Judicial Council Administrative Office of the Courts ANNUAL REPORT FY 2019 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 non-voting 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. Chair, Chief Justice Harold D. Melton Director, Cynthia H. Clanton Judicial Council of Georgia Administrative Office of the Courts 244 Washington Street SW, Suite 300 Atlanta, GA 30334 Note: This report covers Fiscal Year 2019 (July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019). 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. Overview 2 4 8 10 16 18 Judicial Council 20 and Standing 22 Committees 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Ad Hoc 31 Committees 32 Connected Boards, 34 Committees, 36 Commissions, and 38 Councils 40 42 44 Reports from 46 Appellate Courts 48 and Trial Court 50 Councils 52 54 56 58 59 60 62 Appendix 68 CONTENTS State of the Judiciary Director's Letter About the AOC Highlights Budget FY 2019 Legislation Judicial Council Access to Justice Budget Court Reporting Matters Education and Training Grants Judicial Workload Assessment Legislation Strategic Plan Technology Criminal Justice Reform Committee to Prevent Sexual Harassment in the Judicial Branch of Government 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 Demographics Judicial Council Interns (inside back cover) 2 JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2019 State of the Judiciary Chief Justice Harold D. Melton delivered his first State of the Judiciary Address to the legislature on February 19, 2019. In Remembrance of Chief Justice Hines Just over two months after retiring from the bench, Chief Justice P. Harris Hines died in a car accident on November 4, 2018. "He was a great lawyer, a great judge, and a great public servant, but most of all he was a great man. Because of the love and kindness he extended so freely to others, the late Chief Justice Hines was loved and cherished by every member of our Court, our Court staff, and by just about every person who met him." "We are well poised to meet the inevitable changes ahead." Chief Justice Melton observed that as the judgeships in Georgia's appellate courts have recently grown in number, the new jurists have made the courts younger, which will provide stability for years to come as the judiciary works with its legislative and executive branch counterparts "to forge strong relationships to best serve our citizens." STATE OF THE JUDICIARY 3 "In every generation, we have called upon the rule of law to be a beacon of light..." A sea change has occurred in Georgia's courts over the years. Courts no longer only seek to punish a crime, but they also seek to treat the underlying problem. Criminal justice reform, in which Justice Michael Boggs has been a leader, has made significant improvements in bail practices and sentencing. Accountability Courts have diverted many people out of the pipeline to prison. Volunteer lawyer groups such as the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation have stepped in to improve the education and lives of many disenfranchised young people. All of these efforts contribute to combat the underlying issues of individuals who find themselves in court. "We do not take this building for granted." The appellate courts will move into the new judicial building by winter 2019. The Chief Justice thanked the legislature for approving and funding Georgia's first state building dedicated solely to the judiciary. "The building looks slightly upward to the Capitol, giving the Legislature the appropriate presumption of righteousness it deserves, but at the same time it looks squarely at the Capitol in readiness to do our jobs." A flier handed out to legislators outlined every class of court in Georgia. The new Judicial Building's construction progress as of February 2019. 4 JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2019 From the Director On behalf of the Judicial Council and the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), I am pleased to share the 46th Annual Report covering our work during Fiscal Year 2019. 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. As we approached the end of Fiscal Year 2019 on June 30th, the AOC experienced an unprecedented ransomware attack on our IT servers. While this unfortunate event burdened many judges and staff by disrupting our services, we used this opportunity to start anew and upgrade and strengthen all of our IT systems. We are now stronger and more secure than ever before. Before the ransomware incident, we had a very productive year serving the Judicial Council, the broader judiciary, and improving the administration of justice. Our services included four Judicial Council meetings held in Marietta, Atlanta (2), and Columbus; numerous committee meetings (see pages 10-15); creation of a new Courts Directory; and the annual case count. We will report the case count for all courts at georgiacourts.gov when the count is completed. Of particular note this year was the creation of the Judicial Council Ad Hoc Committee to Prevent Sexual Harassment in the Judicial Branch of Government, which is a unique opportunity for our staff to support the development of a statewide sexual harassment prevention policy for the judiciary. Our staff successfully shepherded legislation and budget requests through the 2019 legislative session. One such budget DIRECTOR'S LETTER 5 enhancement expanded our administrative role overseeing grants for legal services for victims of domestic violence to include the administration of grants for legal services to divert at-risk children into kinship care. The Presiding Justice often joined our weekly legislative calls, which kept everyone informed and provided a platform to voice ideas or concerns. With the Judicial Council's recommendation, the Griffin and Gwinnett Circuits were successful in persuading the legislature to grant them new judgeships. The AOC staff also worked with partners in both the judicial and executive branches, and within the broader community, to provide a variety of services and products, including cohosting the 2018 Child Welfare Summit, the Eliminating Barriers to Justice Conference, the Georgia Council of Court Administrators Conference, the Georgia State Bar, Media & Judiciary Conference, and the 2018 National Association of Court Management Conference. We assisted and livestreamed the Judicial Work at the Interface of Mental Health & Criminal Justice seminar, which was well attended. We continued to collect and analyze important participant data for the Council of Accountability Court Judges, the Child Support Commission, and Parental Accountability Courts. And finally, we hosted a Criminal Record Expungement Clinic in Albany, Georgia, with the faith community, the Dougherty Judicial Circuit Superior Court judges, and Law Library staff. This year we enhanced the professional and ethical image of the judiciary through a number of creative events and resources. The AOC began a video series to introduce the public to the members of the Judicial Council, created a series of video stories featuring accountability court graduations around the state, The JC/AOC facilitates many training events across the State. Below: Attendees gather for the 2018 Child Welfare Conference. 6 JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2019 DIRECTOR'S LETTER CONTINUED created pictorial essays of a day in the life of a Magistrate Court judge, and highlighted judges who celebrated Constitution Day (September 17th), Bill of Rights Day (December 15th), and Law Day (May 1st) in their communities. These written and visual stories were profiled in publications and on social media over the past year, and we thank the judges for patiently allowing us to film their activities. It is vitally important to show and tell the good work being done by Georgia's judges to Above: The staff at the Administrative Office of the Courts provides support to every class of court in Georgia. deliver and improve justice in our state. The AOC continues to have an international impact as our relationship with the United States Department of State and the Republic of Georgia's judiciary continued this year. Last fall, we welcomed a Mandela Washington Fellow from Ethiopia, which is a program sponsored by the Department of State. As I write this message, we continue to watch the finishing touches on the new Judicial Building, and we cannot help but reflect on our loss this year of our beloved Justice Harris Hines, Judge Matthew McCord delivering his the former Chair of the Judicial Council and my boss. Like the message at the December staff meeting, "... new building, Justice Hines was a majestic leader who inspired be the hardest on your own opinions, it will keep you humble." others by his kind words and good works. He often remarked how hard work and sincerity could transform a life. Justice Hines continues to be missed, and I believe his spirit lives on in our service. At the AOC's final staff meeting of the calendar year, we were fortunate to be serenaded by the Council of Municipal Court Judges' President Matthew McCord, who has an With appreciation and respect, amazing voice. All our staff found it deeply moving. The daily work of this agency and my opportunity to lead it always fills me with purpose, but moments like that bring so much joy to Cynthia Clanton "let it shine, let it shine". It is an honor to serve as the AOC Director Director. We can and we will improve our services even more Administrative Office of the in the years to come. Courts Thanks to our partner organizations: DIRECTOR'S LETTER 7 8 JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2019 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 Governmental and Trial Court Liaison led by Tracy Mason; Legal led by Jessica Farah; Human Resources led by Stephanie Hines; and Budget led by Maleia Wilson. The other Divisions of the AOC are: Communications, Children, Families and the Courts, led by Michelle Barclay; Financial Administration, led by Drew Townsend; Information Technology, led by Jorge Basto; and Judicial Services, led by Christopher Hansard. ABOUT THE AOC 9 About the AOC 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 Judicial Council Standing Committee on Access to Justice 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 of Accountability Court Judges and the Georgia Commission on Family Violence. This Division 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 and 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. 