Vanguard (Council of State Court Judges (Georgia)), 2005 April

April 2005
TheVanguard

Volume 11, Issue 1

A Publication of the Council of State Court Judges

President's Message

Judge Ed Carriere, President
Thanks for a Great Year!
Folks, I think all of us would list serving on the State Court as worthwhile and both personally as well as professionally satisfying. Take that type of "fun to come to work" feeling and multiply it by ten and you come close to my appreciation for the time I have been permitted to serve as our President. Thanks. It renews my urging each of you to spend time serving the Council of State Court Judges. Not only are our judges worth getting to know better but the work with the AOC opens ones eyes to a whole new group of dedicated peo-

ple serving our judicial system. This is as good a segue as any to tell you of the appreciation and gratitude we owe to the staff of the Administrative Office of the Courts.
As you know, during the time that our Executive Director, Stephan Frank, is serving in Iraq, Bob Bray has stepped forward to fill the breach. I want to especially thank him as well as Tracy Powell, Debra Nesbit and Tonya Griesbach for their dedication and commitment to make this difficult transition as seamless as possible.
Our Council's Benchbook Committee, through the yeoman's effort of Judge Wayne Purdom, has revised the State Court Benckbook and provided it to the membership through our Internet website and on CD. The Executive Committee has agreed to provide the funding to collaborate with the

Vanguard: Leading the Way

By Bob Bray
Trying to think of a name that captures the essence of an organization is extremely difficult when the product that is created defies clear definition. As courts we create justice. What is "justice"? Like "love" it is a word that embodies many concepts, principles and philosophies. It is a quality in life that we value dearly. If you

ask most people-it means that a person gets what they deserve. This can be either a good thing or a bad thing. "Justice" is quite unlike the gift of "mercy" when a person gets less than what they deserve; or the gift of "grace" when a person gets something wonderful even though they do not deserve it.
What makes the search for justice even more difficult for us is that each case is different so it is much less a science than it is an "art" at making something meaningful for all parties. It is
continued pg 2

Council of Superior Court Judges to participate in existing contracts to allow this Desktop protocol and to include our Benchbook to their Trial Court Desktop product with activated links to significant citations of authority. I am persuaded that this collaborative effort will prove to benefit both of our councils and lead to additional cooperation in the future.
Our Legislative efforts proved to be a mixed bag; but, in a new environment legislatively, dealing with new committee chairs at the Capital, our judges could not have represented us more capably. Debra and Tonya were "on point" and many of you responded when needed. Thanks.
Next year brings Judge John Salter to the helm. Let us each wish him the very best and again, thank you so much for the privilege of serving as President. What a ride!
See you at Brasstown!
What's Inside
New Judges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg 2
See You at Brasstown . . . . . . .pg 3
Stephan Sends Greetings . . . . .pg 4
Legislative Updates . . . . . . . . . .pg 5
Technology Info . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg 10
Probation Council . . . . . . . . . . .pg 12
Court Management Assistance Team . . . . . . . . .pg 14

The Vanguard
Vanguard continued

April 2005

crafted by the heart of the judge and the will of the parties involved-clearly not a science.
I have begun to notice that clothing catalogs no longer advertise items as "one size fits all", but rather "one size fits most." One myth is only softer than the other. On the other hand, "justice" is tailored to the circumstances in each situation-crafted like a custom made suit. Not all cases are off-therack items and it becomes the judge's responsibility to make the alterations for all that appear and this can be a most difficult task.
One of the most wonderful aspects of working with the State Court judges is that they deal with people believing that there is something in the person that can lead them back to the path of wholeness or rehabilitation, and guide them to being a productive member of society. The tools used by these artisans crafting justice may be fines, incarceration, community service, alternative programs and other pioneering models. A good judge knows that he or she alone cannot change a person's behavior; only that person can make that change in themselves. A judge is lucky if they are able to assist a person to chart a better path, but only that person can achieve that type of course correction. Yet it is the artisan's tools that may lead the person to achieve some modicum of self awareness - help them to see the consequences of heading farther down the wrong path. Fines are nothing more than another item in the judge's kit - not unlike a thread and needle to the tailor. The object is to save or rehabilitate the individual because they have value - not to raise revenues. Good government requires nothing less. The vision of our forefathers knew this and placed it in the Constitution.
So, what word captures the spirit of these judicial artisans who work in the front lines of justice - struggling to seek

a better quality of justice for the citizens that they serve - case by case - seeking the person's return to the right pathbeing the guardians of justice and good government - leading the way for all of us? Vanguard: Any creative group

active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field as in avant-garde; the leading position in any movement; at the front - right where we ought to be.

Judges Take Oath at Capital Ceremonies

By Tracy Powell
On October 5, 2004 Governor Sonny Perdue announced three appointments to the State Court of Georgia. Judge Beverly Collins of Cobb County was appointed to Division I of the State Court of Cobb County, and Judge Maria B. Golick was appointed to Division II of the State Court of Cobb County to fill the vacancy left by Judge Collins. Judge Seay VanPatten Poulakos was appointed to the State Court of Coweta County.

Judge Collins has served on the bench of the State Court of Cobb County since 1992. She serves on the Council's Mandatory CJE committee. She was sworn in during a ceremony in the House Chambers of the State Capitol on October 20, 2004.
Judge Golick, of Smyrna, is a member of the Cobb County Bar Association, the Marietta Kiwanis Club, and the Board of Directors of the YWCA of Northwest Georgia. She went to law school and received an undergraduate degree in marketing from Georgia State University. She and her husband, Rich, have two children. Judge Golick was

sworn in on October 20, 2004 in the House Chambers, as well.
Judge Poulakos previously held office as the Chief Assistant Solicitor General for Coweta County. She is a member of the Georgia Bar Association, the Newnan Bar Association, and the Newnan Rotary Club. Judge Poulakos also participates in the Georgia High School Mock Trial Program, serving as coach for East Coweta High School. Judge Poulakos earned her undergraduate degree in international business from Auburn University, and received her law degree from Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University. She and her husband, James, have one child. Judge Poulakos was sworn in on December 20, 2004.

