Circuit, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Lumpkin, Joseph, chief of police, AthensClarke County, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7

M
Madison, Tim, district attorney, Piedmont Circuit, serves on Commission on Family Violence; photograph 3,7
Mallett, Chief Justice Conrad L. Jr., Supreme Court of Michigan, receives Trumpet Award 3,2
Mallis, Judge Robert P., Superior Court, Stone Mountain Judical Circuit, serves on Pro Se Litigation Committee 1,9
Massee, Bill, sheriff, Baldwin County, serves on Senate Structured Sentencing Commission 1,6
May, Earle B. Jr, director, Judical Qualifications Commission, announces new JQC rules 2,1
McBrayer-Brice, Barbara, Dept. of Human Resources, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
McCumber, Cathy, clerk, DeKalb Recorder's Court, explains phone credit card payments 2,6
McDonald, Judge James E. Jr., Juvenile Court, Clarke County, serves as vicechair of Commission on Family Violence 3,7
McGehee, Judge Othniel W., Juvenile Court of Bibb County, appointed senior judge 1,2
Mecklin, Judge Charles David Jr., Municipal Court of Carrollton, serves on Pro Se Litigation Committee 1,9
Mixon, Debbie Paulk, Tifton, sworn in as member of Board of Court Reporting; photograph 1,7
Moore, Chief Judge Thelma Wyatt Cummings, Superior Court, Atlanta Judicial Circuit, coordinates Family Court pilot project 3,4
Morgan, Barry Edward, appointed solicitor-general, Cobb County 4,2
Morgan, Dave, chair, Newton County Commission, serves on Senate Structured Sentencing Commission 1,6
Morgan, J. Tom, district attorney, Stone Mountain Judical Circuit, serves on Senate Structured Sentencing Commission 1,6
Morris, Presiding Judge James, Juvenile Court, Cobb County, attends child placement guidelines workshop 2,5
Helps develop guidelines for child deprivation cases 4,4

N
Nash, Judge Robin, Juvenile Court, DeKalb County, attends child placement guidelines workshop 2,5
Helps develop guidelines for child deprivation cases 4,4
Nation, Judge Sidney L., Superior Court, Rockdale Circuit, describes computer information system 4,5
Nelson, Judge Barbara J., State Court, Evans County, appointed 1,2
Nerio, Jesus A., Supreme Court Commission on Equality, attends interpreters workshop 2,3
Nix, Judge Kenneth 0., Cobb Judical Circuit, receives Council of State Court Judges' Ogden Doremus Award 1,2
Noland, Judge Robert J., obituary 3,2
Nunn, Judge George F. Jr., Superior Court, Houston Circuit, serves on Judical Council; photograph 3,4
0
Ogletree, Judge LaVerne C., Probate Court, Greene County, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Oliver, Judge Bonnie Chessher, State Court, Hall County, appointed 4,2
Oliver, State Senator Mary Margaret, speaks at Commission on Family Violence annual conference 2,2
Oxendine, Judge James W., Superior Court, Gwinnett Judicial Circuit, conducts probation revocation hearings at jail 1,8
p
Parker, Evelyn D., court reporter, speaks at "Court in School" program; photograph 4,7
Parker, Judge Johnny R., Probate Court, Gordon County, serves on Judicial Council 1,2
Payne, Presiding Judge James, Marion Superior Court, Indianapolis, Indiana, serves as faculty at child placement guidelines workshop 2,5
Peagler, Judge Desiree Sutton, Juvenile Court, Dekalb County, appointed fulltime associate judge 2,2
Peppers, Judge Donny, Sr., State Court, Walker County, serves on Judical Council 3,4
Perdue, Senator Sonny, District 18, serves on Senate Structured Sentencing Commission 1,6
Pope, Kristen, director, Project Safe, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7

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

Pope, Judge Marion T. Jr., Presiding Judge, Court of Appeals, receives 1997 State Bar Tradition of Excellence Award 2,2
Recalls Cherokee County Courthouse 4,3
Sits on panel hearing oral arguments at Cherokee County Courthouse 4,20
Purdom, Judge Wayne M., Magistrate Court, DeKalb County, serves on Pro Se Litigation Committee 1,9
Q
Quillian, Abda Lee, serves on Board of Court Reporting; photograph 1,7
R
Ray, Walter, chair, State Board of Pardons and Paroles, serves on Senate Structured Sentencing Commission 1,6
Rogers, Meg, director, Cherokee Family Violence Center, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Ruffin, Judge John H. Jr., Court of Appeals, attends South Carolina annual conference of judges 1,7
Serves as faculty for Supreme Court Commission on Equality interpreters workshop 2,3
Panel hears oral arguments at Cherokee County Courthouse 4,20
s
Saba, Jamil, sheriff, Dougherty County, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Sartain, Lydia J., district attorney, Northeastern Judical Circuit, serves on Senate Structured Sentencing Commission 1,6
Scholes, Helen, Director of Victims' Services, Dept. of Corrections, serves on Senate Structured Sentencing Commission 1,6
Scott, State Senator David, District 36, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Seeliger, Judge Clarence F., Stone Mountain Judical Circuit, presents Model Medical Protocol at press conference; photograph 1,1
Attends Commission on Family Violence, annual conference; photograph 2,2
Seibel, Barbara, director, FCF Management, Inc., Hamilton County, Ohio, serves as faculty at child placement guidelines workshop 2,5

Shearer, Assoc. Judge Robin, Juvenile Court, Clarke County, attends child placement guidelines workshop 2,5
Helps develop guidelines for child deprivation cases 4,4
Sinkfield, Rep. Georganna T., District 57: serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Skipper, Rep. Jimmy, District 137, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Slaby, Judge Richard A., appointed to State Court of Richmond County, Division I 1,2
Sworn in; photograph 1,8
Smith, Benjamin Franklin Jr., district attorney, Cobb Circuit, appointed 4,2
Smith, Judge J.D., Court of Appeals, co-chair of Supreme Court Committee on Substance Abuse, receives plaque for service; photograph 1,4
Smyre, Rep. Calvin, presents Distinguished Service Award to Chief Justice Benham; photograph 3,21
Stephens, Judge Lawton, Western Judical Circuit, co-chairs Senate Structured Sentencing Commission 1,6
Stokes, State Senator Connie, District 43, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Stone, Chief Judge Hugh W., Enotah Judical Circuit, attends child placement guidelines workshop 2,5
Helps develop guidelines for child deprivation cases 4,4
Story, Judge Richard W., sworn in as United States District Court Judge 3,2
T
Thompson, Heidi, serves on Board of Court Reporting; photograph 1,7
Thompson, Senator Steve, District 33, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Turner, William Terry, solicitor-general, Jeff Davis County, appointed 4,2
Tusan, Judge Gail S., Superior Court, Atlanta Circuit, is pilot family court judge 3,4
v
Vaughn, Judge Clarence R. Jr., Superior Court, Rockdale County, recognized as contributor to computer information system 4,5

w
Wagner, Chief Justice Annice M., District of Columbia, receives Trumpet Award 3,2
Walker, Senator Charles, District 12, serves on Senate Structured Sentencing Commission 1,6
Waters, Judge Billy J., Juvenile Court, Newton County, sworn in 1,2
Watkins, Judge David D., appointed to State Court of Richmond County, Division II 1,2
Sworn in; photograph 1,8
Waycaster, R. Leslie, serves on Pro Se Litigation Committee 1,9
Welch, Sherie M., clerk of Supreme Court, named to executive committee of National Conference of Appellate Court Clerks 2,2
Westmoreland, Judge Melvin K., appointed to Superior Court, Atlanta Judical Circuit 1,2
Wilcox, Judge Tommy Day, Supreme Court Commission on Equality, attends South Carolina annual conference of judges 1,7
Presides over Bibb County Drug Court treatment program graduation ceremony 3,9
Wilson, Darrell E., district attorney, Superior Court, Enotah Circuit, appointed 3,2
Wong, Alvin T., attorney, serves on Pro Se Litigation Committee 1,9
Wood, Sandra, director, Georgia Council on Child Abuse, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Wright, Judge Cynthia D., Superior Court, Atlanta Circuit, is pilot family court judge 3,4
Serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Wright, Professor Ronald F., Wake Forest Law School, addresses Senate Structured Sentencing Commission 1,6
z
Zoller, John, court administrator, Juvenile Court of Dekalb County, serves as president of Council of Court Administrators 3,2
Presents Most Innovative Program Award; photograph 4,5

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

Administrative Office of the Courts
Office relocates 2,3 Manages study of family violence protective
orders 3,3 Director Robert L. Doss Jr. resigns;
photograph 4,1; 4,6 Hulett H. Askew named interim director
4,1

Judge Martha K. Glaze, Juvenile Court, Clayton County, receives 1997 Award for Meritorious Service from the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges of America; photograph 2,2
Judge Marion T. Pope, Court of Appeals, receives 1997 State Bar Tradition of Excellence Award 2,2

Attorney General's Opinions
Official opinion: paternity and trial by jury 1,8
Unofficial opinion: fingerprinting does not violate constitutional rights 1,8
Official opinion: firearms, permits 2,5 Official opinion: motor vehicle titles not
required for business trust 2,5 Unofficial opinion: sexual offenders
registration and release of relevant information 2,5 Unofficial opinion: compensation for magistrates 2,5 Unofficial opinion: residency requirement for county officers 2,5 Unofficial opinion: fines in criminal and traffic cases 2,5 Official opinion: fingerprinting for misdemeanor offence 3,8 Official opinion: crimes, statute of limitations on deposit account fraud 3,8 Official opinion: firearms, nolo contendere pleas 3,8
Awards and Honors
Chief Justice Robert Benham receives 1997 Distinguished Service Scroll Award from UGA Law School Association 1,2 Receives Turner Broadcasting System Trumpet Award 3,2 Receives Distinguished Service Award from the MLK Jr. State Holiday Commission; photograph 3,21
Judge Dorothy T. Beasley, Court of Appeals, receives Doctor of Humane Letters, St. Lawrence University 1,2
Judge Kenneth 0. Nix, Cobb Judicial Circuit, receives 1997 Ogden Doremus Award from Council of State Court Judges 1,2
Judge J.D. Smith, Court of Appeals, recognized for service as co-chair of Supreme Court Committee on Substance Abuse; photograph 1,4

Caseload
Data chart for 1996 calendar year 3,9
Child Placement Proceedings Project
Final report of assessment committee 1,4 Develops standards for child deprivation
cases 2,5; 4,4
Council of Court Administrators
Richard Jugar receives 1997 President's Award 3,2
Skip Chesshire honored as Court Administrator of the Year 3,2
Rockdale County Integrated Management System named 1997 most innovative program for administration of justice; photograph 4,5
Court of Appeals
Court of Appeals hears oral arguments in restored Cherokee County Courthouse; photograph 4,20
Court Reporting
Board meeting and elections; photograph 1,7
Court Technology
Creation of Superior and State Court Information System 1,5
Dekalb Recorder's Court accepts credit card payments by phone 2,6
Gwinnett County launches video warrant system; photograph 3,6
District Attorneys
Appointments 4,2
Drug Courts
Bibb County Drug Court marks fourth anniversary 3,9
Fulton Drug Court convenes at Therell High School, Atlanta; photograph 4,7

Equality Commission
Publishes "Guide to Bias-Free Communication" and 1996-97 Annual Report 1,7
Holds court interpreters workshop 2,3
Family Violence Commission
Releases Model Medical Protocol; photograph 1,1; 1,9
Hosts annual statewide conference; photographs 2,2
Involved in study of family violence protective orders 3,3
New members sworn in; photograph 3,7
Federal Courts
Judge Richard W. Story sworn in 3,2
Judicial Branch Appropriations
FY '99 Appropriations increase 4,8
Judicial Council
Creates committee for Pro Se Litigation assessment 1,1; 1,9
New members 1,2 Meeting highlights: approves pilot project,
recommends six new superior court judgeships; photographs 3,1;
Judicial Qualifications Commission
Opinions 220-221 1,7 Publishes new rules governing political
conduct 2,1 Opinions 222-223 2,4 Opinions 224-225 3,8 Opinions 226-227 4,4 New member appointed 4,2
Juvenile Courts
Appointments 1,2; 2,2
Legislation
1998 Session begins 2,1 1998 legislative preview 2,10 New superior court judgeships created 4,9 Summaries of passed legislation,
1998 session 4,9

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

Obituaries Judge Oliver Wendel Horne Jr. 1,2 Judge Dunbar Harrison 3,2 Judge Robert J. Noland 3,2 Judge Marcus B. Calhoun 4,2
Probation Advisory Council Private probation FY '97 caseload data 1,3
Senate Structured Sentencing Commission Meets in Atlanta 1,6
Senior Judges Appointments 1,2; 4,2
Solicitors-General Appointments 4,2
State Courts Appointments 1,2; 2,2; 3,2; 4,2 New judges sworn in; photographs
1,8; 2,30; 3,22

Substance Abuse and the Courts
Database of treatment providers on Internet 1,4
Superior Court Clerks
Tenth District holds training session for clerks; photograph 2,3
Superior Courts
Appointments 1,2; 3,2 Judge Oxendine holds probation
revocation hearings at jail 1,8 1964 Seminar for Trial Judges; photograph
2,4 Judicial Council recommends new
judgeships in five circuits 3,1 Costs of new judgeship and circuit division
3,16
Supreme Court
Approves amendment to State Bar rules on judicial elections 3,3
Chief Justice Benham delivers State of the Judiciary Address 3,1
Court Clerk and Reporter offices relocate 4,2

Index compiled by Sam Byrd.

;

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?!~~~~~~~~

I.~~ Georgia Indigent Defense Council County Awards for FY 1998

County

1990 Pop. U.S. Census

CT% Indigent
Caseload

CT% Indigent Defense
Expenditures

~W
Award of Funds

County

1990 Pop. U.S. Census

CT% Indigent
Caseload

CT%

FY98

Indigent Defense Award of

Expenditures

Funds

Appling

15,744

Atkinson

6,213

Bacon

9,566

Baker

3,615

Baldwin

39,530

Banks

10,308

Barrow

29,721

Bartow

55,911

Ben Hill

16,245

Berrien*

14, 153

Bibb

149,967

Bleckely

10,430

Brantley

11,077

Brooks

15,398

Bryan

15,438

Bulloch*

43,125

Burke

20,579

Butts

15,326

Calhoun

5,013

Camden

30,167

Candler

7,744

Carroll

71,422

Catoosa*

42,464

Charlton

8,496

Chatham

216,935

Chattahoochee* 16,934

Chattooga*

22,242

Cherokee

90,204

Clarke

87,594

Clay

3,364

Clayton

182,052

Clinch

6, 160

Cobb

447,745

Coffee

29,592

Colquitt

36,645

Columbia

66,031

Cook*

13,456

Coweta

53,853

Crawford

8,991

Crisp

20,011

Dade*

13,147

Dawson

9,429

Decatur

25,511

Dekalb

545,837

Dodge

17,607

Dooly

9,901

Dougherty

96,311

Douglas

71 ,120

Early

11 ,854

Echols

2,334

Effingham*

25,687

Elbert

18,949

Emanuel

20,546

Evans

8,724

Fannin

15,992

Fayette

62,415

Floyd

81 ,251

Forsyth

44,083

Franklin

16,650

Fulton

648,951

Gilmer

13,368

Glascock

2,357

Glynn

62,496

Gordon*

35,072

Grady

20,279

Greene

11,793

Gwinnett

352,91 O

Habersham

27,621

Hall

95,428

Hancock

8,908

Haralson

21,966

Harris

17,788

Hart

19,712

Heard

8,628

Henry

58,741

Houston

89,208

Irwin

8,649

Jackson

30,005

Jasper

8,453

Jeff Davis

12,032

Jefferson

17,408

85 771 246
26 1,453
73 363 574 151
0 2,983
167 280 124 490
0 587 253
88 516
58 641
0 313 5,755
0 0 771 3,801 48 5,219 87 9,953 574 417 1,096 0 895 88 239 0 189 239 17,582 269 103 3,216 1,597 251 21 0 372 149 206 216 307 2,014 740 276 21,239 172 19 1,881 0 221 737 4,318 327 1,254 123 183 155 284 83 2,085 4,973 141 526 136 105 277

*Did not apply for funding (18 counties)

$44,120.97 7,500.00
39,724.47 9,276.00
308,560.00 18,818.00 80,753.19
148,048.11 30,893.00 0.00
902,400.00 15,830.26 44,915.20 48,263.52 70,212.49 0.00 60,230.02 56,353.12 13,406.50
199,957.38 11,704.15
185,546.00 0.00
38,676.00 1,974,826.00
0.00 0.00 298,233.00 1,018,397.00 15,002.47 965,592.14 7,800.00 2,280,869.00 87,477.80 111,164.64 93,512.34 0.00 160,333.00 20, 156.00 39,277.31 0.00 56,447.54 77,767.71 3,082,415.00 27,131.93 19,632.01 1,393,898.00 463,394.00 37,000.00 10,614.46 0.00 38,357.25 33,937.74 50,167.83 34,632.00 162,183.68 471,997.14 124,913.33 38,357.25 4,992,502.40 57,486.95 4,060.00 644,837.00 0.00 59,857.25 39,883.09 1,376,279.00 84,770.32 489,408.11 34,450.00 28,377.05 26,779.15 38,357.25 15,000.00 325,247.41 393,876.00 47,000.00 84,277.00 25,000.00 43,531.00 28,397.26