10 JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2019 FY 2019 Highlights While delivering welcoming remarks to the National Association for Court Management, the late Chief Justice Hines offered these words to live by "Be kind. Be kind. Be kind." Scholarships were provided to Georgia juvenile court judges to attend the NCJFCJ annual conference. July 2018 Justice Britt Grant appointed to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. JUDICIAL COUNCIL MEETING Recommended two new judgeships: Griffin and Gwinnett Circuits Records Retention Schedules were approved and forwarded to the State Records Committee. Chief Justice Hines presides over his final oral argument on Aug. 7. A representative from the National Judicial Council of Nigeria visited. August 2018 Governor Deal appoints Justice Sarah Hawkins Warren to the Supreme Court. Adopted new Judicial Council Legislation Policy Georgia's Parental Accountability Court received national recognition from the National Child Support Enforcement Association. FY 2019 HIGHLIGHTS 11 On September 4, the investiture ceremony for Chief Justice Harold D. Melton and Presiding Justice David E. Nahmias is held at the State Capitol. September 2018 Trial judges from the Republic of Georgia visit Cobb County Superior Court. The Council of Accountability Court Judges holds their biggest annual training conference to date. Judge Christian Coomer is sworn-in to the Court of Appeals of Georgia. JC/AOC staffmember Stephanie Chambliss Hines is the recipient of the GCCA President's Award. AWARDS Judge James Bodiford received the Freedom of Information Award Judge James Whitfield recieved the Judge Aaron Cohn Award Judge Joseph Iannazonne recieved the Ogden Doremus/Kent Lawrence Award October 2018 The annual "Eliminating Barriers to Justice" conference was held at Georgia State University with Chief Justice Harold D. Melton delivering the keynote address. 12 JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2019 FY 2019 HIGHLIGHTS CONTINUED The Ad Hoc Committee on Criminal Justice Reform meets to work on the Uniform Misdemeanor Citation and Rules. The Commission on Interpreters meets to review the final draft of a guide designed to standardize the use of interpreters in Georgia's Courts. November 2018 The Supreme Court holds oral arguments in Albany. Judge Joseph H. Booth tells his inspiring story to a crowd at the Shepherd Spinal Center. JUDICIAL COUNCIL MEETING Adopted the Statewide Minimum Standards and Rules for Electronic Filing and Uniform Transfer Rules, submitted to the Supreme Court for final approval. Adopted Model Uniform Superior Court Rule 36.16. Adopted the Uniform Misdemeanor Citation and Rules arising from the Criminal Justice Reform Committee. Submitted to the Supreme Court for final approval. The Committee on Justice for Children co-sponsors Georgia's largest child welfare conference to date. December 2018 Judge Todd Markle is sworn into the Court of Appeals of Georgia. Justice Carol Hunstein retires after 42 years of public service. 2018 Emergency Preparedness and Continuity of Judicial Operations Manual approved. FY 2019 HIGHLIGHTS 13 Judge M. Yvette Miller endowed the BLSA scholarship fund at Mercer School of Law. Judge Kenneth Hodges swearing-in ceremony held at the Court of Appeals of Georgia. UGA announces plans for the "Be Kind Fund." January 2019 The Judicial Council's A2J Committee and the State Bar partner to award a grant to UGA Law School for their Access to Justice Initiative. Many infographics are produced highlighting the work of the Judicial Council/Administrative Office of the Courts Chief Justice Harold D. Melton delivers the State of Judiciary Address in the House Chamber on February 19. A reception hosted by the Judicial Council and the State Bar of Georgia following the State of the Judiciary Address. February 2019 JUDICIAL COUNCIL MEETING Endorsed and adopted NCSC Model Administrative Protocol for administering interpreter and language programs in trial courts. Chief Justice Melton announces the creation of the Ad Hoc Committee to Prevent Sexual Harassment in the Judicial Branch. Supreme Court Order was signed February 13. 14 JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2019 FY 2019 HIGHLIGHTS CONTINUED Before his tragic passing in August, Judge Stephen Goss delivers the Talarico Lecture at the UGA School of Law. The lecture is named after Judge Goss's former teacher, Susan Talarico. March 2019 The Waycross Judicial Circuit celebrates its 70th anniversary. Many JC/AOC committees meet to continue their work, including BCR, JDEX, Technology, and JWAC. JUDICIAL COUNCIL MEETING Laureen Kelly presented on the Southwest Georgia Legal Self- Help Center. Georgia's MultiDisciplinary Child Abuse and Neglect Institute presents at the national Court Improvement Initiative meeting in D.C. Approved amendments to the General and Civil Domestic Relations Filing and Disposition Forms. New Board of Court Reporting Bylaws approved. April 2019 April 2, Sine Die at the Capitol. Commission on Child Support staff teams up with the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies to analyze laws on low income and parenting time deviation. FY 2019 HIGHLIGHTS 15 Justice Robert Benham and JC /AOC A2J staff attorney Tabitha Ponder attend the ABA Equal Justice Conference. The Georgia Council of Court Administrators holds it spring meeting at Lake Lanier. May 2019 JC/AOC Division Director Christopher Hansard becomes a Fellow of the Institute of Court Management. The "Judicial Work at the Interface of Mental Health & Criminal Justice" seminar takes place and is archived at our Youtube channel. Juvenile Court Judge Bradley Boyd and Attorney Nathan Hayes receive the Lovett Awards. FY2019 Georgia Courts Registrar Attorney Annissa Patton and by the numbers DFCS case manager Jasmine Spratling receive the 2019 Chief June Justice Hines Awards. 2019 Chief Judge Christopher McFadden's investiture is held on June 25. Georgia Courts Registrar Active Certified Court reporters: 1,044 Neutrals: 2,604 Interpreters: 161 Newly registered neutrals: 415 Neutral application assists: 555 Certified Court Reporter application assists: 107 Certified process servers application assists: 123 Certified interpreters application assists: 21 16 JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2019 Budget FY 2019 LEGISLATIVE SESSION The Amended FY 2019 Judicial Council budget was reduced by $13,194. The legislature made the following adjustments. Amended Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Adjustment to agency premiums for Department of Administrative Services $ Adjustment to agency premiums for Department of Administrative Services Council of Accountability Court Judges reduction for personal services based on actual start dates $ Institute of Continuing Judicial Education reduction for personal services based on actual start dates $ TOTALS $ The final Amended FY 2019 Judicial Council budget was $15,832,325. Amount Funded 8,763.00 (9,632.00) (12,325.00) (13,194.00) The Judicial Council was appropriated $15,845,519 for Fiscal Year 2020 during the 2019 legislative session. The Judicial Council received $636,885 in enhancements in FY 2020. The enhancements were as follows: FISCAL YEAR 2020 ENHANCEMENT REQUESTS Civil Legal Services for Kinship Care Families: This funding allows Georgia's nonprofit organizations who qualify for the funds through a competitive grant J4C/Court Reporting Process System $78,885 $78,885 FUNDED REQUESTED process to provide legal services for kinship caregivers and at-risk children who would otherwise be placed in foster care. JC Technology Committee/ Judicial Gateway $183,000 $250,000 Georgia Judicial Gateway: This funding will be used for additional staff to provide help desk support, vendor contract J4C/Grants for Civil Legal Services to Kinship Care Families $375,000 $750,000 management and troubleshooting for the Judicial Gateway web portal. The Judicial Gateway is a web-based portal that facilitates access to numerous services provided by both public and private entities. The Portal en- ables citizens and court professionals to access vital judicial services throughout the state of Georgia. Court Process Reporting System: The funding will be used for system enhancements and upgrades. The CPRS is a system that allows for real-time child welfare data sharing between the Executive and Judicial branch. FY 2019 BUDGET 17 FY 2020 JUDICIAL BRANCH BUDGET The entire Judicial Branch was appropriated $138,781,075 for FY 2020 during the 2019 legislative session. This amount accounts for less than 1% of Georgia's annual operating budget. Healthcare Other Judicial Branch Transportation Education FISCAL YEAR 2016 - 2020 JUDICIAL BRANCH ANNUAL BUDGETS AGENCY NAME Court of Appeals Judicial Council Juvenile Courts Superior Courts Supreme Court TOTALS FY 2016 FY 2017 $ 18,160,948 $ 20,409,238 $ $ 14,414,124 $ 14,690,266 $ FY 2018 21,191,223 15,479,797 FY 2019 FY 2020 $ 21,353,318 $ 22,304,557 $ 15,832,325 $ 16,571,037 $ 7,606,988 $ 7,542,849 $ 8,241,981 $ 8,654,701 $ 9,010,048 $ 69,144,648 $ 72,018,465 $ 72,712,269 $ 73,613,912 $ 75,909,534 $ 10,359,796 $ 11,971,688 $ 13,106,746 $ 14,356,302 $ 14,985,899 $ 119,686,504 $ 126,632,506 $ 130,732,016 $ 133,810,558 $ 138,781,075 $80M $70M $60M $50M $40M $30M $20M $10M FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018 FY 2019 FY 2020 5 Year Increase Court of Appeals 23% Judicial Council 15% Juvenile Courts 18% Superior Courts 10% Supreme Court 16% 16 % Total 18 JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2019 FY 2019 Legislation The Judicial Council recommended two judgeships in 2019: HB 21: Provides for an additional superior court judge in the Gwinnett Judicial Circuit. Final passage. HB 28: Provides for an additional superior court judge in the Griffin Judicial Circuit. Final passage. The Judicial Council supported the following legislation: SB 38: Proposed by the Judicial Council. Requires that new case numbers be given to post-judgment proceedings filed more than 30 days after the initial judgment or dismissal of a case and requiring computerized record-keeping of such post-judgment filings. Final passage (as part of HB 239). HB 92: Proposed by the Council of Municipal Court Judges. Provides that up to six excess municipal court training hours shall, upon the request of the individual judge, be carried over and applied to the next calendar year. Final passage. HB 134: Proposed by the superior courts of Fulton, Gwinnett, and Cobb counties. Strikes the provision that law library funds be directed to the general fund in counties with a population of 950,000 or more. Final passage. HB 257: Proposed by the Council of Magistrate Court Judges. Provides for general substantive and technical changes to the magistrate court. Final passage. HB 381: Proposed by the Georgia Commission on Child Support, provides for clean-up bill to OCGA 19-6-15 to remove language specifying the use of imputed gross income based on a 40-hour workweek at minimum wage and to reflect changes in Federal law, rules, and regulations. Final passage. HB 492: Proposed by the Council of Magistrate Court Judges. Provides that applications for the execution of a writ of possession be made within thirty days after its issuance, unless extended by the court for good cause. Final passage. The Judicial Council 20 JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2019 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 pursuant to its bylaws. Chair Chief Justice Harold D. Melton, Supreme Court of Georgia Vice-Chair