2

April 2005

The Vanguard

See You at Brasstown Valley Resort for 2005 Spring Conference

The Spring Conference for State Court Judges will be held at the Brasstown Valley Resort from May 11 - 13, 2005. Please return your forms to the Institute of Continuing Judicial Education (ICJE) by April 11, 2005. To reserve a room, call 1-800201-3205 before April 11th and mention Code #ICJ0509 and the state court judges conference, the Council of State Court Judges, or the ICJE to get the group rate of $169.00
Expenses for your room will be reimbursed by ICJE at $130 per night for 2 nights which is the group rate plus state sales tax, together meals attendant

to participation at the state allowance limits of $6 for breakfast; $7 for lunch; and $15 for dinner beginning with breakfast on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 (depart before 6:30 a.m.) and ending with dinner (return after 7:30 p.m.) on Friday, May 13, 2005. When you check in at the hotel desk let them know that you will need the original receipt at check-out that shows it was paid.
Please notify the ICJE team if you plan on attending the Judging and Humanities Session on Thursday, May 12, 2005 which will focus on Just Revenge, by Alan Dershowitz and History On Trial: My Day in Court with

David Irving. In addition to courses on updates in
legislation and case law, other topics include Summary Jury Trial Practices; Civil Justice Reform; DUI Drug Courts in America; Handling the Attorney Malpractice Case; Selected Aspects of Georgia Evidence Law; Developments in the State Bar Professional Programs; and the Intent, Scope, Implications and Use of Canon 2.
For more information, contact Rich Reaves, ICJE, at 706-542-5130.

Presiding Justice Leah Ward Sears spoke.

Some Scenes from last May

Judge Brenda Cole (Fulton), Judge Janis Gordon (DeKalb), and Judge Melodie Clayton (Cobb) entertained us at dinner.

Judge Kent Lawrence (Clarke), Judge Greg Fowler (Chatham, and Judge Charlie Wynne (Cherokee) served on a panel to discuss Drug Courts.
3

The Age-Old Question: Just How Many Judges Does it Take to Tee Off?

The Vanguard

April 2005

Stephan Sends Greetings from Iraq

Executive Director Stephan Frank has been stationed in Iraq since January and adjusting to the risks associated with being in the central command of military operations in Baghdad. For those of you who would like to send words or tokens of encouragement his lovely wife Gail suggests only small packages because Stephan doesn't have a lot of storage room. You may be able to email Stephan and he will return your email when he has some free time. His email address is: stephan.frank@iraq.centcom.mil

To mail or send something to Stephan:
Major Stephan J. Frank MNC-l/C-4 Plans Victory Base South APO AE 09343
To see more photos or information, Stephan has a Blog! To view the Blog go to: http://stephanpics.blogspot.com/
Here are some photos that Gail sent and allowed us to publish.

Want to send Stephan a video message? Just see Ashley (she's the one with the camera) at the Brasstown meeting.
4

April 2005

The Vanguard

Update on Legislation Affecting the State Courts -

Passed 2005 Session

Judge Richard Slaby, Judge Henry Newkirk, Co-Chair of Legislative Committee; Debra Nesbit, Associate Director and Tonya Griesbach, Legislative Liaison Legislative & Governmental Affairs Division of the Administrative Office of the Courts
After the dust settled over this year's session of the General Assembly, these are the significant Bills that passed. As always, the entire Bill may be obtained by clicking on http://www.ciclt.com/aoc All legislation listed is subject to the Governor's signature, approval or veto.
HB 48 - Ethics in government; amend provisions This bill provides for a comprehensive change to ethics policy in relation to state government, local government, and public officers (which includes all judicial officers). Specifically, the bill affects ethics and conflicts of interest; changes certain definitions; changes certain provisions relative to declaration of policy; and changes several provisions relating to the Ethics Commission. With respect to the judiciary in particular, a person would not be eligible to fill a vacancy on the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, state court, or superior court in the case that the person had contributed to the Governor's

campaign committee in the 30 days prior to the vacancy or any time after the vacancy. Any person aggrieved by a finding in violation of the provisions of the bill by the Commission shall be entitled to "judicial review."
HB 84 - Supplemental appropriations; FY 2004-2005 Supplemental budget passed this session.
HB 85 - General appropriations; FY 20052006 This is the budget passed this session that employs program budgeting techniques. The budget for the Council of State Court Judges is $270,652.
HB 97 - Judicial Circuit; add judges This bill provides for the addition of judges to several superior courts including the Appalachian, Cherokee, Flint, Gwinnett, and Southern Judicial Circuits. The judges will be appointed by the Governor and then elected after initial appointment. The bill's effective date is January 1, 2006. HB 106 - Sex offender registry; sexually violent offense; redefine The bill provides a longer punishment (by ten years) if a sexually violent crime is perpetrated against someone who has a "mental

The Devil's Secret Weapon
Or - The General Assembly of the Legislature is Over for this Year - FINALLY!

After some of this year's incredible displays of "politics" it reminds me of an old-time fable that the devil once held a sale and offered all the tools of his trade to anyone who would pay their price.
They were spread out on the table, with each one labeled - hatred, malice, envy, despair, sickness, sensuality - all the weapons that everyone knows so well.
But off to one side, apart from

the rest, lay a harmless looking, wedge-shaped instrument marked "DISCOURAGEMENT." It was old and worn looking, but it was priced far above all the rest!
When asked the reason why, the devil explained: "Because I can use this one so much more easily than the others. No one knows that it belongs to me, so with it I can open doors that are tightly bolted against the others. Once I get inside, I can use any tool that suits me best."

abnormality". The bill also changes certain provisions relating to the state sexual offender registry and updates provisions relating to registration requirements for offenders changing residency to Georgia.
HB 170 - Criminal Justice Act of 2005; enact The major provisions of HB170 include: Provides an equal number of jury strikes for both the defense and prosecution. The current system of unequal strikes gives more rights to the defendant than to the victim. Allows for the impeachment of a defendant who testifies in a criminal case, in line with standards of the Federal Rules of Evidence. Forty-eight states allow impeachment of all witnesses including a defendant who testifies. Kansas and Georgia are the only states that only allow impeachment of a defendant if he or she first places character at issue. Requires reciprocal discovery during the sentencing phase. Georgia currently only has reciprocal discovery during the trial phase. Reciprocal discovery maximizes the presentation of reliable evidence and fosters fairness and efficiency in criminal proceedings. Places Georgia in-line with the majority of states by providing that the state, the party with the burden of proof, has the right to conclude closing statements at trial. Gives the state the right to appellate review of a motion to recuse a judge or motion for a new trial, a right that defendants have under current law. Extends Georgia's rape shield law to victims of other sexually violent crimes.
HB 172 - Crime Victims Restitution Act of 2005; enact The major provisions of HB172 include: Allows victims of crime in many cases to delay bringing a civil action against the perpetrator of a crime until the prosecution of the criminal case is complete. Requires the court to consider victim impact statements prior to sentencing or determining restitution. Makes restitution easier to collect by codifying a procedure that will allow the enforcement of restitution orders after the criminal sentence is complete. Restitution will be ordered even if a defendant is sentenced to prison for a period of straight time, life imprisonment, life without parole or even death penalty cases.
continued pg 6

