Municipal Court Judges bulletin, Summer 2001

MUNICIPAL COURT
Judges Bulletin
Fall 2001 The Georgia Council of Municipal Court Judges Newsletter Vol. 3, No. 4

Council of Municipal Court Judges Officers 2000 - 2001
President Judge Henry E. Williams, Albany
President Elect Judge Vivian Haight Ernstes, Decatur
First Vice President Judge Charles Barrett, III, Lilburn
Secretary Judge William M. Coolidge III, Duluth
Treasurer Judge A. Frost Ward, Morrow
District Representatives
District One Judge Martha Kirkland, Judge Willie T. Yancey, II, Savannah
District Two Judge John Kinsley Edwards, Jr., Valdosta Judge William M. Shingler Sr., Donaldsonville
District Three Judge Pamela R. Greenway, Warner Robins
Judge David M. Pierce,
District Four Judge C. David Strickland, Covington, Porterdale
Judge James C. Watkins, Doraville
District Five Judge Elaine Carlisle, Judge Calvin S. Graves, Atlanta
District Six Judge John Clayton Davis, Judge Robert W. Shuman, Sr., Greenville
District Seven Judge Rick Crawford, Rockmart
Judge Philip Taylor,
District Eight Judge Tommy Bobbitt, III, Dublin Judge Charles Merritt, Jr., Madison
District Nine Judge Steven Leibel, Judge Bertram Derr Waln, Norcross
District Ten Judge John G. Cicala, Jr., Auburn Judge Ethlyn Simpson, Athens-Clarke County

President's Corner

Legacy It is with a sense of profound gratitude and humility that this Judge assumes the helm as the newly installed President of the Georgia Council of Municipal Court Judges. I am grateful for the trust that the membership expressed by nominating and voting me into the office. I am serving this office with humility to have been given the privilege to follow the wealth of leadership of persons of the caliber of Maurice Hilliard, who has always exemplified the qualities of a great leader since I met him in the mountains of Unicoi in 1988, when Municipal Judges were merely an adjunct of the Georgia Municipal Association. Legacy is defined by Webster's New World Dictionary, as anything handed down from a predecessor. That definition not only aptly describes the leadership of Maurice, but that of Tommy Bobbitt, Roger Rozen, David Mecklin, (to whom I offer my apology for omitting his

name at our annual meeting in Savannah), Margaret Washburn (who has done an outstanding job of coordinating the publication of the newsletter), and Robert Whatley (whom I am thankful for his having included me in every significant thing he did as President to ensure a smooth transition).
We have come a long way in our evolution as Judges, and as an organization. The Municipal Judges Association was formed in 1988 followed by the legislative enactment of the Georgia Municipal Court Training Council in 1990, and the formation of the Council of Municipal Court Judges in 1996. I express gratitude to those who have given of their time in teaching courses and in offering service to further our cause such as Frost Ward, who has done an outstanding job as Vice President of our Association, Treasurer of the Training Council for several years, our Georgia Council presently and as Liaison to the Probation Advisory Council; Charles Barrett, who has championed our Legislative Liaison (commonly
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STRESS
Maintaining a smile during the natural physical and mental response of the human body and mind created while stifling the normal, overwhelming, primal urge to choke the living daylights out of someone who richly deserves it.

President's Corner continued

referred to as Judge of the Day Program, who has extolled the assistance that was received from Judges Leith and Greenway); Bill Coolidge, who captures every word spoken, it seems, as our copious recording Secretary; Leroy Burke (member of the Municipal Court Training Council and Executive Committee); and Viviane Ernstes (Executive Committee, Training Council, and now President-Elect of this Council); Bert Waln our Social Chair (and his predecessor Charles Smith) and a host of other Judges who gave willingly of their time to further the cause of our organization; David Pierce, chairman of the Nominating Committee; Judge Payne, who hosted the golf tournament, Official Photographer; John Cicala and Mike Cielenski who coordinated efforts to publish for our benefit the original and revisions to the benchbook. We most of all thank Marla Moore and her capable staff for their quiet hand of guidance and reassurance along