Presiding Justice David E. Nahmias, Supreme Court of Georgia Council Members: Chief Judge Stephen L.A. Dillard, Court of Appeals of Georgia Vice Chief Judge Christopher J. McFadden, Court of Appeals of Georgia Judge Stephen D. Kelley, Superior Court, Brunswick Judicial Circuit Judge Shawn E. LaGrua, Superior Court, Atlanta Judicial Circuit Judge Jeffrey H. Kight, Superior Court, Waycross Judicial Circuit Judge James G. Tunison, Jr., Superior Court, Southern Judicial Circuit Judge Arthur Lee Smith, Superior Court, Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit Judge Asha Jackson, Superior Court, Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit Judge Robert C.I. McBurney, Superior Court, Atlanta Judicial Circuit Judge Geronda V. Carter, Superior Court, Clayton Judicial Circuit, Judge Ralph Van Pelt, Jr., Superior Court, Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Judge Donald W. Gillis, Superior Court, Dublin Judicial Circuit Judge Bonnie Chessher Oliver, Superior Court, Northeastern Judicial Circuit Judge Carl C. Brown, Superior Court, Augusta Judicial Circuit Judge Nancy Bills, State Court, Rockdale County Judge T. Russell McClelland, State Court, Forsyth County Judge Philip Spivey, Juvenile Court, Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit Judge Juliette Scales, Juvenile Court, Atlanta Judicial Circuit Judge Sarah S. Harris, Probate Court, Bibb County Judge Torri M. Hudson, Probate Court, Treutlen County Judge Glenda Dowling, Magistrate Court, Pierce County Judge Joyette Holmes, Magistrate Court, Cobb County Judge Matthew McCord, Municipal Court, City of Stockbridge Judge Dale R. "Bubba" Samuels, Municipal Court, City of Monroe Brian D. "Buck" Rogers, Attorney, Designee for President of State Bar of Georgia (Non-Voting Member) Judicial Council members as of June 30, 2019 JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF GEORGIA 21 The Judicial Council in December, 2018 22 JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2019 JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF GEORGIA STANDING COMMITTEES Access to Justice (A2J) Staff to Committee: Tabitha Ponder Authorized by Judicial Council Bylaws, Created by Supreme Court Order Name Robert Benham Charles J. Bethel Bill Adams MJ Blakely Verda Colvin Clarence Cuthpert Tony DelCampo Sara L. Doyle V. Sharon Edenfield, Esq Belinda Edwards Jana Edmondson-Cooper Terica Redfield Ganzy Mike Jacobs Tracy Johnson Monica Khant, Esq. Ethan Pham Esq Brendon Shaw Rhodes Role Supreme Court Justice Supreme Court Justice Attorney Attorney Superior Court Judge Probate Court Judge Attorney Appeals Court Judge Attorney Superior Court Judge Attorney Attorney State Court Judge Executive Director Attorney Municipal Court Judge Magistrate Court Judge Location Statewide Statewide Statewide Statewide Macon Circuit Position Co-Chair Co-Chair State Bar of Georgia Representative Gate City Bar Association Superior Court Representative Rockdale County Probate Court Representative Statewide Georgia Hispanic Bar Association Representative Statewide Court of Appeals Representative Statewide State Bar, Young Lawyers Division Atlanta Circuit Superior Court Representative Statewide Georgia Commission on Interpreters Statewide Georgia Association of Black Women Lawyers Representative DeKalb County Stonewall Bar Association Representative Office of Dispute Resolution Georgia Commission on Interpreters Statewide State Bar, Young Lawyers Division City of Morrow Municipal Court Representative Fulton County Magistrate Court Representative Will Simmons District Court Administrator 6th Judicial Circuit Clerk/Court Administrator Representative Jason B. Thompson Maureen Wood Heather Wright Kristina Blum Latisha Dear Jackson* Karlise Grier Vicky Ogawa Kimbrell Cassandra Kirk Mike Monahan State Court Judge Juvenile Court Judge Attorney Magistrate Court Judge Superior Court Judge Executive Director Attorney Magistrate Court Judge Attorney Fayette County Rockdale Circuit Statewide Gwinnett County DeKalb County CJCP Statewide Fulton County Statewide Fayette Bar, Young Lawyers Division Juvenile Court Representative Georgia Commission on Interpreters Advisory Member Advisory Member Advisory Member Advisory Member Advisory Member Advisory Member *Municipal Court Representative until taking Superior Court Bench in January 2019 JUDICIAL COUNCIL STANDING COMMITTEES 23 Budget Staff to Committee: Maleia Wilson Authorized by Judicial Council Bylaws, Created by Supreme Court Order Name Michael P. Boggs Charlie Bethel Shawn LaGrua Joseph C. Iannazzone Juliette Scales T.J. Hudson Joyette Holmes Dale "Bubba" Samuels Maria Golick Mike Greene 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 Court Judge Probate Court Judge Location Statewide Statewide Atlanta Circuit Gwinnett County Atlanta Circuit Treutlen County Cobb County City of Monroe Cobb County Jones County Ted N. Echols Municipal Court Judge McDonough Cynthia Clanton Shannon Weathers Bob Bray Eric John Kevin Holder Sharon Reiss Director Executive Director Executive Director Executive Director Executive Director Executive Director Statewide Statewide Statewide Statewide Statewide Statewide Position Chair Vice-Chair Member, President-Elect, Council of Superior Court Judges Member, President-Elect, Council of State Court Judges Member, President-Elect, Council of Juvenile Court Judges Member, First Vice President, Council of Probate Court Judges Member, First Vice President, 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 Advisory Member, Council of Superior Court Judges Advisory Member, Council of State Court Judges Advisory Member, Council of Juvenile Court Judges Advisory Member, Council of Probate Court Judges 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. Mission The Access to Justice 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. 24 JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2019 JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF GEORGIA STANDING COMMITTEES CONTINUED Court Reporting Matters Staff to Committee: John Botero Authorized by Judicial Council Bylaws, Created by Supreme Court Order Name Christopher J. McFadden Kathy S. Palmer Verda M. Colvin Jane Morrison John K. Edwards Robin W. Shearer Linnie Darden, III Sarah S. Harris W. Allen Wigington James Anderson, III 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. JUDICIAL COUNCIL STANDING COMMITTEES 25 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 Circuit Rockdale County DeKalb County Rome Circuit Treutlen County Chatham County City of Sugar Hill Position Chair Vice Chair 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. 26 JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2019 JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF GEORGIA STANDING COMMITTEES CONTINUED Grants Staff to Committee: Meisa Pace Authorized by Judicial Council Bylaws, Created by Supreme Court Order Name William T. Boyett Melanie B. Cross Anne Barnes Jeannette L. Little William P. Bartles Melanie Bell Cassandra Kirk Graham McKinnon IV Verda M. Colvin Linda Klein Jennifer Thomas Jody Overcash Role Superior Court Judge Location Conasauga Circuit Superior Court Judge Tifton Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Statewide State Court Judge Troup County Juvenile Court Judge Flint Circuit Probate Court Judge Twiggs County Magistrate Court Judge Fulton County Municipal Court Judge City of Braselton Accountability Court Judge Macon Circuit Attorney Fulton County Georgia Commission on Family Violence Statewide District Court Administrator 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 2019 The Committee awarded funds for: Providing 6,662 families with civil legal services Safeguarding 3,092 children Obtaining 3,557 Temporary Protective Orders Providing 742 clients with housing assistance Providing assistance with 354 Divorce Proceedings JUDICIAL COUNCIL STANDING COMMITTEES 27 Judicial Workload Assessment Staff to Committee: Christopher Hansard Authorized by Judicial Council Bylaws, Created by Supreme Court Order Name David T. Emerson Russell Smith Stephen Kelley Denise Marshall Edward Lukemire J.P. Boulee Robert McBurney Kathryn Powers William Boyett Kathy Palmer Bonnier Oliver Sheryl B. Jolly Michelle L.H. Homier LeRoy Burke, III Annie Doris Holder Robert Turner Garland Moore Will Simmons Bob Nadekow Connie Cheatham April Garrett Todd Ashley Charles Bethel Role Superior Court Judge Location Douglas Circuit Position Chair Superior Court Judge Mountain Circuit Vice Chair Superior Court Judge Brunswick Circuit 1st District Representative Superior Court Judge Dougherty Circuit 2nd District Representative Superior Court Judge Houston Circuit 3rd District Representative Superior Court Judge Stone Mountain Circuit 4th District Representative Superior Court Judge Atlanta Circuit 5th District Representative Superior Court Judge Clayton Circuit 6th District Representative Superior Court Judge Conasauga Circuit 7th District Representative Superior Court Judge Middle Circuit 8th District Representative Superior Court Judge Northeastern Circuit 9th District Representative Superior Court Judge Augusta Circuit 10th District Representative State Court Judge Cherokee County State Court Representative Juvenile Court Judge Eastern Circuit Juvenile Court Representative Probate Court Judge Calhoun County Probate Court Representative Magistrate Court Judge Houston County Magistrate Court Representative Municipal Court Judge City of Conyers Municipal Court Representative District Court Administrator 6th District Advisory Member District Court Administrator 8th District Advisory Member Clerk of Superior Court McDuffie County Advisory Member Clerk of Superior Court Cook County Advisory Member Deputy Director, Prosecuting Attorneys' Council Statewide Advisory Member Supreme Court 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 on the need for additional judicial personnel. 