5

The Vanguard
Legislation continued

Clarifies that individuals, businesses and other organizations are entitled to restitution. Whenever possible, juveniles that commit a crime must make restitution to their victims. The court is authorized, but not required, to make the parent or parents who have supervisory responsibility over the child to pay restitution to the victim where the court finds that the parent or parents knew or should have known of the juvenile's propensity to commit such acts and the acts are due to the parent's negligence or the parents' reckless disregard for the juvenile's propensity to commit such acts. In any case where the state, county or city is due restitution, the victim shall receive any restitution first. Makes restitution a priority by requiring that at least 50 percent of all payments by criminals be used to satisfy restitution to victims before any such payment can be used to satisfy other fines and/or fees. Requires that restitution be disbursed to victims in a timely manner. Allows the court to require an offender to assign his or her wages to pay restitution. Requires the clerk of court, probation or parole officers to review all restitution orders at least twice a year to ensure that restitution is being paid. Allows the Department of Juvenile Justice or the Board of Pardons and Parole to intercept tax refunds when there is an outstanding amount of restitution owed a crime victim. The Department of Corrections already has this authority.
HB 186 - Counties and municipalities; expand purposes for using federal funds This bill amends the OCGA relating to the authority of counties and municipal corporations to participate in federal programs, so as to expand the purposes for which federal funds may be used by a county or municipal corporation.
HB 188 - Registered sexual offender; publish photo in legal organ The bill requires certain sexual offenders to register with the sheriff in the county where they wish to reside. Upon release of the offender, the sheriff is now required to publish a notice of conviction and release along with a photograph of the offender in a "legal organ".

HB 196 - Common-sense Consumption Act; amend provisions A person cannot sue food sellers, manufacturers, etc. for becoming obese under this law.
HB 199 - Elections Code; corrections The bill's purpose is simply to correct typographical errors in Title 21 of the Elections Code.
HB 201 - Veterinarians; boarders of animals; liens for treatment Every licensed veterinarian shall have a lien on each animal or pet treated, boarded, or cared for by him or her while in his or her custody and under contract with the owner of the animal or pet for the payment of charges for the treatment, board, or care of the animal or pet; and the veterinarian shall have the right to retain the animal or pet until the charges are paid.
HB 216 - Pseudoephedrine sales; limitations and restrictions This bill limits the sale and manner of sale of products containing pseudoephedrine and provides for mitigation of punishment under certain circumstances. This bill also provides for penalties; restricts the sale, transfer, manufacture, purchase for resale, and furnishing of certain substances. The bill provides definitions and authorizes the State Board of Pharmacy to promulgate certain rules and regulations relating to pseudoephedrine sales.
HB 236 - Theft; certain services or property knowingly obtained by deception The bill will amend the Georgia code relating to the theft of services statute regarding rental cars by providing certain prima facie evidence thresholds, including among others, the presentation of false forms of identification and the presentment of false checks. Current state law mandates that one must prove intent to deceive when prosecuting theft of services cases.
HB 244 - Elections and voting; amend provisions This bill is generally known for its provision requiring a state-issued photo ID in order to vote, but it also contains vast changes to many code sections in Title 21. The provisions of this bill are completely dependent upon federal approval by the Department of Justice for compliance with the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). Some of the other provi-

April 2005
sions include acceptable identification when registering to vote for the first time, ballot form and procedures in nonpartisan elections (such elections will be held in conjunction with the November general election), qualification procedures for candidates, and many changes to the provisions governing the use of absentee ballots (i.e. application for absentee ballots not more than 180 days prior to the election, etc.). There are also specific provisions governing the filing of notice of candidacy for the office of judge of the superior court, Judge of the Court of Appeals, Justice of the Supreme Court, and other county and municipal judicial offices (see Sections 14 & 17 in particular). The penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act range from misdemeanor to felony. The Attorney General shall bring an action against the violator in the superior court of the county of residence of the violator upon complaint by the State Election Board.
HB 254 - Courts; establish drug courts division The bill would enable the establishment Drug/DUI courts throughout the state, at the option of the local courts in the county/circuit. Existing judges will be assigned to the drug court divisions. The legislation provides for the Standards for Drug Courts to be set by the Judicial Council. The courts can be funded through grants, private contributions, court fees, and state appropriations.
continued pg 7
Name This Paper!
You are free to point the finger at me this time. Most people like newsletters to have names, especially a name that reflects the organization's mission. HOWEVER, there are many names that may work better than the one we selected a couple of us here in the office also liked The Georgia Jurist. So if you have a name that you would like to offer for our Council's newsletter PLEASE send me an email and we'll try it out and see how it flies! Give us a call at 404-651-6204 or send an email to brayb@gaaoc.us and let's have your ideas.

6

April 2005
Legislation continued

There is also created a Family Court Division of Fulton County as a pilot project for three years. The program will be structured similar to the drug courts, and the AOC will be responsible for providing annual reports on the efficacy of the program. Tacked onto the bill is a provision relating to all clerks of the various courts whereby they have an option to, with the approval of the governing authority to maintain records and documents in digital format.
HB 334 - Juvenile courts; salary supplements; amend provisions Provides for a 4% salary increase for juvenile judges with 2% coming from the local government and 2% from the state.
HB 366 - Indigents; legal defense; amend certain provisions This bill relates to legal defense for indigents. It allows alternative delivery systems to opt out from having a public defender system under certain circumstances. The bill also changes provisions relating to alternative delivery systems.
HB 416 - Torts; asbestos or silica claims; definitions and provisions This bill was brought by Georgia Pacific to the Legislature to address the numbers of tort cases filed relating to asbestos or silica claims. The bill imposes a requirement that physical impairment shall be an essential element of an asbestos claim or a silica claim. You must also be a Georgia resident or have been exposed in Georgia; the case must be filed either in the county of residence of the plaintiff or in the county where the exposure occurred (if exposed in more than one county, the trial court shall determine which county is the best "forum").
HB 492 - Judicial Retirement System; dates and election for participation; amend The bill struck an entire code section (4723-43) regarding the election for participation in the Judicial Retirement System. It now simply allows individuals to participate in the Judicial Retirement System so long as they are members of the system as of June 30, 2005.
HB 520 - Employment security; amend certain provisions; Department of Labor; supplemental appropriation This bill is in regard to the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. This legislation contains a provision that will extend the 35% ceiling on the employer surcharge through

