The Georgia General Assembly is meeting in Atlanta for their annual session. One bill introduced would create a 5th State Court Judge in Henry County. If the bill passes, then the new judgeship would begin in January 2026.
5th Henry County State Court Judge
Senate Bill 328 is sponsored by Senator Brian Strickland and co-sponsored by the other members of the Henry County Senate Delegation. It would create a 5th judgeship in Henry County State Court. The court presently has four judges. If SB 328 is approved and becomes law, then Governor Kemp would appoint an individual to serve as the inaugural 5th judge. He or she would serve from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028. The 5th judgeship would first appear on the 2028 ballot for a four-year term.
SB 328 passed the state senate on March 21 on the local calendar. The bill is now awaiting the state house to consider it. Local bills generally pass provided members of the local delegation support the measure.
A quick glance at the history of Henry County State Court includes the following:
- 1998 – Henry County State Court created by the general assembly,
- 2002 – Second judgeship created began service on January 1, 2003,
- 2006 – Third judgeship created began service on July 1, 2006, and
- 2008 – Fourth judgeship created began service on July 1, 2008.
The number of State Court judges has not changed since 2008. Meanwhile, in Henry County Superior Court, the number of judges changed more recently. The state assembly approved a 4th judge for Henry County Superior Court in 2020. The judgeship began on January 1, 2022.
The Function of State Court
State Court is the lower court handling misdemeanor cases and most traffic offenses. In contrast, Superior Court, as the higher court, handles felonies and family cases. The Georgia Council of Superior Court Judges website offers the following explanation:
Superior Court is responsible for handling cases involving serious crimes (felonies), civil disputes, real estate matters and family and domestic relations issues.
State Court handles civil law actions not otherwise within the jurisdiction of Superior Court, dispossessions, misdemeanors, and certain traffic offenses.
Magistrate Court (Civil Division) hears cases involving civil claims of $15,000 or less.
Probate Court has exclusive jurisdiction in probate of wills, administration of estates, appointment of guardians, involuntary hospitalizations, issuance of pistol licenses and marriage licenses.
Featured image shows the Henry County Courthouse. Clayton Carte photo.