28 JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2019 JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF GEORGIA STANDING COMMITTEES CONTINUED Legislation Staff to Committee: Tracy Mason Authorized by Judicial Council Bylaws, Created by Supreme Court Order Name David E. Nahmias Role Presiding Justice Stephen L. A. Dillard Chief Judge Stephen Kelley Superior Court Judge Nancy Bills State Court Judge Philip S. Spivey Juvenile Court Judge Sarah Harris Probate Court Judge Glenda Dowling Magistrate Court Judge Matthew McCord Municipal Court Judge William Hamrick Superior Court Judge Wesley Tailor State Court Judge Al Wong State Court Judge Bradley Boyd Juvenile Court Judge Rooney Bowen Probate Court Judge Alice Padgett Probate Court Judge Connie Holt Magistrate Court Judge Betsey Kidwell Magistrate Court Judge Charles Barrett Municipal Court Judge Tommy Bobbitt Municipal Court Judge Cynthia Clanton Director Shannon Weathers Executive Director Bob Bray Eric John Executive Director Executive Director Kevin Holder Executive Director Sharon Reiss Executive Director Brian "Buck" Rogers President Designee Location Statewide Statewide Brunswick Circuit Rockdale County Ocmulgee Circuit Bibb County Pierce County City of Stockbridge Coweta Circuit Fulton County DeKalb County Fulton County Dooly County Columbia County Morgan County Heard County City of Duluth City of Dublin Statewide Statewide Statewide Statewide Statewide Statewide Statewide Position Chair Vice Chair Member, President of the Council of Superior Court Judges Member, President of the Council of State Court Judges Member, President of the Council of Juvenile Court Judges Member, President of the Council of Probate Court Judges Member, President of the Council of Magistrate Court Judges Member, President of the Council of Municipal Court Judges Advisory Member, Legislative Chair of Council of Superior Court Judges Advisory Member, Legislative Co-Chair of Council of State Court Judges Advisory Member, Legislative Co-Chair of Council of State Court Judges Advisory Member, Legislative Chair of Council of Juvenile Court Judges Advisory Member, Legislative Chair of Council of Probate Court Judges Advisory Member, Legislative Chair of Council of Probate Court Judges Advisory Member, Legislative Co-Chair of Council of Magistrate Court Judges Advisory Member, Legislative Co-Chair of Council of Magistrate Court Judges Advisory Member, Legislative Co-Chair of Council of Municipal Court Judges Advisory Member, Legislative Co-Chair of Council of Municipal Court Judges Advisory Member, JC/AOC Advisory Member, Council of Superior Court Judges Advisory Member, Council of State Court Judges Advisory Member, Council of Juvenile Court Judges Advisory Member, Council of Probate Court Judges Advisory Member, Council of Magistrate Court Judges Advisory Member, State Bar of Georgia JUDICIAL COUNCIL STANDING COMMITTEES 29 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 L. Doyle Horace J. Johnson, Jr. H. Gregory Fowler James R. Whitfield Chase Daughtrey James M. Anderson III Keith R. Blackwell Michael P. 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 Supreme Court Justice Supreme Court Justice Location Pickens County Statewide Alcovy Circuit Chatham County Statewide Cook County Norcross Statewide Statewide Position Chair Co-Chair Member Member Member Member Member Advisory Member Advisory Member Mission The mission of the Strategic Plan Standing Committee is to create and implement a Judicial Council strategic plan. The committee implements the initiatives of the strategic plan through the staff of the AOC. Work under the FY17-19 strategic plan was completed in July 2019. Mission The Legislation Committee reviews legislation affecting the judicial branch and recommends policy positions to the Judicial Council where appropriate. Strategic Plan Highlights (FY17-19) Developed the Emergency Preparedness and Continuity of Judicial Operations Manual to assist with business continuity and succession planning. Conducted Twitter Town Halls and began publishing the Georgia Courts Journal electronically to promote the use of technology as an effective communication tool. Identified and promoted opportunities for judges to interact with communities via Law Day coloring contests and Day on the Bench events to enhance the professional and ethical image of the judiciary in the community. Continued to focus on communications with the executive and legislative branches and stakeholders to encourage ongoing communications and initiatives of mutual interest. The Strategic Plan Committee is established with three year terms. The terms of committee members listed above concluded at the end of FY19. 30 JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2019 JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF GEORGIA STANDING COMMITTEES CONTINUED Technology Staff to Committee: Kristy King Authorized by Judicial Council Bylaws, Created by Supreme Court Order Name Harold D. Melton Role Chief Justice Location Statewide Position 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 Rebecca Keaton Clerk of Superior Court Cobb 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 Bobby Simmons Juvenile Court Judge Clayton Circuit Juvenile Court Judge Representative Patty Laine 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. Mission The Judicial Council Ad Hoc Committee on Criminal Justice Reform was established in August 2018 for the purposes of complying with the directives within SB 407 (2018) relative to the duties of the Judicial Council, and to provide statewide judicial leadership regarding previous criminal justice policies enacted upon the recommendations made by the Georgia Council on Criminal Justice Reform from 2011 through 2018. 31 JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF GEORGIA AD HOC COMMITTEES Criminal Justice Reform Staff to Committee: Tracy Mason Authorized by Judicial Council Bylaws. Created by Supreme Court Order Name Michael P. Boggs Role Supreme Court Justice Location Statewide Position Chair Amanda Mercier Court of Appeals Judge Statewide Member Paige Reese Whitaker Superior Court Judge Atlanta Circuit Member Ben Studdard Superior Court Judge Henry County Member Shondeana Crews Morris State Court Judge DeKalb County Member Juliette Wiltshire Scales Juvenile Court Judge Atlanta Circuit Member Rooney Bowen Probate Court Judge Dooly County Member W. Allen Wigington Magistrate Court Judge Pickens County Member Matthew McCord Municipal Court Judge Stockbridge Member LaTisha Dear Jackson Municipal Court Judge Stone Mountain Member Brenda S. Weaver Superior Court Judge Appalachian Circuit Member Dawn Jones Attorney State Bar of Georgia Member Joyce Gist Lewis Attorney Atlanta Member Tracy "T.J." BeMent District Court Administrator Tenth Judicial District Member Carey Miller Executive Counsel Office of the Governor Member Blake Tillery State Senator District 19 Member Chuck Efstration State Representative District 104 Member 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 Maryellen Simmons Public Defender Coweta Circuit Advisory Member, Georgia Public Defender Council Robert W. Smith General Counsel Statewide Advisory Member, Prosecuting Attorneys' Council Wayne Purdom State Court Judge DeKalb County Advisory Member 32 JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2019 JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF GEORGIA AD HOC COMMITTEES CONTINUED Committee to Prevent Sexual Harassment in the Judicial Branch of Government Staff to Committee: Stephanie Hines Authorized by Judicial Council Bylaws. Created by Supreme Court Order Name Role Sarah Hawkins Warren Supreme Court Justice Carla McMillan Court of Appeals Judge Horace J. Johnson Superior Court Judge Dax E. Lopez State Court Judge Maureen E. Wood Juvenile Court Judge T.J. Hudson Probate Court Judge Joyette Holmes Magistrate Court Judge Matthew McCord Municipal Court Judge Edwin Bell Court Administrator Jamala McFadden Attorney Shelley Seinberg Attorney Rebecca Sullivan General Counsel Location Statewide Position Chair Statewide Court of Appeals Representative Alcovy Circuit Superior Court Representative DeKalb County State Court Representative Rockdale Circuit Juvenile Court Representative Treutlen County Probate Court Representative Cobb County Magistrate Court Representative City of Stockbridge Municipal Court Representative DeKalb County Advisory Member Statewide Advisory Member Office of the Attorney General Advisory Member DOAS Advisory Member Mission The Judicial Council Ad Hoc Committee to Prevent Sexual Harassment in the Judicial Branch of Government was established to research, examine, and evaluate best practices and encourage each class of court, and corresponding court councils, to establish and maintain sexual harassment policies. Chief Justice Harold D. Melton signed the order creating the Committee on February 13, 2018. Justice Sarah Hawkins Warren serves as chair. Connected Boards, Committees, Commissions, and Councils 34 JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2019 CONNECTED BOARDS, COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS and COUNCILS Council of Accountability Court Judges Taylor Jones, Executive Director gaaccountabilitycourts.org Leadership Name Brenda Weaver Kathlene F. Gosselin Jason Deal Jeffrey S. Bagley James F. Bass Jr. Mary Staley Clark Verda M. Colvin Reuben M. Green T. Russell McClelland D. Scott Smith Alison W. Toller Role Superior Court Judge Superior Court Judge Superior Court Judge Superior Court Judge Superior Court Judge Superior Court Judge Superior Court Judge Superior Court Judge State Court Judge Superior Court Judge Juvenile Court Judge Location Appalachian Circuit Northeastern Circuit Northeastern Circuit Bell-Forsyth Circuit Eastern Circuit Cobb Circuit Macon Circuit Cobb Circuit Forsyth County Cherokee Circuit Northeastern Position Chair Vice-Chair Immediate Past President Executive Committee member Executive Committee member Executive Committee member Executive Committee member Executive Committee member Executive Committee member Executive Committee member Executive Committee member 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 evidencebased research and leading practices, work to enhance public safety, and that are transparent to all. Highlights Implemented seven new accountability courts in FY19, bringing the total number of certified/funded courts up to 163. Piloted a new blended learning and strategic action planning protocol to complement the Above, top: the Executive Committee on stage with Governor Deal at the 2018 Training Conference. existing peer review process. Bottom: recipients of the 2018 Star Award. COUNCIL OF ACCOUNTABILITY COURT JUDGES 35 Hosted our second Mental Health Court Hosted 22 accountability court teams for Start-up Training. This training is designed an annual operational tune-up training. for the implementation of Mental Health These trainings revisit team roles, selecting Court programs to provide the new team the right participants, evidenced-based members foundational training to operate treatment, and legal issues. new programs. The council examined the previous year's The Carl Vinson Institute released the (FY 2018) data. Some of the positive CACJ Processes and Outcomes report. The report outlines the positive impacts of impacts found were: 99 families reunited due to accountability accountability courts to participants and their communities. Studies in the report courts; 93 drug free babies born to female showed: Those that graduate do far better than those participants, who otherwise would have likely been born with Neonatal Abstinence that are terminated; Recidivism rates of offenders that have just some participation in an accountability Syndrome, thereby saving approximately $5,877,600; In FY 2019, accountability courts served court program are lower compared to 29 percent more participants than in similarly-situated offenders who did not FY 2018, expanding the potential benefits participate in a program; and Taken together these studies show that any of these courts to Georgia and its citizens. amount of participation in an accountability court, regardless of completions, leads to reduced recidivism, which is consistent with national findings. An excerpt from the Processes and Outcomes report shows the many benefits of Accountability Courts. The CACJ Annual Conference brings together judges, court professionals, treatment providers, law enforcement, and other stakeholders for extensive training. The September 2018 conference was the largest yet with approximately 1,200 attendees. 