every step of the way. I look forward to continuing the
great legacy already established. Our number one goal is the continued pursuit of membership on the Judicial Council by building upon the foundation laid by Judge Mecklin, who led us in a proposal that was made to add two representatives from the Municipal Courts and two additional representatives from the Superior Courts. An amendment to form a committee to study the matter was also offered. The final vote was 9 in favor and 12 opposed, with the other members abstaining. We enjoyed the support of all representatives of non-appellate courts, with the singular exception for Superior Court representatives, in voting for the proposal. All Superior Court representatives were opposed. This is the first time there has actually been a vote on a proposal to include the Municipal Courts on the Judicial Council.
Judge Mecklin succeeded in getting a vote on the table for consider-

ation by the Judicial Council. We will seek an audience with every aspect of the Bench and Bar to solicit a groundswell of support for this proposition. We will work to improve our organization by soliciting and implementing suggestions from our membership. I continue to urge input and inclusion of all of our members and encourage each member of our organization to volunteer to serve and give us the benefit of your vision as to where we should be headed as a body. Those of you who are currently active, I solicit your continued work as well as urge other members to become active. We will be studying our committees for review and revisions, as well as establishing new ones. There will be ample opportunities for service in the days to come, following the Executive Committees approval of these initiatives at our next meeting. Let us each leave our respective legacies to the future Judges of this great organization.

Savannah Golf Tournament
Jim Payne, Acworth, Ace Reporter
The 2nd Annual Council of Municipal Court Judges Golf Tournament was held at the Wilmington Island club on Sunday, July 8, 2001. Following a wonderful buffet lunch, the tournament was off and putting at 1:30 p.m. Judge Claude Mason, Duluth and Suwanee, took 1st place with a net score of even par 71! Judge Maurice Hilliard, Roswell, placed 2nd and Judge Jim Payne, Acworth, placed 3rd in our tourney. Claude Mason also won the long drive contest. Judge Michael Greene took closest to the pin. How can you resist such fun and adventure? Sign up for next year's tournament between now and next summer by calling Jim Payne: 770-974-6911.

Municipal Court Judges Bulletin

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Fall 2001

Money Watch

Frost Ward, Treasurer frostw@bellsouth.net
First, let me thank Judge Robert Whatley, for the great job he has done during his term as our Council President. Second, let me congratulate Judge Henry Williams on being elected as our new Council President. This was a great year for our bank account. You judges did a great job in seeing that your dues were paid. Our balance as June 30, 2001 was $10,746.84 and our total expenses as of June 30, 2001 were $1,727.07. I think this is great because we didn't receive our first dues check until October 14, 1999.

We had one city request an EIN (employer identification number). I asked Judge Gravitt of Lake City to obtain a number for the council from the IRS. He filed the proper papers and did this at no expense to the council. If you or your government body need an EIN for paying your Council dues it is 58-2613925.
Allow me to ask you once again to coordinate with your city about who is paying your dues. With the great number of checks I am receiving, it is becoming too expensive and I do not have the time to continue to monitor each account and notify cities and the judge about previous payment and to write checks for overpayment. In the future I will deposit all checks I receive and credit the individual judges account.

If you expect to incur any expenses, or have incurred any expenses on behalf of the Council that you would like the Council to consider paying, remember Council procedure. Notify the new President (Judge Henry Williams 229-436- 8600.) If the president approves, he will forward his memo to me to pay and if you have paid your dues I will send you a check. If not I will call you and as soon as you send a dues check I will pay.
I look forward to serving as your treasurer, for another year. I was honored to be reelected at the council meeting in Savannah.
Keep those cards and checks coming.

From the Editor...
Thank you to all of those hard working people that made the July seminar a success. We very much appreciate the efforts of Kathy Mitchem and Rich Reaves at ICJE. We also appreciate Marla Moore and her staff for the information provided at the council meeting. Thank you to Jim Payne, et al, for a great golf tournament. Most of all, the speakers are congratulated on a job well done. Please let me, Dennis Still or Viviane Ernstes know if you liked this two day format. We serve on the training council and welcome your comments. Margaret Washburn.

