public to observe court proceedings safely while on site . All courts will continue , where practicable , to conduct hearings using remote teleconferencing platforms to accommodate health and safety concerns of the public and attorneys . For more detailed information , individuals may reach out to the specific justice agency for further information .
- Chief Judge Asha Jackson
****************************
GWINNETT STATE COURT : We started jury trials on May 17th , with two divisions running criminal calendars each week . We are focusing on the backlog of criminal cases and speedy trial demands , at least through the summer . These trials , due to social distancing , require our using two courtrooms : one for the trial and one for jury deliberation . Our large jury assembly room for the panels has a limit of 60 people , so we are also limited in the number of jury panels . I believe Superior Court is running criminal calendars this summer as well , and that there will be three divisions at one time . At this juncture , we in the State Court are unsure about when we will re-start civil trials but are still hopeful that we can do so possibly later this year . Everything , of course , depends on the virus .
- Chief Judge Pam South
****************************
GWINNETT SUPERIOR COURT : Jury trials have successfully resumed in Gwinnett County . Judges are using a combination of both in person as well as Zoom hearings on all non-jury matters . To the extent that hearings are being conducted in person , judges are following prescribed guidelines , staggering calendars and limiting the number of people that are physically present in the courtroom .
- Chief Judge George Hutchinson
****************************
FULTON MAGISTRATE COURT In keeping with our mission to Inform ,
Engage and Empower our Community , the Magistrate Court of Fulton County continues to implement innovative technology and creative solutions to ensure that court proceedings are conducted efficiently . While we never closed our doors completely , we are now capable of resolving matters for parties in-person , through hybrid and in fully remote hearings across all of our court calendars .
Our COVID-19 response included increased safety precautions , reliance on our Order of Business , upgrading our IT systems and technology , increasing support on our customer service teams , including our chatbot , and establishing judicial teams to address cases held during the Statewide Judicial Emergency , as well as creating second writ review teams and a specialized consumer debt track for our small claims cases . We estimate that over 130,000 cases must be addressed over the next two years as we adjust for smaller courtroom capacities . With county support , we are hopeful that holding evening court sessions and increasing cases heard at the annexes will help us manage our case time-to-disposition standards , as well as expanding staffing , including adding three part-time judges .
We suggest the community utilize our website ( www . magistratefulton . org ) and other social media to follow us for further information on cases and calendars . You may also reach us at 404-613-9071 .
- Chief Judge Cassandra Kirk
****************************
FULTON PROBATE COURT : Due in part to the increased number of deaths resulting from COVID-19 , Fulton County Probate Court ’ s estate filings have increased tremendously and firearms licensing has boomed to an increase of approximately 40 %. Our minor guardianships have decreased during COVID-19 because the need to structure a guardianship has been relaxed since many schools are virtual and don ’ t require guardianships to enroll students in virtual school .
IN THE PROFESSION
Court calendars have resumed via zoom as well as in-person ; however , all parties must consent to an in-person hearing . We offer a brief Zoom training for our self-represented litigants in need of assistance . CARES Act funding allocated by County Management allowed for hiring additional staff to ramp up service to the public and accelerate decisions in estate matters .
Probate operations and services ( licensing , conservatorship / guardianships and mental health commitments ) are continuous and being offered in-person . Oaths required by law in Guardianships , Estates and Conservatorships are now performed virtually by appointment . Finally , instead of mass wedding ceremonies and group marriages during COVID-19 , Fulton ’ s Probate Court offers marriage ceremonies by appointment only and for special holidays including Valentine ’ s Day and PRIDE week .
- Chief Judge Kenya Johnson
****************************
FULTON STATE COURT : We have been using Zoom for virtual proceedings since early in the pandemic . The Court has new technology in its courtrooms that enables the judges to conduct trials and hearings remotely via Zoom , in person , or some combination thereof . All witnesses , attorneys and observers will be able to see and hear all proceedings , whether individuals are remote or in the courtroom . State Court has started in-person civil jury trials utilizing virtual jury selection , but it has not yet started criminal jury trials , as we are limited in the number of jurors we can have at the courthouse . We plan to continue to expand jury trials in the upcoming months ; however , the fastest way to a trial is generally if the parties agree to a bench trial .
- Chief Judge Susan E . Edlein
www . atlantabar . org THE ATLANTA LAWYER 15