Annual report, fy 2018

Judicial Council Administrative Office of the Courts
ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018

The Judicial Council of Georgia was created in 1945 to develop policies for administering and improving Georgia courts. Judicial Council members and committees meet throughout the year to address specific aspects of court administration and improvement. The Judicial Council is made up of 27 members who represent every class of court, plus the President of the State Bar of Georgia, who serves as a nonvoting member. The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) was created in 1973. As staff to the Judicial Council, the AOC provides subject-matter expertise on policy, court innovation, legislation, and court administration to all Georgia courts.
This report is published by the Judicial Council of Georgia and the Administrative Office of the Courts in compliance with O.C.G.A. 15-5-24.
Director, Cynthia H. Clanton Chair, Chief Justice P. Harris Hines Judicial Council of Georgia Administrative Office of the Courts 244 Washington Street SW, Suite 300 Atlanta, GA 30334 georgiacourts.gov
Note: This report covers Fiscal Year 2018, which runs from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018. Names and titles listed in this report are as of those dates and do not reflect changes in leadership or titles before or after those dates.
Rendering of the Georgia Justice Center by Clark Smith for Robert A.M. Stern Architects.

Contents

SECTION Overview
Judicial Council/ Administrative Office of the Courts
Judicial Council Standing Committees
Ad Hoc Committees

PAGE
2 4
8 16 20 22 23
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33
34 35 36

Connected Boards, 38

Committees,

40

Commissions, and 42

Councils

44

46

48

Reports from

50

Appellate Courts

52

and Trial Court

54

Councils

56

58

60

62

63

64

66

Appendix

68

ITEM State of the Judiciary Director's Letter
Judicial Council Highlights Administrative Office of the Courts Highlights Judicial Council Members Judicial Council Actions Judicial Council Budget
Budget Access, Fairness, Public Trust and Confidence (AFPTC) Court Reporting Matters Education and Training Grants Judicial Workload Assessment Technology Strategic Plan Legislation
Misdemeanor Bail Reform Process Servers Records Retention
Council of Accountability Court Judges Commission on Dispute Resolution Committee on Justice for Children Georgia Commission on Child Support Georgia Commission on Interpreters Board of Court Reporting
Supreme Court of Georgia Court of Appeals of Georgia Council of Superior Court Judges Council of State Court Judges Council of Juvenile Court Judges Council of Probate Court Judges Council of Magistrate Court Judges Georgia Magistrate Courts Training Council Council of Municipal Court Judges Georgia Municipal Courts Training Council
Judicial Appointments and Elections Judicial Demographics Jucicial Council Interns (inside back cover)

2 | JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018

OVERVIEW
State of the Judiciary

Chief Justice P. Harris Hines delivered an optimistic speech on February 22, 2018, marking his final address to the legislature.

"The year 2018 will be a year of great change," the Chief Justice observed, noting that a new Governor and Lieutenant Governor will be elected. "Many new judges will don their robes of office for the first time. Our citizens will elect a new justice to our Supreme Court, and Governor Deal will make his fifth appointment to the Court." "I am confident that when I leave the bench as Georgia's Chief Justice at the end of August, after a legal career that began in 1968, Georgia's judiciary will be steady, strong, and situated to become the best it has ever been." The Chief Justice thanked legislators for their support of the state's judiciary. "Your belief in an independent, non-partisan, and non-political third branch of government has been manifested by the creation of additional justices and judges for our state's

Georgia's Judges 2018
Supreme Court................... 9 Court of Appeals .............. 15 Superior Courts............... 214 State Courts ................... 129 Juvenile Courts................ 132 Probate Courts................ 172 Magistrate Courts ...........495 Municipal Courts,
Civil, and Recorders .......403
Total .............................1,569
SOURCE: AOC RESEARCH
Georgia Statistics
Population ......... 9.68 million Minors ............... 2.35 million Counties ......................... 159 Births ......................130,042 Marriages ..................68,000 Divorces.....................33,000 Deaths ......................106,820 Corporations .............876,014 Schools........................3,069 Motor Vehicles ... 3.74 million
Court Cases .......... 6 million
SOURCE: STATE OF GEORGIA SOURCES

Balcony attendees standing as the justices enter the Georgia House of Representatives.

| 3 STATE OF THE JUDICIARY

two appellate courts; by passage of legislation that has made both Georgia's Supreme Court and Court of Appeals more efficient, productive, and effective in interpreting and clarifying the law; and by recognizing the hard work of those who sit upon Georgia's benches of justice by rewarding them with appropriate and appreciated compensation."
Criminal Justice Reform Council The Chief Justice said, "A sea change I have witnessed in my many years as a judge is how we view and respond to criminal behavior. We've become smarter, more precise, and more just. As a result, the courts are doing a better job of protecting society, saving taxpayer dollars, and restoring families. A rewrite of the juvenile code and appropriation of $7 million for communities to develop alternatives to locking up young people in the state's youth jails and prisons has had a dramatic effect in Georgia."
Accountability Courts The establishment of Accountability Courts is a very beneficial shift in Georgia's judicial system. As of January, every Judicial Circuit in Georgia has at least one accountability court. In six years, the number of participants has tripled. Chief Justice Hines highlighted the work of Judge Brian Amero, Superior Court, Flint Judicial Circuit, who saw a need to help families and created a Parental Accountability Court. "In six years of existence, these courts have helped almost 5,000 parents mostly fathers avoid jail time and pay more than $5 million in support for more than 7,000 Georgia children. Additionally, they have saved counties more than $10 million in incarceration costs."

Chief Justice P. Harris Hines, center, and Presiding Justice Harold D. Melton enter the House Chamber for the State of the Judiciary Address.
Justice Nels Petersen enters the House Chamber for the State of the Judiciary Address.
Ms. Helen Hines is recognized by the Chief Justice for her support and love over many years.

Technology One success story of importance has been the establishment of a statewide web portal to bring ready access to our courts. Efficiency will be improved, time and money will be saved, and justice will be administered more quickly. Case filings are now being accepted electronically in the state's Appellate Courts.

4 | JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018
From the Director

"The Judicial Council's Administrative Office of Courts exists solely to serve Georgia's court system and to provide it crucial services that facilitate the efficient administration of justice. For 2018, that service is broader than ever."

On behalf of the Judicial Council and the Administrative Office of the Courts of Georgia (AOC), I am pleased to share the 45th Annual Report covering our work in Fiscal Year 2018. The AOC was created by statute in 1973 to serve the Judicial Council, which is the statewide governing body for the judicial branch of Georgia. The Judicial Council is made up of 26 judges representing all classes of courts and the President of the State Bar of Georgia, who is a non-voting member.
It has been a year of extraordinary service for our staff, serving the needs of the judiciary and improving the administration of justice. Our services included five Judicial Council meetings; multiple committee meetings; our annual case count in addition to a major judicial workload assessment project; a cybersecurity evaluation and recommendations; expansion of our Tax Refund Intercept Program; shepherding legislation and budget requests through the legislative session; steady work on the Juvenile Data Exchange Project and the Court Process Reporting System; launching of a Single Sign-On Portal for technology services; and the administration of grants for legal services for victims of domestic violence.
The AOC staff also worked with multiple partners in the executive branch and beyond, including: updating the Council of Accountability Court Judges' data manual and reports; data collection and summary for the Georgia Child Support Commission; data collection and analysis for Parental Accountability Courts; editing the Judge's Guide to Mental Illness in the Courtroom; hosting the National Enhancing Judicial Skills Workshop for Domestic Violence; providing human trafficking training with the Institute of Continuing Judicial Education; providing grants for courts serving self-represented litigants; updating the Domestic Violence Mediation Guidelines; and hosting a Child Welfare summit and an Access to Justice summit.
This year there were several natural events that impacted our state and work. Throughout these events, the AOC posted

| 5 JC/AOC DIRECTOR'S LETTER
The Judicial Council strives to bring the experience of justice to Georgians in many ways. At the August 2017 meeting, student winners of the Law Day Art Contest received "Scales of Justice" awards from Chief Justice Hines and Presiding Justice Melton. The theme was "the separation of powers."
The Judicial Council /Administrative Office of the Courts performs the crucial work of maintaining uniform standards of justice across Georgia's court system. The Council met five times in 2018 to hear committee reports, share best practices, vote on
policy, and gauge progress.
courthouse closings from all over the state and coordinated information for the judicial branch as well as the public at large.
We've also focused on enhancing the professional and ethical image of the judiciary in the community through a number of creative events and resources. The AOC hosted a Twitter Town Hall with our judges and the public; livestreamed a panel discussion with judges promoting public accessibility and transparency in the courts; created "Riding the Circuit" videos for the Ocmulgee, Brunswick, and Pataula Judicial Circuits; sponsored "Day on the Bench" events in the Piedmont, Middle, and Flint Judicial Circuits; and co-sponsored a Law Day Art Contest for students with the theme of "The Separation of Powers."

6 | JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018
DIRECTOR'S LETTER CONTINUED

Architect's rendering of the new Judicial building, slated to open in 2019.

February, 2018

June, 2018

The AOC even had an international impact as our relationship with the United States Department of State and the Republic of Georgia judiciary continued this year. This culminated in a dinner for judges from both Georgias hosted by the 7th Judicial Administrative District.
George Bernard Shaw once said, "Progress is impossible without change," and we can see progress across the street with the new Judicial Building, which is going to be impressive. The current Judicial Building on Capitol Hill was built in 1956 when Georgia's population was 3.7 million, and Chief Justice W.H. Duckworth led the Supreme Court. Since then, we've had 20 different Chief Justices and 11 Governors.
It is a privilege and a pleasure to serve as your AOC Director and lead an agency filled with deeply dedicated public servants. We talk about our work not being about perfection, but connection. However, we are working mighty hard to deliver perfect service to the judicial branch to assist with the administration of justice to our citizens. We are renewed every day toward that purpose.

With appreciation and respect,
Cynthia H. Clanton
Director Administrative Office of the Courts

Thanks to our valued partner organizations:

| 7 JC/AOC DIRECTOR'S LETTER

8 | JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018

OVERVIEW
2018 Highlights
July 2017 Judge Dillard sworn in as Chief Judge of the Georgia Court of Appeals. The AOC staff ride along with Judge Alison Burleson and see quite a bit of the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit. July 31 marks the last day of our summer interns.

RARedpeofHorrtomocfCthome JmudititceiealoCnoMuniscdilemeanor Bail
HCoonm. mWiatyteneeCMh.aPirurdom

Report of the Judicial Council Ad Hoc Committee on Misdemeanor
Bail Reform.

[bOsuwt]ttrunrhardriaetdaeaettpalonAhdu.lre1letresthy9T.reste6toehcaoThrn4roaefenhdtmtNtiaeedhasffyptaeateetlftcfntGheeiacitttdnoaorceuenaittrdnlmdonyaauieresltnersis.ialCutsnsltltoahooIoasRgtltnawyilimvyiofgscaseebuaprori?nelndeinl.r"loynttlbjtyWcamoFaetir.iohlholonKeibnananeeetcrenfnBehyfohao.naranaccreiestoeHladohntbcayroecteonwedeencdr.neolmtyomCIdeftrucreetmiirmschsmuheitonenionmnldoe-eatsofltnehJneuey-stice

September 2017 Judicial Council's Ad Hoc Committee on Misdemeanor Bail Reform was created. " A Day on the Bench" event was held in the Piedmont Judicial Circuit in Celebration of Constitution Day.

August 2017 Groundbreaking takes place for the new Judicial Building. A panel conversation is livestreamed: Promoting Public Access and Transparency in Georgia's Judicial BranchJudge Dillard, Judge Wigington, Judge Thompson.
November 2017 The National Association of Women Judges Conference took place in Atlanta, which allowed the women judges of Georgia to gather around a photo of Georgia's first woman judge, Dorothy Robinson.

| 9 2018 JC/AOC HIGHLIGHTS

December 2017 Day on the Bench Event in the Middle Judicial Circuit; Chief Justice Hines presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Senator Jack Hill.

January 2018 We had a snow day at the capitol. We also had a visit from the Honorable Fumiya Mori from Nagoya District in Japan, who met with our Human Resources Manager and EEO Officer Stephanie Hines about suggested best practices for managing judicial branch personnel.

Senator Blake Tillery addresses the audience at the Day on the Bench event, on the Bill of Rights Day (December 15) in Swainsboro, Georgia.
Representative Wendell Willard briefs the Judicial Council on the upcoming 2018 legislative session.

A rare sighting of snow at the Cook County Courthouse snapped by Judge Chase Daughtrey of Adel, GA.

10 | JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018
OVERVIEW 2018 JC/AOC HIGHLIGHTS CONTINUED
Riding the Pine with Judge Alison Burleson
https://youtu.be/eTetMu28e0Y
A highlight of the FY 2018 is the production of an innovative series of videos called "Riding the Pine." It represents a "day in the life" of the hard working judges who travel a wide circuit to deliver justice outside Georgia's main population centers. Produced in-house by the AOC, these videos bring to life some very human stories of law, justice, and judgment.
In addition, they help bring the idea of careers in the judiciary to the attention of students and guidance counselors. They help the judges communicate with their constituents and their communities, too.
Riding the Pines is just one of the dozens of media items posted by the AOC in cooperation with every council, branch, and office of Georgia's Judiciary. Under the banner of the Georgia Courts Journal, AOC is helping build trust, understanding, and cooperation systemwide.

| 11 2018 JC/AOC HIGHLIGHTS

Riding the Pine with Judge Stephen Kelley

Riding the Pine with Chief Judge Joe Bishop

Journaling the great work of Georgia's Judiciary

https://youtu.be/a0eJwp72vsg

https://youtu.be/v0rjrO79Dk0

http://journal.georgiacourts.gov

12 | JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018
OVERVIEW 2018 JC/AOC HIGHLIGHTS CONTINUED
February 2018
Attorney General Chris Carr (above) speaks to the Judicial Council at its meeting on February 23, 2018.
A reception hosted by the Judicial Council and the State Bar of Georgia followed the State of the Judiciary Address on February 22, 2018.

| 13 2018 JC/AOC HIGHLIGHTS
February 2018
African American History Month-- Georgia's Judges
March 2018
Women's History Month-- Georgia's Judges
Marking milestones in Georgia's Judicial history.