William P. Smith, III, General Counsel, State Bar, talks about changes in the Bar Rules.
Elizabeth Purdom (AOC) and Kathy Mitchem (ICJE)

2

2 2

2
Duane Cooper, State Bar, and Judge
Mike Cielinski

2

Judge Margaret Washburn discusses sentencing alternatives and ordinance enforcement.
Judge Fred Rodgers uses music to keep up interest during presentation on Search & Seizure.

Fall 2001

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Municipal Court Judges Bulletin

Minutes
Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council of Municipal Court Judges and the Association of Municipal Court Judges, Savannah, Georgia, July 10, 2001
The meeting was called to order by President Whatley at 10:15 AM.
The Minutes of the April 20, 2001 meeting were approved by a unanimous vote.
The President thanked a number of people for their hard work during the year including, Marla Moore, Elizabeth Purdom, Judge Mecklin, Judge Payne, Judge Washburn, Judge Ernestes, Judge Williams, and Judge Ward.
The Treasurer gave his report, which was approved by a unanimous vote. We have $10,746.84 in private funds.
Judge Cielenski reported that due to a large number of changes in traffic law during the recent legislative session, revisions to the benchbook will not be available until later in the year.
Judge Payne reported that 10 people participated in the golf tournament. Judge Mason won the tournament and the long drive. An investigation may be necessary, however.
Judge Barrett reported that the Councils legislative efforts were successful and specifically thanked Judges Leith and Greenway for their help. The Senior Judge and jail fee bills should be ready for introduction in 2002. The Legislative Breakfast

was successful and well attended. Marla Moore was thanked for her work in this regard.
Elizabeth Purdom reported that updates to the directory would be forthcoming and that new or replacement pictures are being accepted. There were 187 responses to the survey, the results of which were distributed to the membership.
Judge Washburn thanked Marla Moore for her help with the newsletter and, as usual, solicited contributions for that publication.
It was reported that Judge Bobbit was selling mugs for half price.
Judge Ernestes reported that the Training Council was interested in the memberships opinions about the new format for this years seminar.
Judge Mecklin reported on the latest attempt to obtain membership on the Judicial Council. At the Summer 2001 meeting, a proposal was made to add two representatives from the Municipal Courts and two additional representatives from the Superior Courts. An amendment to form a committee to study the matter was also offered. The final vote was 9 in favor and 12 opposed, with the balance abstaining. All representatives of non-appellate courts, except for Superior Courts, voted for the proposal. All Superior Court representatives were opposed. This is the first time there has actually been a vote on a proposal to include the Municipal Courts on the Judicial Council. Judge Mecklin urged us to continue to speak with the Superior

Court judges regarding membership issues.
Debra Nesbit reported that the Probation Advisory Committee has promulgated rules and reminded the membership that private probation contracts must be approved by the Judge. She also reported that the Council had closed down one unregistered private probation company.
Judge Pierce, chairman of the Nominating Committee, reported that all nominees had been contacted about the duties of any office to which they might be elected. The list of nominees was submitted to the membership. (See Exhibit A). The floor was opened to additional nominations. There were none. A motion was made to close the nominations. Upon a second, the nominations were closed and the membership elected the persons listed on Exhibit A to the positions designated by their names.
Judge Williams, the new President, who has been a part of the organization since its infancy, then addressed the membership and specifically recognized the efforts of all prior Presidents and pledged to continue their good work. He urged those who are currently active to continue their work and urged others to become active. The new President recognized the chairpersons and Training Council members for their efforts. He indicated he will learn how to play golf.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:55 AM. William M. Coolidge, III, Secretary

Municipal Court Judges Bulletin

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Fall 2001

Surfing the Web?

Here's Some Useful Pages for Municipal Courts

Court/Law Related:

Georgia Generally

New Judicial Council of Georgia The homepage for the Judicial Council, with links to the councils of all classes of courts, as well as the Administrative Office of the Courts. http://www.georgiacourts.org/
Georgia Code Online An online, searchable version of Georgia Code http://www.ganet.org/services/ocode/ocgsearch.htm
Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC) http://www2.state.ga.us/Courts/Supreme/jqc.htm (opinions)
http://www2.state.ga.us/Courts/Supreme/jqcrules.htm (rules)
Resources for Self- Represented Litigants A site for pro se litigants, with the companion guide for the video I Present My Case, as well as answers to frequently asked questions http://www.georgiacourts.org/aoc/departments/research/ resources_for_self.html
Georgia Courts Automation Commission http://www.gcacsite.com/
United States Supreme Court http://www.supremecourtus.gov/
11th Circuit Court of Appeals http://www.law.emory.edu/11circuit/

