October 2, 2023 - The state council that acts as the policymaking body for Georgia's judiciary has lauded two Cobb County courts for their ability to handle cases. The Judicial Council of Georgia recently recognized Cobb's Magistrate and Probate Courts with a statewide award for exceptional caseload management. The Council said the courts fell in the top 10 percent of Georgia courts regarding clearance rates, a key indicator of how courts effectively manage cases.

"Access to justice starts with making sure folks literally have their day in court," said Chief Magistrate Judge Brendan Murphy. "I'm proud of our dedicated team of judges and clerks that have put Cobb in the 'Sweet Sixteen' of Magistrate Courts across the State. Our community expects the best, and our courts efficiently deliver!"

The award measures court activity in 2022. The Magistrate Court is open 24/7, 365 days a year, and in 2022 it:

• Resolved over 39,000 civil cases,
• Closed more than 2,900 county code violation matters, 
• Conducted over 10,000 first appearance hearings and, 
• Issued over 14,000 combined arrest and search warrants.

Cobb's Probate Court has jurisdiction over various matters, from probate of wills, estate issues, guardianships, commitments, marriage licenses, weapons permits, and other miscellaneous court services.

"The incapacity or loss of loved ones is a hardship borne by all families at one time or another," said Probate Court's Chief Judge Kelli L. Wolk. "These hardships don't wait for a convenient time. The Cobb County Probate Court is dedicated to working together to provide the best possible service in families' times of need. We are committed not only to the efficient and effective service recognized by this award but to simultaneously improving the public's access to and confidence in the Court and our processes."

In 2022, the Probate Court:

• Disposed of 4,280 Estate and Guardianship Cases, 
• Processed 7,353 Weapons Carry Applications and, 
• Issued 3,529 Marriage Licenses.

The Cobb courts received notification of the award from the Judicial Council earlier this month. "This achievement reflects your court's dedication, efficiency, and commitment to ensuring the timely resolution of cases," the award letter noted.