36 JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2019 CONNECTED BOARDS, COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS and COUNCILS Commission on Dispute Resolution Tracy Johnson, Executive Director; Karlie Sahs, Program Manager godr.org Leadership Chairperson Judge Jane C. Barwick Commission Members Justice Keith R. Blackwell Justice Britt C. Grant Judge Amanda H. Mercier Judge Charles E. Auslander, III Emily S. Bair, Esq. Raymond G. Chadwick, Jr., Esq. Mary Donovan, Esq. Judge C. Andrew Fuller Herbert H. (Hal) Gray, III, Esq. Melissa C. Heard, M.S.S.W. Timothy Hedeen, Ph.D. Nicole Hull, Esq. Judge M. Cindy Morris Patrick T. O'Connor, Esq. Rep. Jay Powell, Esq. Edith B. Primm, Esq. Judge Renata Turner Randall Weiland After 6 years as the chair of the Commission, Judge Charles Auslander passed the gavel to Judge Jane Barwick in February 2019. Mission The Georgia Commission on Dispute Resolution (GCDR) is a policy-making body appointed by the Supreme Court of Georgia charged with leading a statewide system of court alternative dispute resolution (ADR) programs. Highlights There are currently 41 court ADR programs in Georgia offering high-quality, cost-effective alternatives to traditional litigation. These services cover 93 of the 159 counties and utilize neutrals registered through the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution in a range of categories that include general civil mediation, domestic relations mediation, specialized domestic violence, arbitration, early neutral evaluation, juvenile dependency and juvenile delinquency. As of June 30, 2019, there were 2,521 registered neutrals. The partnership between neutrals, programs, and the Commission creates a comprehensive network that benefits taxpayers, litigants, attorneys, judges, and courts. 25th Annual ADR Institute and 2018 Neutrals' Conference: The Institute was held Friday, December 7, 2018, at the State Bar of Georgia. There were 272 attendees in total. The keynote speaker was Professor Andrea Kupfer Schneider, Director of the Dispute Resolution Program at Marquette University Law School, with her presentation "What's Sex Got to do with it? Effective Negotiation Skills for All". Here, GCDR and the Dispute Resolution Section of the State Bar of Georgia also presented the 2018 Chief Justice Harold G. Clarke Award to Raye Rawls, Esq. in COMMISSION ON DISPUTE RESOLUTION 37 recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field of alternative dispute resolution in Georgia. New Rules for Mediating Cases with Domestic Violence: In a joint effort by GCDR and the Georgia Commission on Family Violence to update the mediation rules concerning screening practices for cases in which intimate partner violence/abuse (domestic violence) is present, the GCDR approved new Rules for Mediating Cases with Domestic Violence, effective January 1, 2021. Changes in GCDR Leadership: The Georgia Commission on Dispute Resolution has a new chair, after long-serving AthensClarke County State Court Judge Charles E. Auslander stepped down. Judge Auslander was appointed to the Commission in 2006 and led as chair since 2012. Judge Auslandera UGA "Double Dawg"- passed the gavel to Chair-Elect Superior Court of Fulton County Judge Jane C. Barwick, in a ceremony during a February 13 Commission meeting at the University of Georgia's Law School on his home turf: Athens. The Commission also recognized outgoing members Ms. Stefani R. Lacour, Esq. and Ms. Vjollca Prroni Young, LL.M., and Justice Keith R. Blackwell ushered in the Commission's new members, as appointed by the Supreme Court: Fulton County Juvenile Court Presiding Judge Renata Turner, Ms. Nicole W. Hull, Esq., and Mr. Randall Weiland. The Supreme Court has also approved the addition of a new seat on the Commission to ensure the permanent designation of a ADR court program director. 25th Anniversary: The Supreme Court Order adopting the ADR Rules, including the creation of GCDR and GODR, was filed on January 27, 1993. This order established a new precedent for handling conflict in Georgia, "providing for the speedy, efficient, and inexpensive resolution of disputes and prosecutions." To commemorate the special occasion, GCDR: Commissioned a Special Anniversary seal; Published and distributed "The First 25 years" a History of the Commission; Hosted seven (7) continuing education events around the state; and Offered five (5) scholarships for 2018 registration renewal fees. 2018 ADR Program Directors Conference: The conference was held September 19-21, in Athens. In all, 25 representatives from court ADR programs and nine Commission Members were in attendance. "The First 25 Years" is a thorough compendium of the Commission's history. THE GEORGIA COMMISSION ON 25 DISPUTE RESOLUTION: YFIERASRTS Below, left to right: Justice Keith Blackwell administers the oath to new Commission members Judge Renata Turner, Ms. Nicole W. Hull, Esq., and Mr. Randall Weiland. @9BMJ8ZU(WJTRSXJYN(YZTYZNTWWSYJXTXMTKFQYZQMQYJNT8SUYWFTTYK[JINITNXJKU,KZTJYWJTYXWMLFJNFSXIU&JUWJYWNTIHX^QJJJH;KZ.YHN8TNJJSHSXYYNTFSS.I=NS5JF] 38 JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2019 CONNECTED BOARDS, COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS and COUNCILS Committee on Justice for Children Authorized and Created by the Supreme Court Staff to the Committee: Jerry Bruce georgiacourts.gov/j4c/ Name David E. Nahmias Kim Anderson Mandi Ballinger Michael Boggs W. Bradley Bryant Christopher Carr Lindsay Caulfield Stephen Louis A. Dillard Darice Good Chuck Efstration Britt Hammond Jennifer King Amanda Heath Dr. Sharon L. Hill Glen Jackson Michael Key Debra Nesbit Nealie McCormick Gary McGiboney Avery Niles Mary Margaret Oliver Rachel Davidson Lisa Jones Tom Rawlings Juliette Scales Phil Spivey Catherine Vandenberg Talley Wells Wendell Willard Robert Wright Stephanie Zaic Role Supreme Court Justice Location Statewide Position Chair Attorney Fulton County Member State Representative Bartow County Member Supreme Court Justice Statewide Member Georgia Student Finance Commission Fulton County Member Attorney General Statewide Member Grady Health System Fulton County Member Court of Appeals Judge Statewide Member Attorney Fulton County Member State Representative Gwinnett County Member Superior Court Judge Toombs Circuit Member Georgia CASA Fulton County Member Juvenile Court Judge Augusta Circuit Member Georgia State University Fulton County Member Co-Founder, Jackson Spalding Fulton County Member Juvenile Court Judge Coweta Circuit Member Association of County Commissioners Fulton County Member Georgia Council on American Indian Concerns Mitchell County Member Georgia Department of Education Fulton County Member Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice Statewide Member State Representative DeKalb County Member Georgia Office of the Child Advocate Statewide Member Juvenile Court Judge Southwestern Circuit Member Georgia Division of Family and Children Services Statewide Member Juvenile Court Judge Atlanta Circuit Member Juvenile Court Judge Ocmulgee Circuit Member Atlanta Legal Aid Fulton County Member Georgia Appleseed Center for Law and Justice Statewide Member State Representative Fulton County Member Bishop, Episcopal Diocese, Atlanta Fulton County Member Attorney Towns County Member COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE FOR CHILDREN 39 Mission: Striving to improve justice for children and families within the child welfare legal system. Highlights: Continued to expand our two-day MultiDisciplinary Child Abuse and Neglect Institute (MD-CANI) training to reach over 1300 stakeholders, from 50 different Georgia counties. This is a two-day training that covers best practices during the entirety of a dependency case from intake through permanency. Co-sponsoring the third annual Child Welfare Legal Summit in November 2019, in partnership with the Office of the Child Advocate and the Division of Family and Children Services, with an anticipated 800 attendees. Honorable Scott Bernstein of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals will be the keynote speaker. Secured $375,000 in funding from the legislature to support legal services for kinship caregivers, provided by legal service providers across the state. These services will likely prevent more children from entering foster care. Continued managing a three-year Quality Improvement federal grant in Douglas County, which serves pregnant women, or new mothers, who are substance exposed. By providing holistic services to these women, the children born to these mothers avoid being taken into care. Continued to support the Cold Case Project which reviews over 300 long-term foster care cases each year, to help these children overcome barriers and achieve permanency. Continue to support the 57 Georgia Child Welfare Law Specialists with bi-annual trainings and scholarships. Provided stakeholder educational opportunities at two Court Improvement Initiative meetings for approximately 100 stakeholders attending from 17 jurisdictions. Continued work to enhance the Court Process Reporting System (CPRS) to meet the growing needs of its user base, including its largest users, CASAs and judges. Promoted awareness of the importance of child welfare work by awarding the annual Hines Award to one child welfare attorney and one child welfare case manager. The awards were presented by Presiding Justice Nahmias at the Georgia State Bar meeting in Orlando. The Committee and staff facilitate many trainings across Georgia on matters of child welfare. Below, L to R: Judge Michael Key presents at a Multi-displinary Child Abuse and Neglect Institute, Presiding Justice Nahmias keynotes the 2018 Child Welfare Conference, Jerry Bruce hosts a discussion about juvenile alternative dispute resolution issues. 