Georgia’s Governor, Brian P. Kemp, has announced a slew of appointments to fill various judicial positions across the state, with a focus on addressing vacancies in the Superior Courts, the role of District Attorney, and State Courts.
According to theGovernor’s office, the Tifton Judicial Circuit will welcome Ralph W. Powell to the Superior Court, stepping in to fill the void left by HB 906. Drawing from over 30 years of legal experience, Powell boasts a background that includes insurance defense and the probate of wills and estates. His connection to Georgia runs deep, with his family farm in Worth County serving as a testament to a lineage that spans over a century and a half. Powell, alongside his legal practice, has also undertaken judicial responsibilities as the State Court Judge of Worth County and as the Municipal Court Judge for Poulan and Warwick.
In similar moves, Amy E. Smith will assume a judgeship for the Superior Court of the Houston Judicial Circuit, following a vacancy instigated by HB 992. Smith, transitioning from her role as Solicitor General of Houston County, has navigated an eclectic mix of cases throughout her tenure, handling everything from traffic violations to murder cases. She has remained an active participant in her community and earned accolades, including the “Faculty of the Year” by the Prosecuting Attorney’s Council.
The newly established West Georgia Judicial Circuit will see Sarah Stimac Japour stepping in as the District Attorney, as laid out by SB 424. Japour carries the weight of two decades in prosecution, building a reputation for rigorously pursuing justice across a spectrum of complex criminal matters. Her experience in the Coweta Judicial Circuit and as Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney for the Tallapoosa Judicial Circuit positions her as a steadfast advocate for the law and the people it serves.
As for the Rockdale State Court, Vasco “Terry” McRae has been tapped to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Judge Clarence Cuthpert. McRae, armed with an extensive background that includes a Bronze Star Medal from his 20 years of service in the U.S. Army, has also made his mark in the civilian sector through roles in corporate leadership and time spent on the bench as a Magistrate Court Judge. Beyond his professional accolades, McRae has shown dedication to community outreach through his long-standing role as a volunteer youth sports coach.
Each appointee not only presents a distinct set of skills and experiences but also embodies Governor Kemp’s intent to bolster the judiciary of Georgia with competent and seasoned individuals ready to administer justice across the state.
Note: Thank you for visiting our website! We strive to keep you informed with the latest updates based on expected timelines, although please note that we are not affiliated with any official bodies. Our team is committed to ensuring accuracy and transparency in our reporting, verifying all information before publication. We aim to bring you reliable news, and if you have any questions or concerns about our content, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
Leave a Reply