Fulton County’s legislative delegation is renewing efforts to expand the Superior Court bench as court officials say growing caseloads exceed the capacity of its 20 judges.
State lawmakers and county commissioners recently toured the courthouse, according to an Oct. 9 court announcement. The release did not specify the tour date.
The visit included the clerk’s office, Justice Resource Center, Jury Assembly Room and court administration offices. Judges and the clerk briefed the delegation on workload pressures.
For Roswell residents, Superior Court handles matters including felony prosecutions, divorce, child custody and civil disputes. The court, led by Chief Judge Ural Glanville, says it handles tens of thousands of cases annually.
Judgeship authorized, funding unresolved
Georgia lawmakers already authorized a 21st judge for the Atlanta Judicial Circuit, which serves Fulton County.
The signed version of House Bill 1215 provides for the additional judge, subject to appropriations, with a term beginning Jan. 1, 2027.
After the legislative session, county officials reported that the authorization passed but funding did not survive the final budget process. They identified the amended fiscal year 2027 budget as another opportunity to seek funding.
The renewed effort therefore centers on securing resources to put the additional judgeship into operation.
Juror pay and mental health services discussed
The delegation also discussed increasing the current $25 daily juror stipend. The court’s announcement did not identify a proposed new amount.
Other priorities included expanding accountability courts, assigning a full-time judge to the Competency Docket and addressing housing insecurity among people facing mental health challenges.
Accountability courts provide specialized programs for cases involving substance use, behavioral health and veterans. The Competency Docket addresses whether defendants are able to understand court proceedings and participate in their defense.
The discussions could affect Roswell residents serving on juries or awaiting court proceedings. The announcement did not provide costs, funding plans or implementation dates for those proposals.