40 JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2019 CONNECTED BOARDS, COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS and COUNCILS Georgia Commission on Child Support Staff to the Commission: Elaine Johnson Created and authorized by O.C.G.A. 19-6-50, 53 georgiacourts.gov/csc/ Name R. Michael Key Timothy Barr Vacant Anne Elizabeth Barnes Charles Clay Kathleen Connell Chuck Hufstetler Emanuel Jones Lisa C. Jones Shawn LaGrua Vacant Emory Palmer Ronald "Rick" Smith Dr. Roger Tutterow Wendy Williamson Role Juvenile Court Judge State Representative State Representative Court of Appeals Judge Attorney Attorney State Senator State Senator Juvenile Court Judge Superior Court Judge Superior Court Judge Superior Court Judge Economist Attorney Location Coweta Circuit Position Chair District 103 House of Representatives Member 1 Vacant House of Representatives Member 1 Statewide Member Fulton County Member Cobb County Member District 52 State Senate Member 1 District10 State Senate Member 2 Southwestern Circuit Member Atlanta Circuit Member Vacant 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 considers 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; maintains websites for the Child Support Commission and for Georgia's Income Deduction Order process; and proposes legislation when it deems an amendment to the guidelines is necessary. GEORGIA COMMISSION ON CHILD SUPPORT 41 Highlights The Child Support Commission sponsored legislation in 2019 adding an exclusion to gross income for adoption assistance; removing language that allowed the use of minimum wage and 40 hour work weeks as a standard for imputing income, pursuant to a federal requirement; added "or the jury" in appropriate locations; and cleaned up grammar and punctuation throughout the statute, O.C.G.A. 19-6-15. The Child Support Commission established two study committees in 2019 to study the Low Income Deviation and the Parenting Time Deviation. Staff continued training around the state at 24 locations on the child support guidelines, child support online calculator, and Georgia's Income Deduction Order process. We also support the Department of Human Services, Division of Child Support Services' Parental Accountability Courts by providing a database and training for court coordinators to gather information on participants for evaluation purposes. This year, information from the database will be used to create a second research report on the effectiveness and continued growth of those courts. When scheduling training seminars, the commission staff emphasizes going to every part of the State. The pictures above are from training events in (top to bottom) AugustaRichmond, Tift, and Hall Counties. 42 JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2019 CONNECTED BOARDS, COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS and COUNCILS Georgia Commission on Interpreters Staff to the Commission: John Botero Authorized and Created by the Supreme Court georgiacourts.gov/coi/ Name Role Keith R. Blackwell Supreme Court Justice Sarah Warren Supreme Court Justice Clyde Reese Court of Appeals Judge Maria Batres Esq. Attorney Stephen Nevels Public Mara Ceballos-Wallis Public Christopher Paul Attorney Jana Edmondson-Cooper Attorney Dax E. Lpez State Court Judge Pilar Archila Public Meng Lim Superior Court Judge Robert Waller, III Juvenile Court Judge Ruth R. McMullin Magistrate Court Judge Mazi Mazloom Municipal Court Judge Bert Reeves State Representative Detria Carter Powell Probate Court Judge Location Statewide Statewide Statewide Cobb County Jackson County DeKalb County Bartow County Fulton County DeKalb County Laurens County Tallapoosa Circuit Gwinnett Circuit Gwinnett Circuit City of Marietta Cobb County Lowndes County Position Co-Chair Co-Chair Vice Chair State Bar Representative Non-Attorney Representative Public State Bar Representative State Bar Representative State Court Representative Non-Attorney Representative Superior Court Representative Juvenile Court Representative Magistrate Court Representative Municipal Court Representative General Assembly Representative Probate Court Representative Mission To provide interpreter licensing, regulatory, and educational services for Georgia courts so they can ensure the rights of nonEnglish speaking persons. GEORGIA COMMISSION ON INTERPRETERS 43 Highlights The administrative staff for the Commission on Interpreters increased the number of training and testing opportunities for candidate interpreters. Staff for the Commission on Interpreters Increased trainings for members of the bench, members of the bar, and court administrators to instruct them on the importance of using professional interpreters for parties who need an interpreter to ensure equal access to justice. The Commission on Interpreters has been working on revising the current rules and COI staff member John Botero serving as a mock judge during the orientation workshop, all attendees play different scenarios to learn about real-life ethics. regulations to provide more comprehensive guidance to court professionals, the courts and, other stakeholders. Orientation Workshop Instructors Philippe Du Moulin, M. Catherine McCabe, and COI staff Bianca Bennett presenting to candidate members. 44 JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2019 CONNECTED BOARDS, COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS and COUNCILS Board of Court Reporting Staff to the Board: John Botero Authorized and Created by Statute. Reports to the Judicial Council's Court Reporting Matters Standing Committee georgiacourts.gov/bcr/ Name John Kent Edwards, Jr. John K. Larkins, Jr. Brenda Trammell Frederic Bold, Jr. Daniel Gershwin Kevin King Randi Strumlauf Christopher Paul Twyman Cheryl Gilliam Pavon Bohanan Cynthia H. Clanton Role State Court Judge Location Lowndes County Attorney Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ocmulgee Circuit Attorney Fulton County Freelance Court Reporter, Machine Shorthand Fulton County Freelance Court Reporter, Machine Shorthand Fulton County Freelance Court Reporter, Voice Writer Gwinnett County Attorney Floyd County Official Reporter Fulton County Freelance Court Reporter, Voice Writer Hall County Director, JC/AOC Fulton County Position Chair Vice-Chair Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Secretary 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 Increased efficiency of processing complaints against court reporters. Provided clarification on court reporting issues via Advisory Opinions. Update of Rules and Regulations and Bylaws of the Board. Top: Swearing-in of members Christopher Twyman and Pavon Bohanan. Judge Edwards in center. Bottom: BCR Chair Judge John Edwards with Board Staff John Botero, Amber Richardson, Alison Lerner, Bianca Bennett and Angela Choyce Reports from Appellate Courts and Trial Courts Councils 46 JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2019 REPORTS FROM APPELLATE COURT AND TRIAL COURT COUNCILS Supreme Court of Georgia gasupreme.us In 2019, the Supreme Court of Georgia took a historic step across the street and into a new building. At the end of the year, the state's highest court and the Court of Appeals moved into the new Nathan Deal Judicial Center the first State building in Georgia history dedicated solely to the judiciary, the third branch of government. As Chief Justice Harold D. Melton said in his first State of the Judiciary address to the Georgia Legislature: "This building reflects what the citizens of this great State expect the Justices and Judges to accomplish each day when we come to work. It reflects the dignity and majesty of the rule of law we are called upon to uphold on a daily basis." With the historic move, the Supreme Court kept costs down by taking with it all existing furniture and furnishings that remained sturdy and appropriate. It also purchased some key furnishings that were designed and constructed by Georgia prison inmates through Georgia Correctional Industries and the Georgia Department of Corrections. The purchase of the furniture allowed the Supreme Court to support the rehabilitation of offenders while obtaining stately furniture at a cost effective price. The regeneration and vitality of the new judicial building reflect the makeup of the Supreme Court itself. By the end of 2020, six of our nine Justices will have taken office only within the last few years. The majority of today's Justices served previously on the Court of Appeals, Georgia's intermediate appellate court. The Justices reflect a diversity of backgrounds: Chief Justice Melton was Executive Counsel to former Governor Sonny Perdue (later U.S. Secretary of Agriculture); Presiding Justice David E. Nahmias was United States Attorney in Atlanta; Justice Robert Benham was the first African-American appointed to the state's highest court in more than 140 years; Justice Keith Blackwell graduated Number 1 in his class at the University of Georgia law school and was top of his class at UGA's undergraduate school; Justice Michael P. Boggs and Justice Charles J. Bethel both served in the Georgia Legislature; Justice Nels S.D. Peterson was Georgia's first Solicitor General; Justice Sarah H. Warren also served as Solicitor General and argued before the United States Supreme Court; and Justice John J. Ellington has served on every level of court in the state of Georgia. All the new Justices quickly settled into their jobs and took on a caseload that grew 8 percent between January-to-September in 2018 and January-to-September in 2019. During that time, filings in direct appeals grew 11 percent; filings in habeas petitions grew 16 percent. Murders, which are by far the largest category of cases that come to the Court, grew 34 percent. The Nathan Deal Judicial Center as of October 2019. 47 The 2019 Supreme Court of Georgia Standing, L to R: Justice Charles J. Bethel, Justice Nels S.D. Peterson, Justice Michael P. Boggs, Justice Sarah Hawkins Warren, Justice John J. Ellington. Seated, L to R: Justice Keith R. Blackwell, Presiding Justice David E. Nahmias, Chief Justice Harold D. Melton, Justice Robert Benham. People are often surprised to learn that in addition to their judicial duties, the Justices have a wide range of responsibilities concerning the regulation and oversight of the state's legal and judicial professions. Chief Justice Melton chairs Georgia's Judicial Council, which is the policymaking body for Georgia's judiciary and is comprised of representatives from every class of court. He appointed in 2019 a Committee to Prevent Sexual Harassment in the Judicial Branch of Government, which continues to make progress in developing policies to prevent sex harassment both for the Supreme Court and the judiciary statewide. Justice Sarah H. Warren chairs the Committee. Every Justice has oversight or liaison responsibilities with various organizations, many of which are listed in the table at the bottom of this page. In addition, the Supreme Court reviews and approves all rules published by Georgia courts and judicial regulatory entities. In 2019, the Court amended its own rules governing oral arguments. Effective Sept. 9, 2019, the new rules allow law students to participate in arguing cases before the high court. Another amendment requires that requests for oral argument in a case must include details about why argument is necessary before the Court grants the request. The Court made the changes to improve the quality of oral arguments and bring the state's highest court in line with other appellate courts nationwide. ORGANIZATIONS WITH A SUPREME COURT JUSTICE SERVING IN OVERSIGHT OR LIAISON ROLE The Judicial Qualifications Commission (regulates judges' conduct) The State Bar (regulates the practice of law) The Office of Bar Admissions (regulates admis- sion to the practice of law) The Institutes for Continuing Judicial