14 | JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018
OVERVIEW 2018 JC/AOC HIGHLIGHTS CONTINUED
April 2018
AOC receives an award of service from the Council of Probate Court Judges at their Spring 2018 conference.
Top: JC/AOC holds its own Twitter Town Hall! Above, AOC staffer Jerry Bruce delivering Keynote at Georgia State University's Law Day. Below, the Council of Municipal Court Judges holds a strategic planning session.
One of our 12 Judicial Council Law Day Art Contest Winners, sponsored in partnership with the Department of Education and the Georgia Council of Court Administrators. See: http://journal.georgiacourts.gov/article/2018law-day-coloringposter-contest

| 15 2018 JC/AOC HIGHLIGHTS

May 2018

"...and beyond that, Judge Crumbley's resting pulse is really one of kindness"-- Judge Amero remarks at the unveiling of the portrait of Judge Crumbley.
Muscogee County Probate Judge Marc D'Antonio with a young man who expressed his desire to one day be a judge.

JC/AOC hosts the Georgia Reflections on Access and Fairness in the Courts Summit: Engaging the Faith Community.

June 2018 Justice David E. Nahmias presents the Chief Justice Hines Awards for outstanding child advocacy, at the State Bar Conference:
"I hope you'll look for opportunities to recognize the difficult work being done by case managers in your communities."

Three trial judges from the Republic of Georgia and the Chairman of the Republic of Georgia Common Courts visited Cobb County Superior Court to observe a jury trial before Superior Court Judge Ann Harris.

16 | JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018
OVERVIEW
Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC)

Mission The Judicial Council and AOC lead collaboration on policy across Georgia's courts to improve the administration of justice in Georgia.
Vision To improve justice in all Georgia courts through collaboration, innovation, and information. As staff to the Judicial Council of Georgia, the Administrative Office of the Courts provides subject-matter expertise on policy, court innovation, legislation, and court administration to the state's trial and appellate courts. The AOC also furnishes a full range of information technology, budget, and financial services to the judicial branch.
Leadership Cynthia Clanton is Director of the AOC and the lead of the Director's Division, which is made up of the Governmental Affairs and Trial Liaison led by Tracy Mason; Legal led by Jessica Farah; and Human Resources led by Stephanie Hines. The other Divisions of the AOC are: Communications, Children, Families and the Courts, led by Michelle Barclay; Financial Administration Division, led by Drew Townsend and Budget Director Maleia Wilson; Information Technology, led by Jorge Basto; and Judicial Services, led by Christopher Hansard, which includes the Office of Research and Data Analysis and the Office of Court Professionals.

About the AOC The Director's Division is comprised of Human Resources, Governmental and Trial Court Liaison, General Counsel, and Budget. The Director determines priorities, strategy, and direction of the agency and oversees its divisions.
FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION DIVISION
provides fiscal services for the Judicial Council, AOC, the state's courts, and other judicial branch organizations. Services provided include: payroll administration, budget preparation and management, audit compliance, invoicing, fixed asset management, and management of accounts receivable and payable. The Financial Administration staff also provides budget data to the Governor's Office and General Assembly on behalf of each Judicial Council budgetary unit.
COMMUNICATIONS, CHILDREN, FAMILIES, AND
THE COURTS DIVISION supports court system initiatives and partnerships that improve outcomes for Georgia's most vulnerable citizens children, victims of domestic violence, and families seeking child support. It includes staff support to the Child Support Commission, the Committee on Justice for Children, the Access, Fairness, Public Trust and Confidence Committee and oversees grant management for victims of domestic violence. A combination of state, federal and private funds finance this work. The staff serves as a liaison to the Council

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS

| 17

The AOC invites judges to address AOC meetings. Clockwise from top left: Judge Charlie Bethel, Chief Judge Dillard, Judge Tripp Self, Judge Carla Wong McMillian, Judge Clyde Reese, Judge Brian Rickman, and Judge Amanda Mercier.

of Accountability Court Judges and Georgia Commission on Family Violence. This office also houses the Communications Department for the entire AOC.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIVISION develops, supports and enhances automation solutions for all levels of court throughout the State of Georgia. The AOC IT Division offers consulting and research services, provisioning of hardware resources and compliance with legislative mandates as well as keeping up with industry fluctuations, develops, supports and enhances automation projects for all levels of court throughout the State of Georgia.

JUDICIAL SERVICES DIVISION is made up of two offices: Research and Data Analysis, and Court Professionals. Through these two offices, this division provides data-driven analysis of the state's trial courts and oversees the policy and regulatory matters of Georgia's court professionals.
In addition to staffing all the Judicial Council meetings, committees (ad hoc and standing) and connected committees, the AOC provides fiscal, legal, human resource, technology, legislative tracking, research, communication and liaison services to multiple classes of courts.

18 | JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018
OVERVIEW ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS CONTINUED

Highlights HR shared services assisted four state judicial entities with their recruitment and hiring needs, including preparing a salary classification chart for one of the groups advertised job postings for 18 additional judicial partners recruited and on-boarded 21 internal positions since July 2017.

Legal shared services drafted/reviewed 186 contracts.

Fiscal shared services serves 17 judicial agencies. Tax Refund Intercept Program was expanded to 43 courts.
Tracked 363 pieces of legislation during the 2018 legislative session.

AOC Staffers LaShawn Murphy, Tracy Mason, and Tara Smith prior to the Judicial Council meeting in Athens, April 27, 2018.
Hosted a panel of judges to discuss Promoting Transparency and Accountability in Georgia's Courts.

IT server environment hosts 1,124 monitored services with helpdesk support for over 1500 requests.

Hosted 10 child welfare legal trainings sponsored by the Committee on Justice for Children, including many multi-day events.

IT launched the Georgia Judicial Services Portal Hosted 30 Child Support calculator and law and hired the first judiciary Cyber Security Officer. trainings.

Assisted in the certification, registration, and licensure of 37 Process Servers, 438 Court Neutrals, 66 Court Reporters and 14 Licensed Interpreters.

Managed IT projects such as GAJE (electronic child support filings in 134 courts) JDEX (a collaborative project with multiple executive branch agencies currently hosting 113,000

Sponsored three Day on the Bench events.
Created video stories of three judges who ride circuit in GA to show a day in their lives.
Sponsored a Law Day Art contest.
Hosted a Twitter Town Hall with multiple judges representing multiple classes of courts.

juvenile offender records) and eCourt's case management program (will support the mandate of electronic filing of court documents in superior courts).
Hosted a Georgia Reflections on Access and Fairness in the Courts Summit: Engaging the Faith Community with sold out attendance.

JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF GEORGIA

20 | JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018
Judicial Council of Georgia
Authorized and Directed by Statute (Ga. L. 1945, 1973, 1983, 1984) Created by Supreme Court Order (Amended May 2016) All Judicial Council Members serve Ex-officio. The Director of the AOC is the Secretary to the Judicial Council persuant to its bylaws.
Chair Chief Justice P. Harris Hines, Supreme Court of Georgia Vice Chair Presiding Justice Harold D. Melton, Supreme Court of Georgia Council Members: Chief Judge Stephen L. A. Dillard, Court of Appeals Vice Chief Judge Christopher McFadden, Court of Appeals Chief Judge Kathy S. Palmer, Superior Court, Middle Circuit Judge Stephen Kelley, Superior Court, Brunswick Circuit Judge Stephen Scarlett, Superior Court, Brunswick Circuit Judge Stephen Goss, Superior Court, Dougherty Circuit Judge Arthur Lee Smith, Superior Court, Chattahoochee Circuit Judge Courtney L. Johnson, Superior Court, Stone Mountain Circuit Judge Robert C.I. McBurney, Superior Court, Atlanta Circuit Judge Brian Amero, Superior Court, Flint Circuit Judge Jack Partain, Superior Court, Conasauga Circuit Judge Donald W. Gillis, Superior Court, Dublin Circuit Judge Bonnie Chessher Oliver, Superior Court, Northeastern Circuit Judge Carl C. Brown, Superior Court, Augusta Circuit Judge Gregory Fowler, State Court, Chatham County Judge Nancy Bills, State Court, Rockdale County Judge Juliette Scales, Juvenile Court, Fulton County Judge Philip Spivey, Juvenile Court, Baldwin County Judge Torri M. Hudson, Probate Court, Treutlen County Judge Sarah Harris, Probate Court, Bibb County Judge James M. Griner, Jr., Magistrate Court, Screven County Judge Glenda Dowling, Magistrate Court, Pierce County Judge LaTisha Dear Jackson, Municipal Court, City of Stone Mountain Judge Matthew McCord, Municipal Court, City of Stockbridge Brian "Buck" Rogers, Attorney, President of State Bar of Georgia (Non-Voting Member)
Judicial Council members as of June 30, 2018.

| 21 JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF GEORGIA
The Judicial Council in August, 2017
Midyear membership changes: Chief Judge Gail Tusan;
replaced by Judge Robert C. I. McBurney Judge Rooney Bowen II;
replaced by Judge Torri M. Hudson.
Judicial Council meeting in Athens, April 27, 2018.

22 | JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018
JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF GEORGIA
Judicial Council Actions

MEETINGS: The Judicial Council convened five times in FY 2018 to consider action items and to review reports from the following committees: Access, Fairness, Public Trust and Confidence Budget Court Reporting Matters Grants Judicial Workload Assessment Legislation Strategic Planning Technology Records Retention Process Servers
ACTIONS OF THE COUNCIL INCLUDED:
August (Atlanta) Recognize Law Day Award Winners. Approve support of legislation on a wide-range of issues (state court judge pensions, amend probate court statues, streamline TRIP process, civil e-filing). Approve Amended FY 2018 and FY 2019 budget requests. Recommend a judgeship for Cobb Judicial Circuit. Adopt amendments to the Judicial Council Policy on the Study of Superior Court Judgeships and Circuit Boundaries. Adopt Georgia Court Guide to Statistical Reporting. Approve nominations to the Board of Court Reporting.
October (Macon) Adopt civil and domestic relations filing forms authorized by Senate Bill 132 (2017).

December (Atlanta) Approve support of legislation on a wide-range of issues (HB 571 Magistrates Retirement Fund, amendment of OCGA 19-6-15, amendments to OCGA 15-6-77 and 15-6-61). Approve support of the Criminal Justice Reform Council regarding misdemeanor bail reform measures. Approve the Trial Court Caseload Reporting Policy. Approve ICJE Education Recommendations.
February (Atlanta) Committee and Council updates.
April (Athens) Presentation of draft Policies and Fees for Court Reporting Services in Civil Cases. Committee and Council updates. Final report on 2018 legislative session.
Tracy Mason and Tyler Mashburn on the last day of the 2018 legislative session.

JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF GEORGIA
Fiscal Year 2018 Budget

| 23 JUDICIAL COUNCIL ACTIONS AND FY 2018 BUDGET

Year in Review The Judicial Branch was appropriated $133,930,779 for FY 2019 during the 2018 legislative session. This accounts for less than 1% of the budget for the State of Georgia.
Enhanced funding was received for the Court Process Reporting System, the Council of Accountability Court Judges, the Institute of Continuing Judicial Education, and the Administrative Office of the Courts. Funding supported certification and peer review programs, education and training, maintenance and enhancement of the Court Process Reporting System, and information security. Adjustments were received for statewide changes and unemployment insurance claims. The amended FY 2018 budget included a reduction of funds to reflect savings in personal services and to align budget expenditures and adjustments.
Judicial Council Budget The total FY 2018 budget for the Judicial Council totaled $15,479,797.
In 2018, the Judicial Council supported legislation that passed, notably: SB 407, which included recommendations made by the Judicial Council Ad Hoc Committee on Misdemeanor Bail Reform and provisions for civil e-filing in superior and state courts.

AMAEENMHNEANDNDECEDEDMFFEYYNT2S0T1OB8FUUBDNUGDEDITNGGET EHNAHCEMENTS TO FUNDING

-.

. -.
-.

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
MERIT SYSTEM ASSESSMENTS
JUDICIAL QUALIFICATIONS COMMISSION
INSTITUTE OF CONTINUING JUDICIAL EDUCATION

$ IN THOUSANDS FY 2019 BFYUDGEBTUEDNGEHTAENNHCAENMCEEMNETNSTS

SOURCE: JC/AOC

.

TOTAL ENHANCEMENTS

.

JUDICIAL COUNCIL /AOC

.

COUNCIL OF ACCOUNTABILITY COURT JUDGES

.

INSTITUTE OF CONTINUING JUDICIAL EDUCATION

FUNDED REQUESTED

$ IN THOUSANDS

FYF2Y019 AADDJJUUSSTMTMENETNS TS

-. -. .
-.