State of Georgia http://www.ganet.org/
Links to Georgia State Agencies http://www.ganet.org/index/state.cgi
Georgia Attorney General http://www.ganet.org/ago/
Secretary of State, Cathy Cox http://www.sos.state.ga.us/default800.asp
State of Georgia Telephone Directory http://www2.state.ga.us/Departments/DOAS/GIST/
Georgia Municipal Association http://www.gmanet.com/index.shtml
County/Municipalities Websites Links to those counties or municipalities offering a web page http://www.ganet.org/index/local.cgi
Georgia Info Produced by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at UGA, this website offers a great deal of information about Georgia and its government, including voting information, demographics, and maps http://www.cviog.uga.edu/Projects/gainfo
Nationally National League of Cities http://www.nlc.org/nlc_org/site/

Ideas? Comments? Responses?
Please send in any and all contributions for the newsletter to:
Margaret Washburn, editor mwashbur@bellsouth.net 770-963-1105 / 770-963-2828 (Fax) 303 Scenic Highway Lawrenceville, GA 30045

The State Justice Institute An institute that awards grants to improve the quality of justice in state courts nationwide http://www.statejustice.org/

The American Bar Association http://www.abanet.org/

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Municipal Court Judges Bulletin

Municipal Court Facts -- April 26, 2001

Required training:
Georgia law requires all municipal judges, whether full-time, part-time, or pro tem, to be certified that they have completed the required training for municipal judges. By OCGA 3632-27, after January 1, 1991, all new municipal judges must complete a 20 hour training course to be certified as a municipal judge. To remain certified, municipal judges must attend 12 hours of training each year. The Georgia legislature also established the Georgia Municipal Courts Training Council, which consists of five municipal judges appointed by the Council of Municipal Court Judges. This training council oversees all aspects of municipal judges training, including issuing certifications of completion of training and prescribing the minimum requirements for curricula and standards composing the initial inservice, advanced, specialized, and continuing training courses for certification. The training council also must notify the Judicial Qualifications Commission of any municipal judge not completing the required training in any year.
The Council of Municipal Court Judges
All judges of municipal courts and special courts are members of the Council of Municipal Court Judges, which is established by OCGA 3632-40. The Executive Committee is composed of the president, presidentelect, first vice president, secretary,
Municipal Court Judges Bulletin

treasurer, and two representatives from each of the 10 judicial administrative districts. The council holds its annual meeting during its summer training conference and holds other meetings as scheduled by the president. The Administrative Office of the Courts serves as the administra-
tive staff for the council. The Council has state funding through the Administrative Office of the Courts Jurisdiction
OCGA 36-32-1 gives each municipal corporation the authorization to establish and maintain a municipal court having jurisdiction over the violation of municipal ordinances and over such other matters as are by general law made subject to the jurisdiction of municipal courts. Individual municipalities determine the qualifications and compensation of municipal judges. Additional jurisdiction includes:
All judges of all municipal courts in this state shall have and are given the same powers and authorities as magistrates in the matter of and pertaining to criminal cases of whatever nature in the several courts of this state. (OCGA 36-32-3)
The municipal court of any municipality is granted jurisdiction over the following misdemeanors: mari-
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juana possession of one ounce or less, shoplifting of property valued at $300 or less, underage purchasing and possession of alcohol, and in counties with no state court, criminal trespass. The jurisdiction of such court is concurrent with the jurisdiction of any other courts within the county having jurisdiction to try and dispose of such cases. The defendant shall be entitled on request to have the case transferred to the court having general misdemeanor jurisdiction in the county wherein the alleged offense occurred. Municipal courts are limited to fines/imprisonment as set forth in the municipality's charter. (OCGA 36-32-6, 36-32-9, 36-3210, 36-32-10.1, )
All municipal courts are granted jurisdiction to try and dispose of
misdemeanor traffic offenses arising under state law except violations of Code Section 40-6-393 (vehicular homicide) and to impose any punishment authorized for such offenses under general state law, whether or not there is a city, county, or
state court in such county, if the defendant waives a jury trial and the offense arises within the limits of the municipality. (OCGA 4013-21)
Publications: The Council of Municipal Court
Fall 2001

