Judicial Branch of Georgia -> Third District -> Welcome

Judicial Branch of Georgia \ Third District \ Welcome

Greg Jones
District Court Administrator

Office Address

601 Mulberry Street
P.O. Box 1036
Macon, GA 31202-1036

Phone: 478-749-6661
Fax: 478-749-6687

The Third Judicial Administrative District (JAD) is one of ten such districts created by the Judicial Administration Act of 1976 to provide regional court administration to the superior courts of Georgia (O.C.G.A. §15-5-2). Created along congressional district lines, the JAD's have primarily retained their original boundaries through serveral Congressional district changes.

The Third JAD consist of 16 counties divided into four judicial circuits. The 14 active and 7 senior (retired) judges in the JAD make up the District Council of Superior Court Judges, which governs district court administration. Every two years, the Council elects one of its members as an Administrative Judge, who directs District activities and supervises its staff. Traditionally, the Third JAD has elected the next judge most senior in time of service as its Administrative Judge. In addition to his duties within the District, the Administrative Judge serves as a member of the Judicial Council of Georgia, as well as the Executive Committee of the Council of Superior Court Judges.

The JAD is staffed by a District Court Administrator and a District Secretary an ADR Program Director and staff, and several part-time employees and interns. The District's Office of Dispute Resolution provides alternative methods of case disposition including mediation, arbitration and case evaluation to courts within the District.

Statewide Activities

Third District superior court judges are active participants in the affairs of the Council of Superior Court Judges (CSCJ). This statewide body was created by legislation in 1981 "to effectuate the constitutional and statutory responsibilities conferred upon it by the superior courts and the administration of justice." (O.C.G.A. §15-6-34(b))

The CSCJ elects officers each year from the active superior court judges in the state.

The CSCJ conducts much of its business through standing committees. Third District judges usually serve on each of the council's standing committees, as well as numerous special committees.

To assist legislators during the General Assembly, the CSCJ sponsors each year a "judge of the day" program. On each day the General Assembly is in session, atl least one superior court judge volunteers his or her time to be on duty at the Capitol, available to talk with legislators or answer questions regarding court related matters. Third District judges participate actively in this program.

Further information regarding the judge of the day, including names of scheduled judges, may be obtained through the Executive Director of CSCJ at 404-656-4964.