December 31, 2005. It also increases the weekly benefit amount for employees to $450. Those found in violation of the law will be subject to a fine of no more than $5,000 per violation.
HR 515 - House Study Committee on Restructuring Georgia's Criminal Penalties; create The resolution will create the House Study Committee on Restructuring Georgia's Criminal Penalties. The committee will examine the laws specifying criminal offenses and punishments and will seek ways to more efficiently and effectively apply the option of incarceration. The goal of the committee is "to find ways to balance the use of the threat of incarceration so that there is maintained sufficient deterrence from that threat without implicating the right to counsel for so many offenders as to drain the resources of the state and counties in their efforts to administer justice." The committee shall consist of the following members: nine members appointed by the Speaker of the House; the director of the Georgia Public Defender Standards Council or his or her designee; the executive director of the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of the State of Georgia or his or her designee; the executive director of the Association County Commissioners of Georgia or his or her designee; the executive director of the Georgia Municipal Association or his or her designee; the legislative chairperson of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers or his or her designee; the chairperson of The Council of Superior Court Judges of Georgia or his or her designee; and the chairperson of the Georgia Alliance of African American Attorneys or his or her designee.
HB 665 - Public employees; fraud, waste, and abuse; complaints or information This is the whistleblower bill of the Governor's ethics package. Any public employee who exposes fraud, waste, or abuse will be protected from retaliation under this bill. Public employees under this provision are also provided with civil remedy if they are fired or negatively affected by exposing fraud, waste, or abuse.
SB 3 - Torts; evidentiary matters, civil practice; revisions of provisions This is the tort reform bill limiting non-economic damages to $350,000 in medical malpractice cases. Other changes include: making it more difficult to sue emergency room doctors, raising the standard for expert wit-

7

The Vanguard
nesses in torts, removing joint and several liability, and allowing value of service and earning potential to be used in assessing economic damages for homemakers and children respectively.
SB 19 - Class Actions; appellate procedures; limitations/conditions on certification This bill relates to class actions. The bill provides for procedures, conditions, and limitations on certification of class actions. The bill also provides for appellate procedures relating to class actions certification.
SB 62 - Georgia Slam Spam E-mail Act; deceptive commercial e-mail; criminal penalties This bill creates the new crime of initiation of deceptive commercial e-mail (deceptive spam) and provides for misdemeanor and felony offenses.
SB 89 - Controlled Substances, Schedule I; definitions, exceptions, change provisions Changes names of Schedule I controlled substances.
SB 106- Violent Video Game; display explanation of rating system; penalty This bill would require video game retailers to post rating system guidelines in a prominent and conspicuous location. Those violating the law will be subject to a civil fine of between $250 and $500 dollars per violation. An amendment was adopted to exempt coin-operated video games in amusement parks and arcades.
SB 127 - Georgia Computer Security Act; definitions; deceptive acts; penalties The purpose of this bill is to prohibit certain deceptive acts and practices with regard to computers; to require certain notices be given prior to certain software or programs being loaded onto certain computers; to require certain functions be available in certain software. The bill is meant to keep computers in Georgia more secure with increased internet and hacking technology. The penalty provisions for a violation of this Act are as follows: Any person who violates the provisions of [this Act] shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be sentenced to imprisonment for not less than one nor more than ten years or a fine of not more than $3 million, or both. The Attorney General may bring a civil action against any person violating this article to
continued pg 8

The Vanguard
Legislation continued

enforce the penalties for the violation and may recover any or all of the following: (1) A civil penalty of up to $100.00 per violation of this article, or up to $100,000.00 for a pattern or practice of such violations; (2) Costs and reasonable attorney's fees; and (3) An order to enjoin the violation.
SB 139 - Torts; liquefied petroleum gas providers; limit liability/damages This bill provides immunity from civil liability for a liquefied petroleum gas provider if it can be shown in court that the damages arose from negligence not on the part of the gas provider (i.e. if the user made alterations or modifications).
SB 141 - Gambling; prohibit pyramid promotional schemes; definitions; penalties This bill deals specifically with pyramid schemes; it tightens the definition of a pyramid scheme. The bill struck the previous code section relating to chain letters, pyramid schemes, and like groups as lotteries. Any person who participates in a pyramid promotional scheme shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature. Any person who establishes, promotes, or operates a pyramid promotional scheme shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years.
SB 258 - Military Members on Duty; licenses; jury duty; exemptions/terminations The bill allows active duty military personnel and their spouses to be exempted from jury duty. It also allows military personnel to terminate home rental or wireless service agreements without penalty, and to renew pharmacy licenses, any professional licenses, and driver's licenses, and to receive honorary hunting and fishing licenses for a period of six months after discharge from duty.
SR 431 - Security for State/County Buildings; create Senate study committee Creates a Senate study committee to look at security in state and county buildings as a result of the Atlanta Fulton County Courthouse shootings on March 11, 2005.
Traffic Legislation HB 20 - Motor vehicles; window tint restrictions; provisions The bill modifies current law regarding window tinting on personal automobiles. Current law will be changed to allow for no

more than a 32 percent light transmission, plus or minus 3 percent, or increase light reflectance to more than 20 percent. The bill exempts law enforcement vehicles and limousines.
HB 279 - Highways; vehicles hauling certain products; weight limitation variance Vehicles hauling certain raw materials are allowed a 5% variance on the weight limitations (typically 80,000 pounds) when hauling from the farm to the first point of marketing or processing. Anything over the newly allowable 5% variance will be subject to a fine of 5 cents per pound.
HB 501 - Department of Driver Services; create as successor to DMVS This bill dissolves the Department of Motor Vehicles, and replaces it with the Department of Driver Services. The new department will be responsible for issuing driver's licenses, which have been modified to create five- and ten-year licenses. Previous functions handled by the DMVS will be divided between the Departments of Public Safety and Revenue and the Public Service Commission. The bill will also remove the requirement that a driver take an eye examination; only first-time drivers and those over the age of 65 will be required to take such an examination. An amendment was incorporated into the bill which will modify the DUI license reinstatement fee from $200 to $500.
SB 226 - Joshua's Law; create Georgia Driver's Education Commission This bill would require 16 year olds who wish to obtain a driver's license to complete a driver's education course (either through public school or at a private driving school). Those teenagers who do not complete a driver's education course will have to wait until they are 17 to obtain a driver's license. The bill also restricted the number of non-family members a teenage driver may have in the car. Additionally, a 5 percent fee will be assessed in the issuance of every traffic ticket issued in the state. The fee will be assessed and collected by the clerk or other court officer in charge of collecting moneys from fines. The fees will be paid to the Georgia Superior Court Clerk's Cooperative Authority for remittance to the Office of Treasury and Fiscal Services to be deposited into the general fund of the state treasury.