$5,318.32 7,559.83 5,246.65 1,240.68
30,486.99 3,245.66 11,546.48
20,717.32 5,445.08 0.00
85,720.37 3,901.12 5,996.80 5,714.08 9,428.68 0.00
10,807.92 7,019.98 2,151.20
17,262.69 2,373.05
25,603.15 0.00
5,532.76 160,212.28
0.00 0.00 34,401.27 84,564.06 1,579.00 111,871.25 2,154.61 248,870.38 13,438.96 14,425.06 24,754.92 0.00 23,316.68 3,162.07 7,171.59 0.00 5,390.26 9,650.81 357,653.54 6,498.61 3,435.16 95,535.36 43,407.74 5,622.53 1,005.91 0.00 7,985.64 6,364.47 5,156.91 6,049.15 20,374.75 48,959.57 18,909.96 6,787.36 477,122.19 6,047.50 751.38 50,734.01 0.00 7,843.94 9,559.07 152,647.87 11,009.48 46,308.83 3,953.04 6,698.41 5,619.09 7,435.98 2,861.90 39,773.91 70,970.40 2,767.94 13,019.80 3,618.28 4,744.86 6,570.73

Jenkins* Johnson Jones Lamar Lanier* Laurens Lee Liberty Lincoln Long Lowndes Lumpkin Macon Madison Marion* Mcduffie Mcintosh Meriwether Miller Mitchell Monroe Montgomery Morgan Murray Muscogee Newton Oconee Oglethorpe Paulding Peach Pickens Pierce Pike Polk Pulaski Putnam Quitman Rabun Randolph Richmond Rockdale Schley Screven* Seminole Spalding Stephens Stewart Sumter Talbot* Taliaferro Tattnall Taylor*
Telfair Terrell Thomas Tift*
Toombs Towns Treutlen Troup Turner* Twiggs Union Upson Walker* Walton Ware Warren Washington Wayne Webster Wheeler White Whitfield Wilcox Wilkes Wilkinson Worth

8,247 8,329 20,739 13,038 5,531 39,988 16,250 52,745 7,442 6,202 75,981 14,573 13,114 21,050 5,590 20,119 8,634 22,411 6,280 20,275 17,113 7,163 12,883 26,147 179,278 41,808 17,618 9,763 41,611 21,189 14,432 13,328 10,224 33,815 8,108 14,137 2,209 11,648 8,023 189,719 54,091 3,588 13,842 9,010 54,457 23,257 5,654 30,228 6,524 1,915 17,722 7,642 11,000 10,653 38,986 34,998 24,072 6,754 5,994 55,536 8,703 9,806 11,993 26,300 58,340 38,586 35,471 6,078 19,112 22,356 2,263 4,903 13,006 72,462 7,008 10,597 10,228 19,745

0 155 373 255
0 733 170 1,160
88 184 1,113 127 423 204
0 195 432 287 97 177 214 65 276 200 10,047 1,695 314 120 366 413 140 166 71 420 116 328
8 138 79 3,923 1,420 120
0 85 1,840 301 120 1,412
0 10 250
0 205 140 633
0 96 22 305 2,314
0 62 82 471
0 1,125 2,667
38 293 251
25 50 128 818 44 183 211 444

0.00 16, 103.00 70,577.00 82,057.67
0.00 141,000.00
36,632.09 340,650.00
18,399.00 70,725.00 479,770.09 175,799.50 42,483.33 38,357.25
0.00 33,665.89 53,648.77 68,741.19 13,970.94 53,196.00 62,656.87 10,339.11 76,999.00 57,000.00 672,733.00 266,650.81 79,728.00 20,922.14 89,200.00 83,900.00 135,203.60 17,725.00 24,513.15 35,000.00 12,454.76 122,475.00
6,436.39 42,064.98 19,658.61 701,656.86 287,307.00
7,144.00 0.00
19,481.78 345,000.00
77,199.00 12,920.00 146,390.82
0.00 5,000.00 137,654.82
0.00 17,049.90 55,987.96 203,144.85
0.00 45,752.51
8,075.93 23,271.00 201,600.00
0.00 11,200.00 27,283.04 135,000.00
0.00 250,886.50 338,192.60
13,709.58 29,778.62 96,741.00
3,334.24 7,318.98 21,666.34 199,000.00 12,704.04 17,023.57 32,757.50 66,576.80

0.00 3,414.72 9,530.89 7,551.83
0.00 18,668.46
5,809.09 31,887.91
2,800.76 5,263.40 41,119.05 10,310.79 7,426.26 7,059.47
0.00 6,636.33 7,055.08 9,102.71 2,485.49 7,248.32 7,287.19 2,266.67 7,500.54 8,693.80 138,637.47 31,280.67 8,807.34 3,591.00 14,156.61 10,427.26 8,880.75 4,517.53 3,425.05 11,082.55 2,928.90 9,838.12
724.29 4,877.89 2,887.42 93,303.46 32,221.56 1,899.40
0.00 3,116.98 37,751.15 9,688.83 2,508.62 22,369.22
0.00 630.61 10,470.07
0.00 4,355.67 5,219.93 19,991.67
0.00 7,057.91 1,764.66 4,419.78 36,384.68
0.00 2,780.17 3,952.92 13,758.26
0.00 25,574.77 40,405.40
1,970.86 7,074.19 9,846.26
753.91 1,604.02 4,301.82 27,700.00 2, 158.78 4,103.77 4,838.15 9,753.65

TOTALS

6,478,216

147,608 $31,499,298.57 $3,500,000.00

Source: The Georgia Indigent Defense Council - www.gidc.com

October 1998

9

Georgia Courts Journal

GIDC guest editorial
continued from page 8
to implement a statewide public defender system. This latter concept could dramatically improve indigent defense services even in our poorest counties. Prudence alone suggests that the proposal should be studied in the future.
Political rhetoric As for the present, just last week,
two candidates for governor criticized a third candidate for his past actions. One denounced the third candidate's representation of an accused child molester; while the other disagreed with the third candidate's vote, while he was a state legislator, against a measure that the third candidate knew would fail to pass constitutional muster. Both attacks should shake all of us to the very core.
The charge that one is unworthy of political office because they have represented individuals accused of crimes, heinous or otherwise, is reprehensible. To paraphrase one of my heroes, the American system of justice is the worst system of justice in the world, save for every other system of justice. The judicial system in this country works because there are zealous advocates on both sides.
When an attorney takes a case and vigorously represents a defendant, he or she safeguards all of our rights. To suggest that a private practitioner can pick and choose which types of cases are taken starts us down a plummet that cannot be stopped. Which types of cases can safely be defended while maintaining a politically correct posture? Are murder and molestation cases forbidden for one who might one day seek a position of public service? Should shoplifting cases be shunned, so that shopkeepers are not alienated?
Not long ago, a judge seeking re-

election decried how his challenger had once represented a defendant accused in a conspiracy to import and distribute cocaine. The incumbent brashly stated that he was for law and order, but of course his opponent's handling of the drug case showed that he must believe otherwise. The judge failed to mention that he, personally, had asked the attorney to take the narcotics case because an experienced and dedicated professional was needed.
Had the defense attorney turned gubernatorial candidate once represented an African American who chose, illegally, to sit in the front row of a bus, would the other candidates dare to now castigate him? In this day and age, I think not. Yet, 50 years ago, who knows?
Still reeling from the first charge, the same candidate was lambasted because he had once voted against a measure that he knew was unconstitutional. This was not a moral question of whether the proposed legislation had good purpose.

Rather, it was a studied and professional decision that, as written, the bill was illegal. To pass such legislation would destine the state to months, if not years, of expensive and ultimately fruitless legal battles. Better to stop the improper measure in its infancy than to carelessly and frivolously waste taxpayers' money that the politician had sworn to protect.
I am dismayed that our politicians are so desperate for a "sound bite" that they challenge our very right to representation and our common sense. Rather than condemn defense attorneys for the cases they take, each day we should commend them for the courage and fortitude they display when they take on unpopular causes and secure the rights that
each of us expects as an American. tc.
Editor's note Repnnted with permission from the July/August 1998 issue of Indigent Defense Issues. The opm10ns presented here are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the v1ewpomt of the Judicial Council or the Admm1strahve Office of the Courts.

Georgia Courts Journal

10

October 1998

Supreme Court Committee on Substance Abuse co-hosts first annual training conference

The Supreme Court Committee on Substance Abuse and the Courts and the Georgia Association of Drug Court Professionals recently co-hosted their first annual training conference, "Drug Courts: Making a Difference, One Life at a Time." The conference, held in Macon on July 9 and 10 provided information about Georgia's drug courts and the national drug court movement. Over 100 judges, court administrators, prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement officers and treatment providers from all 10 of the state's judicial districts learned about the personnel, strategies and resources available to

help them develop local drug court programs.
Nationally known speakers included Florida Circuit Court Judge Stanley Goldstein, who outlined the history, present concerns and future development of the national drug court movement. Judge Goldstein is an expert on the drug court movement and established the nation's first drug court in Miami. Dr. Donald P. Vereen Jr., deputy director of the Office of National Drug Court Policy, presented the latest scientific evidence on substance abuse and addiction.
Georgia judges participating in panel discussions included Judge

Isaac Jenrette, Atlanta Judicial Circuit; Judge Tommy Day Wilcox, Macon Judicial Circuit; Judge Amanda Williams, Brunswick Judicial Circuit; Judge Sanford Jones, Juvenile Court of Fulton County; Judge Thomas Matthews, Juvenile Court of Bibb County; and Judge Billy Waters, Juvenile Courts of the Alcovy Judicial Circuit. Chief Justice Robert Benham was the luncheon speaker on July 9.
For more information about the training conference and/or drug court grants, contact Sandy L. Ward, director of the Supreme Court Committee on Substance Abuse and the Courts, at 404-657-4219. ~

Attorney General's opinions

Official Opinions University System employees; elective office. It is constitutional for the Board of Regents to prohibit its employees from seeking or holding state or federal elective office while they are actively employed by the University System. (4/6/98 No. 98-5)
Officers and employees, Public; termination of employment. An employer has the discretion to accept or refuse a letter of resignation that is tendered prior to the effective date of a proposed dismissal. (4/7/98 No. 98-6)
Ethics in Government; financial disclosures. Under the Ethics in Government Act, a public office holder or candidate therefor who owns more than a 10% or $20,000 interest in a corporation must disclose that interest, but only must disclose an interest in corporately owned real

estate if he has a legally enforceable right to use the land for his own personal enjoyment or profit and his interest therein has a fair market value of more than $20,000. (4/21 /98 No. 98-7)
Unofficial Opinions Marriage ceremonies. Marriage ceremonies in Georgia may be performed by any judge, including those from outside the state. (4/21/98 No. U98-5)
Firearms; local ordinances. The proposed Columbus ordinance regulating the manner and location in which a firearm may lawfully be placed in a home, building, trailer, vehicle, or boat would be ultra vires in that the ordinance conflicts with the general laws of the state of Georgia and because the regulation of firearms, with exceptions not relevant hereto, has been preempted by the General Assembly. (6/18/98 No. U98-6)

Jails; local costs. OCGA 15-21-90 does not prohibit a county from considering a reduction on a city's inmate housing bill in the amount equivalent to the 10% add-on monies paid to the county pursuant to the statute. (6/29/98 No. U98-7)
Superior courts; criminal jurisdiction over juveniles. In light of the 1997 amendments to the School Safety and Juvenile Justice Reform Act limiting the exclusive jurisdiction of the superior courts to the trials of juveniles charged with offenses enumerated in OCGA 1511-5(b)(2)(A), judges of the magistrate court may issue arrest warrants for juveniles charged with such offenses. (7/14/98 No. U98-9)
Complete copies of these opinions are available from the Administrative Office of the Courts (404-6565171). ~

October 1998

11

Georgia Courts Journal

Judicial Council grants continued from page 1

General Assembly and the Judicial Council of Georgia. Chief Justice Benham and Attorney General Baker supported her idea and asked for funds in the Judicial Council fiscal year 1999 budget. With help from many individuals the funding was obtained and will bring assistance to thousands of families statewide.
Georgia Legal Services plans to use their grant to augment services to victims and to expand training programs for service providers, attorneys and law enforcement. With new attorney positions, one in every regional office, Georgia Legal Services will serve 2,800 new clients. Special attention will be focused on domestic violence victims in rural areas and on military bases.
Atlanta Legal Aid plans to hire additional staff to work with battered spouses, seniors, children and immigrants in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett

counties. The services to be provided include advice lines for shelter staff to consult with legal aid lawyers, training programs, and referrals for intensive social services.
The Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation, through a subgrant, will receive $60,000 of the funds allocated to Atlanta Legal Aid. The group will hire another staff attorney and coordinate volunteers. Plans are underway to develop a program to teach law students to represent victims in protective orders hearings.
In addition to the $1.5 million allocated through this round of grants, an additional $500,000 remains from the appropriation. Following another competitive application process, the remaining funds will be awarded to victims' programs addressing the needs of hard-to-serve groups or particularly remote regions of the state. Announcement of these grants is expected by January 1. t?:;

(From left) Phyllis J. Holmen, executive director, Georgia Legal Services; Attorney Charles T.
Lester Jr.; Attorney General Thurbert E. Baker; Linda A. Klein, immediate past president, State Bar of Georgia; Chief Justice Robert Benham; Representative Roy Barnes; Richard Harder, president, Board of Trustees, Atlanta Legal Aid; and Steven Gottlieb, executive director, Atlanta Legal Aid, gathered in the Supreme Court courtroom for the grants presentation ceremony.

Judicial Qualifications Commission
Opinion 228
While any judicial officer or candidate may appropriately discuss the procedures of the court in general terms and/ or his qualifications, as well as those of any opponent, both the "Code of Judicial Conduct" and numerous formal advisory opinions prohibit responses to candidate questionnaires involving substantive issues of law which are likely to come before the courts.
Opinion 229
The disqualification requirement of Opinion No. 220 does not require automatic disqualification in a civil case wherein one of the parties is the designated chief deputy clerk of the superior court.
Opinion 230
There appears to be no express ethical prohibition against dual service as a part-time judge and a member of the General Assembly. However, in campaigning for the legislative position, the prestige of the judicial position must never be misused, traded upon, nor allowed to become embroiled in political controversy.
Copies of the complete opinions can be obtained from the Judicial Qualifications Commission (770-587-5208 or www.state. ga.us/Courts/Supreme/jqc. htm). t?:;

Georgia Courts Journal

12

October 1998

Northeastern, Gwinnett and Douglas Circuits get relief
Superior court judges take office

Kathlene F. Gosselin receives congratulations from the governor after being sworn in as a superior court judge of the Northeastern Judicial Circuit on June 3. Previously, Judge Gosselin presided over the State Court of Hall County.

Melodie Snell Conner was sworn in by Gov. Miller as a judge of the superior courts, Gwinnett Judicial Circuit, on July 1. Judge Conner previously served on the State Court of Gwinnett County.

New superior court judge Donald Burton Howe Jr. (second from left) is pictured here with Judge David T. Emerson (far left) and Chief
Judge Robert J. James (far right) of
the Douglas Judicial Circuit, and Gov. Miller. The swearing-in
ceremony took place on July 8 in the Supreme Court courtroom.

International group visits
Judges and scholars from South Africa, Romania, Nigeria and Pakistan visited the Court of Appeals of Georgia recently, meeting with Judge Dorothy T. Beasley to discuss the American court system. During their stay the group also visited the Fulton County Drug Court and were guests of honor at a gathering in Athens hosted by Judge Kent Lawrence of the State Court of Clarke County. Pictured here with Judge Beasley (center) are (left to right) Prof. LS. Nwatu, Judge S.V. Chirac, Mr. M.M. Tshishonga and Ms. Syeda V. Hashmi. tr:,

October 1998

13

Georgia Courts Journal

Coweta and Hall Counties
State court judges take oath of office

John Herbert Cranford (left) was sworn in by Gov. Miller as a judge of the State Court of Coweta County on May 27. The ceremony was held at the State Capitol.

Bonnie Chessher Oliver was sworn in by Gov. Miller as a judge of the State Court of Hall County on June 11. She fills the vacancy created by Judge Kathlene F. Gosselin's appointment to the superior court.

Veteran DeKalb judges move up to new judgeships

Judge Anne Workman (left photo) and Judge Wayne M. Purdom (right photo) were administered their judicial oaths of office by Gov. Miller on July 9. The double ceremony took place before an overflow crowd in the DeKalb County Courthouse. Judge Workman is the tenth superior court judge for the Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit. She is a veteran of the State Court of DeKalb County. Judge Purdom, formerly chief magistrate of DeKalb County, is the county's newest state court judge. Both positions are new judgeships created by the General Assembly.

Georgia Courts Journal

14

October 1998

New Fulton judges sworn in
August 5, 1998, Georgia State University Center
Atlanta Judicial Circuit Superior Court

Judge John f. Goger, formerly of the State Court of Fulton County, addresses the audience after being sworn in as a new judge of the Atlanta Judicial Circuit Superior Court.

Rowland W. Barnes (left) is sworn in by Gov. Miller. Judge Barnes has extensive judicial experience as a Fulton County magistrate sitting by designation on the superior court bench.

State Court of Fulton County

Brenda H. Cole was accompanied at the podium by her family as she was sworn in as a judge of the State Court of Fulton County. Judge Cole comes to the bench after serving as a Deputy Attorney General.

Henry M. Newkirk, newest member of the State Court of Fulton County, receives congratulations from the governor after being sworn in. Judge Newkirk is a former prosecutor with the Fulton County DA's office.