Municipal Court Facts -- April 26, 2001

Judges produces a quarterly newsletter, which is sent to all municipal and special court judges. The Council of Municipal Court Judges also has produced a pictorial directory and has provided it to all municipal and special court judges. The Municipal Courts Training Council provides a Municipal benchbook to all new municipal and special court judges

and updates to sitting judges.
History Notes: The Municipal Court was repre-
sented in the Judicial Council from July 1, 1980 to June 30, 1982. The Council of Municipal Court Judges was created by the Georgia legislature July 1994.

Mark Your Calendars!

The next meeting of the Council of Municipal Court Judges will take place on Friday, October 5 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will take place at the Electrical Cooperative Training Center located 1/4 mile west of I-75 off exit 181 located between Macon and Forsyth. Please call LaShawn Murphy at 404-651-6325 if you plan to attend so that we have enough room and lunches.
The Municipal Courts Training Council will meet at 1:00 PM on October 5 at the Electrical Cooperative Training Center.
Due to the overwhelming interest in the Municipal Clerk Training Session, the Institute of Continuing Judicial

Education has added a second program to this year's calender. The original training session, to be held on September 20 and 21, became oversubscribed, necessitating the addition of a second session to accommodate all who were interested.
The new Municipal Clerk Training Session will be held December 13 and 14 at the Georgia Center, in Athens, Georgia located on the University of Georgia Campus. If you were unable to be a part of the September training session, and are still interested, please contact Kathy Mitchem at (706) 542-7403. Please pass this information on to your clerks.
The Third Annual Legislative Breakfast will be held on Thursday, January 31, 7:30-9:00 a.m. Plan to attend and be sure and ask your senators and representatives to attend as well. Special invitations to them will go out the first week in January.

Did You Know?
Attorneys: 378 Non-Attorneys: 33 Male: 342 Female: 65 White: 321 Black: 38 Number serving in more than one municipality: 102
Number designated as pro tem/ pro hac in any court: 48
Number designated as the primary/regularly scheduled judge in any court: 377
These are not exclusive because one can be pro tem in one court and primary in another
Number serving as Magistrates: 38 (22 Chief Magistrates; 16 Magistrates)
Number serving as Probate judges: 13 + 2 retired
Number serving as State Court judges: 9
Number serving as Juvenile judges: 12
Other distinguished positions held (past & present):
Former Superior Court Judge, State Representative (4), Public Defenders (4), City Attorney (5), County Commissioners, City Council members, Past President of the State Bar, Mayor, Solicitors, School Board members, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Judicial Nominations Commission, Past Chairman of State Ethics Commission

Fall 2001

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Municipal Court Judges Bulletin

Some Useful Pages for Municipal Courts continued

The National Judicial College The National Judicial College offers judicial education coursethese courses can often gain approval from the Municipal Training Council to count toward the required training for municipal judges. http://www.judges.org/
Courts in Other States A part of the National Center for State Courts website, this offers links to courts of other states http://www.ncsconline.org/Information/info_court_web_ sites.html

The following courts have links within their cities' page: Alpharetta http://www.alpharetta.ga.us/ (Click on City Services then Court Services)
Cordele http://www.cityofcordele.com/ (Click on Municipal Court Judge)
Duluth http://www.duluthpd.com/ (Click on Court Services)

Thinking of making/improving your own website? Check out some other municipal courts' websites:
Acworth http://www.acworth.org/government/departments/court/ index.shtml
Athens-Clarke County: http://www.athensclarkecounty.com/municipalcourt/ index.htm
Atlanta City Court http://www.atlantatrafficcourt.com/

Snellville http://www.snellville.org/ (Click on Municipal Court)
Stockbridge http://www.cityofstockbridge.com/court.htm (Click on Services, then Municipal Court)
If you want to develop a website for your court, the Administrative Office of the Courts can help you! Contact Greg Arnold at (404) 656-6413 or email him at arnoldg@aoc.courts.state.ga.us

