The Judicial Council of Georgia has announced it approved a request for an additional judge for the Cobb County Superior Court in Marietta.
Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice P. Harris Hines a former Cobb County judge himself chairs the council as part of his leadership responsibilities for the high court, a role he stepped into in January. The council approved a request from Cobb for a new judge at its regular meeting Tuesday in Atlanta.
Cobb County Superior Court Chief Judge C. LaTain Kell filled the last new position added there in 2007. Kell was the 10th judge on the court and now holds a leadership role that goes to the most senior judge who has not previously served as chief. If approved by Gov. Nathan Deal and the 2018 General Assembly, the new position will give the court 11 judges.
The law allows for new judges to be elected or appointed by the governor until they run for election as an incumbent. Deal has already made an unprecedented number of judicial appointments, replacing close to half the trial judges as they're retired and expanding both appellate courts with new positions.
The council is made up of 27 members who are judges of appellate and trial courts at all levels, plus a representative of the State Bar of Georgia. The next meeting is Dec. 8 at the Carter Center.