-

-

-

-

$ IN THOUSANDS

SOURCE: JC/AOC
TOTAL ADJUSTMENTS MERIT SYSTEM ASSESSMENTS UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE CLAIMS DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
SOURCE: JC/AOC

24 | JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018
JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF GEORGIA FISCAL YEAR 2018 BUDGET CONTINUED

Amended FY 2018 Enhancement Request
Institute of Continuing Judicial Education
Judicial Qualifications Commission
Merit System Assessments
Department of Administrative Services

Funding Adjustments
$ -12,617
$ -100,000 $ -2,376 $ 7,875

Total

$ -107,118

FY 2019 Enhancement Requests
Institute for Continuing Judicial Education
Council of Accountability Court Judges
Judicial Council
Total
Adjustments
Department of Administrative Services
Unemployment Insurance Claims
Merit System Assessments

Amount Requested

Amount Funded
$ 34,571
$ 77,062 $ 163,289 $ 274,922

$ -16,027

$

278

$

569

Total

$ -16,318

Year in Review continued The Judicial Council was directed by legislation to develop a uniform misdemeanor citation and complaint form for use by law enforcement, to promulgate rules for the use of such form, and to develop statewide minimum standards and rules for collection and transmission of certain juvenile court data. The Judicial Council was given authority by legislation to develop statewide minimum standards and rules for civil e-filing in superior and state courts and to develop rules for filing in areas declared to be in states of emergency. The AOC Director was named as a member of the Criminal Case Data Exchange Board. The Council supported initiatives from the Council of Probate Court Judges (SB 436), the Magistrates Retirement Fund (HB 571) and the Commission on Child Support (HB 654, passed as part of SB 427), all of which achieved final passage.

Section 10 Supreme Court 5 Court of Appeals 9 Superior Courts 7 Juvenile Courts 6 Judicial Council
Judicial Branch/ Courts Total State Funds
% of State Funds
% of State Funds Change

FY 2014 $ 9,392,560 $ $ 14,441,605 $ $ 62,255,828 $ $ 6,787,786 $ $ 12,322,112 $

FY 2015 10,248,025 $ 15,035,519 $ 64,909,147 $ 7,029,264 $ 13,461,113 $

FY 2016 10,312,655 $ 17,314,958 $ 65,136,540 $ 7,606,988 $ 15,411,761 $

FY 2017

FY 2018

12,002,660 $ 13,106,211 $

20,388,803 $ $21,231,636 $

71,957,668 $ $72,758,445 $

$ 7,542,544 $ $8,242,585 $

14,751,818 $ $15,586,915 $

FY 2019 14,518,835 $21,284,676 $73,598,466 $8,683,283 $15,845,519

$ 105,199,891 $ 110,683,068 $ 115,782,902 $ 126,643,493 $ 130,925,792 $ 133,930,779

$ 19,920,261,481 $ 20,836,744,620 $ 21,828,789,407 $ 23,739,270,238 $ 21,447,337,811 $ 26,226,914,974

0.53%

0.53%

0.53%

0.53%

0.61%

0.51%

-0.01%

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

0.08%

| 25 STANDING COMMITTEES

JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF GEORGIA
Standing Committees
Standing Committees and their memberships are determined by Supreme Court order. Committees may include advisory members appointed, as needed, by each committee chair. Advisory members may be heard but are non-voting.

Budget
Staff to Committee: Maleia Wilson Authorized by Judicial Council Bylaws, Created by Supreme Court Order

Name

Role

Location

Position

Harold D. Melton Presiding Justice

Statewide

Chair

Charles J. Bethel Court of Appeals

Statewide

Vice Chair

Stephen Kelley

Superior Court Judge Brunswick Circuit Member, President-Elect of the Council of Superior Court Judges

Nancy Bills

State Court Judge

Rockdale County Member, President-Elect of the Council of State Court Judges

Philip S. Spivey Juvenile Court Judge Baldwin

Member, President-Elect of the Council of Juvenile Court Judges

Sarah Harris Glenda Dowling Matthew McCord Maria Golick Mike Greene Keith Barber Cynthia Clanton

Probate Court Judge Bibb County

Magistrate Court Judge Pierce County

Municipal Court Judge

City of Stockbridge

State Court Judge

Cobb County

Probate Court Judge Jones County

Municipal Court Judge Statesboro

Director

Statewide

Member, First Vice President of the Council of Probate Court Judges
Member, First Vice President of the Council of Magistrate Court Judges
Member, President-Elect of the Council of Municipal Court Judges
Advisory Member, Budget Chair of Council of State Court Judges
Advisory Member, Budget Chair of Council of Probate Court Judges
Advisory Member, Budget Chair of Council of Municipal Court Judges
Advisory Member, JC/AOC

Shannon Weathers Executive Director Statewide

Advisory Member, Council of Superior Court Judges

Bob Bray

Executive Director Statewide

Advisory Member, Council of State Court Judges

Eric John

Executive Director Statewide

Advisory Member, Council of Juvenile Court Judges

Kevin Holder

Executive Director Statewide

Advisory Member, Council of Probate Court Judges

Sharon Reiss

Executive Director Statewide

Advisory Member, Council of Magistrate Court Judges

Mission The Budget Committee handles the initial review of Judicial Council, AOC, and all subprogram budgets and recommends continuation funding and enhancement requests to the Judicial Council for approval.

26 | JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018
JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF GEORGIA STANDING COMMITTEES CONTINUED

STANDING COMMITTEES

Access, Fairness, Public Trust and Confidence (AFPTC)
Staff to Committee: Tabitha Ponder Authorized by Judicial Council Bylaws, Created by Supreme Court Order

Name
Robert Benham Carol W. Hunstein Britt Grant Michael Boggs Joseph Booth Verda Colvin Tony DelCampo Sara L. Doyle V. Sharon Edenfield Gail S. Tusan
Belinda Edwards Jana EdmondsonCooper Lori Gelchion LaTisha Dear Jackson Coy Johnson Tracy Johnson Monica Khant Cassandra Kirk Joy Lampley-Fortson
Jane Morrison Robert V. Rodatus Will T. Simmons David M. Sneed Jason B. Thompson

Role Supreme Court Justice Supreme Court Justice Supreme Court Justice Supreme Court Justice Superior Court Judge Superior Court Judge Attorney Court of Appeals Judge Attorney Superior Court Judge
Superior Court Judge

Location Statewide Statewide Statewide Statewide Piedmont Circuit Macon Circuit Statewide Statewide Statewide Atlanta Circuit
Atlanta Circuit

Position Co-Chair Co-Chair Advisor Advisor Superior Court Representative Superior Court Representative Hispanic Bar Association Court of Appeals Representative State Bar, Young Lawyers Division Superior Court Representative, July 1 - Feb 1 Superior Court Representative, Feb 1-June 30

Attorney

Statewide

Commission on Interpreters

Attorney Municipal Court Judge

Fulton County City of Stone Mountain

Georgia Association of Women Lawyers Representative
Municipal Court Representative

Attorney

Fulton County

Gate City Bar Association Representative

Office of Dispute Resolution Fulton County

Attorney

Fulton County

Magistrate Court Judge

Fulton County

Attorney

Fulton County

Clerk/Court Administrator Representative
Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association Representative
Magistrate Court Representative
Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys Representative

State Court Judge

Fulton County

Stonewall Bar Association

Juvenile Court Judge

Gwinnett Circuit

Juvenile Court Representative

District Court Administrator 6th Judicial District

Clerk/Court Administrator Representative

Attorney

Fulton County

State Bar of Georgia Representative

State Court Judge

Fayette County

State Court Representative

| 27 STANDING COMMITTEES

Court Reporting Matters
Staff to Committee: Christopher Hansard Authorized by Judicial Council Bylaws, Created by Supreme Court Order

Name
Christopher McFadden Kathy Palmer Verda M. Colvin Jane Morrison John K. Edwards Robin W. Shearer Linnie Darden, III Sarah S. Harris W. Allen Wigington James Anderson

Role Court of Appeals Judge Superior Court Judge Superior Court Judge State Court Judge State Court Judge Juvenile Court Judge Juvenile Court Judge Probate Court Judge Magistrate Court Judge Municipal Court Judge

Location Statewide Middle Circuit Macon Circuit Fulton Circuit Lowndes County Western Circuit Atlantic Circuit Bibb County Pickens County City of Norcross

Position Chair Superior Court Representative Superior Court Representative State Court Representative State Court Representative Juvenile Court Representative Juvenile Court Representative Probate Court Representative Magistrate Court Representative Municipal Court Representative

Mission The Court Reporting Matters Committee acts on behalf of the Judicial Council in handling appeals from decisions of the Board of Court Reporting; reviews and recommends changes to court reporting rules and fee schedules; approves Board of Court Reporting opinions; and recommends candidates for Board of Court Reporting membership.

Mission The Access, Fairness, Public Trust and Confidence Committee improves the public's trust by focusing on access and fairness through the elimination of systemic barriers in the judicial system related to gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, indigence, and language.

28 | JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018
JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF GEORGIA STANDING COMMITTEES CONTINUED

Education and Training
Staff to Committee: Stephanie Hines Authorized by Judicial Council Bylaws, Created by Supreme Court Order

Name
Brian Rickman A. Gregory Poole Nancy Bills Stacey K. Hydrick C. Gregory Price T.J. Hudson Mary Kathryn Moss
Margaret Washburn

Role Court of Appeals Judge Superior Court Judge State Court Judge State Court Judge Juvenile Court Judge Probate Court Judge Magistrate Court Judge
Municipal Court Judge

Location Statewide Cobb County Rockdale County DeKalb County Rome Circuit Treutlen County Chatham County
City of Sugar Hill

Position Chair Superior Court Representative State Court Representative State Court Representative Juvenile Court Representative Probate Court Representative Magistrate Court Representative
Municipal Court Representative

Mission The Standing Committee on Education and Training recommends best practices in training and education of trial court judges to the Judicial Council.

| 29 STANDING COMMITTEES,--GRANTS

Grants
Staff to Committee: Meisa Pace Authorized by Judicial Council Bylaws, Created by Supreme Court Order

Name
William T. Boyett Melanie Cross Anne Barnes Jeannette L. Little Bill Bartles Gary Nobles Cassandra Kirk Graham McKinnon Verda M. Colvin Linda Klein
Jennifer Thomas
Jody Overcash

Role Superior Court Judge Superior Court Judge Court of Appeals Judge State Court Judge Juvenile Court Judge Probate Court Judge Magistrate Court Judge Municipal Court Judge Accountability Court Judge Attorney Georgia Commission on Family Violence District Court Administrator

Location Conasauga Circuit Tifton Circuit Statewide Troup County Flint Circuit Twiggs County Fulton County Hall County Macon Circuit Fulton County
Statewide
7th Judicial District

Position Chair Vice Chair Court of Appeals Representative State Court Representative Juvenile Court Representative Probate Court Representative Magistrate Court Representative Municipal Court Representative Accountability Court Representative State Bar Representative
Advisory Member
Advisory Member

Mission The Standing Committee on Grants administers grant funds awarded to the Judicial Council or Administrative Office of the Courts, and reviews applications for those funds. This Committee is a successor to the Judicial Council Domestic Violence Committee.

GRANTS COMMITTEE MILESTONES FOR 2018
The Committee authorized funds:
Providing 5,900 famlies with civil legal services
Safeguarding 3,014 children
Obtaining 3,510 Temporary Protective Orders
Providing 709 clients with housing assistance

30 | JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018
JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF GEORGIA STANDING COMMITTEES CONTINUED

Judicial Workload Assessment
Staff to Committee: Christopher Hansard Authorized by Judicial Council Bylaws, Created by Supreme Court Order

Name

Role

Location

Position

David T. Emerson Superior Court Judge

Douglas Circuit

Chair

Russell Smith

Superior Court Judge

Mountain Circuit

Vice-Chair

Stephen Kelley

Superior Court Judge

Brunswick Circuit

1st District Representative

Joe Bishop

Superior Court Judge

Pataula Circuit

2nd District Representative

Edward Lukemire Superior Court Judge

Houston Circuit

3rd District Representative

Asha Jackson

Superior Court Judge

Stone Mountain Circuit 4th District Representative

Doris L. Downs

Superior Court Judge

Atlanta Circuit

5th District Representative

Dusty Hightower

Superior Court Judge

Coweta Circuit

6th District Representative

William T. Boyett

Superior Court Judge

Conasauga Circuit 7th District Representative

Kathy Palmer

Superior Court Judge

Middle Circuit

8th District Representative

Timothy Hamil

Superior Court Judge

Gwinnett Circuit

9th District Representative

Sheryl B. Jolly

Superior Court Judge

Augusta Circuit

10th District Representative

Jason T. Harper

State Court Judge

Henry County

State Court Representative

LeRoy Burke, III

Juvenile Court Judge

Eastern Circuit

Juvenile Court Representative

Annie Dorris Holder Probate Court Judge

Calhoun County

Probate Court Representative

Robert Turner

Magistrate Court Judge

Houston County

Magistrate Court Representative

Garland C. Moore Municipal Court Judge

City of Conyers

Municipal Court Representative

William T. Simmons 6th Judicial Court Administrator

Coweta Circuit

Advisory Member

Bob Nadekow

8th District Court Administrator

Middle Circuit

Advisory Member

Tina Blankenship

President of Council of Superior Court Clerks Webster County

Advisory Member

April Garrett

Chair, Second District Superior Court Clerks Cook County

Advisory Member

Todd Ashley

Deputy Director, Prosecuting Attorneys' Council

Statewide

Advisory Member

Mission The Judicial Workload Assessment Committee determines the methodology for analysis of data collected through annual trial court case counts. Additionally, based on staff studies, the Committee makes recommendations to the Judicial Council as to the need for additional judicial personnel.

| 31 STANDING COMMITTEES

Technology
Staff to Committee: Tyler Mashburn Authorized by Judicial Council Bylaws, Created by Supreme Court Order

Name

Role

Location

Position

Harold D. Melton Presiding Justice

Statewide

Chair

David T. Emerson Superior Court Judge

Douglas Circuit Vice Chair

Ken Shigley

Attorney

Fulton County State Bar Representative

Jeff Kuester

Attorney

Fulton County State Bar Representative

Jorge Basto

Administrative Office of the Courts Fulton County AOC Representative

Sheila Studdard

Clerk of Superior Court

Fayette County Council of Superior Court Clerks Representative

Cindy Mason

Clerk of Superior Court

Columbia County Clerks' Cooperative Authority Representative

Carter Brown

Clerk of Superior Court

Walker County Clerks' Cooperative Authority Representative

Carla McMillian

Court of Appeals Judge

Statewide

Court of Appeals Representative

Stephen Kelley

Superior Court Judge

Brunswick Circuit Superior Court Judge Representative

Diane Bessen

State Court Judge

Fulton County State Court Judge Representative

Greg Price

Juvenile Court Judge

Rome Circuit

Juvenile Court Judge Representative

Keith Wood

Probate Court Judge

Cherokee County Probate Court Judge Representative

James Altman

Magistrate Court Judge

Fulton County Magistrate Court Judge Representative

Margaret Washburn Municipal Court Judge

City of Sugar Hill Municipal Court Judge Representative

T.J. Bement

District Court Administrator

10th District

Council of Court Administrators Representative

Jesse Stone

State Senator

23rd District

Senate Representative

Vacant

State Representative

House Representative

Vacant

Governor's Office

Governor's Representative

Dennis Dunn

Attorney General's Office

Fulton County Attorney General's Representative

Mission The Standing Committee on Technology provides guidance and oversight for the Judicial Council's technology initiatives.