October 1998

15

Georgia Courts Journal

Qualifications Commission marks 25th year
Georgia's Judicial Qualifications Commission celebrated its silver anniversary on June 26, almost 25 years to the day after its inception. (The commission's inaugural meeting was held on June 25, 1973.) The invitation list included all former and present commission members and staff. Special guests included Chief Justice Robert Benham and Supreme Court Justices George H. Carley, P. Harris Hines, Carol W. Hunstein and Hugh P. Thompson.
John E. James, chairperson of the commission, presided at the dinner banquet in Macon. Chief Justice Benham addressed the 50 guests, expressing the high court's appreciation to all past and present members and thanking them for their years of service. Special recognition was given to Mary Anderson, who recently retired as commission secretary.
Two former chairpersons were present: State Court Judge J. Taylor Phillips of Macon and Attorney Harry L. Cashin Jr. of Atlanta. One member of the original commission was presentHoward Ector of Marietta, who served from 1973 to 1982. ~
Chief Justice Benham addresses dinner guests at the JQC's silver anniversary celebration.

Georgia CourtsJOURNAL
Vol. 26 No. 1
Georgia Judicial Council
Chief Justice Robert Benham, Chair Presiding Justice Norman S. Fletcher,
Vice Chair Chief Judge Gary B. Andrews
Judge Joe C. Bishop Judge William T. Boyett Judge Robert J. Castellani
Judge Howard Cook Judge Richard S. Gault Judge John E. Girardeau Judge Helen W. Harper Judge Joseph Iannazzone Judge Edward H. Johnson
Judge Cliff L. Jolliff Judge William F. Lee Jr. Judge H. Arthur McLane Judge Walter C. McMillan Jr. Judge T. Penn McWhorter Judge Charles B. Mikell Jr. Judge Thelma Wyatt Cummings Moore Judge Johnny R. Parker Judge Donny Peppers Sr. Judge T.O. Sturdivant III
Judge A.J. Welch Jr. Senior Judge E. Mullins Whisnant
Administrative Office of the Courts
Senior Communications Officer Billie Bolton
Editor Nancy K. Pevey
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, GA30334-5900, (404) 656-5171.

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

BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE
PAID ATLANTA, GA PERMIT #1880

Address Correction Requested
0 Printed on recycled paper.

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Vol. 26 No. 1 October 1998

Courts

Judicial Council grants to fund legal services for domestic violence victims

The Judicial Council has awarded $1.5 million to two agencies as part of a new effort to increase civil legal services to victims of domestic violence. The Georgia Legal Services Program, which serves 154 Georgia counties, received $1.06 million. The Atlanta Legal Aid Society Inc., which serves the five metro counties, received $440,000.
Chief Justice Robert Benham, chair of the Judicial Council, made the presentations at a ceremony held in the Supreme Court court-

room on September 1. These agencies are the first in the state to receive funding from this competitive grant program. The Georgia General Assembly provided state funds to the Judicial Council to launch this initiative. Attorney General Thurbert E. Baker and Rep. Roy E. Barnes joined the Chief Justice for the presentation.
The grant program is the culmination of an effort of the State Bar of Georgia under the leadership of Linda Klein, immediate past

In memoriam:
Court of Appeals Judge A.W. "Buck" Birdsong Jr., 1925-1998

Judge A.W. "Buck" Birdsong Jr.

tion of Excellence Award in the

died unexpectedly on June 6 of

judicial category. Fellow Court of

complications from a stroke.

Appeals Judge Edward H. Johnson

He was 73 and had

spoke at the

served for more

"Buck Birdsong loved the awards presenta-

than two decades

Court of Appeals ... he

tion, sharing his

on the Court of

loved the institution, and admiration and

Appeals. Gov. Zell Miller ordered state flags flown at half-

the role it plays within fond remem-

the legal system."

brances of Judge

Birdsong. "Those of

staff in tribute to the LaGrange

us who were privileged to serve

native.

with Buck can bear witness to his

On June 19, the State Bar of

commitment to excellence in all

Georgia honored Judge Birdsong

things," Judge Johnson said. "He

posthumously with the 1998 Tradi-

See Judge Birdsong, page 4

president. During her tenure in office, Ms. Klein received many calls from battered women around the state who were in need of ongoing legal assistance with basic matters such as housing, employment, schools and health insurance. Without such help they were unable to leave abusive spouses or boyfriends and break the cycle of violence.
Through the State Bar's Access to Justice Committee, community organizations and local bar associations were alerted to the legal needs of these women. Local bar associations "adopted" women's shelters in their communities and provided pro bono services. Ms. Klein also sought help from the
See Judicial Council grants, page 12
Inside
Celebration of Excellence .................. 5 Case-counting schedule change ..... 5 Technology Talk .................................... 6 Fulton County Family Court .............. 7 GIDC guest editorial .............................. 8 GIDC 1998 county awards ................ 9 Message from the State Bar .......... 10 Substance Abuse Committee ......... 11 AG opinions .......................................... 11 JQC opinions ....................................... 12 Swearing-in ceremonies ............ 13-15 JQC anniversary ................................. 16
See blue pages for Volume 25 index.

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Vol. 26 No. 1 October 1998

Courts

Judicial Council grants to fund legal services for domestic violence victims

The Judicial Council has awarded $1.5 million to two agencies as part of a new effort to increase civil legal services to victims of domestic violence. The Georgia Legal Services Program, which serves 154 Georgia counties, received $1.06 million. The Atlanta Legal Aid Society Inc., which serves the five metro counties, received $440,000.
Chief Justice Robert Benham, chair of the Judicial Council, made the presentations at a ceremony held in the Supreme Court court-

room on September 1. These agencies are the first in the state to receive funding from this competitive grant program. The Georgia General Assembly provided state funds to the Judicial Council to launch this initiative. Attorney General Thurbert E. Baker and Rep. Roy E. Barnes joined the Chief Justice for the presentation.
The grant program is the culmination of an effort of the State Bar of Georgia under the leadership of Linda Klein, immediate past

In memoriam:
Court of Appeals Judge A.W. "Buck" Birdsong Jr., 1925-1998

Judge A.W. "Buck" Birdsong Jr.

tion of Excellence Award in the

died unexpectedly on June 6 of

judicial category. Fellow Court of

complications from a stroke.

Appeals Judge Edward H. Johnson

He was 73 and had

spoke at the

served for more

"Buck Birdsong loved the awards presenta-

than two decades

Court of Appeals ... he

tion, sharing his

on the Court of

loved the institution, and admiration and

Appeals. Gov. Zell Miller ordered state flags flown at half-

the role it plays within fond remem-

the legal system."

brances of Judge

Birdsong. "Those of

staff in tribute to the LaGrange

us who were privileged to serve

native.

with Buck can bear witness to his

On June 19, the State Bar of

commitment to excellence in all

Georgia honored Judge Birdsong

things," Judge Johnson said. "He

posthumously with the 1998 Tradi-

See Judge Birdsong, page 4

president. During her tenure in office, Ms. Klein received many calls from battered women around the state who were in need of ongoing legal assistance with basic matters such as housing, employment, schools and health insurance. Without such help they were unable to leave abusive spouses or boyfriends and break the cycle of violence.
Through the State Bar's Access to Justice Committee, community organizations and local bar associations were alerted to the legal needs of these women. Local bar associations "adopted" women's shelters in their communities and provided pro bono services. Ms. Klein also sought help from the
See Judicial Council grants, page 12
Inside
Celebration of Excellence .................. 5 Case-counting schedule change ..... 5 Technology Talk .................................... 6 Fulton County Family Court .............. 7 GIDC guest editorial .............................. 8 GIDC 1998 county awards ................ 9 Message from the State Bar .......... 10 Substance Abuse Committee ......... 11 AG opinions .......................................... 11 JQC opinions ....................................... 12 Swearing-in ceremonies ............ 13-15 JQC anniversary ................................. 16
See blue pages for Volume 25 index.

In Brief ...

Appointments (see pages13-15 for photos)
Superior Courts
Judicial personnel: Judge Kathlene F. Gosselin was appointed to the Northeastern Judicial Circuit bench for the term June 3, 1998, through December 31, 2000. Judge Melodie Snell Conner was appointed to the Gwinnett Judicial Circuit bench for the term July 1, 1998, through December 31, 2000. Judge Hugh V. Wingfield Ill was appointed to the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit bench for the term July 7, 1998, through December 31, 2000. Judge Donald Burton Howe Jr. was appointed to the Douglas Judicial Circuit bench for the term July 8, 1998, through December 31, 2000. Judge Anne Workman was appointed to the Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit bench for the term July 9, 1998, through December 31, 2000. Judge John J. Goger was appointed to the Atlanta Judicial Circuit bench for the term August 5, 1998, through December 31, 2000. Judge Rowland W. Barnes was appointed to the Atlanta Judicial Circuit bench for the term August 5, 1998, through December 31, 2000.
District attorney: Phillip C. Smith was appointed district attorney of the Bell-Forsyth Judicial Circuit for the term July 1, 1998, through December 31, 2000.
State Courts
Judicial personnel: Judge John Herbert Cranford was appointed to the Coweta County bench for the term May 27, 1998, through December 31, 2000. Judge Bonnie Chessher Oliver was appointed to the Hall County bench for the term June 11, 1998, through December 31, 2000. Judge Wayne M. Purdom was appointed to the DeKalb County bench for the term July 9, 1998, through December 31, 2000. Judge Brenda H. Cole was appointed to the Fulton County bench for the term August 5, 1998, through December 31, 2000. Judge Henry M. Newkirk was appointed to the Fulton County bench for the term August 5, 1998, through December 31, 2000.
Solicitors-general: Robert Stokely was appointed solicitor-general of the State Court of Coweta County for the term August 14, 1998, through December 31, 2000. Claire C. Willett was appointed solicitor-general of the State Court of Mitchell County for the term August 26, 1998, through December 31, 2000.

Joseph Drolet was appointed solicitor-general of the City Court of Atlanta for the term June 24, 1998, through December 31, 2000. James Thomas Irvin was appointed solicitor-general of the State Court of Stephens County for the term July 2, 1998, through December 31, 2000. Juvenile Courts Judicial personnel: Judge Deborah Haklin was appointed associate judge of the juvenile courts of the Middle Judicial Circuit on July 15, 1998. Judge Karen Galvin was appointed associate judge of the Juvenile Court of Fulton County on August 7, 1998.
Senior Judge G. Conley Ingram was appointed a senior judge on July 8, 1998. He had been in private practice since 1977. Prior to that, Judge Ingram served on the superior and juvenile court benches in Cobb County and on the Supreme Court of Georgia from 1973 until 1977.
In memoriam Senior Judge Paul E. Caswell of Hinesville died on April 28 at the age of 90. Judge Caswell was appointed to the Superior Courts of the Atlantic Judicial Circuit in 1966. He retired from the bench in 1976 and took senior status. Former Chief Justice Hiram K. Undercofler of Atlanta died on July 23 at the age of 81. Justice Undercofler served 15 years on the Supreme Court of Georgia, retiring in 1981 and taking senior status. Before his appointment to the bench, Justice Undercofler served in the Georgia House of Representative and as Revenue Commissioner.
Judicial Council welcomes new members The Judicial Council welcomed four new members at its June meeting: Judge John E. Girardeau (Northeastern Judicial Circuit), Ninth Judicial Administrative District, replaces Judge Richard W. Story. Judge Cliff L. Joliff (Dawson and Hall Counties), president-elect, Council of Juvenile Court Judges, replaces Judge Sanford J. Jones. Judge Charles B. Mikell Jr. (Eastern Judicial Circuit), First Judicial Administrative District, replaces Judge Amanda F. Williams.
Municipal Court Judges elect new officers The new officers of the Council of Municipal Court Judges are: President - Judge Margaret Washburn, Duluth; First Vice-President - Judge Roger J. Rozen, Marietta; Second Vice-President - Judge Robert Whatley, LaGrange; Secretary - Judge William M. Coolidge Ill, Lilburn; Treasurer - Judge A. Frost Ward, Morrow.

Georgia Courts Journal

2

October 1998



In Brief ...
Supreme Court establishes Office of Commissions and Projects ...
Georgia's high court has established a Supreme Court Office of Commissions and Projects (OCP), naming William D. Cloud as director. The Supreme Court Child Placement Project, the Commission on Equality, and the Committee on Substance Abuse and the Courts are housed in this new office. . . . and names new director for Equality Commission In April, Chara Jackson was named program director of the Supreme Court Commission on Equality. Ms. Jackson is a graduate of the College of William & Mary School of Law. Prior to joining the commission, she was employed by the State Court of DeKalb County.
Justice Sears named Woman of the Year Supreme Court Justice Leah J. Sears has been named Georgia's 1998 Woman of the Year by the Georgia Commission on Women and the Georgia Woman of the Year Committee. Justice Sears was recognized for her outstanding accomplishments as the first woman and youngest person to serve on the Supreme Court of Georgia. She is also the first woman to win a contested statewide election in Georgia. The award was presented at a dinner held on July 14. She is the third woman to

receive the award, which was established in 1996. The other recipients are former First Lady Rosalynn Carter and Kennesaw State University President Betty Lentz Siegel.
GIDC honors contributors to indigent defense The Georgia Indigent Defense Council recently honored three outstanding individuals for their service and commitment to indigent dense. Stephen Bright and the Southern Center for Human Rights received the 1998 Commitment to Excellence Award. Mr. Bright has been the director of the center since 1982. H.B. Nicholson, who served on the council for 10 years and is former chairperson of Coca-Cola Europe, received the Harold G. Clarke Equal Justice Award. The Gideon's Trumpet Award was presented to Corinne Mull of the DeKalb County Public Defender's Office.
CJCC schedules fall meeting The Governor's Criminal Justice Coordinating Council will hold its fall meeting at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth from 9:30 to 6:00 on November 12, and from 9:00 to 1:00 on November 13. Public comment concerning criminal justice issues is invited. For more information, call 404-559-4949.

Please note!

Supreme Court clerks

1998-99 Georgia Courts serve the public

Directory additions

Due to an oversight, the listings for the City Court of Atlanta on page 34 of the Georgia Courts Directory are incomplete. The six judges below should have been included. We apologize for the error.

At 104 Trinity Ave., S. W. Atlanta, GA 30335 phone:404-658-6919 Judge Myra H. Dixon Judge Larry M. Paul Judge Nina M. Radakovich Judge Julie M.T. Walker



At 260 Central Ave., S. W. Atlanta, GA 30335 phone: 404-658-7049 Judge Lenwood A. Jackson Judge Calvin Skelton Graves

Supreme Court Clerk Sherie M. Welch (left) made a recent visit to the Office of the Clerk of the Alabama Supreme Court in Montgomery, Alabama. Assistant Clerk Louise B. Livingston is shown with Ms. Welch at the main entry to the Clerk's Office. The neighborly visit provided an opportunity for exchange of ideas. Robert Esdale Sr. is the Clerk of the Alabama Supreme Court.~

October 1998

3

Georgia Courts Journal

In memoriam: Judge A.W. "Buck" Birdsong Jr. continued from page 1

was a man of honor, honor learned first at the knees of his parents and grandparents, and later brought to full blossom by his experience at West Point. He brought to his task common sense honed and polished by real work experience."
Judge Johnson recalled Judge Birdsong's commitment to the court and the field of law, saying, "Buck Birdsong loved the Court of Appeals. I do not mean by this that he loved the judges with whom he served, although it was clear to each of us that he did. I mean he loved the institution, and the role it plays within the legal system." Judge Johnson also praised Judge Birdsong as a friend, husband, father, and a man who "had a truly wonderful sense of humor."
Gov. George Busbee appointed Judge Birdsong to the appellate court in 1977. He served a term as chief judge of the court, beginning in 1987. Before joining the court, Judge Birdsong was a trial lawyer in LaGrange for 26 years and served as judge of the Juvenile Court of Troup County from 1958 to 1976.
Judge Birdsong attended LaGrange High School, Marion Military Institute, Georgia Military Academy and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He earned his law degree from the University of Georgia. Judge Birdsong also served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1947. He belonged to the State Bar of Georgia, the Coweta Bar Association and the Troup County Bar Association, and served on committees of the American Bar Association.
Judge Birdsong had announced his plans to retire at the end of 1998. A portrait of Judge Birdsong will be unveiled at a ceremony in the Court of Appeals courtroom on October 19. "He was a close friend to everyone on the court, and we miss him," Chief Judge Gary B.
Andrews said. tc-

"He was a wonderful man and a great mentor. He cared so much about the court, and was interested in helping new judges be the best that they can be," said Presiding Judge Edward H. Johnson (left), shown here with Judge Birdsong.
JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF GEORGIA RESOLUTION
HONORING
Ju()ge A. W. (Buck) Bir()song, Jr.
W1iem:1s Judge Birdsong was a member of the Court ol' Appeals of Georgia for mon; than 20 years, serving with distinction throughout that period as a judge, Presiding Judge arnl for a term w; Chief Judge, and
\\?fiereas prior to his appointment to the Court of Appeals of Georgia. he served as judge of the Juve11ile Court of Troup County from 1958 - 1976, and
\\?fiereas Judge Birdsong"s strong beliefs, keen intelligence and sense of fairness earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues on the bench, and
\\?fiereas Judge Birdsong"s abilities as a conciliator and legal scholar were an asset to the judiciary of the State of Georgia. and
\\?fiereas Judge Birdsong worked tirelessly on behalf of the citizens of Georgia through his commitment lo excellence and belief in the rnlc of law, and
\\?fiereas Judge Birdsong"s exemplary service on the Court of Appeals of Georgia will he remembered and his absence felt for many years to come, and
\\?fiereas Judge Birdsong served on the Judicial Council of Georgia and was a revered friencl to many others who have served on tlw Council.
Xow tfiereJore 6e it resofoe~ that the members of this body do hereby express to the
Birdsong family their sadness upon the death of our colleague and friend, a11d
do honor and acknowledge the contributions of .fudge A.W. Birdsong, Jr. to the courts and the citizens of the State of Georgia, this 28"' day of July, 1998.