8

April 2005
SB 273 - Driver's Licenses; Class C; change definition This bill changes the definition of a class C license as follows: Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 26,001 pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating not in excess of 10,000 pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating in excess of 10,000 pounds, provided that the combination of vehicles has a gross combined vehicle weight rating less than 26,001 pounds.
Local Legislation HB 360 - Richmond Hill, City of; new charter This bill incorporates the city of Richmond Hill; it also provides for the establishment of the Municipal Court of Richmond Hill
HB 396 - Cobb County, State Court; clerk; chief deputy clerk; compensation The bill changes the compensation for the chief deputy state clerk of Cobb County from $71,536.74 to $84,846.09. It further changes the compensation for the clerk of the state court of Cobb County from $87,290.22 to $94,273.44.
HB 397 - Cobb County, State Court; compensation of judges and associate Judges The bill changes the compensation for state court judges in Cobb County from $134,164.87 to $139,531.46.
HB 456 - Cobb Judicial Circuit; judges; supplement This bill amends an Act creating the Cobb Judicial Circuit, approved February 19, 1951. Each judge of the Superior Court of the Cobb Judicial Circuit shall receive an annual supplement of $44,711.00, with the chief judge receiving an additional $7,800.00.
HB 457 - Social Circle, City of; new charter This bill incorporates the city of Social Circle; it also provides for the establishment of the Municipal Court of Social Circle.
HB 492 - Judicial Retirement System; dates and election for participation; amend This bill struck an entire code section regarding the election for participation in the Judicial Retirement System. It allows individuals to
continued pg 9

April 2005
Legislation continued

participate in the Judicial Retirement System so long as they are members of the system as of June 30, 2005.
HB 610 - Southern Judicial Circuits; judges; supplement compensation This bill provides for a supplement to the compensation of the judges of the superior courts of the Southern Judicial Circuit. The amount of the supplement shall be as follows: $15,000.00 for 2005; $17,500.00 for 2006; $20,000.00 for 2007; $22,500.00 for 2008; and $25,000.00 for 2009.
HB 614 - Gwinnett County; Recorder's Court; assistant solicitor This bill allows for the implementation of assistant solicitors in Gwinnett County. Such assistant solicitors must be members in good standing of the Georgia Bar and shall be compensated by the county.
HB 635 - Rockdale Judicial Circuit; court reporters' salary; provisions This bill makes certain provisions for the court reporter or court reporters for the judicial circuit; to provide that the court reporter or court reporters for the circuit shall receive a stated salary in lieu of per diem compensation.
HB 671 - Fulton County; change number of magistrates The number of magistrates authorized for the Magistrate Court of Fulton County shall be nine magistrates upon this bill becoming law.
HB 676 - Warm Springs, City of; new charter This bill allows for the incorporation of the city of Warm Springs. It also creates the Municipal Court of Warm Springs.
HB 708 - Chatham County; recorder's court; impose technology fee The clerk of the recorder's Court of Chatham County shall be entitled to charge and collect a technology fee to be set by the court, not to exceed $5.00, as a surcharge to each fine imposed. Technology fees shall be used exclusively to provide for the technological needs of the court as follows: computer hardware purchase, lease, maintenance, and installation; imaging, scanning, facsimile, communications, projection, and printing equipment; and software purchase, lease, maintenance, development, and installation.

HB 756 - Temple, City of; new charter This bill incorporates the city of Temple; it also provides for the establishment of the Municipal Court of Temple.
HB 766 - Dougherty County; change number of magistrates This bill provides that Dougherty County will have a chief magistrate and two additional magistrates.
HB 768 - Dougherty County; state court judge; compensation The bill sets the compensation for state court judges in Dougherty County as 90% of the salary of superior court judges in Dougherty County.
HB 787 - DeKalb County; sheriff; compensation The annual salary of each of the officials of DeKalb County listed below shall be the following percentages of the gross salary: Judge of the Probate Court - 85% Clerk of the Superior Court - 75% Judge of the Juvenile Court - 90%
HB 789 - Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit; compensation; supplement This bill increases the supplemental salary provided for superior court judges of the Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit by $9,000.00.
HB 862 - Ware County; solicitor-general; state court judge; compensation The bill sets the salary for the solicitor-general in Ware County at $36,000 and the salary for state court judges in Ware County at $60,000.
SB 328 - DeKalb County Court Technology Fund; create; authorize imposition/collection of fee for filing The clerk of the State Court of DeKalb County is authorized and shall be entitled to charge a surcharge of $5.00 to each fine imposed in each citation or accusation for which a defendant is found guilty or enters a plea of guilty, nolo contendere, or other plea resulting in the imposition of a fine in the State Court of DeKalb County. Such surcharges shall be deposited by the clerk in the DeKalb County Court Technology Fund.

The Vanguard
SB 339 - Clayton County State Court; clerk; increase in compensation Each judge of the State Court of Clayton County shall receive a salary equal to 90 percent of the state salary provided by general law for judges of the superior courts, plus 11/2 percent of such base salary and any supplement received pursuant to state law or county ordinance multiplied by the number of complete years of service as judge served by such person since January 1, 2005. The solicitor-general of the State Court of Clayton County shall receive a salary equal to 70 percent of the salary provided by this Act for the judges of the State Court of Clayton County, not including any county supplements, plus 11/2 percent of such base salary and any supplement received pursuant to state law or county ordinance multiplied by the number of complete years of service as solicitor-general served by such person since January 1, 2005. The clerk of the state court shall be compensated in the amount of $65,783.00 or in an amount not less than 95 percent of the base amount of the minimum salary of a clerk of the superior court.
SB 341 - Clayton Judicial Circuit; increase county supplement to state salary of judges In addition to the salary payable from state funds, each judge of the superior court of the Clayton Judicial Circuit shall receive a supplement of $32,000.00 per annum, payable in equal monthly installments out of the funds of Clayton County.
SB 351 - Athens-Clarke County State Court; charge technology fee; specify uses of fees The clerk of the state court shall be entitled to charge and collect the same fees as the clerk of the superior court is entitled to charge and collect for the same or similar services. All such fees shall be paid into the county treasury, except those sums which are directed by law to be paid otherwise. The clerk of the state court shall be entitled to charge and collect a technology fee to be set by the court in an amount not to exceed $5.00 for the filing of each civil action and not to exceed $5.00 as a surcharge to each fine paid.