32 | JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018
JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF GEORGIA STANDING COMMITTEES CONTINUED

Strategic Plan
Staff to Committee: Jessica Farah Authorized by Judicial Council Bylaws, Created by Supreme Court Order Includes subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness and Continuity of Judicial Operations

Name
W. Allen Wigington Sara Doyle Horace Johnson Greg Fowler James R. Whitfield Chase Daughtrey James M. Anderson III E. R. Lanier Keith Blackwell Michael Boggs

Role Magistrate Court Judge Court of Appeals Judge Superior Court Judge State Court Judge Senior Juvenile Court Judge Probate Court Judge Municipal Court Judge Municipal Court Judge Supreme Court Justice Supreme Court Justice

Location Pickens County Statewide Alcovy Circuit Chatham County Statewide Cook County Norcross Norcross Statewide Statewide

Position Chair Co-Chair Member Member Member Member Member (Jan present)) Member (July Dec) Advisory Member Advisory Member

Mission The mission of the Strategic Plan Standing Committee is to improve justice in all Georgia courts through collaboration, innovation, and information. The Judicial Council and AOC lead this collaboration on policy across Georgia's courts. The committee implements the initiatives of the strategic plan through the staff of the AOC.

Guiding Principles: Uphold the independence and
integrity of the judiciary;
Promote efficient and effective administration of justice;
Support informed, fact-based decisions that affect the courts;
Collaborate with key stakeholders in judicial, executive, and legislative branches.

The Legislation Committee supported the multi-year
development of bench cards based on legislation passed in recent years. These cards
are valuable to facilitate a more uniform application of
probation and bail rules.

FELONY PROBATION: TpGthaiCoeirIsMottnSOihbrcbehtBgdeePuroeaNaWiesni(llOaafttrtbac1fitcuiisoFoSeonrhloioo9hhsnoanSlaat7rTetmine8ionewh,feissdht9cIsmIIl3nmn.yoet5Nbcetnau,Te0p4eTba)ahDrno3rrrafemUhrt1l.ronbehnredrc(Geyo5seunshIteso1oAiee1raeclediTnSenheOaturvrieafiscwtvtUces9rIsnUIsnooiiiitEgaogoSs,oOpceoodOf7wglmom.o.trdtlnnit.C.oimrkTfSrmcw3acpehefBSnmiorfodheofRsroiT.aT.Nicpnost)cTlt.i.ae(nsGicunfep.eabta.6otIminmrhvcuiol7i1irthioNtrreIc)dcgRslgIlAe5al..ueowoe7oe7dysmufmeAfeumtseonpstpd4tBEnund.e84pfG.,iLirtdrhcdnucf.ceorldr,olBdsuiis,elVearuyroleo(adatndpeisn6lrteenRofd7eq,koeus2ysnutteftaOnuurFii5lfsaasnoeee9stetoue0bEstnleonndheol8Ivierthsrirgns0n1etnq1naNagQoKdi,nlcitpsaepciihoe,tpds7p7md(bhsfutmoed4eenme(oruawItp2terhiu)Enrr-a1ealsUtae1oslNa1hoytiotaoo0crhaeeaincdsslem,r9ichSn2.4bifenoviwysofvI0unitnhcsenaiotf7iGet-.ta,Raentb'Iiin1U,eut2cocdsut'ltnint3ntsedhptJGlfahdl0sFEaah.cao)hgnStiuaead.f)looe,ersfuo.ettSlePIfl(iEserut.nMeiispuconitahndatoupixornne,jo.drfcoerRdErooiusrbda)tbS.nrrcaielqtrt4foela,tin,EgnoedOguhSdhfi.oaoctniiesdu3anauperfEsnifhhfbGutNgherpm,i1craaento0nh,eAcriiraBegdtteteeTaem7io,neoistfa,tpoiAse,hoGasT:lmlvemhtaAtrmn4-neTg4udsmipduhrb1ueliSfpoCnlwN.nes6beo3owee4aIrlTeairraleurocpdwedto1edNroa2nbrnientero-sIntitBaD7atbnseraiesOessiceadlthgUu,ibndto(cottBroeqaEolco'saevdtsGio1eivao4memnubdoicooRfn.gsunugsNeeF.nonS9prin2kotstKaunhnrpcraianreEOSoit.hn7etrsg.r-tsensctniiadid8dadFcotd6Suneind3dnlEpeiiAe--isevsioanyeo-deRsjsib6i3)IrtoepaorfTqsilutartoYdnmaoanmeoNaoo0feanE4iinirphI(uemflaesftrsetobTrsntrl,pitc(ceor.,atannAiiuegiGraiepaCUln6ewEnrectueeoafvGnmantgladhdlsi)eameleiu7rdnssinonte(oteSadhT,tIaOdtiadsBla1.t2enindlhdcotndance4bnoIseigtnitsFli)-bOuokicdcinfoyoenwn1teteeAr7vdtnvctrNsadheeassnrgahg1onh.geh3opaiittestiannNsienaoliotohleNsehitatnpcmpemrutfUnStarlhnea,clomeaoiUfo-edvpraeartnftvoed."ubIeebe.ehDhneopnSe-topdetDc)n;csliynliSdh.prep-.de.oie,laSeoDl-nmcia7tSCvreyo;eyEnftctiFaliotrt7aentaohanifavapre-asehR.EnbnaoTtn8trpwsetitoderein7eaostta,fehhodeEAorfGn-cC;thrD9dblallf"edneia-leeaoesSnea1oilTitSEndgE;te,cnvnctobhandaiIaP(fhteIotOiFodgrrlIeeOi1ooG'lsrotrseeeeunvdnoENrit.h9hplsoitcrRwrCeseraNosNtcINii7WerisoaNfRltgootfutdGpaoreoiyCoJ3niOhounotnn"FnnnDobIeoemca)tptaomiodatFfueSooIercoddfido.sioosn.iEoatrAHAlCfseanwCtiIvInnptasSOpuiduumbpuOErmsCnacyoHLmeecioomTnm.lvaNrsOrctErllspoGntep.saaghdrtOLeyt.cehoaisetAoCththeiaootsCxnRrnooatr,iuosthiaArclksT.abeerwrNhsmeaientmoteoA.tt.GtnNntunVuneaesorebGeNmSaGahaW 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| 33 STANDING COMMITTEES

Legislation
Staff to Committee: Tracy Mason Authorized by Judicial Council Bylaws, Created by Supreme Court Order

Name

Role

Location

Position

Harold D. Melton

Presiding Justice

Statewide

Chair

Stephen L. A. Dillard Chief Judge

Statewide

Vice Chair

Kathy Palmer

Superior Court Judge Middle Circuit Member, President of the Council of Superior Court Judges

Gregory Fowler

State Court Judge

Chatham County Member, President of the Council of State Court Judges

James Whitfield

Juvenile Court Judge Cobb County Member, President of the Council of Juvenile Court Judges

Rooney Bowen

Probate Court Judge Dooly County Member, President of the Council of Probate Court Judges

James Griner

Magistrate Court Judge Screven County Member, President of the Council of Magistrate Court Judges

LaTisha Dear Jackson Municipal Court Judge

City of Stone Mountain

Member, President of the Council of Municipal Court Judges

William Hamrick

Superior Court Judge

Coweta Circuit

Advisory Member, Legislative Chair of Council of Superior Court Judges

Wesley Tailor

State Court Judge

Fulton County

Advisory Member, Legislative Co-Chair of Council of State Court Judges

Al Wong

State Court Judge

DeKalb County

Advisory Member, Legislative Co-Chair of Council of State Court Judges

Bradley Boyd

Juvenile Court Judge

Fulton County

Advisory Member, Legislative Chair of Council of Juvenile Court Judges

Chase Daughtrey

Probate Court Judge

Cook County

Advisory Member, Legislative Chair of Council of Probate Court Judges

Alex Atwood

Magistrate Court Judge Glynn County

Advisory Member, Legislative Chair of Council of Magistrate Court Judges

Charles Barrett

Municipal Court Judge City of Duluth

Advisory Member, Legislative Chair of Council of Municipal Court Judges

Cynthia Clanton

Director

Statewide

Advisory Member, JC/AOC

Shannon Weathers Executive Director Statewide

Advisory Member, Council of Superior Court Judges

Bob Bray

Executive Director

Statewide

Advisory Member, Council of State Court Judges

Eric John

Executive Director

Statewide

Advisory Member, Council of Juvenile Court Judges

Kevin Holder

Executive Director

Statewide

Advisory Member, Council of Probate Court Judges

Sharon Reiss

Executive Director

Statewide

Advisory Member, Council of Magistrate Court Judges

Brian "Buck" Rogers President

Statewide

Advisory Member, State Bar of Georgia

Mission The Legislation Committee reviews legislation affecting the judicial branch and recommends policy positions to the Judicial Council where appropriate.

34 | JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018

JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF GEORGIA
Ad Hoc Committees
The Council Chair establishes ad-hoc committees to conduct the business of the Council. Each ad-hoc committee chair appoints committee members. Each ad-hoc committee must include one current Council member. Advisory members may be heard but shall not be entitled to vote.
Misdemeanor Bail Reform
Staff to Committee: James Rodatus and Robert Aycock | Authorized and Created by the Supreme Court

Name
Wayne Purdom Michael Boggs Mary Kathryn Moss Bob Bray
Sharon Reiss
T. J. BeMent Brenda Weaver Melodie Clayton Russ McClelland Ben Studdard Mark Mitchell Michael Barker Bob Turner Berryl Anderson W. Allen Wigington Rooney Bowen Matthew McCord

Role State Court Judge Justice Magistrate Court Judge
Executive Director

Location DeKalb County Statewide Chatham County
Statewide

Executive Director

Statewide

District Court Administrator Superior Court Judge

Tenth Judicial Administrative District
Appalachian Circuit

State Court Judge

Cobb County

State Court Judge

Forsyth County

State Court Judge

Henry County

State/Municipal Court Judge

Thomas County

Magistrate Court Judge

Chatham County

Magistrate Court Judge

Houston County

Magistrate/Municipal Court Judge

DeKalb County

Magistrate/Probate Court Judge Pickens County

Probate Court

Dooly County

Municipal Court Judge

Stockbridge

Positition Chair Liason Member Advisory Member, Council of State Court Judges Advisory Member, Council of Magistrate Court Judges
Advisory Member
Member Member Member Member Member Member Member
Member
Member Member Member

Mission The Ad Hoc Committee on Misdemeanor Bail Reform is responsible for researching nationwide bail practices, interviewing interested stakeholders in Georgia, and producing a report on the Committee's findings to be shared with the Judicial Council and the Council on Criminal Justice Reform.

| 35 AD HOC COMMITTEES

Process Servers
Staff to Committee: Christopher Hansard Authorized by Judicial Council Bylaws, Created by Judicial Council Chair

Name
Shawn LaGrua Samuel D. Ozburn James G. Tunison Ann B. Harris Alison T. Burleson David P. Darden Cathy McCumber

Role Superior Court Judge

Location Atlanta Circuit

Position Chair

Superior Court Judge

Alcovy Circuit

Superior Court Representative

Superior Court Judge

Southern Circuit Superior Court Representative

Superior Court Judge

Cobb Circuit

Superior Court Representative

Superior Court Judge

Ocmulgee Circuit Superior Court Representative

State Court Judge

Cobb County

State Court Representative

District Court Administrator 4th District

Advisory Member

Mission The Ad Hoc Committee on Process Servers is responsible for updating the Judicial Council's rules and regulations for Georgia's Certified Process Server Program and makes any other recommendations to the Judicial Council regarding process servers that the Committee deems appropriate.