Georgia Courts Journal

4

October 1998

ABA Outstanding Public Service Project
Georgia court personnel help make Celebration ~ of Educational Excellence a success

The annual Celebration of Educational Excellence, a party to honor foster children as they graduate from high school, was held on June 11 at the Fulton County Government Center. The event included an awards ceremony, presentations by eight of the 160 graduates, music, dancing, and refreshments. Approximately 600 people attended.
Michelle Barclay, organizing chair of the 1998 Celebration of Educational Excellence and director of the Supreme Court Child Placement Project, says the event was started six years ago by child advocates in DeKalb County. These advocates discovered that some of the children on their caseloads had gone through their high school graduations without anyone in attendance to cheer them on, so they gave them a party. Each year this event has expanded to more counties and now includes all 159.
Chief Judge Glenda Hatchett of

the Juvenile Court of Fulton County presided over the ceremonies. Associate Juvenile Court Judge Luz Cloy of the Atlantic Judicial Circuit presented the keynote speech. Judge Cloy grew up in foster care herself, living in 13 placements in her 15 years in foster care.
Georgia court personnel and child advocates volunteered at the event and helped finance catering, a band, decorations, and gifts for the graduates. Other sponsors included the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services, the Younger Lawyer Division of the State Bar of Georgia, Delta Airlines, Keenan's Kids, and Worldspan. Numerous private businesses provided in-kind contributions.
Selected as project of the year The Georgia Celebration of Edu-
cational Excellence was recently selected as the best project for service to the public out of all the

American Bar Association Younger Lawyer Division affiliate projects in the United States. This is the second national honor the project has received in recent months. In June, the Celebration of Educational Excellence was selected to be showcased at the Annual ABA Affiliate Outreach Project conference. Ms. Barclay and Associate Judge Karen Galvin, Juvenile Court of Fulton County, who serves as outgoing co-chair of the Juvenile Law Committee, will be in Philadelphia on October 29 and 30, teaching lawyers from across the country how to start a Celebration of Excellence in their home states. Ms. Barclay has written a "how-to" Project Pamphlet which will be distributed at the conference.
Plans for the 1999 Celebration of Educational Excellence are already underway. Anyone interested in contributing to this event should call Ms. Barclay at 404-657-9219. to

Judicial Council votes to change case-counting schedule

At its June meeting the Judicial Council of Georgia voted to begin the court system's annual case count earlier in the calendar year. Under the new schedule, requests for new judgeships will be made in April (rather than September), case counting will be completed by July (rather than November), and the Judicial Council will vote on recommendations for new judgeships by September (rather than December). The new schedule will be effective in 1999.
Judges and other court personnel initially requested the change. They

believe it will give them needed time to contact their local legislators about new judgeship requests before the legislative session begins. The schedule change will also allow circuits to get their funding requests into the governor's annual budget recommendation, and will allow for more timely caseload reporting to national organizations.
The annual case count is a cooperative project involving the judicial administrative districts and the Administrative Office of the Courts. Each year the district court administrators hire workers to collect the

information locally. The AOC then compiles the caseload data and calculates the weighted caseload according to a formula devised by the Judicial Council, so that workloads can be compared on an equal basis. The results are used to establish the need for additional superior. court judgeships.
In a related matter, Chief Justice Robert Benham appointed a committee of judges chaired by Presiding Justice Norman S. Fletcher to study the future of the case count. For more information, contact Holly Sparrow at 404-651-6327. to

October 1998

5

Georgia Courts Journal

Talk. ~ . Technology Talk . .. Technology Talk . .. Technology Talk . .. Technology Talk . ..

DeKalb courtroom modernizes evidence presentation

Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit

The system has three "access

Judge Hilton Fuller now presides

points," located at the podium,

in a courtroom suitable for the 21st

which attorneys can use to present

century. Installation of a high-tech

evidence over the monitors:

evidence presentation system has

The ELMO Visual Presenter is

been completed with grants from

basically a "sophisticated overhead

state-appropriated funds to the

projector," Judge Fuller says. The

Georgia Courts Automation

ELMO allows attorneys to show

Commission (GCAC).

documents, slides, transparencies,

The system presents evidence

three-dimensional objects, and film

over monitors located at the judge's negatives. A zoom lens provides

bench, the podium, both counsel

close-up views when necessary. A

tables, the jury box and gallery. A

light pen enables counsel or wit-

seven-foot drop-down screen is also nesses to annotate exhibits on the

available. Judge Fuller says the new monitor with freehand drawings or

system increases efficiency, because pointers in a choice of seven differ-

items entered into evidence, such as ent colors. These markings are easily

photos, can be shown over the

removed or changed, and an anno-

monitors or on the drop-down

tated document or photo can be

screen, rather than passed around

printed by the courtroom's color

by hand. Many people can see a

printer in 45 seconds.

small exhibit at the same time. "It

The system's high-quality multi-

significantly improves the quality of function VCR can be used to show

certain exhibits shown to the jury,"

video presentations. The built-in

he says.

VCR is less cumbersome and does

not have to be

rolled in on a

stand, as must

be done in other

courtrooms.

Trailing cables

and power

cords are not

needed, which

lessens the trip-

ping hazard.

Computer

audio and video

input at both

counsel tables

can be used to

show computer-

The system's evidence-presentation tools are available from the podium. designed

Pictured here: the ELMO overhead projection system, video monitor

presentations

with light pen and audio input.

and animations.

The system is controlled from the bench via a touch-pad panel. This allows the judge to quickly turn on
Judge Fuller demonstrates the touch-pad control panel.
or off any of the monitors if, for example, an exhibit should not be shown to the entire courtroom.
Judge Fuller reports favorable feedback from jurors and witnesses. They seem very comfortable with the technology, he says, because most are used to seeing computers and video monitors in their homes and offices. While the system looks complex, it's really very simple to use, he says. Attorneys take five minutes to review the system, and they're ready to use it. However, "we're not to be slaves to this," Judge Fuller says. "It's a tool as long lawyers find it helpful."
Plans are underway to add a teleconferencing component to the system. Witnesses will be able to testify from any location with teleconferencing facilities.
The installation was completed in one weekend, according to Don Forbes, director of GCAC. One important feature of the system is that it is unobtrusive and complements the courtroom, he says. No cables
Continued next page

Talk . .. Technology Talk . . '. Technology Talk . .. Technology Talk . .. Technology Talk . ..

Georgia Courts Journal

6

October 1998

In Brief ...

Appointments (see pages13-15 for photos)
Superior Courts
Judicial personnel: Judge Kathlene F. Gosselin was appointed to the Northeastern Judicial Circuit bench for the term June 3, 1998, through December 31, 2000. Judge Melodie Snell Conner was appointed to the Gwinnett Judicial Circuit bench for the term July 1, 1998, through December 31, 2000. Judge Hugh V. Wingfield Ill was appointed to the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit bench for the term July 7, 1998, through December 31, 2000. Judge Donald Burton Howe Jr. was appointed to the Douglas Judicial Circuit bench for the term July 8, 1998, through December 31, 2000. Judge Anne Workman was appointed to the Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit bench for the term July 9, 1998, through December 31, 2000. Judge John J. Goger was appointed to the Atlanta Judicial Circuit bench for the term August 5, 1998, through December 31, 2000. Judge Rowland W. Barnes was appointed to the Atlanta Judicial Circuit bench for the term August 5, 1998, through December 31, 2000.
District attorney: Phillip C. Smith was appointed district attorney of the Bell-Forsyth Judicial Circuit for the term July 1, 1998, through December 31, 2000.
State Courts
Judicial personnel: Judge John Herbert Cranford was appointed to the Coweta County bench for the term May 27, 1998, through December 31, 2000. Judge Bonnie Chessher Oliver was appointed to the Hall County bench for the term June 11, 1998, through December 31, 2000. Judge Wayne M. Purdom was appointed to the DeKalb County bench for the term July 9, 1998, through December 31, 2000. Judge Brenda H. Cole was appointed to the Fulton County bench for the term August 5, 1998, through December 31, 2000. Judge Henry M. Newkirk was appointed to the Fulton County bench for the term August 5, 1998, through December 31, 2000.
Solicitors-general: Robert Stokely was appointed solicitor-general of the State Court of Coweta County for the term August 14, 1998, through December 31, 2000. Claire C. Willett was appointed solicitor-general of the State Court of Mitchell County for the term August 26, 1998, through December 31, 2000.

Joseph Drolet was appointed solicitor-general of the City Court of Atlanta for the term June 24, 1998, through December 31, 2000. James Thomas Irvin was appointed solicitor-general of the State Court of Stephens County for the term July 2, 1998, through December 31, 2000. Juvenile Courts Judicial personnel: Judge Deborah Haklin was appointed associate judge of the juvenile courts of the Middle Judicial Circuit on July 15, 1998. Judge Karen Galvin was appointed associate judge of the Juvenile Court of Fulton County on August 7, 1998.
Senior Judge G. Conley Ingram was appointed a senior judge on July 8, 1998. He had been in private practice since 1977. Prior to that, Judge Ingram served on the superior and juvenile court benches in Cobb County and on the Supreme Court of Georgia from 1973 until 1977.
In memoriam Senior Judge Paul E. Caswell of Hinesville died on April 28 at the age of 90. Judge Caswell was appointed to the Superior Courts of the Atlantic Judicial Circuit in 1966. He retired from the bench in 1976 and took senior status. Former Chief Justice Hiram K. Undercofler of Atlanta died on July 23 at the age of 81. Justice Undercofler served 15 years on the Supreme Court of Georgia, retiring in 1981 and taking senior status. Before his appointment to the bench, Justice Undercofler served in the Georgia House of Representative and as Revenue Commissioner.
Judicial Council welcomes new members The Judicial Council welcomed four new members at its June meeting: Judge John E. Girardeau (Northeastern Judicial Circuit), Ninth Judicial Administrative District, replaces Judge Richard W. Story. Judge Cliff L. Joliff (Dawson and Hall Counties), president-elect, Council of Juvenile Court Judges, replaces Judge Sanford J. Jones. Judge Charles B. Mikell Jr. (Eastern Judicial Circuit), First Judicial Administrative District, replaces Judge Amanda F. Williams.
Municipal Court Judges elect new officers The new officers of the Council of Municipal Court Judges are: President - Judge Margaret Washburn, Duluth; First Vice-President - Judge Roger J. Rozen, Marietta; Second Vice-President - Judge Robert Whatley, LaGrange; Secretary - Judge William M. Coolidge Ill, Lilburn; Treasurer - Judge A. Frost Ward, Morrow.

Georgia Courts Journal

2

October 1998

Fulton County Family Court opens its doors

Ceremonies on July 1 launched the Fulton County Family Court pilot project. Based on the "one family, one judge" principle, the court is designed to eliminate duplicative hearings, delays, and sometimes contradictory rulings. "We are going to empower people to find solutions that work for them and their families and, most especially, for their children," says Judge Thelma Wyatt Cummings Moore, the project coordinator.
The new court's jurisdiction includes divorce, child support, custody, legitimation, paternity, visitation, termination of parental rights, name change, contempt, deprivation, abandonment and
1
Technology Talk . ..

Evidence presentation
continued
or cords are visible. In this kind of installation, the needs of the courtroom are always the first consideration. He suggests cabling and wiring new courtrooms for this capability while under construction.
A second installation was recently completed in Judge Michael L. Karpf's courtroom in the Eastern Judicial Circuit, with the costs shared between the county and GCAC. GCAC hopes to expand the project further, based upon the availability of funds. Because most of the equipment is portable, one possibility is to provide one podium and screen per circuit. For more information contact Don Forbes at 404-657-4006. Court personnel are welcomed to schedule visits to Judge Fuller or Judge
Karpf's courtrooms. to
' ... Technology Talk . ..

neglect, adoption, adult and minor guardianships, and felony and misdemeanor domestic violence cases. In the past, these matters were handled variously by superior, state, juvenile, magistrate, probate and municipal courts.
The family court will have a three-year tryout. Judges Alford J. Dempsey Jr. and Cynthia D. Wright will preside for the first 12 to 18 months. Judges Gail S. Tusan and T. Jackson Bedford Jr. will hear cases in the latter half of the project.
Family Law Information Center helps do-it-yourselfers
The Family Court also opened an information center on July 1. The Family Law Information Center hopes to make the court system a little more "user-friendly," offering assistance to pro se litigants in matters including divorce, name change, contempt actions, and legitimation.
The Family Law Information Center reduces the need for timeconsuming legal research by providing, for a $2 fee, a packet of forms and step-by-step instructions for each action. Other general information sheets and pamphlets are available free of charge. A paralegal is on

hand to answer basic questions. An attorney from Atlanta Legal Aid is present three mornings each week, and pro se litigants can call ahead to schedule an appointment. Most consultations last 20 to 30 minutes.
Sandra Howell, manager of Fulton County's law library, helped develop the information center. She reports that approximately 20 people each day come in seeking information, mostly about divorce procedures. Other information packets will soon be available; packages on paternity establishment and modification of child support are nearly complete. Plans are also underway to make the information available over the Internet.
The center's furnishings include tables and chairs, bookshelves, a copy machine, telephone, and a children's play area. Most of the supplies and furniture were loaned, recycled from other locations in the courthouse or donated. Setting up the center was a "shared effort," Ms. Howell says. "We were able to do a lot without a lot of money." She invites court personnel interested in setting up their own center or learning more about the Family Law Information Center to call her
at 404-730-4546. to

Judge Thelma Wyatt Cummings Moore (right) spearheaded the creation of the Family Court. She is pictured here at the opening ceremonies with Angel Wheeler, the court's deputy director.

October 1998

7

Georgia Courts Journal

GJDC guest editorial
lolta ruling and political rhetoric threaten justice for all

by Michael B. Shapiro Executive Director Georgia Indigent Defense Council
As I write this column, two issues weigh heavily upon me. The first involves the continued funding of the Georgia Indigent Defense Council, and thus has significance to poor people accused of crimes and the judicial system in general. The second concerns assaults upon criminal defense attorneys seeking political office, which affects all citizens.
A few short weeks ago, the Supreme Courtof the United States handed down a ruling in the case
IOLTA programs group these small accounts together and thus produce significant interest income. In Georgia alone, over four million dollars was generated last year.
of Phillips v. Washington Legal Faundation. While many have never heard of this decision, it may drastically affect the way civil and criminal legal services are delivered, if indeed such services continued to be offered, to those unable to afford counsel.
In Phillips, the Washington Legal Foundation, a conservative political action group, made its third attack on "Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts" (IOLTA) programs. Since Florida created the first IOLTA system in 1981, every state in the union, plus the District of Columbia, has implemented a plan

that pools the interest generated on lawyers' escrow accounts. Because many client's funds are held in escrow accounts for a very short period of time, or involve
Unlike most states, which award most if not all of the IOLTA funds to civil indigent legal services,
Georgia uses a significant portion of the IOLTA funds
to provide indigent legal services in criminal cases.
extremely small amounts, by themselves these resources would rarely, if ever, produce even enough interest to offset the bank's service charges for maintaining the account. IOLTA programs group these small accounts together and thus produce significant interest income. In Georgia alone, over four million dollars was generated last year.
Unlike most states, which award most if not all of the IOLTA funds to civil indigent legal services, Georgia uses a significant portion of the IOLTA funds to provide indigent legal services in criminal cases. Forty percent of the interest on lawyers trust accounts goes to the Georgia Indigent Defense Council for operational costs. These funds are used for a variety of reasons, including the salaries of council staff members, rent and other overhead, but most importantly to provide training, services and technical resources to indigent defense attorneys working in one hundred and fifty-nine counties. A loss of IOLTA funding would

mean that, following a dramatic rise in the type and quantity of services offered by the Georgia Indigent Defense Council, some aid would have to be curtailed or even eliminated.
In recent years the Georgia Indigent Defense Council has sought increases in funding for its "grants to counties" program and for the Multi-County Public Defender Office (our death penalty division), but not for general operational expenses. I am proud to say that, in the current fiscal year, 143 counties will share over five million dollars to maintain and improve their local indigent defense delivery systems. Funding for the "grants to counties" subsidy program and the MultiCounty Public Defender Office is, at least for the moment, secure.
In order for us to maintain and continue to expand the level of high-quality professional services,
The charge that one is unworthy of political office because they have represented individuals accused of crimes, heinous or otherwise,
is reprehensible.
other funding sources will need to be developed. This may mean that the Georgia Indigent Defense Council will seek operational funding from the Georgia General Assembly in the coming legislative session. Of course, we'll need your support in that effort.
One school of thought is to unite in an attempt to secure state
---
operational funding with a plan See GIDC guest editorial, page 10

Georgia Courts Journal

8

October 1998

Vol. 25 October 1997 - June 1998

Geor iaCourts

Index

JOURNAL

A
Abney, Judge Billy Shaw, Juvenile Court, Catoosa and Walker Counties, appointed Senior Judge 1,2
Allen, Judge John D., Superior Court, Chattahoochee Circuit, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Askew, Hulett H., director, Bar Admissions, appointed interim director of Administrative Office of the Courts 4,2; 4,6