9

The Vanguard

April 2005

SUSTAIN over CITRIX (SOC): Case Management at No Expense

Case Management Over the Internet

Kriste Pope and Byron Branch, AOC Information Technology
The best case management system available to any court -- SUSTAIN Justice Edition has been around in Georgia since 1993 and its biggest weakness is that most courts do not realize that the Administrative Office of the Courts provides this case management software to any court--at no cost. SUSTAIN JE is installed locally in 107 courts (30 Superior, 16 State, 20 Juvenile, 15 Magistrate, 12 Probate, four Municipals, three District Attorneys, five Solicitors-General, and one Recorders' Court). There are currently 14 courts pending local installation of the SUSTAIN JE software.
Last year with the signing of HB1EX, it became necessary to re-evaluate the Court Information System (CIS) products that were developed inhouse for Probate, Magistrate, and Traffic Courts, as well as adjust the accounting features at existing local sites. The CIS products were simple programs for simple times. In order to meet the demands of today's comprehensive fine and fee laws, the AOC turned to an industry standard computer model that has been used by other State agencies for several years. Citrix allows powerful servers to be purchased and maintained at a central location yet the software that runs on those servers is available to any Court with an Internet connection. SUSTAIN over Citrix is a more comprehensive program to address the comprehensive needs of the modern court in Georgia.
Citrix also addresses a very serious situation that exists in many of the courts in Georgia. Funding restraints prevent these courts from running their choice of software at its full potential.

Thus, the birth of SUSTAIN over Citrix (SOC). By using one of the AOC's five (5) Citrix servers, courts only need a high-speed Internet connection, an average speed computer and a laser printer to take full advantage of the same software package used by courts with local area networks (ex. Douglas and Floyd counties).
A team consisting of Byron Branch, Deborah Gunn, Richard Denney and Kriste Pope with the AOC IT Division were charged with the task of re-configuring SUSTAIN to address HB1EX as well as replace the current CIS products. SUSTAIN has been modified to meet the requirements of SB50 (electronic transmission of criminal dispositions to GCIC), SB176 (electronic transmission of civil filings and dispositions to GSCCCA), and HB1EX (partial payments and priority of fees and fines).
The team worked on this project for approximately six months and walked away with a product that could not only completely addresses HB1EX, but also give the court a complete, comprehensive case management system. SUSTAIN offers a complete account-

ing package so clerks can receipt fines and fees, collect restitution, print checks in batch, reconcile bank statements and soon print invoices to attorneys and volume filers. Currently one Juvenile Circuit, 12 Magistrate, eight Probate, and nine Municipal Courts are using SOC in their court. There are 27 pending sites that will "go live" on SOC after their database is setup and they have completed training.
When multiple courts in the same jurisdiction share SUSTAIN, they can take advantage of the built-in data exchange feature. This feature enables data to be exchanged between multiple databases, thereby eliminating redundant data entry (ex. Solicitor sends data to State Court database, and State Court sends disposition and sentencing data back to Solicitor database).
Any court that is interested in taking advantage of the state-provided software should submit a request by contacting the Client Service Center at 1-800-298-8203.

Are You A Member of the Judicial Retirement System?

If you are, then here's a name and number to keep handy if you are enrolled in the Georgia Judicial Retirement System (GJRS). Your contact person is Mr. Mel Scarborough and his number is 404-603-5601. Another source of information that you may find helpful can be found on their website at http://www.ersga.org/gjrs.htm

Here you will find information on legislation and frequently asked questions related to your pension plan. If you also receive a pension on your county supplement you should direct those inquiries to the appropriate county department. With apologies to any fans of Star Trek, live long and prosper!

10

April 2005

Hey, What's in it for me? Professionalism is Key to Success

By: Sharon Reiss, Board of Court Reporting
As many of you know, the members and staff of the Board of Court Reporting have been working very hard over the past few years to change its image and those of Georgia Certified Court Reporters. The Board is the state regulatory agency that governs court reporting. We are here to serve the judges as well as the public and court reporters. The Board of Court Reporting is comprised of nine members: five court reporters; two attorneys; one Superior Court Judge; and one State Court Judge.
The Mission of the Board of Court Reporting is to ensure the integrity and competency of the profession by setting and enforcing the standards by which court reporters are governed, providing a forum for the exchange of ideas, and providing for educational services. Every decision that is made takes our mission into account:
A new and exciting program has been instituted this year, LEAP (Learning Essentials About

Professionalism), is a continuing education seminar required of all newly certified court reporters. This program was modeled after the Bar's Bridge the Gap, and the goal was to provide newly certified reporters with a class that provided an orientation to the profession in Georgia.
The Board has asked several veteran reporters, judges, court administrators and attorneys to make presentations about the laws, rules and ethics that govern this profession. This program will be offered twice a year and we will always need volunteer judges who are willing to be our presenters.
But, "What's in it for me?": a chance to guide court reporters in how to best maintain good working relationships in the court. We don't know how to help you if we don't hear from you. If you have any problems, issues or concerns that you feel should be addressed in this seminar, please feel free to contact our office so that we can consider adding them to our curriculum. This program is designed to help the judges and attorneys as much as it is for the reporters.

2004 CASE COUNT BEGINS

Greg Arnold, Assistant Director for Research, AOC

It's that time again to gather information on our courts in Georgia and we appreciate the assistance you and your court provide in this endeavor. Members from our research staff will be contacting you soon in order to collect the 2004 case count statistics.
In the past, we have found it to be quite helpful if you would kindly inform the clerk of your court that we will be seeking this information and if possible to have it ready to submit. We have an extremely limited staff with a mandate to collect

this information annually from the more than 1190 courts in this state.
This task would be impossible without your support and assistance. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at 404-656-6413.
Our goal is to achieve 100% participation this year and we believe that with your support, we can reach this standard of excellence. We thank you in advance for helping us realize this important objective.