36 | JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018
JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF GEORGIA AD HOC COMMITTEES CONTINUED

Records Retention
Staff to Committee: Christopher Hansard Authorized by Judicial Council Bylaws, Created by Judicial Council Chair

Name

Role

Nels S. D. Peterson

Supreme Court Justice

Billy Ray

Court of Appeals Judge

Maureen Gottfried

Superior Court Judge

Sheryl Jolly

Superior Court Judge

Jeannette Little

State Court Judge

Kiesha Storey

State Court Judge

Robin Shearer

Juvenile Court Judge

Joe Wyant

Juvenile Court Judge

Ann Jackson

Probate Court Judge

Pam Ferguson

Probate Court Judge

Bill Brogdon

Magistrate Court Judge

Mike Burke

Magistrate Court Judge

Garland C. Moore

Municipal Court Judge

Matthew Campbell Jordan Municipal Court Judge

Teresa Harper

Superior Court Clerk

Quentin LaMont Marlin Attorney

Dena Adams

Superior Court Clerk

Todd Ashley

Prosecuting Attorneys' Council

Joy Conner Taylor Jones Tracy Johnson

Superior Court Clerk
Council of Accountability Court Judges
Comm. on Dispute Resolution

Doug Rollo

Georgia Archives

Jimmonique Rodgers

Public Defender Council

Robin Rooks

Court Administrator

Randi Strumlauf

Court Reporter

Jeff West

Court Administrator

Location

Position

Statewide

Chair

Statewide

Vice Chair

Chattahoochee Circuit Superior Court Representative

Augusta Circuit

Superior Court Representative

Troup County

State Court Representative

DeKalb County

State Court Representative

Western Circuit

Juvenile Court Representative

Coweta Circuit

Juvenile Court Representative

Fayette County

Probate Court Representative

Clayton County

Probate Court Representative

Gwinnett County

Magistrate Court Representative

Walton County

Magistrate Court Representative

City of Conyers

Municipal Court Representative

City of Atlanta

Municipal Court Representative

Upson County

Superior Court Clerk Representative

Chatham County

State Bar Representative

White County

Advisory Member

Fulton County

Advisory Member

Washington County Advisory Member

Fulton County

Advisory Member

Fulton County

Advisory Member

Fulton County

Advisory Member

Fulton County

Advisory Member

Bell-Forsyth Circuit Advisory Member

Fulton County

Advisory Member

Gwinnett County

Advisory Member

Mission The Ad Hoc Committee on Records Retention recommends changes to the judicial branch record retention schedules and makes other recommendations to the Judicial Council regarding records retention.

CONNECTED BOARDS,
COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS, AND COUNCILS

38 | JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018
CONNECTED BOARDS, COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS, AND COUNCILS

Council of Accountability Court Judges
Taylor Jones, Executive Director
gaaccountabilitycourts.org

Vision Making Accountability Courts work for all Georgians.
Mission To improve the quality, accessibility and administration of Accountability Courts. The CACJ strives to set goals that include achievable expectations; make efficient use of resources that adhere to evidence-based research and leading practices, work to enhance public safety, and that are transparent to all.
Highlights During FY 18, CACJ's Standards and Certification Committee (SCC) continued to certify and peer review the state's accountability courts. The SCC certified the veterans treatment courts for the first time, in addition to continuing the certification

Leadership
Chief Judge Stephen Goss Chair Dougherty Superior Court; Chief Judge Brenda S. Weaver Vice-Chair Appalachian Judicial Circuit; Judge Jason J. Deal Immediate Past Chair
process for adult felony drug, mental health, DUI/ OUI, and family treatment courts. The peer review process continued for mental health courts. During that time, the adult felony drug court peer review process was expanded, at no cost to the state, to include national educational resources. Peer review materials were developed for the DUI/OUI courts and family treatment courts, and those reviews are now under way. CACJ continues to provide technical assistance by request or for those

Accountability Court team members were honored at the 2018 Training Conference. (Left to right) Scot Dean Probation Officer for the Tallapoosa Circuit Drug Court, Judge D. Scott Smith Presiding Judge of the Cherokee Judicial Circuit Drug Court, Molly Laughlin Coordinator for the Enotah Felony Drug Court South (Honorable Tommy Day Wilcox Award recipient), David Wood Coordinator for the

Chatham County DUI Court, Melissa Himes Prosecutor for the Troup County Mental Health Court, Tracy Wilson, LPC Treatment Provider for the Carroll County Drug Court, Tamara Jones Case Manager for the Fulton County Family Treatment Court, Veronica Williams Law Enforcement Officer for Newton County Adult Felony Drug Court, and Chris Van Rossem Defense Attorney for the Hall County H.E.L.P. Court.

| 39 COUNCIL OF ACCOUNTABILITY COURT JUDGES

The CACJ Training Session this year included a vendor fair, creating opportunities for learning, networking and comparison shopping for services.
courts identified as having a need through the certification and peer review processes. In addition to the annual training conference the CACJ hosted 19 additional evidence-based training events to include: Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions for Substance Abuse; Seeking Safety; a Drug Court Planning Initiative Training sponsored by NDCI; and Operational Tune-Up trainings (also hosted by NDCI) for Adult Felony Drug Courts, Veterans Treatment Court, DUI Courts, and Family Treatment Courts. The CACJ Funding Committee awarded grant funds to 149 Accountability Court programs in FY18. The CACJ implemented the Treatment Fidelity Monitoring Program in FY18. The CACJ is working to improve the effectiveness of the evidence-based programming utilized in Accountability Courts. Fidelity monitoring contributes to participant behavior change and reduced recidivism rates.

The CACJ hosted its annual training conference in Athens, GA from Sunday, 9/17/17 to Tuesday, 9/19/17. Accountability Court treatment providers participated in a role play exercise during a Seeking Safety training provided by the CACJ.
Mr. Josh Becker, Chief Certification Officer, facilitates a session for court coordinators at the annual coordinators training forum. The session highlighted CACJ's Peer Review.

40 | JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018
CONNECTED BOARDS, COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS, AND COUNCILS CONTINUED

Commission on Dispute Resolution
Tracy Johnson, Executive Director godr.org

Mission:

Leadership:

The Georgia Commission on Dispute Resolution CHAIRPERSON

is a policy-making body appointed by the

Judge Charles E. Auslander III

Supreme Court of Georgia charged with leading CHAIRPERSON-ELECT

a statewide system of court alternative dispute

Judge Jane C. Barwick

resolution (ADR) programs. There are currently COMMISSION MEMBERS:

over 40 court ADR programs in Georgia offering Justice Keith R. Blackwell

high-quality, cost-effective alternatives to

Justice Britt C. Grant

traditional litigation. These services cover 93 of Judge Amanda H. Mercier

the 159 counties and utilize neutrals registered

Emily S. Bair, Esq.

through the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution Raymond G. Chadwick, Jr., Esq.

in a range of categories that include general

Mary Donovan, Esq.

civil mediation, domestic relations mediation,

Judge C. Andrew Fuller

specialized domestic violence, arbitration,

Herbert H. (Hal) Gray, III, Esq.

early neutral evaluation, juvenile dependency

Melissa C. Heard, M.S.S.W.

and juvenile delinquency. As of June 30, 2018,

Timothy Hedeen, Ph.D.

there were 2,472 registered neutrals. The

Judge Stefani R. Lacour, Esq.

partnership between neutrals, programs, and the Judge M. Cindy Morris, Esq.

Commission creates a comprehensive network Patrick T. O'Connor, Esq.

that benefits taxpayers, litigants, attorneys, judges, Rep. Jay Powell, Esq.

and courts.

Edith B. Primm, Esq.

Highlights:

Vjollca Prroni Young, LL.M.

The 24th Annual ADR Institute and 2017 Neutrals' the Dispute Resolution Section of the State

Conference was held Friday, December 8, 2017, Bar of Georgia also presented the 2017 Chief

at the State Bar of Georgia. There were 288

Justice Harold G. Clarke Award to Wayne R.

attendees in total. The keynote speaker was

Thorpe, Esq., in recognition of his outstanding

Brad Heckman, Chief Executive Officer of the

contributions to the field of alternative dispute

New York Peace Institute, with his presentation resolution in Georgia.

"Strange Bedfellows: Experiences Embedding

Joint effort by the Commission on Dispute

Mediation in Unlikely Places, From the NYPD,

Resolution and Georgia Commission on

to Post-Revolutionary Eastern Europe, to NASA Family Violence to update the mediation rules

and Beyond." Here, the Georgia Supreme

concerning screening practices for cases in

Court Commission on Dispute Resolution and

which intimate partner violence/abuse (domestic

| 41 COMMISION ON DISPUTE RESOLUTION
The Supreme Court of Georgia has appointed Superior Court Judge Cindy Morris, Conasauga Judicial Circuit and Mr. Hal Gray, Esq. as new members and Judge Jane C. Barwick as ChairElect to the Georgia Commission on Dispute Resolution. Justice Britt C. Grant administered the oath at the January 31 meeting.

violence) may be present continued to gain momentum in 2017. The Commissions share a common priority of safety for victims of domestic violence, and further news regarding progress of their collaborative work is expected to be announced in 2018. The Commission on Dispute Resolution is pleased to announce the successful implementation of improvements to the Registrar for the 2017 renewal season. Advancements are aimed to ease use and enhance user experience for neutrals but also include a brand new component for training programs. Ms. Karlie Sahs joined the office in July 2017 as the new Program Coordinator. October 15-21, 2017, was Dispute Resolution Week, marked by proclamation signed by Governor Deal. The Commission recognized parting members Judge J. Carlisle Overstreet and Herbert (Hugh) Bell at the November 8, 2017 meeting for their dedicated service.

The 2018 Chief Justice Harold G. Clarke Award was given to R. Wayne Thorpe, Esq., (center). Mr. Thorpe has been a full-time ADR neutral since 1998. He has served as mediator, arbitrator, facilitator, special master, and case evaluator in more than 2,000 cases. Presenting the award are Bob Berlin, President, Dispute Resolution Section of the State Bar of Georgia (left) and Tracy Johnson, Executive Director, Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution (right).

42 | JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018
CONNECTED BOARDS, COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS, AND COUNCILS CONTINUED

Committee on Justice for Children
Authorized and Created by the Supreme Court Staff to the Committee: Jerry Bruce j4c.georgiacourts.gov

Name

Role

David Nahmias

Supreme Court Justice

Kim Anderson

Attorney

Michael Boggs

Supreme Court Justice

W. Bradley Bryant

Georgia Student Finance Commission

Christopher Carr

Attorney General

Lindsay Caulfield

Grady Health System

Stephen Louis A. Dillard Court of Appeals

Darice M. Good

Attorney

Britt Hammond

Superior Court Judge

Duaine Hathaway

Georgia CASA

Amanda Health

Juvenile Court Judge

Sharon Hill

Georgia State University

Glen Jackson

Co-Founder, Jackson Spalding

Lisa Jones

Juvenile Court Judge

Michael Key

Juvenile Court Judge

Nealie McCormick

Georgia Council on American Indian Concerns

Gary McGiboney

Georgia Department of Education

Avery Niles

Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

Mary Margeret Oliver

State Representative

Virginia Pryor

Georgia Division of Family and Children Services

Tom Rawlings

Georgia Office of the Child Advocate

Juliette Scales

Juvenile Court Judge

Phil Spivey

Juvenile Court Judge

Catherine Vandenberg Atlanta Legal Aid

Talley Wells

Georgia Appleseed Center for Law and Justice

James Whitfield

Juvenile Court Judge

Wendell Willard

State Representative

Robert Wright

Bishop, Episcopal Diocese, Atlanta

Stephany Zaic

Attorney

Location Statewide Fulton County Statewide Fulton County Statewide Fulton County Statewide Fulton County Toombs Circuit Fulton County Augusta Circuit Fulton County Fulton County Southwestern Circuit Coweta Circuit Mitchell County Fulton County Statewide DeKalb County Statewide Statewide Atlanta Circuit Ocmulgee Circuit Fulton County Statewide Cobb Circuit Fulton County Fulton County Towns County

Position Chair Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member

Left to right: GA CASA's Angela Tyner, moderating a panel of J4C staff,
committee members and the chair: Jerry Bruce; Tom Rawlings; Judge Juliette
Scales; and Justice David Nahmias

| 43 COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE FOR CHILDREN

Mission Striving to improve justice for children and families within the child welfare legal system.
Highlights Co-Sponsored a Child Welfare Legal Summit in November 2017, in partnership with the Office of the Child Advocate and the Division of Family and Children Services with over 800 attendees. Numerous committee members attended and participated. Committee Chair, Justice David Nahmias, was the luncheon keynote speaker and committee member Justice Michael Boggs made closing remarks. Launched a partnership with the Georgia Public Defender Council to provide parent attorneys in Coweta County as a pilot project. This project will provide an opportunity to test whether counsel have more independence, but also more training and accountability than under our current system of judge-appointed attorneys. Costs will also be evaluated. Continued enhancement of the Court Process Reporting System (a child-specific data sharing system between the judicial and legislative branches) to receive court orders. Continued support for the Cold Case Project (a collaborative and specialized review effort for children with long stays in foster care). Coordinated a Peer Review Project to bring attention to child representation and participation issues. Promoted awareness of the importance of the work with the annual Hines awards for

excellence given in 2017 to one child welfare attorney and one agency case manager at the annual meeting in June of the Georgia State Bar. The awards were presented by Justice David Nahmias of the Georgia Supreme Court, the current chair of our CIP committee. A separate award was given to a member of the Child Protection and Advocacy Section, named for the late Judge Willie Lovett, Child Welfare Law Specialist and Fulton County Juvenile Court Judge. Provided multiple educational opportunities including six Multi-Disciplinary Child Abuse and Neglect Institutes, two Court Improvement Initiative Meetings, scholarships and support for the Council of Juvenile Court Judges bi-annual conferences.
JC/AOC Director Cynthia Clanton and Justice David Nahmias congratulating the 2018 winners of the Chief Justice P. Harris Hines Child Advocacy Award. This year's honorees are Demetria Campbell, Outstanding Case Manager, and Christopher Hempfling, Outstanding Attorney.