Bell, Hiram Parks, Forsyth County, honored in naming of Bell-Forsyth Judicial Circuit 4,15
Bell, Chief Justice Robert M., Supreme Court, Maryland, receives Trumpet Award 3,2
Benham, Chief Justice Robert, Supreme Court, appoints committee to appraise status of prose litigation 1,1
Receives Distinguished Service Scroll Award from UGA Law School Association 1,2
Elected to Westville Board of Trustees 1,2

8
Baker, Attorney General Thurbert, is guest speaker at Commission on Family Violence annual conference; photograph 2,2

Presents plaque to Judge J.D. Smith 1,4
Delivers State of the Judiciary Address to 1998 General Assembly 3,1
Receives Trumpet Award from Turner Broadcasting 3,2

Barnes, Rep. Roy E., District 33, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Barrett, Jackie, sheriff, Fulton County, serves on Senate Structured Sentencing Commission 1,6

Receives Martin Luther King Jr. State Holiday Commission Distinguished Service Award 3,21
Speaks at Bibb County Drug Court treatment program graduation 3,9

Bathrick, Dick, Men Stopping Violence, acting executive director, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7

Bittick, John Cary, sheriff, Monroe County, serves on Senate Structured Sentencing Commission 1,6

Beam, Judge John W., Juvenile Court, Chatham County, attends child placement guidelines workshop 2,5

Bowdon, Ralph T. Jr., solicitor-general, Dekalb County, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7

Helps develop guidelines for child

Bradley, Bryant, Citizens against Violence,

deprivation cases 4,4

grants manager, serves on Commission on

Beasley, Judge Dorothy T., Court of Appeals, Family Violence 3,7

awarded honorary Doctor of Letters by Brown, Tom, Dekalb County Department of

St. Lawrence University 1,2

Public Safety, serves on Senate Structured

Serves on Council for International

Sentencing Commission 1,6

Visitors, elected to Board of Trustees 1,2 Buel, Sarah, Texas District and County

Serves on panel hearing oral arguments at Cherokee County Courthouse; photograph 4,20

Attorneys Association, makes keynote speech at Commission on Family Violence annual conference; photograph 2,2

Bearden, Judge J. Lane, Juvenile Court, Gordon County, helps develop guidelines for child deprivation cases 4,4
Bedford, Judge T. Jackson Jr., Superior Court, Atlanta Circuit, is pilot family court judge 3,4

c
Caldwell, Joanne P., clerk, Superior and State Court, Rockdale County, accepts
innovative project award; photograph 4,5

Caley, Sylvia, Atlanta Legal Aid, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Calhoun, Judge Marcus B., Thomasville, obituary 4,2
Camp, Allen, Gwinnett County Administrative Office of the Courts, explains video warrant system 3,6
Cannon, William E. Jr., serves on Pro Se Litigation Committee 1,9
Carnes, Chief Judge Charles L., State Court of Fulton County, takes senior status 4,2
Carriere, Judge Edward E. Jr., State Court, DeKalb County, appointed 3,2 Sworn in; photograph 3,22
Carter, Dr. Barbara L., resigns from Judicial Qualifications Commission 4,2
Castellani, Judge Robert J., Superior Court, Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit, attends Judicial Council meeting; photograph 3,1
Cavanaugh, Judge Rita L., Magistrate Court, Spalding County, serves on Judicial Council; photograph 3,4
Chang, Lisa, Supreme Court Commission on Equality, is faculty at interpreters workshop 2,3
Chesshire, Skip, court administrator, Cobb Judicial Circuit, named Court Administrator of the Year 3,2
Cloy, Assoc. Judge Luz, Juvenile Courts of Bryan, Evans, Liberty, Long, Mcintosh, and Tattnall Counties, helps develop guidelines for child deprivation cases 4,4
Issue 1 - October 1997
Issue 2 - December 1997
Issue 3 - March 1998
Issue 4 - June 1998

Issue numbers are in boldface type; page numbers follow.

Costley, Judge Virgil Jr., Juvenile Court,

Fitzgerald, Chief Judge Richard, Jefferson

Newton County, retires 1,2

Family Court, Louisville, Kentucky,

Helps develop guidelines for child deprivation cases 4,4

serves on child placement guidelines workshop faculty 2,5

Cook, Dr. Betty Ann, Board of Pardons and Paroles, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7

Flanders, Judge H. Gibbs Jr., Superior Court, Dublin Circuit, chairs Pro Se Litigation Committee 1,1; 1,9

Cranford, Judge John Herbert, State Court, Coweta County, appointed 4,2

Reports on Pro Se Litigation Committee activities; photograph 3,5

Crumbley, Alex, McDonough, serves on Senate Structured Sentencing Commission 1,6
Culpepper, Judge G. Bryant, Superior Courts, Macon Judical Circuit, serves on Pro Se Litigation Committee 1,9

Followill, Judge Kenneth B., Chief Judge, Superior Courts, Chattahoochee Judical Circuit, serves on Pro Se Litigation Committee 1,9
Forsling, Judge Susan B., State Court, Fulton County, appointed judge 1,2

Attends child placement guidelines

Sworn in; photograph 2,2

workshop 2,5

Franzen, Judge Stephen E., Juvenile Court,

Helps develop guidelines for child deprivation cases 4,4

Gwinnett County, attends child placement guidelines workshop 2,5

Helps develop guidelines for child

D
Darby, Richard, Peace Officers Training Council, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7

deprivation cases 4,4
Freeman, Chief Justice Charles E., Supreme Court, Illinois, receives Trumpet Award 3,2

Dean, Senator Nathan, District 31, serves on

Senate Structured Sentencing Commission

G

1,6

Garner, Wayne, commissioner, Department

Dempsey, Judge Alford J. Jr., Superior Court, Atlanta Circuit, is pilot family court judge

of Corrections, serves on Senate Structured Sentencing Commission 1,6

3,4

Gilland, Martha, director, Criminal Justice

Doss, Robert L. Jr., director, Administrative Office of the Courts, serves on Pro Se

Coordinating Council, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7

Litigation Committee 1,9

Glaze, Judge Martha K., Juvenile Court,

Serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Resigns as director of Administrative Office of the Courts 4,1
Douglas, Jean, director, Women's Research Center to End Domestic Violence, speaks at press conference announcing Commission on Family Violence Model

Clayton County, receives Award for Meritorious Service from the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges 1,3
Attends child placement guidelines workshop 2,5
Helps develop guidelines for child deprivation cases 4,4

Medical Protocol 1,1

Gosselin, Judge Kathlene F.,Superior Courts,

Northeastern Circuit, appointed 4,2

E
Etheridge, Judge Philip F., attends Judical Council meeting; photograph 3,1

Gault, Judge Richard S., Superior Court, Blue Ridge Circuit, serves on Judical Council; photograph 3,4
Guess, Judge W. Marion Jr., Probate Court,

DeKalb County, serves on Pro Se

F

Litigation Committee 1,9

Farris, Judge James M., Beaumont, Texas, past Gunnels, Tom, Tenth Judical District Court

president, National Council of Juvenile

Administrator, presents training seminar

and Family Court Judges, presents Award for court clerks; photograph 2,3

of Meritorious Service; photograph 1,3

Ferencik, Rachel, director, Commission on Family Violence, attends annual conference; photograph 2,2
Finney, Chief Justice Ernest A. Jr., Supreme Court, South Carolina, receives Trumpet Award 3,2

H
Hays, Linda D., clerk, Superior Court, Newton County, serves on Pro Se Litigation Committee 1,9
Harrison, Judge Dunbar, obituary 3,2

Hearn, Judge George, Juvenile Court, Walton County, attends child placement guidelines workshop 2,5
Helps develop guidelines for child deprivation cases 4,4
Henderson, Annette Z., Dept. of Corrections, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Heron, Dr. Sheryl, emergency medicine physician, speaks at press conference announcing Commission on Family Violence Model Medical Protocol 1,1
Holmen, Phyllis J., Georgia Legal Services, serves on Pro Se Litigation Committee 1,9
Horne, Sr. Judge Oliver Wendel Jr., Cordele, obituary 1,2
Howard, Paul, District Attorney, Atlanta Judical Circuit, serves on Senate Structured Sentencing Commission 1,6
Howard, Lt. Governor Pierre, announces Commission on Family Violence Model Medical Protocol; photograph 1,1
Hungate, Carla V., Men Stopping Violence, assistant project director, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Hunstein, Justice Carol W., Supreme Court Commission on Equality, speaks to South Carolina annual conferem:e of judges 1,7
Swears in new members of Board of Court Reporting; photograph 1,7
Initiates "Court in School" program 4,7
I
Iannazzone, Judge Joseph, Magistrate Court, Gwinnett County, demonstrates video warrant system; photograph 3,6
J
Jenrette, Judge Isaac, Fulton County Drug Court, holds session at Therrell High School, photograph 4,7
Johnson, Chief Judge Walker P. Jr., Superior Court, Macon Circuit, presides over Bibb County Drug Court 3,9
Jolliff, Judge Cliff L., Juvenile Courts, Hall and Dawson Counties, attends child placement guidelines workshop 2,5
Serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Helps develop guidelines for child deprivation cases 4,4
Jones, Carol E., Greensboro, Judical Qualifications Commission, appointed 4,2

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

Jones, Judge Sanford, Juvenile Court, Fulton County, attends child placement guidelines workshop 2,5
Helps develop guidelines for child deprivation cases 4,4
Jones, Vivian Malone, serves on Senate Structured Sentencing Commission 1,6
Jugar, Richard, court administrator, Stone Mountain Circuit, receives Council of Court Administrators 1997 President's Award 3,2
K
Kaslow, Dr. Nadine, chief psychologist, Grady Health System, speaks at press conference announcing Commission on Family Violence Model Medical Protocol 1,9
Kellermann, Dr. Arthur, director, Emory University Center for Injury Control, speaks at press conference announcing Commission on Family Violence Model Medical Protocol 1,1
Serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Key, Judge R. Michael, Juvenile Court, Troup County, attends child placement guidelines workshop 2,5
Helps develop guidelines for child deprivation cases 4,4
L
Land, Senator Clay, District 16, serves on Senate Structured Sentencing Commission 1,6
Lane, Diane B., elected chairperson, Board of Court Reporting 1,7
Langham, Judge Don A., Superior Court, Atlanta Judical Circuit, appointed senior judge 1,2
Lee, Judge William F. Jr., Superior Courts, Coweta Judical Circuit, attends Judical Council meeting; photograph 3,1
Little, Judge Jeanette L., State Court, Troup County, serves on Pro Se Litigation Committee 1,9
Serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Lockette, Judge Willie E., Superior Court, Dougherty Circuit, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Lumpkin, Joseph, chief of police, AthensClarke County, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7

M
Madison, Tim, district attorney, Piedmont Circuit, serves on Commission on Family Violence; photograph 3,7
Mallett, Chief Justice Conrad L. Jr., Supreme Court of Michigan, receives Trumpet Award 3,2
Mallis, Judge Robert P., Superior Court, Stone Mountain Judical Circuit, serves on Pro Se Litigation Committee 1,9
Massee, Bill, sheriff, Baldwin County, serves on Senate Structured Sentencing Commission 1,6
May, Earle B. Jr, director, Judical Qualifications Commission, announces new JQC rules 2,1
McBrayer-Brice, Barbara, Dept. of Human Resources, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
McCumber, Cathy, clerk, DeKalb Recorder's Court, explains phone credit card payments 2,6
McDonald, Judge James E. Jr., Juvenile Court, Clarke County, serves as vicechair of Commission on Family Violence 3,7
McGehee, Judge Othniel W., Juvenile Court of Bibb County, appointed senior judge 1,2
Mecklin, Judge Charles David Jr., Municipal Court of Carrollton, serves on Pro Se Litigation Committee 1,9
Mixon, Debbie Paulk, Tifton, sworn in as member of Board of Court Reporting; photograph 1,7
Moore, Chief Judge Thelma Wyatt Cummings, Superior Court, Atlanta Judicial Circuit, coordinates Family Court pilot project 3,4
Morgan, Barry Edward, appointed solicitor-general, Cobb County 4,2
Morgan, Dave, chair, Newton County Commission, serves on Senate Structured Sentencing Commission 1,6
Morgan, J. Tom, district attorney, Stone Mountain Judical Circuit, serves on Senate Structured Sentencing Commission 1,6
Morris, Presiding Judge James, Juvenile Court, Cobb County, attends child placement guidelines workshop 2,5
Helps develop guidelines for child deprivation cases 4,4

N
Nash, Judge Robin, Juvenile Court, DeKalb County, attends child placement guidelines workshop 2,5
Helps develop guidelines for child deprivation cases 4,4
Nation, Judge Sidney L., Superior Court, Rockdale Circuit, describes computer information system 4,5
Nelson, Judge Barbara J., State Court, Evans County, appointed 1,2
Nerio, Jesus A., Supreme Court Commission on Equality, attends interpreters workshop 2,3
Nix, Judge Kenneth 0., Cobb Judical Circuit, receives Council of State Court Judges' Ogden Doremus Award 1,2
Noland, Judge Robert J., obituary 3,2
Nunn, Judge George F. Jr., Superior Court, Houston Circuit, serves on Judical Council; photograph 3,4
0
Ogletree, Judge LaVerne C., Probate Court, Greene County, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Oliver, Judge Bonnie Chessher, State Court, Hall County, appointed 4,2
Oliver, State Senator Mary Margaret, speaks at Commission on Family Violence annual conference 2,2
Oxendine, Judge James W., Superior Court, Gwinnett Judicial Circuit, conducts probation revocation hearings at jail 1,8
p
Parker, Evelyn D., court reporter, speaks at "Court in School" program; photograph 4,7
Parker, Judge Johnny R., Probate Court, Gordon County, serves on Judicial Council 1,2
Payne, Presiding Judge James, Marion Superior Court, Indianapolis, Indiana, serves as faculty at child placement guidelines workshop 2,5
Peagler, Judge Desiree Sutton, Juvenile Court, Dekalb County, appointed fulltime associate judge 2,2
Peppers, Judge Donny, Sr., State Court, Walker County, serves on Judical Council 3,4
Perdue, Senator Sonny, District 18, serves on Senate Structured Sentencing Commission 1,6
Pope, Kristen, director, Project Safe, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7

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

Pope, Judge Marion T. Jr., Presiding Judge, Court of Appeals, receives 1997 State Bar Tradition of Excellence Award 2,2
Recalls Cherokee County Courthouse 4,3
Sits on panel hearing oral arguments at Cherokee County Courthouse 4,20
Purdom, Judge Wayne M., Magistrate Court, DeKalb County, serves on Pro Se Litigation Committee 1,9
Q
Quillian, Abda Lee, serves on Board of Court Reporting; photograph 1,7
R
Ray, Walter, chair, State Board of Pardons and Paroles, serves on Senate Structured Sentencing Commission 1,6
Rogers, Meg, director, Cherokee Family Violence Center, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Ruffin, Judge John H. Jr., Court of Appeals, attends South Carolina annual conference of judges 1,7
Serves as faculty for Supreme Court Commission on Equality interpreters workshop 2,3
Panel hears oral arguments at Cherokee County Courthouse 4,20
s
Saba, Jamil, sheriff, Dougherty County, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Sartain, Lydia J., district attorney, Northeastern Judical Circuit, serves on Senate Structured Sentencing Commission 1,6
Scholes, Helen, Director of Victims' Services, Dept. of Corrections, serves on Senate Structured Sentencing Commission 1,6
Scott, State Senator David, District 36, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Seeliger, Judge Clarence F., Stone Mountain Judical Circuit, presents Model Medical Protocol at press conference; photograph 1,1
Attends Commission on Family Violence, annual conference; photograph 2,2
Seibel, Barbara, director, FCF Management, Inc., Hamilton County, Ohio, serves as faculty at child placement guidelines workshop 2,5

Shearer, Assoc. Judge Robin, Juvenile Court, Clarke County, attends child placement guidelines workshop 2,5
Helps develop guidelines for child deprivation cases 4,4
Sinkfield, Rep. Georganna T., District 57: serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Skipper, Rep. Jimmy, District 137, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Slaby, Judge Richard A., appointed to State Court of Richmond County, Division I 1,2
Sworn in; photograph 1,8
Smith, Benjamin Franklin Jr., district attorney, Cobb Circuit, appointed 4,2
Smith, Judge J.D., Court of Appeals, co-chair of Supreme Court Committee on Substance Abuse, receives plaque for service; photograph 1,4
Smyre, Rep. Calvin, presents Distinguished Service Award to Chief Justice Benham; photograph 3,21
Stephens, Judge Lawton, Western Judical Circuit, co-chairs Senate Structured Sentencing Commission 1,6
Stokes, State Senator Connie, District 43, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Stone, Chief Judge Hugh W., Enotah Judical Circuit, attends child placement guidelines workshop 2,5
Helps develop guidelines for child deprivation cases 4,4
Story, Judge Richard W., sworn in as United States District Court Judge 3,2
T
Thompson, Heidi, serves on Board of Court Reporting; photograph 1,7
Thompson, Senator Steve, District 33, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Turner, William Terry, solicitor-general, Jeff Davis County, appointed 4,2
Tusan, Judge Gail S., Superior Court, Atlanta Circuit, is pilot family court judge 3,4
v
Vaughn, Judge Clarence R. Jr., Superior Court, Rockdale County, recognized as contributor to computer information system 4,5

w
Wagner, Chief Justice Annice M., District of Columbia, receives Trumpet Award 3,2
Walker, Senator Charles, District 12, serves on Senate Structured Sentencing Commission 1,6
Waters, Judge Billy J., Juvenile Court, Newton County, sworn in 1,2
Watkins, Judge David D., appointed to State Court of Richmond County, Division II 1,2
Sworn in; photograph 1,8
Waycaster, R. Leslie, serves on Pro Se Litigation Committee 1,9
Welch, Sherie M., clerk of Supreme Court, named to executive committee of National Conference of Appellate Court Clerks 2,2
Westmoreland, Judge Melvin K., appointed to Superior Court, Atlanta Judical Circuit 1,2
Wilcox, Judge Tommy Day, Supreme Court Commission on Equality, attends South Carolina annual conference of judges 1,7
Presides over Bibb County Drug Court treatment program graduation ceremony 3,9
Wilson, Darrell E., district attorney, Superior Court, Enotah Circuit, appointed 3,2
Wong, Alvin T., attorney, serves on Pro Se Litigation Committee 1,9
Wood, Sandra, director, Georgia Council on Child Abuse, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Wright, Judge Cynthia D., Superior Court, Atlanta Circuit, is pilot family court judge 3,4
Serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Wright, Professor Ronald F., Wake Forest Law School, addresses Senate Structured Sentencing Commission 1,6
z
Zoller, John, court administrator, Juvenile Court of Dekalb County, serves as president of Council of Court Administrators 3,2
Presents Most Innovative Program Award; photograph 4,5