Norcross http://www.norcross-ga-gvt.com/government/dept_municipal.asp

Check Out the Council's New Web Site!

www.georgiacourts.org/municipal
Yes, the Council now has its own web site. Please visit it an let us know how we can make it better. Send your suggestions to
moorem@aoc.courts.state.ga.us

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Fall 2001

New Officers and District Representatives

Following is a list of the officers and district representatives who were elected on July 10, 2001 for the 2001-2002 year. Please give them a call if you have any concerns that need to be brought before the leadership of your council.
President Henry E. Williams
President Elect Judge Viviane H. Ernsetes
Vice President Judge Charles Barrett, III
Treasurer Judge A. Frost Ward
Secretary Judge William M. Coolidge, III
Training Council Judge Michael Cielinski Judge Robert B. Whatley

District Representatives
District 1 Judge Martha Kirkland Judge Willie T. Yancey, II
District 2 Judge John K. Edwards, Jr. Judge William M. Shingles, Sr.
District 3 Judge Pamela R. Greenway Judge David M. Pierce
District 4 Judge C. David Strickland Judge James C. Watkins
District 5 Judge Elaine Carlisle Judge Calvin S. Graves
District 6 Judge John Clayton Davis Judge Robert W. Shuman, Sr.
District 7 Judge Rick Crawford Judge Philip Taylor

District 8 Judge Tommy Bobbitt, III Judge Charles Merritt, Jr.
District 9 Judge Steven Leibel Judge Bertram D. Waln
District 10 Judge John G. Cicala, Jr. Judge Ethlyn Simpson
New training council members elected. Judge Mike Cielinski, Columbus and Judge Robert Whatley, LaGrange have been elected to replace Judge Viviane Ernstes and Judge LeRoy Burke on the Municipal Courts Training Council. They will be serving with members Judge Margaret Washburn, Judge Roger Rozen and Judge Dennis Still. Judge Ernstes and Judge Burke have ably served your training council. A big thanks to them for their service.

How to Keep a Healthy Level of Insanity!!!

1) At lunchtime, sit in your parked car w/sunglasses on and point a hair dryer at passing cars. See if they slow down. 2) Page yourself over the intercom. Don't disguise your voice. 3) Every time someone asks you to do something, ask if they want fries with that. 4) Put your garbage can on your desk and label it "IN." 5) Put decaf in the coffee maker for 3 weeks. Once everyone has gotten over his or her caffeine addictions, switch to espresso. 6) In the memo field of all your checks, write "FOR SEXUAL FAVORS". 7) Finish all your sentences with "In

accordance with the prophecy." 8) Dont use any punctuation 9) As often as possible, skip rather than walk. 10) Ask people what sex they are. Laugh hysterically after they answer. 11) Specify that your drive-through order is "to go." 12) Sing along at the opera. 13) Go to a poetry recital and ask why the poems don't rhyme. 14) Put mosquito netting around your work area. Play a tape of jungle sounds all day. 15) Five days in advance, tell your friends you can't attend their party because you're not in the mood. 16) Have your coworkers address you

Fall 2001

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by your wrestling name, Rock Hard. 17) When the money comes out of the ATM, scream "I Won! I Won! 3rd time this week!!!" 18) When leaving the zoo, start running towards the parking lot, yelling, "Run for your lives, they're loose!" 19) Tell your children over dinner. "Due to the economy, we are going to have to let one of you go." And the final way to keep a healthy level of insanity.... 20) Send this to everyone in your address book, even if they sent it to you or have asked you not to send them stuff like this.
Municipal Court Judges Bulletin

Summary of Survey Results
Number of Courts Responding, includes Special Courts: 187

Number of Courts with:

1 Primary

More than 1 Primary

174

10

Courts receiving benefits:
24

Estimated Traffic Caseload:

Total Cases heard by all reporting courts
Number of Courts reporting: Less than 100 cases 100-499 cases 500-999 cases 1000-4999 cases
More than 5000 cases No repsonse/Not detailed
Total Surveys

459,096
22 49 29 50 17 20 187

Estimated Preliminary Hearing Caseload:

Total Cases heard by all reporting courts
Number of Courts reporting: No Preliminary Hearings Less than 50 cases 50-199 cases 200-999 cases More than 1000 cases No repsonse
Total Surveys

106,858
129 16 7 3 5 27 187

Estimated Ordinance Caseload:

Total Cases heard by all reporting courts
Number of Courts reporting: No ordinance
Less than 50 cases 50-199 cases 200-999 cases
More than 1000 cases No repsonse/Not detailed
Total Surveys

54,627
23 59 42 32 7 24 187

Estimated Total Caseload:

Total Cases heard by all reporting courts
Number of Courts reporting: Less than 100 cases 100-499 cases 500-999 cases 1000-4999 cases
More than 5000 cases No repsonse
Total Surveys

687,678
19 40 34 55 23 16 187

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Fall` 2001

Summary of Survey Results continued

Salary Paid by Court Per Year
Based on tabulating given methods of payment to a yearly salary. A judge may receive a higher cumulative salary if serving in several

Minimum Maximum Average Median Impossible to gauge yearly salary

$600.00
$120,107.00 $10,388.00 $4,800.00
20

Minimum Maximum Average Median Unknown

Salary/Caseload
($ per case)**

$0.38
$150.00 $10.61 $5.45
31

Court Sessions per month:

Number of Courts reporting:

One or less

92

Two

47

3-5 (or weekly)

23

More than 5

20

No response

4

Total Surveys 186

Cases Heard in 2000 Per Judge In Each Court*
(Total cases divided by number of Primary Judges -- does not include Pro Tem Judges)

Minimum Maximum Average Median Unknown

10
36,398 2,554
850 18

Personnel

Number of Courts reporting:

Any

at all

Clerks

152

Bailiff

36

Solicitor

53

Public Def.

9

Any full-time
92 14 10 3

Any part-time
69 23 45 6

* These tabulations are not exact, and should be only used for relative comparisions. Not only are the reported number of cases often rough, but the contribution of pro tem judges is not included, and we have no way of measuring if the pro tem judges' service significantly reduces the number of cases heard per year by each judge. Also, some primary judges are part-time, so this comparision would give them a larger bulk of the cases than may actually be the case.
** Again, these tabulations are extremely rough, relying on the approximations in the above chart on caseload per judge and included only to aid in comparision, since the disparate salaries per year reflect the extreme differences in the number of cases in courts across the state. For instance, the court providing the minimum absolute salary of $600 hears only 25 cases per year, for a rough estimation of $24 per case, much higher than the average and the median. And contrarily, the court providing the maximum salary of $120,107 per year has each judge hearing more than 10,000 cases a year, for a estimation of about $6.77 per case, around the median amount.

Fall 2001

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Municipal Court Judges Bulletin

While on Probation

Frost Ward, Treasurer frostw@bellsouth.net
Private Probation is alive and well. It continues to grow each month. Of all the courts using private probation the municipal courts are still the largest users of this service.
Ms. Debra Nesbit, Staff Director for County and Municipal Probation Advisory Council (CMPAC) is doing a great job. At our last meeting she brought two companies before

the council that were not exactly following the guidelines for operating a private probation service in the State of Georgia. After a hearing before the council one company was allowed to make the necessary corrections and continue in business. The other company decided to get out of the business. This is to advise you that the CMPAC is now in a position to get things accomplished concerning violations of private probation companies.

The Updated "Your Guide to the Georgia Courts"
Brochure is Available!

Call 404-656-5171 to Request Copies

We need all the judges using private probation to monitor the probation service in your court and if you have any problems or any questions please call Ms. Nesbit at 404-6517616 or me at 770-960-3012.
Private Probation is a great thing for those of us that have small courts and whose city does not have a probation department. We have a great group of business men and women running these companies, but like any other businesses there will always be one or two that will not want to follow the rules. As judges let's work together to make sure the best are serving our courts.
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Council of Municipal Court Judges
244 Washington Street, SW Suite 300 Atlanta, Georgia 30334

MARGARET GETTLE WASHBURN Chief Judge, Duluth Editor
MARLA MOORE Assistant Director, Judicial Liaison
ASHLEY G. STOLLAR Graphic Design