EASTERN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT 
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

THE COURT ORGANIZATION

The Judges of Superior Court play a key role as public servants in terms of donating their time and professional expertise beyond their daily courtroom case related responsibilities. They have emphasized their public mindedness by donating their time to a variety of special public activities. For example, in 1996, members of the judiciary have delivered talks and presentations to both legal and public associations, as well as attending other legally oriented functions. In addition, the Judges share in the sponsorship of mock trials and Law Day activities which are held at the Judicial Center. Throughout the year, various Judges have spoken to students in their courtrooms whenever high school government classes have visited the Judicial Center. The Judges also remain active within their profession and attend legal seminars with their colleagues from other Superior Courts throughout the State of Georgia.

The mission of the Judges, judicial staff and the Court Administrator's staff is to serve the public in a fair, accessible, accountable, efficient and timely manner. The Court's employees, in serving the citizens of Chatham County, take pride in their work and they seek to uphold the public's trust and confidence which has been delegated to them as public employees.

THE JUDICIARY 

The Eastern Judicial Circuit of Georgia encompasses the County of Chatham, which includes the cities of Savannah, Tybee Island, Pooler, Garden City, Port Wentworth Bloomingdale, Thunderbolt, and Vernonburg. Before 1979 Superior Court utilized a facility which was completed in the 18th century. This facility was outmodeled and inadequate to efficiently and effectively serve the populace of Chatham County, and in 1979 the Court moved into the newly constructed Judicial Center which currently serves as the center of all court activity.

The Superior Court, a court of general jurisdiction, is composed of six (6) judges who are elected by the citizens of Chatham County to a term of four (4) years. Should an unexpected vacancy occur during a judge's term the Governor of Georgia will make an appointment to fill the vacancy. Currently, the Honorable Perry Brannen, Jr., is the Chief Judge of Superior Court. Judge Brannen's role responsibility as Chief Judge is in addition to his daily court agenda and as Chief Judge he oversees the administrative aspects of the court in addition to presiding at various ceremonial functions.