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



In Brief ...
Supreme Court establishes Office of Commissions and Projects ...
Georgia's high court has established a Supreme Court Office of Commissions and Projects (OCP), naming William D. Cloud as director. The Supreme Court Child Placement Project, the Commission on Equality, and the Committee on Substance Abuse and the Courts are housed in this new office. . . . and names new director for Equality Commission In April, Chara Jackson was named program director of the Supreme Court Commission on Equality. Ms. Jackson is a graduate of the College of William & Mary School of Law. Prior to joining the commission, she was employed by the State Court of DeKalb County.
Justice Sears named Woman of the Year Supreme Court Justice Leah J. Sears has been named Georgia's 1998 Woman of the Year by the Georgia Commission on Women and the Georgia Woman of the Year Committee. Justice Sears was recognized for her outstanding accomplishments as the first woman and youngest person to serve on the Supreme Court of Georgia. She is also the first woman to win a contested statewide election in Georgia. The award was presented at a dinner held on July 14. She is the third woman to

receive the award, which was established in 1996. The other recipients are former First Lady Rosalynn Carter and Kennesaw State University President Betty Lentz Siegel.
GIDC honors contributors to indigent defense The Georgia Indigent Defense Council recently honored three outstanding individuals for their service and commitment to indigent dense. Stephen Bright and the Southern Center for Human Rights received the 1998 Commitment to Excellence Award. Mr. Bright has been the director of the center since 1982. H.B. Nicholson, who served on the council for 10 years and is former chairperson of Coca-Cola Europe, received the Harold G. Clarke Equal Justice Award. The Gideon's Trumpet Award was presented to Corinne Mull of the DeKalb County Public Defender's Office.
CJCC schedules fall meeting The Governor's Criminal Justice Coordinating Council will hold its fall meeting at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth from 9:30 to 6:00 on November 12, and from 9:00 to 1:00 on November 13. Public comment concerning criminal justice issues is invited. For more information, call 404-559-4949.

Please note!

Supreme Court clerks

1998-99 Georgia Courts serve the public

Directory additions

Due to an oversight, the listings for the City Court of Atlanta on page 34 of the Georgia Courts Directory are incomplete. The six judges below should have been included. We apologize for the error.

At 104 Trinity Ave., S. W. Atlanta, GA 30335 phone:404-658-6919 Judge Myra H. Dixon Judge Larry M. Paul Judge Nina M. Radakovich Judge Julie M.T. Walker



At 260 Central Ave., S. W. Atlanta, GA 30335 phone: 404-658-7049 Judge Lenwood A. Jackson Judge Calvin Skelton Graves

Supreme Court Clerk Sherie M. Welch (left) made a recent visit to the Office of the Clerk of the Alabama Supreme Court in Montgomery, Alabama. Assistant Clerk Louise B. Livingston is shown with Ms. Welch at the main entry to the Clerk's Office. The neighborly visit provided an opportunity for exchange of ideas. Robert Esdale Sr. is the Clerk of the Alabama Supreme Court.~

October 1998

3

Georgia Courts Journal

Administrative Office of the Courts
Office relocates 2,3 Manages study of family violence protective
orders 3,3 Director Robert L. Doss Jr. resigns;
photograph 4,1; 4,6 Hulett H. Askew named interim director
4,1

Judge Martha K. Glaze, Juvenile Court, Clayton County, receives 1997 Award for Meritorious Service from the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges of America; photograph 2,2
Judge Marion T. Pope, Court of Appeals, receives 1997 State Bar Tradition of Excellence Award 2,2

Attorney General's Opinions
Official opinion: paternity and trial by jury 1,8
Unofficial opinion: fingerprinting does not violate constitutional rights 1,8
Official opinion: firearms, permits 2,5 Official opinion: motor vehicle titles not
required for business trust 2,5 Unofficial opinion: sexual offenders
registration and release of relevant information 2,5 Unofficial opinion: compensation for magistrates 2,5 Unofficial opinion: residency requirement for county officers 2,5 Unofficial opinion: fines in criminal and traffic cases 2,5 Official opinion: fingerprinting for misdemeanor offence 3,8 Official opinion: crimes, statute of limitations on deposit account fraud 3,8 Official opinion: firearms, nolo contendere pleas 3,8
Awards and Honors
Chief Justice Robert Benham receives 1997 Distinguished Service Scroll Award from UGA Law School Association 1,2 Receives Turner Broadcasting System Trumpet Award 3,2 Receives Distinguished Service Award from the MLK Jr. State Holiday Commission; photograph 3,21
Judge Dorothy T. Beasley, Court of Appeals, receives Doctor of Humane Letters, St. Lawrence University 1,2
Judge Kenneth 0. Nix, Cobb Judicial Circuit, receives 1997 Ogden Doremus Award from Council of State Court Judges 1,2
Judge J.D. Smith, Court of Appeals, recognized for service as co-chair of Supreme Court Committee on Substance Abuse; photograph 1,4

Caseload
Data chart for 1996 calendar year 3,9
Child Placement Proceedings Project
Final report of assessment committee 1,4 Develops standards for child deprivation
cases 2,5; 4,4
Council of Court Administrators
Richard Jugar receives 1997 President's Award 3,2
Skip Chesshire honored as Court Administrator of the Year 3,2
Rockdale County Integrated Management System named 1997 most innovative program for administration of justice; photograph 4,5
Court of Appeals
Court of Appeals hears oral arguments in restored Cherokee County Courthouse; photograph 4,20
Court Reporting
Board meeting and elections; photograph 1,7
Court Technology
Creation of Superior and State Court Information System 1,5
Dekalb Recorder's Court accepts credit card payments by phone 2,6
Gwinnett County launches video warrant system; photograph 3,6
District Attorneys
Appointments 4,2
Drug Courts
Bibb County Drug Court marks fourth anniversary 3,9
Fulton Drug Court convenes at Therell High School, Atlanta; photograph 4,7

Equality Commission
Publishes "Guide to Bias-Free Communication" and 1996-97 Annual Report 1,7
Holds court interpreters workshop 2,3
Family Violence Commission
Releases Model Medical Protocol; photograph 1,1; 1,9
Hosts annual statewide conference; photographs 2,2
Involved in study of family violence protective orders 3,3
New members sworn in; photograph 3,7
Federal Courts
Judge Richard W. Story sworn in 3,2
Judicial Branch Appropriations
FY '99 Appropriations increase 4,8
Judicial Council
Creates committee for Pro Se Litigation assessment 1,1; 1,9
New members 1,2 Meeting highlights: approves pilot project,
recommends six new superior court judgeships; photographs 3,1;
Judicial Qualifications Commission
Opinions 220-221 1,7 Publishes new rules governing political
conduct 2,1 Opinions 222-223 2,4 Opinions 224-225 3,8 Opinions 226-227 4,4 New member appointed 4,2
Juvenile Courts
Appointments 1,2; 2,2
Legislation
1998 Session begins 2,1 1998 legislative preview 2,10 New superior court judgeships created 4,9 Summaries of passed legislation,
1998 session 4,9

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

Obituaries Judge Oliver Wendel Horne Jr. 1,2 Judge Dunbar Harrison 3,2 Judge Robert J. Noland 3,2 Judge Marcus B. Calhoun 4,2
Probation Advisory Council Private probation FY '97 caseload data 1,3
Senate Structured Sentencing Commission Meets in Atlanta 1,6
Senior Judges Appointments 1,2; 4,2
Solicitors-General Appointments 4,2
State Courts Appointments 1,2; 2,2; 3,2; 4,2 New judges sworn in; photographs
1,8; 2,30; 3,22

Substance Abuse and the Courts
Database of treatment providers on Internet 1,4
Superior Court Clerks
Tenth District holds training session for clerks; photograph 2,3
Superior Courts
Appointments 1,2; 3,2 Judge Oxendine holds probation
revocation hearings at jail 1,8 1964 Seminar for Trial Judges; photograph
2,4 Judicial Council recommends new
judgeships in five circuits 3,1 Costs of new judgeship and circuit division
3,16
Supreme Court
Approves amendment to State Bar rules on judicial elections 3,3
Chief Justice Benham delivers State of the Judiciary Address 3,1
Court Clerk and Reporter offices relocate 4,2

Index compiled by Sam Byrd.

;

/
i

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?!~~~~~~~~

I.~~ Georgia Indigent Defense Council County Awards for FY 1998

County

1990 Pop. U.S. Census

CT% Indigent
Caseload

CT% Indigent Defense
Expenditures

~W
Award of Funds

County

1990 Pop. U.S. Census

CT% Indigent
Caseload

CT%

FY98

Indigent Defense Award of

Expenditures

Funds

Appling

15,744

Atkinson

6,213

Bacon

9,566

Baker

3,615

Baldwin

39,530

Banks

10,308

Barrow

29,721

Bartow

55,911

Ben Hill

16,245

Berrien*

14, 153

Bibb

149,967

Bleckely

10,430

Brantley

11,077

Brooks

15,398

Bryan

15,438

Bulloch*

43,125

Burke

20,579

Butts

15,326

Calhoun

5,013

Camden

30,167

Candler

7,744

Carroll

71,422

Catoosa*

42,464

Charlton

8,496

Chatham

216,935

Chattahoochee* 16,934

Chattooga*

22,242

Cherokee

90,204

Clarke

87,594

Clay

3,364

Clayton

182,052

Clinch

6, 160

Cobb

447,745

Coffee

29,592

Colquitt

36,645

Columbia

66,031

Cook*

13,456

Coweta

53,853

Crawford

8,991

Crisp

20,011

Dade*

13,147

Dawson

9,429

Decatur

25,511

Dekalb

545,837

Dodge

17,607

Dooly

9,901

Dougherty

96,311

Douglas

71 ,120

Early

11 ,854

Echols

2,334

Effingham*

25,687

Elbert

18,949

Emanuel

20,546

Evans

8,724

Fannin

15,992

Fayette

62,415

Floyd

81 ,251

Forsyth

44,083

Franklin

16,650

Fulton

648,951

Gilmer

13,368

Glascock

2,357

Glynn

62,496

Gordon*

35,072

Grady

20,279

Greene

11,793

Gwinnett

352,91 O

Habersham

27,621

Hall

95,428

Hancock

8,908

Haralson

21,966

Harris

17,788

Hart

19,712

Heard

8,628

Henry

58,741

Houston

89,208

Irwin

8,649

Jackson

30,005

Jasper

8,453

Jeff Davis

12,032

Jefferson

17,408

85 771 246
26 1,453
73 363 574 151
0 2,983
167 280 124 490
0 587 253
88 516
58 641
0 313 5,755
0 0 771 3,801 48 5,219 87 9,953 574 417 1,096 0 895 88 239 0 189 239 17,582 269 103 3,216 1,597 251 21 0 372 149 206 216 307 2,014 740 276 21,239 172 19 1,881 0 221 737 4,318 327 1,254 123 183 155 284 83 2,085 4,973 141 526 136 105 277

*Did not apply for funding (18 counties)

$44,120.97 7,500.00
39,724.47 9,276.00
308,560.00 18,818.00 80,753.19
148,048.11 30,893.00 0.00
902,400.00 15,830.26 44,915.20 48,263.52 70,212.49 0.00 60,230.02 56,353.12 13,406.50
199,957.38 11,704.15
185,546.00 0.00
38,676.00 1,974,826.00
0.00 0.00 298,233.00 1,018,397.00 15,002.47 965,592.14 7,800.00 2,280,869.00 87,477.80 111,164.64 93,512.34 0.00 160,333.00 20, 156.00 39,277.31 0.00 56,447.54 77,767.71 3,082,415.00 27,131.93 19,632.01 1,393,898.00 463,394.00 37,000.00 10,614.46 0.00 38,357.25 33,937.74 50,167.83 34,632.00 162,183.68 471,997.14 124,913.33 38,357.25 4,992,502.40 57,486.95 4,060.00 644,837.00 0.00 59,857.25 39,883.09 1,376,279.00 84,770.32 489,408.11 34,450.00 28,377.05 26,779.15 38,357.25 15,000.00 325,247.41 393,876.00 47,000.00 84,277.00 25,000.00 43,531.00 28,397.26

$5,318.32 7,559.83 5,246.65 1,240.68
30,486.99 3,245.66 11,546.48
20,717.32 5,445.08 0.00
85,720.37 3,901.12 5,996.80 5,714.08 9,428.68 0.00
10,807.92 7,019.98 2,151.20
17,262.69 2,373.05
25,603.15 0.00
5,532.76 160,212.28
0.00 0.00 34,401.27 84,564.06 1,579.00 111,871.25 2,154.61 248,870.38 13,438.96 14,425.06 24,754.92 0.00 23,316.68 3,162.07 7,171.59 0.00 5,390.26 9,650.81 357,653.54 6,498.61 3,435.16 95,535.36 43,407.74 5,622.53 1,005.91 0.00 7,985.64 6,364.47 5,156.91 6,049.15 20,374.75 48,959.57 18,909.96 6,787.36 477,122.19 6,047.50 751.38 50,734.01 0.00 7,843.94 9,559.07 152,647.87 11,009.48 46,308.83 3,953.04 6,698.41 5,619.09 7,435.98 2,861.90 39,773.91 70,970.40 2,767.94 13,019.80 3,618.28 4,744.86 6,570.73

Jenkins* Johnson Jones Lamar Lanier* Laurens Lee Liberty Lincoln Long Lowndes Lumpkin Macon Madison Marion* Mcduffie Mcintosh Meriwether Miller Mitchell Monroe Montgomery Morgan Murray Muscogee Newton Oconee Oglethorpe Paulding Peach Pickens Pierce Pike Polk Pulaski Putnam Quitman Rabun Randolph Richmond Rockdale Schley Screven* Seminole Spalding Stephens Stewart Sumter Talbot* Taliaferro Tattnall Taylor*
Telfair Terrell Thomas Tift*
Toombs Towns Treutlen Troup Turner* Twiggs Union Upson Walker* Walton Ware Warren Washington Wayne Webster Wheeler White Whitfield Wilcox Wilkes Wilkinson Worth

8,247 8,329 20,739 13,038 5,531 39,988 16,250 52,745 7,442 6,202 75,981 14,573 13,114 21,050 5,590 20,119 8,634 22,411 6,280 20,275 17,113 7,163 12,883 26,147 179,278 41,808 17,618 9,763 41,611 21,189 14,432 13,328 10,224 33,815 8,108 14,137 2,209 11,648 8,023 189,719 54,091 3,588 13,842 9,010 54,457 23,257 5,654 30,228 6,524 1,915 17,722 7,642 11,000 10,653 38,986 34,998 24,072 6,754 5,994 55,536 8,703 9,806 11,993 26,300 58,340 38,586 35,471 6,078 19,112 22,356 2,263 4,903 13,006 72,462 7,008 10,597 10,228 19,745

0 155 373 255
0 733 170 1,160
88 184 1,113 127 423 204
0 195 432 287 97 177 214 65 276 200 10,047 1,695 314 120 366 413 140 166 71 420 116 328
8 138 79 3,923 1,420 120
0 85 1,840 301 120 1,412
0 10 250
0 205 140 633
0 96 22 305 2,314
0 62 82 471
0 1,125 2,667
38 293 251
25 50 128 818 44 183 211 444

0.00 16, 103.00 70,577.00 82,057.67
0.00 141,000.00
36,632.09 340,650.00
18,399.00 70,725.00 479,770.09 175,799.50 42,483.33 38,357.25
0.00 33,665.89 53,648.77 68,741.19 13,970.94 53,196.00 62,656.87 10,339.11 76,999.00 57,000.00 672,733.00 266,650.81 79,728.00 20,922.14 89,200.00 83,900.00 135,203.60 17,725.00 24,513.15 35,000.00 12,454.76 122,475.00
6,436.39 42,064.98 19,658.61 701,656.86 287,307.00
7,144.00 0.00
19,481.78 345,000.00
77,199.00 12,920.00 146,390.82
0.00 5,000.00 137,654.82
0.00 17,049.90 55,987.96 203,144.85
0.00 45,752.51
8,075.93 23,271.00 201,600.00
0.00 11,200.00 27,283.04 135,000.00
0.00 250,886.50 338,192.60
13,709.58 29,778.62 96,741.00
3,334.24 7,318.98 21,666.34 199,000.00 12,704.04 17,023.57 32,757.50 66,576.80