L m

s Ab

The Vanguard
earning Essential
LEAP
out Professionalis Additionally, we have openings for the State Court Judge position and several court reporter positions. If you are interested in serving on the Board of Court Reporting, please send a letter of interest and a resume to ATTN: Sharon Reiss, Program Manager, at the address below by April 15th, 2005. You must have at least five years experience as a State Court Judge to serve. The Board meets at least four times a year and covers travel expenses at the state per diem rate. But, "What's in it for me?": a chance to make policy and learn different perspectives from around the state. To learn more about our organization, feel free to go to our website, which contains all our rules, regulations, case law, statutes and opinions in our Handbook at www.georgiacourts.org, and click on Board of Court Reporting. If you wish to serve on the Board, you may speak with any member of staff, or the Board, or Judge Donny Peppers or Judge Ed Carriere, both of whom have first hand knowledge. You may contact any member of the Board staff at any time, if you need assistance.
Staff: Sharon Reiss,
Program Manager, Certification Clay Richardson,
Project Administrator Deborah Atwater,
Administrative Assistant
Address: Board of Court Reporting 244 Washington St. Suite 300 Atlanta, GA 30334 404-656-6422

11

The Vanguard

April 2005

2005 Agenda of the Probation Advisory Council Contains Sensible Goals

By Ashley Garner, AOC
The County and Municipal Probation Advisory Council (CMPAC) is very unique among regulatory bodies. The composition of the council members blends stakeholders and officials from both the Executive and Judicial branches of government and private probation company representatives. The purpose of the Council is to provide for the registration application and approval of private probation entities; insure that uniform professional and contract standards are practiced and maintained by the private probation corporations and their affiliated partners; and provide for the inspection and investigation of all of these entities and enforcement of the registration requirements.
One of the unique features of this organization is that the election of the Chair alternates between the Executive branch one year and the Judicial branch the next. Additionally, the council follows all of the procedures and protocols of an Executive branch agency with regard to meetings and rule making, complying with notice and public comment directives. Judge Neal Dettmering, Jr of the State Court of Douglas County is your representative to this Council and Chairs the Probation Subcommittee of the Council of State Court Judges. The Chair of the Advisory Council is Mayor Carl Camon of Ray City, Georgia, who serves as the representative of a municipal governing authority.
Here are some items of interest to look for this year:
At the February 17, 2005 council meeting, council identified education and implementation of contract standards as a focus for 2005.

All private probation providers just completed their 2005 Registration Renewal Packets. The packets contained information on corporate officers, liability and bonding information, employee information, and a sample contract. Staff to the council will be reviewing each sample contract to determine if these contracts contain the elements required by both Georgia Law and Council Rules. They will then be reviewing actual contracts to ensure that they are also in compliance. Staff is taking every opportunity to educate providers, court officials and the public on private probation and the need for contract standards to be maintained.
Staff to the council accepts complaints on the private probation industry from members of the judiciary, local governmental entities, offenders and concerned citizens. Complaints are sorted into three areas: violations of Georgia Law, violations of council Rules and Regulations, and complaints concerning business practices. Complaints concerning violations of Georgia Law are referred to the proper State and Local law enforcement entities for further

investigation. Complaints concerning violations of council Rules and Regulations are reviewed and brought before the council as necessary for action. Staff accepts all complaints regarding business practices and addresses them with the designated corporate contact as registered with the council. Council is updated quarterly on any trends in complaints for informational and educational purposes.
Private Probation Providers submit quarterly reports to the County and Municipal Probation Advisory Council. These reports reflect quarterly summaries of financial and caseload information. Staff is working with the council, providers and various stakeholders to clarify several of the definitions used when calculating reporting information. The council is working to ensure that the information generated from private probation providers regarding offenders is comparable with the same information generated by other sources. Let's make sure we are all using the same measuring stick. The data collected is only published in aggregate form, not
continued pg 5

Current CMPAC Members
Carl Camon, Chair - Mayor of Ray City Chiquiti A. Dean, Vice Chair - Chief Probation Officer,
Atlanta State Probation Court Services Judge Jim Burton - Probate Court of Wilkes County Sheriff Steve Cronic Hall County Sheriff's Department Judge Neal Dettmering, Jr. State Court of Douglas County Michael Nail - Director, Probation Division, GA Department of Corrections Judge John M. Ott - Superior Court, Alcovy Circuit Steve P. Page - Georgia Probation Management Company Marion Stevens, Sr. - County Commissioner - District I Judge Jim Thurman - Magistrate Court of Lee County Judge Frost Ward - Municipal Court of Morrow

12

April 2005

The Vanguard

April is National Alcohol Awareness Month

Here are a few facts gleaned from the Web site of the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence.
O There are more deaths and disabilities each year in the United States from substance abuse than from any other cause. O About 18 million Americans have alcohol problems; about 5 to 6 million Americans have drug problems. O More than half of all adults have a family history of alcoholism or problem drinking. OMore than 9 million children live with a parent dependent on alcohol and/or illicit drugs.
The consequences: O One-quarter of all emergency room admissions, one-third of all suicides, and more than half of all homicides and incidents of domestic violence are alcohol-related. OHeavy drinking contributes to illness in the top three causes of death: heart disease, cancer and stroke. O Almost half of all traffic fatalities are alcohol-related. O Between 48 percent and 64 percent of people who die in fires have blood alcohol levels indicating intoxication. O Fetal alcohol syndrome is the leading known-cause of mental retardation. O Alcohol and drug abuse costs the

American economy an estimated $276 billion per year in lost productivity, health care expenditures, crime, motor vehicle crashes and other conditions. O Untreated addiction is more expensive than heart disease, diabetes and cancer combined. OEvery American adult pays nearly $1,000 per year for the damages of addiction.
What can be done: Like other disease, addition can be overcome with proper treatment, prevention and more research. By increasing access to care, the costly toll on society and the burden it places on families can be reduced. Research shows conclusively that successful prevention and treatment leads to reductions in traffic fatalities, crime, unwanted pregnancy, child abuse, HIV, cancer and heart disease. Treatment reduces drug use, improves health, improves job performance, reduces involvement with the criminal justice system, reduces family dysfunction and improves quality of life.
The Comprehensive Assessment Treatment Outcomes Registry Data in Ohio have documented dramatic results in decreasing occupational problems, including the following reductions after treatment: O Absenteeism decreased by 89 percent

O Tardiness decreased by 92 percent O Problems with supervisors decreased by 56 percent O Mistakes in work decreased by 70 percent O Incomplete work decreased by 81 percent
Additionally, a California study found significant decreased health care costs from before to after treatment in: O Hospitalizations for physical health problems (-36 percent) O Drug overdose hospitalizations (-58 percent) O Mental health hospitalizations (-44 percent) O The number of emergency room visits (-36 percent) O The total number of hospital days (25 percent)
If you are interested in more information on this topic, please visit the following web sites: http://www.ncadd.org/ and http://www.paadp.org/
- adapted from the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence Web site. Reprint permission granted by 2005 First Draft.

CMPAC cont.
on a "by company" basis. There are too many variables within the courts and the companies to be able to do meaningful comparisons.
Staff is also working to make sure all entities are educated on private probation and the difference between offender success and provider success. The tools used to measure both are very different.

Offender success is measurable through compliance with court sentences and provider success is often both measurable and subjective. What one court considers quality service, may not please another.
Staff is available to speak with any group interested in learning more regarding private probation and the
13

County and Municipal Probation Advisory Council.
For further information or to be placed on our mailing list as interested persons, please contact: Ashley C. Garner, Compliance Analyst garnera@gaaoc.us at 404-463-1319.