44 | JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018
CONNECTED BOARDS, COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS, AND COUNCILS CONTINUED

Georgia Commission on Child Support
Created and authorized by O.C.G.A. 19-6-50, 53 Staff to Commission: Patricia Buonodono csc.georgiacourts.gov

Name
R. Michael Key Timothy Barr Beth Beskin Anne Elizabeth Barnes Charles Clay Kathleen Connell Chuck Hufstetler Emanuel Jones Lisa C. Jones Shawn LaGrua Todd Markle Emory Palmer Ronald "Rick" Smith Dr. Roger Tutterow Wendy Williamson

Role Juvenile Court Judge State Representative State Representative Appellate Judge Attorney Attorney State Senator State Senator Juvenile Court Judge Superior Court Judge Superior Court Judge Superior Court Judge
Economist Attorney

Location

Position

Coweta Circuit

Chair

District 103

House of Representatives Member 1

District 54

House of Representatives Member 2

Georgia Court of Appeals member

Fulton County

member

Cobb County

member

District 52

State Senate Member 1

District 10

State Senate Member 2

Southwestern Circuit

member

Atlanta Circuit

member

Atlanta Circuit

member

Coweta Circuit

member

Cobb County

member

Kennesaw State University member

Chatham County

member

Mission The Child Support Commission was created by statute for the purpose of studying and collecting information and data relating to awards of child support and to create and revise the child support obligation table. The Commission conducts comprehensive reviews of the child support guidelines, economic conditions, and all matters relevant to maintaining effective and efficient child support guidelines that will serve the best interest of Georgia's children and take into account the changing dynamics of family life.

The Commission trains judges, attorneys, mediators and the public around the state; develops and maintains the state's child support calculator and worksheets; and proposes legislation when it deems an amendment to the guidelines is necessary.

| 45 GEORGIA COMMISSION ON CHILD SUPPORT

Highlights The Child Support Commission sponsored legislation in 2018 that removed the requirement that parties file multiple worksheets on every case. Multiple worksheets are now discretionary, and have a two-year limitation on a child aging out of eligibility in order to be considered by the Court. Staff began working on the federal quadrennial review that is due in 2018, pulling orders from the month of October 2017 and compiling data. Staff also continued to train all around the state on the new online child support calculator and updates to the law, putting on 31 trainings during the year, including one large regional training in each judicial district in Georgia.

Left to right: Elaine Johnson, Judge Rucker Smith, Patricia Buonodono

We also support the Department of Human Services, Division of Child Support Services' Parental Accountability Courts by providing a database for the court coordinators to use in keeping information about their participants. This year, that information was used to create a research report on the effectiveness of those courts, with some astounding and positive numbers. The Division of Child Support Services received a national award based on collaboration for their work with the Judiciary and the Judicial Council/AOC on these courts.

Left to right: Judge Richard Waters, Elaine Johnson, Judge Judson Green, Patricia Buonodono, and Chief Judge Donald Gillis.

46 | JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018
CONNECTED BOARDS, COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS, AND COUNCILS CONTINUED GEORGIA COMMISSION ON INTERPRETERS

Georgia Commission on Interpreters
Staff to Commission: John Botero Authorized and Created by the Supreme Court coi.georgiacourts.gov

Name
Keith R. Blackwell Clyde Reese Meng Lim Dax E. Lopez Robert L. Waller, III Joseph Bledsoe Ruth R. McMullin Mazi Mazloom Bert Reeves Jana J. Edmondson-Cooper B.J. Pak Christopher Paul Stephen Nevels Pilar Archila Maria Ceballos-Wallis

Role Supreme Court Justice Court of Appeals Judge Superior Court Judge State Court Judge Juvenile Court Judge Probate Court Judge Magistrate Court Judge Municipal Court Judge State Representative Attorney Attorney Attorney Public Public Public

Location Statewide Statewide Tallapoosa Circuit DeKalb County Gwinnett Circuit Heard County Gwinnett County City of Marietta Cobb County Fulton County Gwinnett County Bartow County Jackson County Laurens County DeKalb County

Philippe DuMoulin leads discussion among interpreters at the Commission's orientation worshop. Professionalism is a key focus for the JC/AOC in ensuring fair and equitable treatment for every citizen entering a courtroom.

Position Chair Vice Chair Superior Court Representative State Court Representative Juvenile Court Representative Probate Court Representative Magistrate Court Representative Municipal Court Representative General Assembly Representative State Bar Representative State Bar Representative State Bar Representative Non-Attorney Representative Non-Attorney Representative Non-Attorney Representative

| 47 GEORGIA COMMISSION ON INTERPRETERS

Mission

The administrative staff for the Commission

To provide interpreter licensing, regulatory, and

on Interpreters has been actively seeking more

educational services for Georgia courts so they can training opportunities for judges, attorneys, and

ensure the rights of non-English speaking persons. court administrators to instruct them on the

importance of using professional interpreters for

Highlights

parties who need an interpreter to ensure equal

The Commission on Interpreters has been

access to justice.

working on revising the current rules and

The Commission on Interpreters has increased

regulations to provide more comprehensive

the number of times it offers the National Center

guidance to court professionals, the courts and

for State Courts' Language Access Coordinators'

other stakeholders.

oral exam certification to ensure that more

The Commission on Interpreters enacted a

people are provided an opportunity to become

Memorandum of Understanding with the Atlanta certified for the language in which they test.

Association of Interpreters and Translators

The administrative staff of the Commission on

(AAIT) to provide low-cost training for candidate Interpreters has been working closely with their

interpreters who are seeking national certification. counterparts in South Carolina and Florida to

create a Southern States Collaborative Group

that will tackle the common challenges all three

The Interpreters Orientation Workshop in Nov. 2017 was held by the Judicial Services Office of Court Professionals. John Botero, Program Manager, and Bianca Bennett, Project Coordinator, taught and led discussion for incoming interpreters.

states face in recruiting and certifying candidate interpreters.

48 | JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018
CONNECTED BOARDS, COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS, AND COUNCILS CONTINUED

Board of Court Reporting
Staff to Board: John Botero Authorized and Created by statute. | bcr.georgiacourts.gov Reports to the Judicial Council's Court Reporting Matters Standing Committee

Name
John K. Edwards Cynthia H. Clanton, Esq.
Daniel Gershwin Cheryl Gilliam, RMR Kevin King John K. Larkins, Jr., Esq. John Bell Manly, Esq. Randi Strumlauf, CCR, CER Brenda H. Trammell

Role
State Court Judge
Director of the Judicial Council/ Administrative Office of the Courts Freelance Court Reporter, Machine Shorthand
Official Reporter
Freelance Court Reporter, Machine Shorthand
Attorney, State Bar Representative

Location Lowndes County Fulton County
Fulton County Fulton County Fulton County Fulton County

Attorney, State Bar Representative

Chatham County

Freelance Court Reporter, Voice Writer Gwinnett County

Superior Court Judge

Ocmulgee Circuit

Position Chair Board Secretary
Board Member Board Member Board Member Vice-Chair Board Member Board Member Board Member

Mission The Georgia General Assembly established the Board of Court Reporting of the Judicial Council of Georgia to ensure the integrity and competency of the court reporting practice. The Board of Court Reporting establishes and enforces standards that govern court reporters and provides a forum for an exchange of ideas and educational services.

Highlights: Providing a forum for an exchange of ideas and educational services. Concentrating on updating its rules and regulations, and its advisory opinions. Actively encouraging and working with new members in giving them the necessary tools to succeed in their profession.

REPORTS FROM APPELLATE COURTS
AND TRIAL COURT COUNCILS

50 | JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018
REPORTS FROM APPELLATE COURTS AND TRIAL COURT COUNCILS

Supreme Court of Georgia
gasupreme.us

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN DECADES, the Supreme Court of Georgia has entered an era in which "nothing is constant but change." As of January 2017, the state's highest court grew to nine justices, up from the seven it had since 1945. With the retirement of the previous Chief Justice, the year 2017 brought P. Harris Hines as Chief Justice, and three new justices: Michael P. Boggs, Nels S.D. Peterson, and Britt C. Grant. In April 2018, Justice Grant was nominated by the President to become a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. The U.S. Senate subsequently confirmed her, and she no longer serves on the state's highest court. Also by the end of 2018, both Chief Justice Hines and Justice Carol W. Hunstein will have retired. Therefore, by January 2019, the Georgia Supreme Court again will have three new justices, and a new Chief Justice, Harold D. Melton.

CHANGE IN JURISDICTION At the same time, the Legislature changed the types of appeals the Georgia Supreme Court reviews, shifting a number of categories from the state's highest court to the state's intermediate appellate court, the Georgia Court of Appeals. The categories transferred by 2016 legislation include cases involving divorce, wills, and titles to land.
MOST PRODUCTIVE HIGH COURT Despite the changes in makeup and jurisdiction, the Georgia Supreme Court remains one of the most productive if not the most productive state Supreme Court in the nation, based on the number of opinions published each year. In a recent survey of 26 states, conducted by the Massachusetts Supreme Court, the Supreme Court of Georgia produced the highest number
The Supreme Court listening to an attorney's arguments during an off-site court session at the University of Georgia.

of written opinions per justice in 2016 more than any other state surveyed. Georgia's justices annually wrote 50.14 opinions each compared to the second highest-producing state, Maine, whose justices wrote 27.43 opinions each year. This supports the conclusion of a 2008 national study by the University of Chicago Law School that ranked Georgia the most productive high court in the country.

The 2018 Georgia Supreme Court
Standing, L to R: Justice Nels S.D. Peterson, Justice Keith R. Blackwell, Justice Michael P. Boggs, Justice Britt C. Grant. Seated, L to R: Justice Carol W. Hunstein, Presiding Justice Harold D. Melton, Chief Justice P. Harris Hines, Justice Robert Benham, Justice David E. Nahmias.

LARGE CASELOAD The Georgia Supreme Court granted 47 percent more petitions for certiorari in 2017 than in 2016 (such petitions are requests to appeal decisions by the intermediate Court of Appeals and are among the most complex cases the Supreme Court reviews); it decided six percent more cases involving the discipline of lawyers in 2017; and in a recent five-year period, the percentage of direct appeals involving murder cases the largest single block of appeals decided by the Supreme Court rose from approximately 27 percent to 36 percent. The Georgia Supreme Court's oral argument caseload is also high. Compared to courts of last resort in other large states with populations comparable to Georgia's, and in states contiguous to Georgia, the Georgia Supreme Court hears oral arguments in more cases and on more days than any highest level state court other than the New York Court of Appeals.

Supreme Court Justices participating in the groundbreaking of the new Georgia Judicial Center, set to open in 2019.
The Justices "robing up" for oral arguments at the University of Georgia.

52 | JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018
REPORTS FROM APPELLATE COURTS AND TRIAL COURT COUNCILS CONTINUED

Court of Appeals of Georgia
gaappeals.us

Mission and Goals The Court of Appeals of Georgia is the court of first review for most civil and criminal cases heard by the trial courts. Established in 1906, the Court's mission is to provide access to justice in an unbiased forum by fairly and promptly resolving appeals. The Court is committed to being accountable to the citizens of the State, and one of its goals is to increase public trust and confidence in the judiciary.

Highlights New judicial building design finalized and construction begun Implementation of electronic voting by judges Facilitation of electronic payment of costs and document delivery Revision of the Court's Citizens' Guide to assist self-represented litigants Conversion of historical case files from microfilm to digital media Restoration and expansion of Central Staff Attorney pool Digitization of most historical court records Restoration of Deputy Court Administrator position Cyber-security strengthened and regularly updated Disaster recovery software implemented

Court of Appeals judges at the swearing-in of Judges Brown and Gobeil. Front row, L-R: Judge Carla Wong McMillian, Chief Judge Stephen Louis A. Dillard, Judge E. Trenton Brown, III, Judge Elizabeth Gobeil, Governor Nathan Deal, Presiding Judge Sarah L. Doyle. Second row: Presiding Judge Christoper J. McFadden, Judge William M. Ray, II, Judge Amanda H. Mercier, Presiding Judge John J. Ellington.

Most of the COA judges are active public speakers at CLEs and civic organizations. In addition they serve on multiple boards, committees, and commissions, including:
Commission on Interpreters State Bar's SOLACE Committee Mercer University Board of Trustees Walter F. George Foundation Board Lamar Inn of Court Executive Board, Access to Justice Committee National Association of Women Judges Court Reform Council ...and many others

Judge Branch being sworn into the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit by Chief Judge Dillard, attended by sisters Amy Branch Munn and Ginny Branch Stelling.

COURT OF APPEALS 2018 MILESTONES
MORE THAN 3,100 FILINGS 1,064 DIRECT CRIMINAL APPEALS
1,214 DIRECT CIVIL APPEALS 822 APPLICATIONS DOCKETED
1,360 OPINIONS ISSUED MORE THAN 90 OPINIONS PER JUDGE
ON AVERAGE THREE NOMINATIONS TO FEDERAL BENCH ONE JUDGE ELEVATED TO FEDERAL APPEALS COURT (11TH U.S. CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS) ONE JUDGE SEATED IN FEDERAL TRIAL COURT
(U.S. DISTRICT COURT FOR MIDDLE DISTRICT OF GEORGIA)
In 2009, when Georgia first enabled electronic filing in the appellate court, aproximately 5% of records were processed electronically.
By 2018, 65% of all documents filed in the Court are submitted electronically, including trial court records, saving printing and postage costs and significantly reducing lag time between trial court decisions and the docketing of appeals.