0.00 3,414.72 9,530.89 7,551.83
0.00 18,668.46
5,809.09 31,887.91
2,800.76 5,263.40 41,119.05 10,310.79 7,426.26 7,059.47
0.00 6,636.33 7,055.08 9,102.71 2,485.49 7,248.32 7,287.19 2,266.67 7,500.54 8,693.80 138,637.47 31,280.67 8,807.34 3,591.00 14,156.61 10,427.26 8,880.75 4,517.53 3,425.05 11,082.55 2,928.90 9,838.12
724.29 4,877.89 2,887.42 93,303.46 32,221.56 1,899.40
0.00 3,116.98 37,751.15 9,688.83 2,508.62 22,369.22
0.00 630.61 10,470.07
0.00 4,355.67 5,219.93 19,991.67
0.00 7,057.91 1,764.66 4,419.78 36,384.68
0.00 2,780.17 3,952.92 13,758.26
0.00 25,574.77 40,405.40
1,970.86 7,074.19 9,846.26
753.91 1,604.02 4,301.82 27,700.00 2, 158.78 4,103.77 4,838.15 9,753.65

TOTALS

6,478,216

147,608 $31,499,298.57 $3,500,000.00

Source: The Georgia Indigent Defense Council - www.gidc.com

October 1998

9

Georgia Courts Journal

GIDC guest editorial
continued from page 8
to implement a statewide public defender system. This latter concept could dramatically improve indigent defense services even in our poorest counties. Prudence alone suggests that the proposal should be studied in the future.
Political rhetoric As for the present, just last week,
two candidates for governor criticized a third candidate for his past actions. One denounced the third candidate's representation of an accused child molester; while the other disagreed with the third candidate's vote, while he was a state legislator, against a measure that the third candidate knew would fail to pass constitutional muster. Both attacks should shake all of us to the very core.
The charge that one is unworthy of political office because they have represented individuals accused of crimes, heinous or otherwise, is reprehensible. To paraphrase one of my heroes, the American system of justice is the worst system of justice in the world, save for every other system of justice. The judicial system in this country works because there are zealous advocates on both sides.
When an attorney takes a case and vigorously represents a defendant, he or she safeguards all of our rights. To suggest that a private practitioner can pick and choose which types of cases are taken starts us down a plummet that cannot be stopped. Which types of cases can safely be defended while maintaining a politically correct posture? Are murder and molestation cases forbidden for one who might one day seek a position of public service? Should shoplifting cases be shunned, so that shopkeepers are not alienated?
Not long ago, a judge seeking re-

election decried how his challenger had once represented a defendant accused in a conspiracy to import and distribute cocaine. The incumbent brashly stated that he was for law and order, but of course his opponent's handling of the drug case showed that he must believe otherwise. The judge failed to mention that he, personally, had asked the attorney to take the narcotics case because an experienced and dedicated professional was needed.
Had the defense attorney turned gubernatorial candidate once represented an African American who chose, illegally, to sit in the front row of a bus, would the other candidates dare to now castigate him? In this day and age, I think not. Yet, 50 years ago, who knows?
Still reeling from the first charge, the same candidate was lambasted because he had once voted against a measure that he knew was unconstitutional. This was not a moral question of whether the proposed legislation had good purpose.

Rather, it was a studied and professional decision that, as written, the bill was illegal. To pass such legislation would destine the state to months, if not years, of expensive and ultimately fruitless legal battles. Better to stop the improper measure in its infancy than to carelessly and frivolously waste taxpayers' money that the politician had sworn to protect.
I am dismayed that our politicians are so desperate for a "sound bite" that they challenge our very right to representation and our common sense. Rather than condemn defense attorneys for the cases they take, each day we should commend them for the courage and fortitude they display when they take on unpopular causes and secure the rights that
each of us expects as an American. tc.
Editor's note Repnnted with permission from the July/August 1998 issue of Indigent Defense Issues. The opm10ns presented here are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the v1ewpomt of the Judicial Council or the Admm1strahve Office of the Courts.

Georgia Courts Journal

10

October 1998

Supreme Court Committee on Substance Abuse co-hosts first annual training conference

The Supreme Court Committee on Substance Abuse and the Courts and the Georgia Association of Drug Court Professionals recently co-hosted their first annual training conference, "Drug Courts: Making a Difference, One Life at a Time." The conference, held in Macon on July 9 and 10 provided information about Georgia's drug courts and the national drug court movement. Over 100 judges, court administrators, prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement officers and treatment providers from all 10 of the state's judicial districts learned about the personnel, strategies and resources available to

help them develop local drug court programs.
Nationally known speakers included Florida Circuit Court Judge Stanley Goldstein, who outlined the history, present concerns and future development of the national drug court movement. Judge Goldstein is an expert on the drug court movement and established the nation's first drug court in Miami. Dr. Donald P. Vereen Jr., deputy director of the Office of National Drug Court Policy, presented the latest scientific evidence on substance abuse and addiction.
Georgia judges participating in panel discussions included Judge

Isaac Jenrette, Atlanta Judicial Circuit; Judge Tommy Day Wilcox, Macon Judicial Circuit; Judge Amanda Williams, Brunswick Judicial Circuit; Judge Sanford Jones, Juvenile Court of Fulton County; Judge Thomas Matthews, Juvenile Court of Bibb County; and Judge Billy Waters, Juvenile Courts of the Alcovy Judicial Circuit. Chief Justice Robert Benham was the luncheon speaker on July 9.
For more information about the training conference and/or drug court grants, contact Sandy L. Ward, director of the Supreme Court Committee on Substance Abuse and the Courts, at 404-657-4219. ~

Attorney General's opinions

Official Opinions University System employees; elective office. It is constitutional for the Board of Regents to prohibit its employees from seeking or holding state or federal elective office while they are actively employed by the University System. (4/6/98 No. 98-5)
Officers and employees, Public; termination of employment. An employer has the discretion to accept or refuse a letter of resignation that is tendered prior to the effective date of a proposed dismissal. (4/7/98 No. 98-6)
Ethics in Government; financial disclosures. Under the Ethics in Government Act, a public office holder or candidate therefor who owns more than a 10% or $20,000 interest in a corporation must disclose that interest, but only must disclose an interest in corporately owned real

estate if he has a legally enforceable right to use the land for his own personal enjoyment or profit and his interest therein has a fair market value of more than $20,000. (4/21 /98 No. 98-7)
Unofficial Opinions Marriage ceremonies. Marriage ceremonies in Georgia may be performed by any judge, including those from outside the state. (4/21/98 No. U98-5)
Firearms; local ordinances. The proposed Columbus ordinance regulating the manner and location in which a firearm may lawfully be placed in a home, building, trailer, vehicle, or boat would be ultra vires in that the ordinance conflicts with the general laws of the state of Georgia and because the regulation of firearms, with exceptions not relevant hereto, has been preempted by the General Assembly. (6/18/98 No. U98-6)

Jails; local costs. OCGA 15-21-90 does not prohibit a county from considering a reduction on a city's inmate housing bill in the amount equivalent to the 10% add-on monies paid to the county pursuant to the statute. (6/29/98 No. U98-7)
Superior courts; criminal jurisdiction over juveniles. In light of the 1997 amendments to the School Safety and Juvenile Justice Reform Act limiting the exclusive jurisdiction of the superior courts to the trials of juveniles charged with offenses enumerated in OCGA 1511-5(b)(2)(A), judges of the magistrate court may issue arrest warrants for juveniles charged with such offenses. (7/14/98 No. U98-9)
Complete copies of these opinions are available from the Administrative Office of the Courts (404-6565171). ~

October 1998

11

Georgia Courts Journal

Judicial Council grants continued from page 1

General Assembly and the Judicial Council of Georgia. Chief Justice Benham and Attorney General Baker supported her idea and asked for funds in the Judicial Council fiscal year 1999 budget. With help from many individuals the funding was obtained and will bring assistance to thousands of families statewide.
Georgia Legal Services plans to use their grant to augment services to victims and to expand training programs for service providers, attorneys and law enforcement. With new attorney positions, one in every regional office, Georgia Legal Services will serve 2,800 new clients. Special attention will be focused on domestic violence victims in rural areas and on military bases.
Atlanta Legal Aid plans to hire additional staff to work with battered spouses, seniors, children and immigrants in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett

counties. The services to be provided include advice lines for shelter staff to consult with legal aid lawyers, training programs, and referrals for intensive social services.
The Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation, through a subgrant, will receive $60,000 of the funds allocated to Atlanta Legal Aid. The group will hire another staff attorney and coordinate volunteers. Plans are underway to develop a program to teach law students to represent victims in protective orders hearings.
In addition to the $1.5 million allocated through this round of grants, an additional $500,000 remains from the appropriation. Following another competitive application process, the remaining funds will be awarded to victims' programs addressing the needs of hard-to-serve groups or particularly remote regions of the state. Announcement of these grants is expected by January 1. t?:;

(From left) Phyllis J. Holmen, executive director, Georgia Legal Services; Attorney Charles T.
Lester Jr.; Attorney General Thurbert E. Baker; Linda A. Klein, immediate past president, State Bar of Georgia; Chief Justice Robert Benham; Representative Roy Barnes; Richard Harder, president, Board of Trustees, Atlanta Legal Aid; and Steven Gottlieb, executive director, Atlanta Legal Aid, gathered in the Supreme Court courtroom for the grants presentation ceremony.

Judicial Qualifications Commission
Opinion 228
While any judicial officer or candidate may appropriately discuss the procedures of the court in general terms and/ or his qualifications, as well as those of any opponent, both the "Code of Judicial Conduct" and numerous formal advisory opinions prohibit responses to candidate questionnaires involving substantive issues of law which are likely to come before the courts.
Opinion 229
The disqualification requirement of Opinion No. 220 does not require automatic disqualification in a civil case wherein one of the parties is the designated chief deputy clerk of the superior court.
Opinion 230
There appears to be no express ethical prohibition against dual service as a part-time judge and a member of the General Assembly. However, in campaigning for the legislative position, the prestige of the judicial position must never be misused, traded upon, nor allowed to become embroiled in political controversy.
Copies of the complete opinions can be obtained from the Judicial Qualifications Commission (770-587-5208 or www.state. ga.us/Courts/Supreme/jqc. htm). t?:;

Georgia Courts Journal

12

October 1998

In memoriam: Judge A.W. "Buck" Birdsong Jr. continued from page 1

was a man of honor, honor learned first at the knees of his parents and grandparents, and later brought to full blossom by his experience at West Point. He brought to his task common sense honed and polished by real work experience."
Judge Johnson recalled Judge Birdsong's commitment to the court and the field of law, saying, "Buck Birdsong loved the Court of Appeals. I do not mean by this that he loved the judges with whom he served, although it was clear to each of us that he did. I mean he loved the institution, and the role it plays within the legal system." Judge Johnson also praised Judge Birdsong as a friend, husband, father, and a man who "had a truly wonderful sense of humor."
Gov. George Busbee appointed Judge Birdsong to the appellate court in 1977. He served a term as chief judge of the court, beginning in 1987. Before joining the court, Judge Birdsong was a trial lawyer in LaGrange for 26 years and served as judge of the Juvenile Court of Troup County from 1958 to 1976.
Judge Birdsong attended LaGrange High School, Marion Military Institute, Georgia Military Academy and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He earned his law degree from the University of Georgia. Judge Birdsong also served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1947. He belonged to the State Bar of Georgia, the Coweta Bar Association and the Troup County Bar Association, and served on committees of the American Bar Association.
Judge Birdsong had announced his plans to retire at the end of 1998. A portrait of Judge Birdsong will be unveiled at a ceremony in the Court of Appeals courtroom on October 19. "He was a close friend to everyone on the court, and we miss him," Chief Judge Gary B.
Andrews said. tc-

"He was a wonderful man and a great mentor. He cared so much about the court, and was interested in helping new judges be the best that they can be," said Presiding Judge Edward H. Johnson (left), shown here with Judge Birdsong.
JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF GEORGIA RESOLUTION
HONORING
Ju()ge A. W. (Buck) Bir()song, Jr.
W1iem:1s Judge Birdsong was a member of the Court ol' Appeals of Georgia for mon; than 20 years, serving with distinction throughout that period as a judge, Presiding Judge arnl for a term w; Chief Judge, and
\\?fiereas prior to his appointment to the Court of Appeals of Georgia. he served as judge of the Juve11ile Court of Troup County from 1958 - 1976, and
\\?fiereas Judge Birdsong"s strong beliefs, keen intelligence and sense of fairness earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues on the bench, and
\\?fiereas Judge Birdsong"s abilities as a conciliator and legal scholar were an asset to the judiciary of the State of Georgia. and
\\?fiereas Judge Birdsong worked tirelessly on behalf of the citizens of Georgia through his commitment lo excellence and belief in the rnlc of law, and
\\?fiereas Judge Birdsong"s exemplary service on the Court of Appeals of Georgia will he remembered and his absence felt for many years to come, and
\\?fiereas Judge Birdsong served on the Judicial Council of Georgia and was a revered friencl to many others who have served on tlw Council.
Xow tfiereJore 6e it resofoe~ that the members of this body do hereby express to the
Birdsong family their sadness upon the death of our colleague and friend, a11d
do honor and acknowledge the contributions of .fudge A.W. Birdsong, Jr. to the courts and the citizens of the State of Georgia, this 28"' day of July, 1998.

Georgia Courts Journal

4

October 1998

Northeastern, Gwinnett and Douglas Circuits get relief
Superior court judges take office

Kathlene F. Gosselin receives congratulations from the governor after being sworn in as a superior court judge of the Northeastern Judicial Circuit on June 3. Previously, Judge Gosselin presided over the State Court of Hall County.

Melodie Snell Conner was sworn in by Gov. Miller as a judge of the superior courts, Gwinnett Judicial Circuit, on July 1. Judge Conner previously served on the State Court of Gwinnett County.

New superior court judge Donald Burton Howe Jr. (second from left) is pictured here with Judge David T. Emerson (far left) and Chief
Judge Robert J. James (far right) of
the Douglas Judicial Circuit, and Gov. Miller. The swearing-in
ceremony took place on July 8 in the Supreme Court courtroom.

International group visits
Judges and scholars from South Africa, Romania, Nigeria and Pakistan visited the Court of Appeals of Georgia recently, meeting with Judge Dorothy T. Beasley to discuss the American court system. During their stay the group also visited the Fulton County Drug Court and were guests of honor at a gathering in Athens hosted by Judge Kent Lawrence of the State Court of Clarke County. Pictured here with Judge Beasley (center) are (left to right) Prof. LS. Nwatu, Judge S.V. Chirac, Mr. M.M. Tshishonga and Ms. Syeda V. Hashmi. tr:,

October 1998

13

Georgia Courts Journal

Coweta and Hall Counties
State court judges take oath of office

John Herbert Cranford (left) was sworn in by Gov. Miller as a judge of the State Court of Coweta County on May 27. The ceremony was held at the State Capitol.

Bonnie Chessher Oliver was sworn in by Gov. Miller as a judge of the State Court of Hall County on June 11. She fills the vacancy created by Judge Kathlene F. Gosselin's appointment to the superior court.

Veteran DeKalb judges move up to new judgeships

Judge Anne Workman (left photo) and Judge Wayne M. Purdom (right photo) were administered their judicial oaths of office by Gov. Miller on July 9. The double ceremony took place before an overflow crowd in the DeKalb County Courthouse. Judge Workman is the tenth superior court judge for the Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit. She is a veteran of the State Court of DeKalb County. Judge Purdom, formerly chief magistrate of DeKalb County, is the county's newest state court judge. Both positions are new judgeships created by the General Assembly.

Georgia Courts Journal

14

October 1998

New Fulton judges sworn in
August 5, 1998, Georgia State University Center
Atlanta Judicial Circuit Superior Court

Judge John f. Goger, formerly of the State Court of Fulton County, addresses the audience after being sworn in as a new judge of the Atlanta Judicial Circuit Superior Court.

Rowland W. Barnes (left) is sworn in by Gov. Miller. Judge Barnes has extensive judicial experience as a Fulton County magistrate sitting by designation on the superior court bench.

State Court of Fulton County

Brenda H. Cole was accompanied at the podium by her family as she was sworn in as a judge of the State Court of Fulton County. Judge Cole comes to the bench after serving as a Deputy Attorney General.

Henry M. Newkirk, newest member of the State Court of Fulton County, receives congratulations from the governor after being sworn in. Judge Newkirk is a former prosecutor with the Fulton County DA's office.

October 1998

15

Georgia Courts Journal

Qualifications Commission marks 25th year
Georgia's Judicial Qualifications Commission celebrated its silver anniversary on June 26, almost 25 years to the day after its inception. (The commission's inaugural meeting was held on June 25, 1973.) The invitation list included all former and present commission members and staff. Special guests included Chief Justice Robert Benham and Supreme Court Justices George H. Carley, P. Harris Hines, Carol W. Hunstein and Hugh P. Thompson.
John E. James, chairperson of the commission, presided at the dinner banquet in Macon. Chief Justice Benham addressed the 50 guests, expressing the high court's appreciation to all past and present members and thanking them for their years of service. Special recognition was given to Mary Anderson, who recently retired as commission secretary.
Two former chairpersons were present: State Court Judge J. Taylor Phillips of Macon and Attorney Harry L. Cashin Jr. of Atlanta. One member of the original commission was presentHoward Ector of Marietta, who served from 1973 to 1982. ~
Chief Justice Benham addresses dinner guests at the JQC's silver anniversary celebration.

