Cobb’s Bar Association Honors Magistrate Court Citing Work During Pandemic
The court and Chief Magistrate Judge received awards during “Law Day” festivities

October 12, 2021 - While the pandemic slowed or closed many activities in Cobb County, it only highlighted the importance of the Magistrate Court and its operations.  The Cobb County Bar Association took note of the court’s efforts during the past year-and-a-half and awarded the court and the Chief Magistrate two of its highest honors.

The Cobb Bar honored the Magistrate Court with the Liberty Bell Award, which recognizes “an individual or entity whose community service has strengthened our system of freedom under the law by promoting a better understanding of and respect for our Constitution and laws.”   Court Administrator Tahnicia Phillips accepted the award on behalf of the court.

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The Bar Association then awarded Chief Magistrate Judge Brendan Murphy the Criminal Defense Section Jimmy Berry Champion of Justice Award.  Named for the legendary Cobb County criminal defense attorney, the Jimmy Berry Champion of Justice Award recognizes “a Cobb County Bar Association member who has strengthened and promoted justice and the Constitution for the citizen accused through one exceptional case or continuous course of conduct.”

“Tahnicia and I are proud to accept these awards on behalf of the dedicated women and men of the People’s Court,” said Judge Murphy.  “It is humbling to be recognized after these extraordinary 18 months when so many across the courthouse and community have worked so hard to ensure access to justice during the pandemic.”

This year’s Law Day festivities had been delayed from their traditional May 1 date by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Liberty Bell Award, selected by the Board of Trustees of the Cobb County Bar Association, generally celebrates the service of a non-lawyer.  When presenting the award at the luncheon on behalf of the Bar, former Chief Magistrate Judge Joyette Holmes acknowledged the Bar’s deep appreciation for the Court’s around-the-clock responsiveness during the pandemic to ensure that justice continued to be carried out.

The Jimmy Berry Champion of Justice Award honoree is selected each year by the Criminal Defense Section of the Cobb County Bar Association.  Judge Murphy is only the second judge to ever be so recognized.  The Section cited his commitment to the Constitution and the courtesy and compassion he extends to people in the courtroom.