The Vanguard

April 2005

Court Management Assistance Team at Your Door:

By Bob Bray

Many of us are old enough to remember when doctors made house calls. I was about 6 years old when my "stomach" started hurting and I had a fever. Dr.

we create - justice - weaves its delicate thread through all of our processes: data entry, case management, fine surcharge practices, work

Banana (his real name - hey, my Pastor was Dr. Pancake - but

flow, case load, recordkeeping, accounting,

those are stories for another day) came to the house after dinner

cash handling, bonds, appeals, courtroom man-

and diagnosed me with appendicitis. The next day I was at

agement, personnel, purchasing, sentence com-

Newark Presbyterian Hospital for my appendectomy with several

pliance and reporting, technology, interagency

days of recovery - a welcome relief from the rigorous study sched-

activities, local and state legislative activities,

ule of Kindergarten. Although such practices are now almost

contract services, court reporter services, pub-

unheard of, there is a growing trend to return to those great days.

lic defender services, appointed counsel servic-

es, execution of judgments, warrant

Today's Court Management

management, probation, facility

Could such a team of experts ever be

management, security servic-

assembled to assist courts with the over-

es, equipment mainte-

whelming problems associated with running a court in a rapidly changing system? Yes there is! Could such a team make courthouse calls? Yes they can!

The product we create -- justice --

nance, supplies, budget procedures, staff training, professional certification, emergency

Oh gracious, you may say - and would such assistance be at no or nominal

weaves its delicate

processes, customer service, pro se servic-

expense to the court? Absolutely Yes! Modern day court administration

thread through all of

es, interpreter services, witness services,

requires more than a basic understanding of no less than ten core competencies - it

our processes.

prosecutor processes, and so on and so on.

requires mastery of these areas in order to

Whew! Is it any won-

lead courts and the judicial branch through all

der that it takes so long for

of the fast paced transformations that come as a

us to train our staff - even if it

result of changes initiated by new case law, new state

is only one person - or more impor-

statutes and local laws, or new standards related to better

tantly, do we even have time to train our

practices. All of this must be juggled in an environment of

staff? The knowledge that we are seeking

increasing public scrutiny. Not all change is good, but change is

from the staff with the funds that we are allot-

with us nonetheless and the age of information technology now

ted to pay them makes it almost impossible to

overwhelms us with data that we must digest quickly. Many of

obtain the experience we desperately need, and

the tools that judges express a desire to have; the public believes

the sanctions we place on them easily dis-

is already available to us in the courts. Such misconceptions fan

suades them from staying with us. (Right

the fires we are attempting to extinguish.

about now would be a good time to call in

Have you ever thought about exactly what are the processes

your staff and thank them for what they do.)

involved with the running of a court? The most obvious is an

Certainly you appreciate what they do for you

understanding of the laws that create the court and the laws that

and the court - but maybe now you realize how

dictate how it operates. Next is an understanding of all the

much you should appreciate them.

processes that occur before a case gets to a judge and all of the processes that follow - and how they all fit together. The product

continued pg 5

14

April 2005

The Vanguard

Court Management Solutions for Your Court

How the AOC Can Help

illustrate the positive or negative consequences of selecting a par-

As part of its planned initiative, the

ticular solution; and this type of information is invaluable. In

Administrative Office of the Courts recently

addition, the team has acquired quite impressive experience in

acquired seasoned court administrators with

facilitating meetings between different branch agencies to aide the

the knowledge and experience of running trial

court in articulating complex concepts to those not familiar with

courts with the largest caseloads in Georgia.

the workings of the judicial branch. Lastly, the team can provide

They have seen and solved more problems and

that one quantity that seems never to be funded - staff training.

difficult situations than most court managers

Our trainers are also consultants who understand what courts

see in three lifetimes. Steve Nevels and I,

encounter and deal with daily. These unique instructors under-

along with Director David Ratley have a com-

stand the higher ethical standards that courts are required to main-

bined experience of over 60 years in

tain in order to fulfill their role to the citizens they serve and how

executive court management;

it impacts the nuts and bolts of all of our processes.

and other members of our

In most instances, contact with your staff is the

staff with Institute of

first impression that the public has of your court.

Court Management

Do you provide staff training on quality customer

Fellowship degrees

service? Do you provide federal mandated

have a combined

training on sexual harassment? What specific

experience of 75 years of court program support expertise. Now that experience

[We] have a combined experience of over 60
years in executive

training would you like for your staff? Our Training Development Specialist has a degree in adult learning methodologies and our lead instructors are recognized as some
of the best in the state having earned the

and knowledge can come directly

management.

trust and respect of court staff, judges, and other officials. Staff training can be cus-

to "the courthouse

tomized to fit your needs and the best feature is

steps".

that there is no charge to your court. The Court

Our Court

Management Assistance Team does make court-

Management Assistance

house calls, just like the doctor and we encourage you

Team can observe, assess and

to invite them to your court when you start to feel the pain.

evaluate the processes and procedures

related to daily court operations and provide

How to Contact Us

meaningful support as you create practical

If you would like more information about:

solutions to improve the quality of service that

Developing staff training contact Tresha Eaglin at 463-7024;

you provide to your community. After all, it is

Information on assistance in Superior and Magistrate Courts

no surprise to us that the public seek access to

contact Steve Nevels at 404-463-5178;

the judicial branch for assistance more than the

Information on assistance in Municipal and Juvenile Courts

other two branches of government. These

contact Teresa Pumphrey at 404-463-6383 or Vi Farness at 404-

highly knowledgeable consultants are able to

463-2984;

draw from the numerous resources available

Information on assistance in Probate, State and Traffic Courts

through the AOC as well as national court sup-

contact Bob Bray at 404-651-6204.

port organizations.

What you might find most helpful, though,

are the experiences they can draw upon to

15

A Look at What Happened at Jekyll

October 2004

Judge John Holland (Turner) and Judge Kathryn Tanksley (Cobb) enjoy the low country boil served at dinner.

Judge Brenda Cole (Fulton), Judge Robert McDuff (Cobb), and Judge Edward Carriere (DeKalb) listen intently at a meeting.
Judge Orion Douglass (Glynn), Judge Donnie Peppers (Walker), and Judge Skip Wommack (Washington) take a break.

Judge Mathew Robins (DeKalb) takes a minute to discuss his latest cause.

Council of State Court Judges 244 Washington Street, Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30334
BOB BRAY Interim Executive Director STEPHAN J. FRANK Executive Director TRACY POWELL Administrative Assistant ASHLEY G. STOLLAR Graphic Design