Georgia CourtsJOURNAL
Vol. 26 No. 1
Georgia Judicial Council
Chief Justice Robert Benham, Chair Presiding Justice Norman S. Fletcher,
Vice Chair Chief Judge Gary B. Andrews
Judge Joe C. Bishop Judge William T. Boyett Judge Robert J. Castellani
Judge Howard Cook Judge Richard S. Gault Judge John E. Girardeau Judge Helen W. Harper Judge Joseph Iannazzone Judge Edward H. Johnson
Judge Cliff L. Jolliff Judge William F. Lee Jr. Judge H. Arthur McLane Judge Walter C. McMillan Jr. Judge T. Penn McWhorter Judge Charles B. Mikell Jr. Judge Thelma Wyatt Cummings Moore Judge Johnny R. Parker Judge Donny Peppers Sr. Judge T.O. Sturdivant III
Judge A.J. Welch Jr. Senior Judge E. Mullins Whisnant
Administrative Office of the Courts
Senior Communications Officer Billie Bolton
Editor Nancy K. Pevey
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, GA30334-5900, (404) 656-5171.

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

BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE
PAID ATLANTA, GA PERMIT #1880

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ABA Outstanding Public Service Project
Georgia court personnel help make Celebration ~ of Educational Excellence a success

The annual Celebration of Educational Excellence, a party to honor foster children as they graduate from high school, was held on June 11 at the Fulton County Government Center. The event included an awards ceremony, presentations by eight of the 160 graduates, music, dancing, and refreshments. Approximately 600 people attended.
Michelle Barclay, organizing chair of the 1998 Celebration of Educational Excellence and director of the Supreme Court Child Placement Project, says the event was started six years ago by child advocates in DeKalb County. These advocates discovered that some of the children on their caseloads had gone through their high school graduations without anyone in attendance to cheer them on, so they gave them a party. Each year this event has expanded to more counties and now includes all 159.
Chief Judge Glenda Hatchett of

the Juvenile Court of Fulton County presided over the ceremonies. Associate Juvenile Court Judge Luz Cloy of the Atlantic Judicial Circuit presented the keynote speech. Judge Cloy grew up in foster care herself, living in 13 placements in her 15 years in foster care.
Georgia court personnel and child advocates volunteered at the event and helped finance catering, a band, decorations, and gifts for the graduates. Other sponsors included the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services, the Younger Lawyer Division of the State Bar of Georgia, Delta Airlines, Keenan's Kids, and Worldspan. Numerous private businesses provided in-kind contributions.
Selected as project of the year The Georgia Celebration of Edu-
cational Excellence was recently selected as the best project for service to the public out of all the

American Bar Association Younger Lawyer Division affiliate projects in the United States. This is the second national honor the project has received in recent months. In June, the Celebration of Educational Excellence was selected to be showcased at the Annual ABA Affiliate Outreach Project conference. Ms. Barclay and Associate Judge Karen Galvin, Juvenile Court of Fulton County, who serves as outgoing co-chair of the Juvenile Law Committee, will be in Philadelphia on October 29 and 30, teaching lawyers from across the country how to start a Celebration of Excellence in their home states. Ms. Barclay has written a "how-to" Project Pamphlet which will be distributed at the conference.
Plans for the 1999 Celebration of Educational Excellence are already underway. Anyone interested in contributing to this event should call Ms. Barclay at 404-657-9219. to

Judicial Council votes to change case-counting schedule

At its June meeting the Judicial Council of Georgia voted to begin the court system's annual case count earlier in the calendar year. Under the new schedule, requests for new judgeships will be made in April (rather than September), case counting will be completed by July (rather than November), and the Judicial Council will vote on recommendations for new judgeships by September (rather than December). The new schedule will be effective in 1999.
Judges and other court personnel initially requested the change. They

believe it will give them needed time to contact their local legislators about new judgeship requests before the legislative session begins. The schedule change will also allow circuits to get their funding requests into the governor's annual budget recommendation, and will allow for more timely caseload reporting to national organizations.
The annual case count is a cooperative project involving the judicial administrative districts and the Administrative Office of the Courts. Each year the district court administrators hire workers to collect the

information locally. The AOC then compiles the caseload data and calculates the weighted caseload according to a formula devised by the Judicial Council, so that workloads can be compared on an equal basis. The results are used to establish the need for additional superior. court judgeships.
In a related matter, Chief Justice Robert Benham appointed a committee of judges chaired by Presiding Justice Norman S. Fletcher to study the future of the case count. For more information, contact Holly Sparrow at 404-651-6327. to

October 1998

5

Georgia Courts Journal

Talk. ~ . Technology Talk . .. Technology Talk . .. Technology Talk . .. Technology Talk . ..

DeKalb courtroom modernizes evidence presentation

Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit

The system has three "access

Judge Hilton Fuller now presides

points," located at the podium,

in a courtroom suitable for the 21st

which attorneys can use to present

century. Installation of a high-tech

evidence over the monitors:

evidence presentation system has

The ELMO Visual Presenter is

been completed with grants from

basically a "sophisticated overhead

state-appropriated funds to the

projector," Judge Fuller says. The

Georgia Courts Automation

ELMO allows attorneys to show

Commission (GCAC).

documents, slides, transparencies,

The system presents evidence

three-dimensional objects, and film

over monitors located at the judge's negatives. A zoom lens provides

bench, the podium, both counsel

close-up views when necessary. A

tables, the jury box and gallery. A

light pen enables counsel or wit-

seven-foot drop-down screen is also nesses to annotate exhibits on the

available. Judge Fuller says the new monitor with freehand drawings or

system increases efficiency, because pointers in a choice of seven differ-

items entered into evidence, such as ent colors. These markings are easily

photos, can be shown over the

removed or changed, and an anno-

monitors or on the drop-down

tated document or photo can be

screen, rather than passed around

printed by the courtroom's color

by hand. Many people can see a

printer in 45 seconds.

small exhibit at the same time. "It

The system's high-quality multi-

significantly improves the quality of function VCR can be used to show

certain exhibits shown to the jury,"

video presentations. The built-in

he says.

VCR is less cumbersome and does

not have to be

rolled in on a

stand, as must

be done in other

courtrooms.

Trailing cables

and power

cords are not

needed, which

lessens the trip-

ping hazard.

Computer

audio and video

input at both

counsel tables

can be used to

show computer-

The system's evidence-presentation tools are available from the podium. designed

Pictured here: the ELMO overhead projection system, video monitor

presentations

with light pen and audio input.

and animations.

The system is controlled from the bench via a touch-pad panel. This allows the judge to quickly turn on
Judge Fuller demonstrates the touch-pad control panel.
or off any of the monitors if, for example, an exhibit should not be shown to the entire courtroom.
Judge Fuller reports favorable feedback from jurors and witnesses. They seem very comfortable with the technology, he says, because most are used to seeing computers and video monitors in their homes and offices. While the system looks complex, it's really very simple to use, he says. Attorneys take five minutes to review the system, and they're ready to use it. However, "we're not to be slaves to this," Judge Fuller says. "It's a tool as long lawyers find it helpful."
Plans are underway to add a teleconferencing component to the system. Witnesses will be able to testify from any location with teleconferencing facilities.
The installation was completed in one weekend, according to Don Forbes, director of GCAC. One important feature of the system is that it is unobtrusive and complements the courtroom, he says. No cables
Continued next page

Talk . .. Technology Talk . . '. Technology Talk . .. Technology Talk . .. Technology Talk . ..

Georgia Courts Journal

6

October 1998

Fulton County Family Court opens its doors

Ceremonies on July 1 launched the Fulton County Family Court pilot project. Based on the "one family, one judge" principle, the court is designed to eliminate duplicative hearings, delays, and sometimes contradictory rulings. "We are going to empower people to find solutions that work for them and their families and, most especially, for their children," says Judge Thelma Wyatt Cummings Moore, the project coordinator.
The new court's jurisdiction includes divorce, child support, custody, legitimation, paternity, visitation, termination of parental rights, name change, contempt, deprivation, abandonment and
1
Technology Talk . ..

Evidence presentation
continued
or cords are visible. In this kind of installation, the needs of the courtroom are always the first consideration. He suggests cabling and wiring new courtrooms for this capability while under construction.
A second installation was recently completed in Judge Michael L. Karpf's courtroom in the Eastern Judicial Circuit, with the costs shared between the county and GCAC. GCAC hopes to expand the project further, based upon the availability of funds. Because most of the equipment is portable, one possibility is to provide one podium and screen per circuit. For more information contact Don Forbes at 404-657-4006. Court personnel are welcomed to schedule visits to Judge Fuller or Judge
Karpf's courtrooms. to
' ... Technology Talk . ..

neglect, adoption, adult and minor guardianships, and felony and misdemeanor domestic violence cases. In the past, these matters were handled variously by superior, state, juvenile, magistrate, probate and municipal courts.
The family court will have a three-year tryout. Judges Alford J. Dempsey Jr. and Cynthia D. Wright will preside for the first 12 to 18 months. Judges Gail S. Tusan and T. Jackson Bedford Jr. will hear cases in the latter half of the project.
Family Law Information Center helps do-it-yourselfers
The Family Court also opened an information center on July 1. The Family Law Information Center hopes to make the court system a little more "user-friendly," offering assistance to pro se litigants in matters including divorce, name change, contempt actions, and legitimation.
The Family Law Information Center reduces the need for timeconsuming legal research by providing, for a $2 fee, a packet of forms and step-by-step instructions for each action. Other general information sheets and pamphlets are available free of charge. A paralegal is on

hand to answer basic questions. An attorney from Atlanta Legal Aid is present three mornings each week, and pro se litigants can call ahead to schedule an appointment. Most consultations last 20 to 30 minutes.
Sandra Howell, manager of Fulton County's law library, helped develop the information center. She reports that approximately 20 people each day come in seeking information, mostly about divorce procedures. Other information packets will soon be available; packages on paternity establishment and modification of child support are nearly complete. Plans are also underway to make the information available over the Internet.
The center's furnishings include tables and chairs, bookshelves, a copy machine, telephone, and a children's play area. Most of the supplies and furniture were loaned, recycled from other locations in the courthouse or donated. Setting up the center was a "shared effort," Ms. Howell says. "We were able to do a lot without a lot of money." She invites court personnel interested in setting up their own center or learning more about the Family Law Information Center to call her
at 404-730-4546. to

Judge Thelma Wyatt Cummings Moore (right) spearheaded the creation of the Family Court. She is pictured here at the opening ceremonies with Angel Wheeler, the court's deputy director.

October 1998

7

Georgia Courts Journal

GJDC guest editorial
lolta ruling and political rhetoric threaten justice for all

by Michael B. Shapiro Executive Director Georgia Indigent Defense Council
As I write this column, two issues weigh heavily upon me. The first involves the continued funding of the Georgia Indigent Defense Council, and thus has significance to poor people accused of crimes and the judicial system in general. The second concerns assaults upon criminal defense attorneys seeking political office, which affects all citizens.
A few short weeks ago, the Supreme Courtof the United States handed down a ruling in the case
IOLTA programs group these small accounts together and thus produce significant interest income. In Georgia alone, over four million dollars was generated last year.
of Phillips v. Washington Legal Faundation. While many have never heard of this decision, it may drastically affect the way civil and criminal legal services are delivered, if indeed such services continued to be offered, to those unable to afford counsel.
In Phillips, the Washington Legal Foundation, a conservative political action group, made its third attack on "Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts" (IOLTA) programs. Since Florida created the first IOLTA system in 1981, every state in the union, plus the District of Columbia, has implemented a plan

that pools the interest generated on lawyers' escrow accounts. Because many client's funds are held in escrow accounts for a very short period of time, or involve
Unlike most states, which award most if not all of the IOLTA funds to civil indigent legal services,
Georgia uses a significant portion of the IOLTA funds
to provide indigent legal services in criminal cases.
extremely small amounts, by themselves these resources would rarely, if ever, produce even enough interest to offset the bank's service charges for maintaining the account. IOLTA programs group these small accounts together and thus produce significant interest income. In Georgia alone, over four million dollars was generated last year.
Unlike most states, which award most if not all of the IOLTA funds to civil indigent legal services, Georgia uses a significant portion of the IOLTA funds to provide indigent legal services in criminal cases. Forty percent of the interest on lawyers trust accounts goes to the Georgia Indigent Defense Council for operational costs. These funds are used for a variety of reasons, including the salaries of council staff members, rent and other overhead, but most importantly to provide training, services and technical resources to indigent defense attorneys working in one hundred and fifty-nine counties. A loss of IOLTA funding would

mean that, following a dramatic rise in the type and quantity of services offered by the Georgia Indigent Defense Council, some aid would have to be curtailed or even eliminated.
In recent years the Georgia Indigent Defense Council has sought increases in funding for its "grants to counties" program and for the Multi-County Public Defender Office (our death penalty division), but not for general operational expenses. I am proud to say that, in the current fiscal year, 143 counties will share over five million dollars to maintain and improve their local indigent defense delivery systems. Funding for the "grants to counties" subsidy program and the MultiCounty Public Defender Office is, at least for the moment, secure.
In order for us to maintain and continue to expand the level of high-quality professional services,
The charge that one is unworthy of political office because they have represented individuals accused of crimes, heinous or otherwise,
is reprehensible.
other funding sources will need to be developed. This may mean that the Georgia Indigent Defense Council will seek operational funding from the Georgia General Assembly in the coming legislative session. Of course, we'll need your support in that effort.
One school of thought is to unite in an attempt to secure state
---
operational funding with a plan See GIDC guest editorial, page 10

Georgia Courts Journal

8

October 1998

Vol. 25 October 1997 - June 1998

Geor iaCourts

Index

JOURNAL

A
Abney, Judge Billy Shaw, Juvenile Court, Catoosa and Walker Counties, appointed Senior Judge 1,2
Allen, Judge John D., Superior Court, Chattahoochee Circuit, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Askew, Hulett H., director, Bar Admissions, appointed interim director of Administrative Office of the Courts 4,2; 4,6

Bell, Hiram Parks, Forsyth County, honored in naming of Bell-Forsyth Judicial Circuit 4,15
Bell, Chief Justice Robert M., Supreme Court, Maryland, receives Trumpet Award 3,2
Benham, Chief Justice Robert, Supreme Court, appoints committee to appraise status of prose litigation 1,1
Receives Distinguished Service Scroll Award from UGA Law School Association 1,2
Elected to Westville Board of Trustees 1,2

8
Baker, Attorney General Thurbert, is guest speaker at Commission on Family Violence annual conference; photograph 2,2

Presents plaque to Judge J.D. Smith 1,4
Delivers State of the Judiciary Address to 1998 General Assembly 3,1
Receives Trumpet Award from Turner Broadcasting 3,2

Barnes, Rep. Roy E., District 33, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Barrett, Jackie, sheriff, Fulton County, serves on Senate Structured Sentencing Commission 1,6

Receives Martin Luther King Jr. State Holiday Commission Distinguished Service Award 3,21
Speaks at Bibb County Drug Court treatment program graduation 3,9

Bathrick, Dick, Men Stopping Violence, acting executive director, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7

Bittick, John Cary, sheriff, Monroe County, serves on Senate Structured Sentencing Commission 1,6

Beam, Judge John W., Juvenile Court, Chatham County, attends child placement guidelines workshop 2,5

Bowdon, Ralph T. Jr., solicitor-general, Dekalb County, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7

Helps develop guidelines for child

Bradley, Bryant, Citizens against Violence,

deprivation cases 4,4

grants manager, serves on Commission on

Beasley, Judge Dorothy T., Court of Appeals, Family Violence 3,7

awarded honorary Doctor of Letters by Brown, Tom, Dekalb County Department of

St. Lawrence University 1,2

Public Safety, serves on Senate Structured

Serves on Council for International

Sentencing Commission 1,6

Visitors, elected to Board of Trustees 1,2 Buel, Sarah, Texas District and County

Serves on panel hearing oral arguments at Cherokee County Courthouse; photograph 4,20

Attorneys Association, makes keynote speech at Commission on Family Violence annual conference; photograph 2,2

Bearden, Judge J. Lane, Juvenile Court, Gordon County, helps develop guidelines for child deprivation cases 4,4
Bedford, Judge T. Jackson Jr., Superior Court, Atlanta Circuit, is pilot family court judge 3,4

c
Caldwell, Joanne P., clerk, Superior and State Court, Rockdale County, accepts
innovative project award; photograph 4,5

Caley, Sylvia, Atlanta Legal Aid, serves on Commission on Family Violence 3,7
Calhoun, Judge Marcus B., Thomasville, obituary 4,2
Camp, Allen, Gwinnett County Administrative Office of the Courts, explains video warrant system 3,6
Cannon, William E. Jr., serves on Pro Se Litigation Committee 1,9
Carnes, Chief Judge Charles L., State Court of Fulton County, takes senior status 4,2
Carriere, Judge Edward E. Jr., State Court, DeKalb County, appointed 3,2 Sworn in; photograph 3,22
Carter, Dr. Barbara L., resigns from Judicial Qualifications Commission 4,2
Castellani, Judge Robert J., Superior Court, Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit, attends Judicial Council meeting; photograph 3,1
Cavanaugh, Judge Rita L., Magistrate Court, Spalding County, serves on Judicial Council; photograph 3,4
Chang, Lisa, Supreme Court Commission on Equality, is faculty at interpreters workshop 2,3
Chesshire, Skip, court administrator, Cobb Judicial Circuit, named Court Administrator of the Year 3,2
Cloy, Assoc. Judge Luz, Juvenile Courts of Bryan, Evans, Liberty, Long, Mcintosh, and Tattnall Counties, helps develop guidelines for child deprivation cases 4,4
Issue 1 - October 1997
Issue 2 - December 1997
Issue 3 - March 1998
Issue 4 - June 1998

Issue numbers are in boldface type; page numbers follow.