Judicial emergency declared in Cobb County Superior Court

COBB COUNTY, Ga. - Chief Judge A. Gregory Poole of the Cobb Judicial Circuit has declared a Judicial Emergency in the Superior Court of Cobb County, citing severe problems within the Superior Court Clerk’s Office, according to a press release. 

This extraordinary measure, permitted under Georgia law, is invoked when an emergency severely disrupts the judicial system's normal functions, preventing public access and compliance with court deadlines.

According to the press release, some legal documents had inaccurate information, some documents were never filed and others disappeared entirely since late June 2024. In fact, Poole said the problems are so severe, the constitutional rights of hundreds of Cobb County residents could be in jeopardy.

"Court staff could not find documents. Attorneys and litigants could not find documents for their cases. Law enforcement couldn't find protective orders and bench warrants. In many cases, notices to come to court have been inaccurate, or not gone out at all," said Christopher Hansard, Superior Court Administrator.

"It is catastrophic. I cannot find cases, I cannot pull case files, I cannot verify that cases have been resolved," said Amy Barnes, a paralegal. 

Barnes says the issues have been going on for quite some time. 

"People are languishing in jail, cases are not being concluded," said Barnes. 

To protect the public, Judge Poole issued an emergency declaration on Wednesday. Deadlines for filing court documents, motions for new trials and appeals are suspended for 30 days.

"To make sure that litigants and the public's due process and constitutional rights are being protected," said Hansard.

During this period, the Court asks for understanding and professionalism from all parties in addressing any issues arising from the emergency. The Chief Judge has ordered the notice and enclosed Order to be widely disseminated to ensure all affected parties and the public are informed, as required by state law.

Many of the problems are being blamed on the conversion to a new computer software system as well as the office being short-staffed. The office is down 43 employees. Currently, there are only 61 on staff. 

FOX 5 Atlanta tried to contact Superior Court Clerk Connie Taylor, but our phone messages and emails were not returned. 

Until the problems are resolved, the judges are trying to work with individuals the best they can.

"We can't hold people accountable if they've never been made aware of a court date," said Hansard. 

Hansard says if you have business coming up in the court system, and you're not sure of times, dates or if the proper documents have been filed, call the judge's office directly.