Education and Continuing Legal Education The Access and Fairness Committee The Justice for Children Committee The Office of Dispute Resolution (mediation) The Commission on Interpreters Accountability Courts Criminal Justice Reform The Chief Justice's Commission on Professionalism The new Business Court The Ad Hoc Committee on Cybersecurity Insurance for the Judiciary 48 JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2019 REPORTS FROM APPELLATE COURT AND TRIAL COURT COUNCILS CONTINUED Court of Appeals of Georgia gaappeals.us Mission Sitting in five three-judge panels, the Court of Appeal handles the majority of appeals in Georgia, and is responsible for assuring that the rule of law applies equally to all appeals, and that they are resolved correctly and promptly. As an appellate court with statewide jurisdiction, the Court of Appeals shares responsibility with the Supreme Court for producing a clear and consistent body of case law that can be relied upon throughout the state. Highlights New Chief Judge Chris McFadden Elected Developed Plans to Move into New Courthouse Implemented Paperless Fiscal Processes Deepened Cybersecurity Defenses Reduced Docketing Time Via Trial Court Electronic Filing Began Developing Procedures for Pro Se E-Filing Improved Public Awareness Through Social Media Expanded Access to Electronic Records 49 COURT OF APPEALS 2019 MILESTONES 3,397 FILINGS 1,224 DIRECT CRIMINAL APPEALS 1,263 DIRECT CIVIL APPEALS 850 APPLICATIONS DOCKETED 60 EMERGENCY MOTIONS DECIDED 1,321 OPINIONS ISSUED MORE THAN 218 CASES DECIDED PER JUDGE 4 NEW JUDGES ADDED Stephen S. Goss Christian A. Coomer Todd Markle Ken Hodges 2 JUDGES MOVED TO SUPREME COURT OF GEORGIA Charles Bethel (by appointment) John J. Ellington (by election) Standing, left to right: D. Todd Markle, Judge Stephen S. Goss, Judge E. Trenton "Trent" Brown III, Judge Amanda H. Mercier, Judge Clyde L. Reese, Judge Elizabeth D. Gobeil, Judge Christian A. Coomer, Judge Ken Hodges, Judge Sitting, left to right: Carla Wong McMillian, Presiding Judge, Fifth Division Sara L. Doyle, Presiding Judge, Third Division Anne Elizabeth Barnes, Presiding Judge, First Division Christopher J. McFadden, Chief Judge M. Yvette Miller, Presiding Judge, Second Division Stephen Louis A. Dillard, Presiding Judge, Fourth Division Brian M. Rickman, Judge 50 JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2019 REPORTS FROM APPELLATE COURT 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. Leadership: President Judge Shawn LaGrua, Atlanta Judicial Circuit President Elect Judge Brian Amero, Flint Judicial Circuit Secretary Treasurer Judge J. Wade Padgett, Augusta Judicial Circuit Immediate Past President Judge Stephen Kelley, Brunswick Judicial Circuit Goals: Over the next four years, the Council will seek sufficient funding to provide state paid law clerks for the 34 Superior Court judges who do not already have a state or county paid law clerk. Judge Doris L. Downs and Judge H. Gibbs Flanders were the recipients of the 2019 Emory Findley Award. The award recognizes judges for their outstanding leadership and dedication to the continued improvement of our court system. COUNCIL OF SUPERIOR COURT JUDGES 51 Highlights: 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 34 lack either a state or county paid law clerk. Judicial Education Podcasts: Superior Court Judges Wade Padgett and LaTain Kell have worked diligently to create a podcast series, "The Good Judge-ment Podcast," to not only provide accessible continuing education opportunities to judges, but also to extend the information to lawyers and members of the public. These Podcasts are available free of charge in iTunes. Pattern Jury Instructions Rewrite Initiative: Under the leadership of CSCJ President Judge Shawn LaGrua, the Council plans to rewrite many of the suggested pattern jury instructions in plain English. This project will be conducted by a subcommittee within the Council which will work throughout the year. This initiative is intended to better assist judges in the instruction of jurors by promoting a clear and concise presentation of the law to citizens serving on a jury. Mental Health in Local Jails: Under the leadership of CSCJ President-Elect Judge Brian Amero, the Council created a Special Committee on Mental Health in Local Jails. The Committee hosted a training conference on Judicial Work at the Interface of Mental Health and Criminal Justice in May at Georgia State Law School. Post-trial Rules: In conjunction with the Supreme Court of Georgia, and in consultation with the State Bar of Georgia, the Council of Superior Court Clerks, the Georgia Public Defender Council, the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council, CSCJ amended the Uniform Superior Court Rules on motions for new trials to expedite such proceedings and instituted reporting measures to better identify criminal cases with post-trial delays. Swearing-in ceremonies, left to right (top row): Jeffery O. Monroe, Macon Judicial Circuit; Jeffrey Watkins, Cherokee Judicial Circuit; Tadia Whitner, Gwinnett Judicial Circuit; Rachelle L. Carnesale, Atlanta Judicial Circuit. Left to right (bottom): Shondeana C. Morris, Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit; Stacey K. Hydrick, Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit, Nina Markette Baker, Coweta Judicial Circuit. 52 JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2019 REPORTS FROM APPELLATE COURT AND TRIAL COURT COUNCILS CONTINUED Council of State Court Judges Executive Director: Bob Bray georgiacourts.gov/statecourt/ Mission and Goals: Leadership: "Impartial Courts - Judicial Excellence - President Accessible and Efficient Justice." The Council Judge T. Russell McClelland, Forsyth County consists of 129 active judges, who serve in 71 counties, and a number of Senior Judges and Judges Emeritus. Each year the Council President Elect Judge Wesley B. Tailor, Fulton County develops a Strategic Business Plan to further Secretary its mission toward the improvement of State Judge Alvin T. Wong, DeKalb County Courts, the quality and expertise of its judges, to maintain the impartiality of the judiciary and to ensure the fair, efficient administration Treasurer Judge R. Violet Bennett, Wayne County of justice. The five Strategic Objectives of the Past President Council are to: Judge Nancy Bills, Rockdale County 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 Right: Judge Nancy Bills passing the Council presidency and it's responsibilities to Judge T. Russell McClelland in May 2019. Below: The Council's Executive Committee meets at the May 2019 Conference. COUNCIL OF STATE COURT JUDGES 53 Highlights: The 2019 State Court Benchbook was completely revised and updated and includes two new Chapters: Chapter 12 on Collections and Default Judgments; and Chapter 13 on Bifurcating and Trifurcating Damages. A Judicial Workload Study of the State Court of Rockdale County was begun utilizing the new case categories and time standards published in November 2018 Judicial Workload Study of the Superior and State Courts of Georgia by the National Center for State Courts. The Rockdale study concluded that the workload of that state court requires two full-time judges to process the cases. The recent cyber attack on the Administrative Office of the Courts seriously impacted the office of the Council of State Court Judges, however, many critical working files have been able to be recovered or recreated to maintain the administration of Council business. Six new state court judges were elected or appointed to serve in 2019 and participated in a four-day new judge orientation in Athens, Georgia in January. The caseloads in the State courts of Georgia continue to grow and the statewide revenues increased over $2 million. The Council of State Court Judges worked with the Council of Superior Court Judges to update, revise and rewrite jury charges used civil and criminal trials. Left: Judge Joseph C. Iannazonne received the prestigious Ogden Doremus/Kent Lawrence Award in October, 2018. Below: Governor Brian Kemp addresses attendees at the May 2019 Conference. 54 JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2019 REPORTS FROM APPELLATE COURT AND TRIAL COURT COUNCILS CONTINUED Council of Juvenile Court Judges Executive Director: Eric John georgiacourts.gov/cjcj/ Mission: Leadership: The Juvenile Court's mission is to serve the President community by assisting children and families Judge Juliette Wiltshire Scales in need and to protect the community by Atlanta Judicial Circuit administering individual justice and deterring delinquent behavior through the court and President-Elect Judge Lisa C. Jones community-based services from the Programs Southwestern Judicial Circuit arm of the Court and the Department of Juvenile Vice-President Justice probation services. Judge C. Gregory Price 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 Rome Judicial Circuit Secretary Judge Render M. Heard Jr. Tifton Judicial Circuit Treasurer Judge Lindsay H. Burton Northeastern Judicial Circuit Past-President Judge Philip Spivey Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit best interests of children and the state. Judge Juliette Wiltshire Scales being sworn-in as president of the Council of Juvenile Court Judges in May 2019. COUNCIL OF JUVENILE COURT JUDGES 55 Highlights: Juvenile Data Exchange (JDEX): The JDEX initiative centralizes data on juvenile offenders, providing judges a complete picture of data for offenders. JDEX was brought online in June 2019. Trainings across the state are in progress and will be completed mid-November 2019. Justice Case Activity Tracking System (JCATS): Thirty-nine (39) counties use the case management system JCATS in their court. Eighty eight (88) percent of the delinquent cases in the state is captured by JCATS. Since 2015, there has been an increase of 25% of the counties using JCATS. The latest to come on board was Floyd County under Judge Greg Price. Children In Need of Services (CHINS): The CHINS State Coordinator position was put in place to help create and implement a standard CHINS protocols. The CHINS Coordinator has held quarterly meetings with a statewide collaborative team; conducted a statewide survey of all juvenile courts to gather key information; partnered with the Carter Center Mental Health Program to strengthen the CHINS system; and initiated a pilot program to work with select counties to collect data, highlight best practices, and address challenges. Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI): JDAI is a nationwide initiative to help jurisdictions reduce their reliance on secure detention. Georgia's Initiative has completed system assessments for Rockdale and Chatham Counties; launched Rockdale County as an officially recognized JDAI site; and created three state steering committee workgroups for refining three key focus areas: 1. Refining Georgia's JDAI State Scale Plan and onboarding process. 2. Creating Georgia JDAI demonstration sites. 