Standing, Left to right:
Charles J. Bethel, Judge Clyde L. Reese, Judge Brian M. Rickman, Judge
Elizabeth Lee Branch, Judge (appointed to the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit) William M. Ray, II, Judge Carla Wong McMillian, Judge Amanda H. Mercier, Judge Tilman E. (Tripp) Self, Judge (appointed to the U. S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia)
Seated, Left to right:
Sara L. Doyle, Presiding Judge M. Yvette Miller, Presiding Judge Gary Blaylock Andrews, Judge Stephen Louis A. Dillard, Chief Judge Anne Elizabeth Barnes, Presiding Judge John J. Ellington, Presiding Judge Christopher J. McFadden, Presiding Judge
Not Pictured:
E. Trenton Brown, III, Judge Elizabeth Gobeil, Judge

54 | JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018
REPORTS FROM APPELLATE COURTS AND TRIAL COURT COUNCILS CONTINUED

Council Of Superior Court Judges
Executive Director: Shannon Weathers
georgiasuperiorcourts.org

Vision: Judicial Excellence; Accessible, Effective, and Efficient Superior Courts.
Mission: The Council of Superior Court Judges' mission is to provide leadership and support to preserve the ability of the Courts to meet their constitutional and statutory responsibilities and further the administration of justice while functioning as a liaison with other courts and the other two branches of Government.
The Council provides payroll and travel reimbursements; budget administration and accounting; leave entry, benefit coordination, and other human resources needs for all judges and their state-paid staff; and management of all superior court statewide accounting functions.
The Council also provides legal support for required publications such as the Uniform Rules for Superior Courts and Pattern Jury Instructions; statewide legal support for judges handling death penalty habeas corpus cases; logistics for seminars and meetings; and numerous other critical statewide functions for superior courts.
The Council office also serves as the hub for legislative tracking, meeting coordination, and monitoring during the legislative session.
Goals: Over the next five years, the Council will seek sufficient funding to provide state paid law clerks for the 45 Superior Court judges who do not already have a state or county paid law clerk. The Council also will seek a pay raise for law clerks.

Leadership President Judge Stephen Kelley, Brunswick Judicial Circuit
President Elect Judge Shawn LaGrua, Atlanta Judicial Circuit
Secretary Treasurer Judge Brian Amero, Flint Judicial Circuit
Immediate Past President Judge Kathy Palmer, Middle Judicial Circuit
Highlights: Judge Stephen Goss, outgoing president of the Council of Accountability Court Judges, received the 2018 Emory Findley Award for "Outstanding Judicial Service."
Rule 22: After years of work and receiving feedback from many stakeholders, the Council of Superior Court Judges and the Supreme Court finalized a new Superior Court rule to address the issue of recording of court proceedings and the use of electronic devices in
Below: Council President Kathy Palmer at the December 2017 Judicial Council meeting flanked by State Court Judge Gregory Fowler (Left) and Juvenile Court Judge James Whitfield (Right).

| 55 COUNCIL OF SUPERIOR COURT JUDGES

courtrooms by attorneys, parties, jurors, witnesses, and spectators. Accountability Courts: Superior Court judges have been leaders in establishing accountability courts. With the addition of the courts in the Lookout Mountain Circuit and the Oconee Circuit, there are now accountability courts in all 49 judicial circuits. Court Security: Along with the Georgia Sheriffs' Association and the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia, the Council of Superior Court Judges published revised Georgia Standards for the Security of Courthouses and Other Court Facilities. Staffing: During the recession, many law clerk positions were eliminated. With the assistance of the Governor and the Legislature, the Council has restored some of these positions and created others. Of the 214 active Superior Court Judges, only 45 lack either a state or county paid law clerk. Mentoring Program/New Judges Orientation: In cooperation with the Institute for Continuing Judicial Education, the Council has strengthened its New Judges Orientation program and
Swearing in Ceremonies: Left to right (top): John A. "Trea" Pipkin, III, Flint Judicial Circuit; T. Craig Earnest, Pataula Judicial Circuit; Clint G. Bearden, Northeastern Judicial Circuit. Left to right, (bottom) Kathryn L. Powers, Clayton Judicial Circuit; Howard C. Kaufold, Jr., Oconee Judicial Circuit; Regina Quick, Western Judicial Circuit.

SUPERSIOUPRERCIOOUR RCOTSUR--TCSACSOEMBFIINLEIND GCASSE FILINGS

CASES FILED (IN THOUSANDS) .

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.= .

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.= .

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.

.= .

.

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.= .

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.

.= .

CASE CHARACTERISTICS (IN THOUSANDS)

.. ..
.. ..

CRIMINAL CASES DOMESTIC CASES CIVIL CASES SELF-REPRESENTED LITIGANTS LIMITED ENGLISH PARTICIPANTS

CASES IN THOUSANDS

CLEARANCE RATE (COMBINED CIVIL AND CRIMINAL) .%

.%

.%

.%

%

%

%

%

%

%

SOURCE: JC/AOC/CLERKS OF COURT

established a mentoring program for new judges. Business Courts: CSCJ President Judge Stephen Kelley created a Special Committee on Business Courts to explore the feasibility of implementing business courts state-wide. The committee is charged with developing a plan to accomplish the intent of the Legislature to create a process for the efficient resolution of complex business cases at a cost savings to the taxpayer.

56 | JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018
REPORTS FROM APPELLATE COURTS AND TRIAL COURT COUNCILS CONTINUED

Council of State Court Judges
Executive Director: Bob Bray statecourt.georgiacourts.gov

Mission And Goals "Impartial Courts - Judicial Excellence Accessible and Efficient Justice." The Council consists of 129 active judges, who serve in 71 counties, and a number of Senior Judges and Judges Emeritus. Each year the Council develops a Strategic Business Plan to further its mission toward the improvement of State Courts, the quality and expertise of its judges, to maintain the impartiality of the judiciary and to ensure the fair, efficient administration of justice. The four Strategic Objectives of the Council are to: 1. Support the State Courts 2. Enhance Effectiveness and Continuity of our Council 3. Support the Judiciary as a whole 4. Foster Relationships within the Judiciary and with other branches of government 5. Serve, inform and interact with the public

Leadership Judge Nancy Bills, President Judge Joseph C. Iannazzone, President-Elect Judge T. Russell McClelland, Secretary Judge Wesley B. Tailor, Treasurer Judge Gregory Fowler, Past President
Judge Nancy Bills receiving the leadership gavel from Judge Gregory Fowler as she assumed the presidency of the Council in the Spring of 2018. Below, left to right: Judge Ralph Powell, Judge Ethelyn N. Simpson, Judge Kent Lawrence, Judge Jeanette Little, Judge Charlie Wynne, Council Executive Director Bob Bray, and Judge Charles Auslander.

| 57 COUNCIL OF STATE COURT JUDGES

Highlights "Judge for the Week" program Judges attend committee meetings and make themselves available to answer questions posed by legislators and to express concerns and comments to legislators about bills being considered. Time Study (with State Court, Superior Court Judges, and Judicial Council's Judicial Workload Assessment Committee): Judges keep track of time that it takes to process cases. State Court Judges work group on misdemeanor bail reform: Consulted with many stakeholders including Governor Deal and courts outside Georgia; Issued final report in August; Recommendations incorporated in current new law and will have repercussions statewide and nationally.

STATE COURTS--CASE FILINGS
STATE COURTS--CASE FILINGS
CASE FILINGS (IN THOUSANDS)

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

..

Top: Judge Nancy Bills and Superior Court Judge Tangela Barrie. Above: Judges Melodie Clayton (Sr. Judge, Cobb County), Janis Gordon (DeKalb County) and Vi Bennett (Wayne County) entertain their peers with songs of satire and mirth. Below: Judge Ben Studdard of Henry County teaching at a Council of State Court Judges conference.

CASE CHARACTERISTICS (COMBINED CIVIL AND CRIMINAL) ..

.. .. .| .

CRIMINAL CASES CIVIL CASES SELF-REPRESENTED LITIGANTS LIMITED ENGLISH PARTICIPANTS

CASES IN THOUSANDS

CLEARANCE RATE (COMBINED CIVIL AND CRIMINAL) .%

.%

.%

.%

.%

%

%

%

%

%

%

SOURCE: JC/AOC/CLERKS OF COURT

58 | JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018
REPORTS FROM APPELLATE COURTS AND TRIAL COURT COUNCILS CONTINUED

Council of Juvenile Court Judges
Executive Director: Eric John cjcj.georgiacourts.gov

Mission: The Juvenile Court's mission is to serve the community by assisting children and families in need and to protect the community by administering individual justice and deterring delinquent behavior through the court and community-based services from the Programs arm of the Court and the Department of Juvenile Justice probation services.
Vision: The Juvenile Court's vision is to achieve excellence by providing quality services for the positive development of children, the safety of the community and the preservation of the family unit.
The Council of Juvenile Court Judges provides support to the juvenile court judges through legal research services, legislative tracking, and specialized programs to assist in protecting the best interests of children and the state.
Highlights Family Treatment Accountablity Courts (there are now 17 courts) grew from the realization that juvenile cases affect the whole family. The use of juvenile detention has decreased as incentives from the State of Georgia have encouraged the use of local community resources, such as counseling and other programs, as opposed to removing the children from their community. The hope is that as juvenile detention drops, so will recidivism. Great strides have been made in the Juvenile Data Exchange (JDEX) initiative to centralize data on juvenile offenders so counties can share records and judges anywhere in the state can have access to full background information. As

Leadership Judge Philip Spivey, President Judge Juliette Wiltshire Scales, President-Elect Judge Lisa C. Jones, Vice-President Judge C. Gregory Price, Secretary Judge Render Heard, Treasurer Judge James R. Whitfield Past-President
each county was required to develop and fund its own computer system, interoperability slowed adoption. This is being methodically solved by integrating the separate county data into one central database. A position for a Children In Need of Supervision (CHINS) Coordinator was funded by the legislature this year. Previously, the burden fell on school systems to coordinate with counties and centralize information regarding these children. Now, this responsibility will fall under one position, allowing for the burden to be taken off of schools, and more centralized governance.
Left: Judge John B. Sumner, Juvenile Court Judge, a 16 year veteran of the Juvenile Court bench, is a persuasive advocate for DFCS and evidence based case management. His Youtube video on the topic is at https://youtu.be/J49UoKpFJJQ. Right: Judge Vincent Crawford also made a Youtube video to tell a compelling child welfare system success story. See: https://youtu.be/zgqPnmqdNjo

| 59 COUNCIL OF JUVENILE COURT JUDGES

Juvenile Court Judge Philip Spivey, with his wife Gail, is sworn in as President of the Council of Juvenile Court Judges, St. Simons, May 7, 2018.
JUVEJUNVILEENCILOEUCROTSU--RCTSA--SECAFSILEINFIGLSINGS

Floyd County Juvenile Court Judge Greg Price received the 2018 "Lovett Award" for dedication to Child Protection and Advocacy. The award is named for the late Judge Willie Lovett of Fulton County.

FAMILY TREATMENT COURTS

CASES IN THOUSANDS

TRAFFIC
TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS
SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS
EMANCIPATION
DEPENDENCY
CHILDREN IN NEED OF SUPERVISION
DELIQUENCY

SELF REPRESENTED LITIGANTS .
. CASES IN THOUSANDS

SOURCE: JC/AOC/CLERKS OF COURT

LIMITED ENGLISH PARTICIPANTS

.

.

.

.

.

.

SOURCE: JC/AOC/CLERKS OF COURT

GEORGIA JUDICAL CIRCUITS GEORGIA COUNTIES FAMILY TREATMENT COURT AVAILABLE
SOURCE: COUNCIL OF ACCOUNTABILITY COURT JUDGES
There are now 17 CJCC-funded Family Treatment Courts across the state that served more than 300 participants in 2018 alone.

60 | JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018
REPORTS FROM APPELLATE COURTS AND TRIAL COURT COUNCILS CONTINUED

Council of Probate Court Judges
Executive Director: Kevin Holder
gaprobate.gov

Mission Our Council's vision is excellence in the administration of justice in every probate court. Our Council's mission is to advance the common interests of and assist probate courts in fulfilling their responsibilities. Finally, our Council's guiding principles are to ensure that probate courts fulfill their statutory responsibilities, demonstrate integrity, respect the independence and diversity of each court, function collaboratively, continuously improve service to our constituency and engage all members of the Council.
Highlights Created a mandatory certification program for probate judges with traffic jurisdiction Updated and revised the Council's strategic plan

Leadership Judge Sarah Harris, President Judge T.J. Hudson, President-Elect Judge Kelli Wolk, First Vice-President Judge Rooney Bowen, III, Past President Judge Darin McCoy, Secretary-Treasurer
Held a leadership retreat to chart our the Council's main priorities Increased the Council's focus on selfrepresented litigants Created an ad hoc committee to examine Title 15, which ultimately led to passage of SB 436 Created best practice guidelines to promote uniformity among probate courts

In Georgia's Probate system, each court is unique, driven in part by the needs of its local populace. Yet overall there is an abiding interest in uniform justice statewide -- and in making the courts accessible to lay people.

| 61 COUNCIL OF PROBATE COURT JUDGES

PROBAPTREOCBOAUTERTCOS--URCTASS--ECAFISLEINFIGLSINGS

GENERAL PROBATE CASES (IN THOUSANDS)

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.%

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. .

.%

CLEARANCE RATE CASES FILED CASES DISPOSED

MENTAL CASES (IN THOUSANDS)

. .

.%

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.%

CRIMINAL CASES (IN THOUSANDS) .%
.%

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. .