3. Cultivating a plan for improving race, equity, and inclusion in Georgia's juvenile justice system. Stakeholders attend the JDEX meeting in May 2019. 56 JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2019 REPORTS FROM APPELLATE COURT AND TRIAL COURT COUNCILS CONTINUED Council of Probate Court Judges Executive Director: Kevin Holder georgiacourts.gov/probate/ 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. Leadership: President Judge Sarah Harris, Macon-Bibb County President-Elect Judge T.J. Hudson, Treutlen County First Vice-President Judge Kelli Wolk, Cobb County Past President Judge Rooney Bowen, III, D ooly County S ecretary-Treasurer Judge Darin McCoy, Evans County From left to right: Judge Sarah Harris, Judge Kelli Wolk, Judge T.J. Hudson, Judge Kerri Carter, and Judge Darin McCoy at the Council's 2019 Spring Conference. Judge J. Wade Padgett, Augusta Circuit Superior Court was honored for his contributions to the Council's traffic certification program. 2018 Fall COAG in Savannah, GA. COUNCIL OF PROBATE COURT JUDGES 57 Above: 2019 Probate Judges Day at the Capitol. Below: Judge Sarah Harris, State Senator Mike Dugan, and Judge Edith Haney at the State Capitol. Highlights: Identified and established a pipeline of new leaders within the Council Re-engaged each of the Council's respective districts Reorganized the Council's standing committees Created a committee to study streamlining filing fees Revamped the Council's Mentor Program Finalized the work to begin production of the videos and informational materials for selfrepresented litigants Amended the Council's bylaws Updated the Uniform Probate Court Rules Achieved a year-over-year of probate courts who successfully submitted their caseload reports Conducted the first ever Training Council retreat to examine the training offerings and certification programs Retooled the Traffic Certificate program for probate judges with traffic jurisdiction 2019 Leadership Retreat, Jekyll Island, GA. 58 JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2019 REPORTS FROM APPELLATE COURT AND TRIAL COURT COUNCILS CONTINUED Council of Magistrate Court Judges Executive Director: Sharon Reiss georgiamagistratecouncil.com Mission: 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; and Training and promoting chief magistrates, magistrates, and senior magistrates. Leadership: President Judge Michael Barker, Chatham County President-Elect Judge T.J. Hudson, Treutlen County Vice-President Judge Bobby Harrison Smith, III Long County Immediate Past President Judge Glenda Dowling, D ooly County S ecretary Judge Berryl A. Anderson, DeKalb County Treasurer Judge Jennifer Lewis, Camden County 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 also a dedicated training 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. Council judges have won multiple awards for their hard work and dedication to the Council and the Administration of Justice. 59 Every year the Georgia Council of Magistrate Court Councils hosts a legislative day at the State Capitol. This gives the judges an opportunity to interact with legislators and discuss the issues they face in their courts and communities. Georgia Magistrate Courts Training Council The Georgia Magistrate Courts Training Council, which was created by statute in 1983,consists of five members and oversees the training and certification of Magistrate Judges. O.C.G.A. 15-10-130 et seq. The Council, chaired by Judge Betsey Kidwell (Magistrate Court of Heard County) met twelve times in FY 2019: July 18, 2018 via GoToMeeting August 15, 2018 via GoToMeeting September 30, 2018 during the biannual recertification training held in Savannah, GA October 17, 2018 via GoToMeeting November 21, 2018 via GoToMeeting December 19, 2018 via GoToMeeting January 23, 2019 via GoToMeeting February 20, 2019 via GoToMeeting March 20, 2019 via GoToMeeting April 14, 2019 during the biannual recertification training held in St. Simons, GA May 15, 2019 via GoToMeeting June 19, 2019 via GoToMeeting The Council developed and approved the training curriculum for mandatory annual magistrate training, focusing on several topics including interpreters, mental health, elder abuse, misdemeanor bail reform, jail diversion, judicial ethics, garnishments, abandoned mobile homes, court security, domestic violence, and landlord-tenant issues. Additionally, the Council formed two subcommittees, The Curriculum Committee which studies and recommends possible training topics to the full Council, and the Mentor Committee which oversees the mentoring of new magistrate judges. Finally, the Council issued certification to magistrate court judges meeting the annual training requirement for CY 2018. The Georgia Magistrate Courts Training Council submits this report pursuant to O.C.G.A. 15-10-134(e). 60 JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2019 REPORTS FROM APPELLATE COURT AND TRIAL COURT COUNCILS CONTINUED Council of Municipal Court Judges (CMuCJ) Trial Court Liaison: LaShawn Murphy georgiacourts.gov/municipal/ Mission: 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. Leadership: President Judge Matthew McCord, Stockbridge President-Elect Judge Dale "Bubba" Samuels Franklin Springs and Monroe Vice-President Chief Judge Willie Weaver Sr., Albany Secretary Judge JaDawnya Baker, Atlanta Provide professional and forward thinking Treasurer leadership. Judge Keith Barber, Statesboro 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. Judges Matthew McCord, Margaret Washburn, JaDawnya Baker, and Charles Barrett at the CMuCJ Legislative Day at the State Capitol. Immediate President Judge LaTisha Dear Jackson Stone Mountain Highlights: Held an effective leadership retreat in September 2018. This was an opportunity for the president to share their vision, strategize and have open discussions on pertinent initiatives with key members of the Council. Judge Matthew McCord at a meeting of the Ad Hoc Committee on Bail Reform. COUNCIL OF MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGES 61 Convened a successful Breakfast and Legislative Day at the Capitol, February 5, 2019. Focused the Council's attention on Bail Reform efforts. Partnered with the Access, Fairness, Public Trust and Confidence Committee (AFPTCC) to include judicial trainings on Inclusion and Human Trafficking, as well as tracks in 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 Judge E.R. Lanier, Municipal Court of Norcross, received Ferguson). the 2019 Frost Lifetime Achievement Award. Honors: The Council recognized a number of Dismissal Diversion Program, designed to municipal court judges with awards. afford Defendants the opportunity to obtain Judge E. R. Lanier, Municipal Court of their high school diploma, GED or higher Norcross, received the Frost Ward Lifetime learning degree. Achievement Award, which recognizes Chief Judge Matthew McCord, Municipal a municipal court judge who has made Court of Stockbridge, was awarded the significant contributions to the Council of Special Recognition Award as 2018-2019 Municipal Court Judges over a long period of Goodwill Ambassador for the Council, for time. Selfless Commitment, Dedication & Service Chief Judge Rashida Oliver, Municipal to the Council through Various Judicial Court of East Point, received the Glen Appointments. Ashman Educational Achievement Award Chief Judge Matthew McCord recognized in appreciation of continued contributions deserving municipal court judges with the to academics and judicial education for President's Award: Judge Thomas C. Bobbitt, municipal court judges throughout the State III, for selfless commitment & continued of Georgia. service to the Council; and, Judge W. Keith Chief Judge Dexter Wimbish, Municipal Barber, CMuCJ Treasurer for outstanding Court of Greenville, was awarded the Special service & commitment to modernizing the Recognition Award for the Degree for Treasurer's position. 62 JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2019 REPORTS FROM APPELLATE COURT 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 Judge Margaret Washburn (Municipal Court of Sugar Hill), met five times in FY 2019: October 3, 2018 Athens, GA, in conjunction with the Fall Law & Practice Update December 10, 2018 Via GoTo Meeting February 5, 2019 Atlanta, GA, in conjunction with the Executive Committee meeting April 30, 2019 Warner Robins, GA, in conjunction with the Executive Committee meeting June 18, 2019 Savannah, GA, in conjunction with the Summer Law & Practice Update The Council developed and approved a robust training curriculum for mandatory new judges orientation and annual municipal court judges training, focusing on such topics as Municipal Court Uniform Rules Update, City Councils, Municipal Judges, Communication: Improving the Court and Maintaining Independence in Judicial Decisions, Immigration: A View from the Bench, SB 407 Criminal Justice Reform/ New Citation, Professionalism: Rules For The Judges The 2019 JQC Update, Case Law update, Evidence, IT Security (Best Practices for Information Systems Security & You) and updates from the Department of Driver Services. The Council issued certification to municipal court judges meeting the annual training requirement for CY 2018. 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 Municipal Court Uniform Rules, Bond Forfeitures, Fines and Fees, Ethics for Clerks, Legislative Update, Records Retention (Georgia Archives), 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 2018. 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 64 JUDICIAL COUNCIL / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS ANNUAL REPORT FY 2019 Georgia's Judicial Demographics Supreme Court................................... 9 Court of Appeals................................ 15 Superior Court................................ 214 State Court..................................... 129 Juvenile Court..................................121 Probate Court................................. 174 Magistrate......................................498 Municipal, Civil, and Recorders Courts......................336 TOTAL....................................... 1,496 RACE WHITE NON-HISPANIC WHITE HISPANIC AFRICAN-AMERICAN Supreme Court 61 2 AMERICAN INDIAN OR ALASKA NATIVE ASIAN TOTAL 81 Court of Appeals Superior Court State Court Juvenile Court Probate Magistrate Municipal Court Court Court 8 4 139 44 84 23 61 32 71 91 228 175 243 37 1 1 1 1 1 1 12 17 9 11 12 15 4 8 30 59 27 24 1 11 1 134 9 6 152 61 95 34 74 47 75 99 260 238 275 61 TOTAL 1,247 4 232 1 11 1,495 MALE FEMALE Georgia's Case Characteristics Due to the ransomware attack on June 29, 2019, case count data was unavailable at the time of this report. Case data will be published at georgiacourts.gov as it becomes available. 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. Guadalupe Mora Taylor Evans The JC/AOC wishes to thank the interns who joined us during FY19. Malcolm Sinkfield Sharod McClendon Judicial Council of Georgia Administrative Office of the Courts 244 Washington Street, SW Suite 300 Atlanta, Georgia 30334 georgiacourts.gov