CASE CHARACTERISTICS (IN THOUSANDS)

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SELF REPRESENTED LITIGANTS

..

LIMITED ENGLISH PARTICIPANTS

CASES IN THOUSANDS

SOURCE: JC/AOC /CLERKS OF COURT

Below, left to right: Chief Judge Dillard swears in: Judge Sarah Harris, President; Judge Darin McCoy, SecretaryTreasurer (via video); Judge Kelli Wolk, First Vice President; Judge T. J. Hudson, President-Elect (seated due to injury); Judge Rooney Bowen, III, Immediate Past President (not pictured).

Above, top: 2018 Probate Court Judges Day at the Capitol. Middle, bottom: Traffic Certificate Study Committee planning meeting during the summer of 2017 in Young Harris.

62 | JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018

REPORTS FROM APPELLATE COURTS AND TRIAL COURT COUNCILS CONTINUED
Council of Magistrate Court Judges
Executive Director: Sharon Reiss georgiamagistratecouncil.com

The Council of Magistrate Court Judges work to give citizens
tools and information to make their experience as simple and
smooth as possible. When clamants arrive with paperwork already filed, everyone
gets a dividend of time.

Mission and Goals: Magistrate court, also called small claims court and sometimes the people's court, is an informal court that handles money claims of less than $15,000. This court offers a quick and inexpensive process to resolve complaints.
The Council of Magistrate Court Judges supports community justice by: Improving the magistrate courts and the administration of justice; Assisting the chief magistrates, magistrates, and senior magistrates throughout the state in the execution of their duties; Training and promoting chief magistrates, magistrates, and senior magistrates. Case type examples include: dispossessory; evictions; four types of criminal misdemeanors; probable cause hearings; setting bond and then binding over to other courts, and some fraud cases.

Highlights The Council hosts bi-annual training for all Magistrate Court Judges and but also Chief School (a separate training just for Chief Magistrates). Topics include: law changes; ethics; filing; budgeting; staffing; scheduling; administration; IT support; and diversity to improve efficiency and leadership. The Council continued to work on tutorials and technology tools like the forms generator and web tutorials to improve the citizen experience. The Council judges win multiple awards for their hard work and dedication to the Council and the Administration of Justice.
Magistrate Judges recognized for excellence
Left to right: Chief Judge Mary Kathryn Moss, Chatham County, Judge of the Year; Chief Judge W. Allen Wigington, Pickens County, Warden Humanitarian Award; Judge Greg Douds, Cherokee County, Workhorse of the Year; Chief Judge Jimmy Griner, Screven County; Chief Judge Glenda Dowling, Pierce County, Lifetime Achievement; Chief Judge Joyette Holmes, Cobb County, Presidents Award; Chief Judge Berryl Anderson, DeKalb County, Presidents Award.

| 63 COUNCIL OF MAGISTRATE COURT JUDGES

Leadership Judge Glenda Dowling, Chief Magistrate, President
Judge Joyette Holmes, Chief Magistrate, First Vice President
Judge Michael Barker, Second Vice President

Judge James M. Griner, Jr., Chief Magistrate, Immediate Past President
Judge Berryl A. Anderson, Chief Magistrate, Secretary
Judge Mary Kathryn Moss, Chief Magistrate, Treasurer
MAGISTRATE COURTS--CASE FILINGS

MAGISTRATE COURTS--CASE FILINGS
CIVIL CASES (IN THOUSANDS)
. .
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CRIMINAL CASES (IN THOUSANDS)

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CASES FILED

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CASES DISPOSED

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SELF-REPRESENTED LITIGANTS

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LIMITED ENGLISH PARTICIPANTS

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PERCENT OF CASES DISPOSED

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.

CASE CHARACTERISTICS (IN THOUSANDS)
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CASES IN THOUSANDS

CLEARANCE RATE (COMBINED CIVIL AND CRIMINAL)
% % %
% %

%

%

%

%

%

%

SOURCE: JC/AOC/CLERKS OF COURT

Georgia Magistrate Courts Training Council
The Georgia Magistrate Courts Training Council, which was created by statute in 1983, consists of six members and oversees the training and certification of Magistrate Judges. O.C.G.A. 15-10-130 et seq. The Council, chaired by Chief Judge Mary Kathryn Moss (Magistrate Court of Chatham County) through April 2018 and succeeded by Judge Betsey Kidwell (Magistrate Court of Heard County) in April 2018, met eight times in FY 2018: September 22, 2017 via GoTo Meeting October 1, 2017 during the biannual recertification training held at St. Simons Island, GA November 13, 2017 via GoTo Meeting December 14, 2017 via GoTo Meeting January 16, 2018 via GoTo Meeting January 30, 2018 via GoTo Meeting April 22, 2018 during the biannual recertification training held in Buford, GA June 29, 2018 via GoTo Meeting
The Georgia Magistrate Courts Training Council submits this report pursuant to O.C.G.A. 15-10-134

64 | JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018
REPORTS FROM APPELLATE COURTS AND TRIAL COURT COUNCILS CONTINUED

Council of Municipal Court Judges (CMuCJ)
Staff to Council: LaShawn Murphy municipal.georgiacourts.gov

Mission and Goals To set standards and policies, and to provide information and education services to the Municipal Courts of Georgia so they can more efficiently and effectively operate their courts, administer justice, and serve the public. Guiding Principles Be an advocate for the Municipal Courts and their Judges Provide professional and forward thinking leadership Be a reflection of the people we serve Encourage public understanding of the judiciary and the courts Uphold the Constitution and the law Maintain and enhance Judicial Council relations created in statute per O.C.G.A. 36-32-40
Highlights Representatives of the Council of Municipal Court Judges and a municipal court administrator/chief clerk met on April 25 for a round table discussion at the State Bar of Georgia with a delegation of judges from the Republic of Georgia.

Leadership Judge LaTisha Dear Jackson, President
Judge Matthew McCord, President-Elect
Judge Dale "Bubba" Samuels, Vice-President
Judge JaDawnya Baker, Secretary
Judge John "Clay" Davis, Treasurer
Judge Gary E. Jackson, Immediate Past President
The meeting was sponsored by the law firm of Hall Booth Smith, P.C. Atlanta office in conjunction with the Open World Program. Implemented Georgia Council of Municipal Court Judges District Mentoring Program. In an effort to increase learning and networking opportunities for municipal court judges, CMuCJ has developed a cost-effective opportunity to provide support, guidance, and encouragement from and between fellow jurists through the CMuCJ District Mentoring Program.
Presiding Justice Melton swears in 2018-2019 Officers and District Representatives at the June business meeting in Savannah.

| 65 COUNCIL OF MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGES

The Council was authorized to formalize the Municipal Judges Savings Plan during the 2017 legislative session pursuant to O.C.G.A. 36-32-41; it approved the plan in April of 2018 and started enrollment at the annual business meeting June 2018. Partnered with the Access, Fairness, Public Trust and Confidence Committee (AFPTCC) to include judicial trainings on Inclusion and Human Trafficking, as tracks in the annual trainings and the presentation of GA Reflections on Access and Fairness in the Courts, Part 2: Engaging the Faith Community as a follow-up to their 2016 Summit (GA Reflections on Ferguson). The Council recognized a number of municipal court judges with awards. Chief Judge Roger Rozen, Municipal Court of Marietta, received the Frost Ward Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes a municipal court judge who has made significant contributions to the Council of Municipal Court Judges over a long period of time. Chief Judge Willie Weaver, Sr., Municipal Court of Albany, was awarded the Special Recognition

GEORGMIAUNMICUIPANLICCOIPURATLS--CCOASUERFITLSIN--GSCASE FILINGS
CASES FILED (IN THOUSANDS) ,. .

,.

.

,. .

,.

,.

CASE CHARACTERISTICS (IN THOUSANDS)

..

CRIMINAL FILINGS

..

CIVIL FILINGS

.. . | .

SELF REPRESENTED LITIGANTS LIMITED ENGLISH PARTICIPANTS

CASES IN THOUSANDS

,

,

,

,

CLEARANCE RATE (COMBINED CIVIL AND CRIMINAL) .%

.%

.%

.%

.%

%

%

%

%

%

%

SOURCE: JC/AOC/CLERKS OF COURT

Top: Chief Judge Roger Rozen honored with the Frost Ward Lifetime Achievment Award from Judge LaTisha Dear Jackson, President, CMuCJ, at the summer business meeting. Bottom: Special Recognition Award given to Chief Judge Willie Weaver, Sr for the Albany Works Program from Judge LaTisha Dear Jackson, President CMuCJ, at the summer business meeting.
Award for the Albany Works Program, a collaborative pilot program between the City of Albany and its Municipal Court designed to provide alternative sentencing for individuals with misdemeanor charges, to reduce court recidivism, and to help citizens gain job readiness skills. At the June 21, 2018 Business meeting, members voted to adopt Uniform Rule 11, Use of Electronic Devices In Courtrooms And Recording of Judicial Proceedings that relates to the use of electronic devices in courtrooms and recording of judicial proceedings by representatives of the news media and other persons, and Uniform Rule 14, Interpreters and the Notification Form.

66 | JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018
REPORTS FROM APPELLATE COURTS AND TRIAL COURT COUNCILS CONTINUED

Georgia Municipal Courts Training Council
The Georgia Municipal Courts Training Council, created in statute per O.C.G.A. 36-32-22, consists of six members and oversees the training and certification of municipal court judges and chief clerks. The Council, chaired by Chief Judge Margaret Washburn (Municipal Court of Sugar Hill), met five times in FY 2018: September 21, 2017 Via Conference Call October 6, 2017 Athens, GA, in conjunction with the Fall Law and Practice Update January 26, 2018 Atlanta, GA, in conjunction with the Council of Municipal Court Judges Executive Committee meeting April 12, 2018 Warner Robins, GA, in conjunction with the Council of Municipal Court Judges Executive Committee meeting and Strategic Planning Session June 19, 2018 Savannah, GA , in conjunction with the Summer Law and Practice Update
The Council developed and approved the training curriculum for mandatory annual municipal court judges training, focusing on such topics as Fees, Fines and Surcharges in the Adult Probation System; Judicial Ethics; Caseloads: Trends and Reporting Requirements and Georgia Courts Registrar; Human Trafficking Indicators; misdemeanor bail reform; probation; Implicit Bias; case law update; evidence; and, updates from the

Department of Driver Services. The Council issued certification to municipal court judges meeting the annual training requirement for CY 2017. Per statutory requirement, the Council also oversaw the training and certification of chief municipal court clerks. The training curriculum for chief clerks focused on such topics as Georgia's Open Records Act; Caseload Reporting/Georgia Courts Registrar; What Ferguson Has Taught Us; Tolling Orders; First Offender Discharge and Other Emerging Changes; Pro Se Litigants; Appeals Procedures and Bind Over of Cases; Failure to Appear Guidelines and Procedures; Ethics for Clerks; and, updates from the Department of Driver Services and the Georgia Crime Information Center. The Council issued certification to chief municipal court clerks meeting the annual training requirement for CY 2017.
The Georgia Municipal Courts Training Council submits this report pursuant to O.C.G.A. 36-32-24.
Chief Judge Margaret Washburn, Chair, Municipal Courts Training Council.

APPENDIX

68 | JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018
APPENDIX
Judicial Appointments

Court of Appeals Appointments

E. Trenton Brown

05/16/18

Elizabeth Gobeil

06/05/18

Superior Court Appointments

Regina Quick

10/03/17

Kathryn Powers

01/04/18

T. Craig Earnest

01/09/18

John A. "Trea" Pipkin

01/09/18

Howard C. Kaufold, Jr.

01/09/18

Benjamin Land

02/07/18

Western Clayton Pataula Flint Oconee Chattahoochee

State Court Appointments

Margaret L. Spencer

08/22/17

Jeffery O. Monroe

08/22/17

Robert W. Hunter

09/07/17

Shalonda Jones-Parker

01/04/18

Sam Edgar

10/23/18

Brian Fortner

03/14/18

Clayton Bibb Richmond Clayton Bacon Douglas

January 4, 2018, Kathryn Powers sworn in as Superior Court Judge, Clayton Judicial Circuit.
Trent Brown takes the oath of office as Court of Appeals Judge, May 16, 2018.
Shalonda JonesParker swearing in as state court judge, January 4, 2018
Elizabeth Gobeil takes the oath of office as Judge of the Court of Appeals, June 5, 2018.

Demographics of the Georgia Judiciary

White Black Asian Unknown

Supreme Court
(9 Justices)

5

2

2

Court of Appeals
(15 Judges)

8

4

1

1

1

Superior Court
(214 Judges)

147

36

8

13

1

7

2

White Black Asian Native American 2 or more races unknown

Juvenile Court

(132 Judges)

69 29

7

8

1

9

9

Probate Court

(169 Judges)

71

81

4

7

3

3

Magistrate Court

(495 Judges)

203

139

27

40

1

2

1

1

1

35

45

State Court
(129 Judges)

87

23

9

9

1

Municipal Court

(403 Judges)

233

30

22

19

3

1 95

female male

Judicial Council Interns

Each year the Judicial Council makes internships available to rising college students in law, political science and other academic disciplines. They receive valuable training and exposure to our system of justice. Equally important is the value they bring to us in fresh perspective, insightful questions, and technical prowess.

Siarra Carr Brandon Liu

The JC/AOC wishes to thank the interns who joined us during 2018.

Timur Selimovic Samantha Sherrod

Taylor Black

Nick Gettys

Judicial Council of Georgia Administrative Office of the Courts
244 Washington Street SW Suite 300 Atlanta, Georgia 30303
georgiacourts.gov