The Cobb County Magistrate Court, one of the largest in Georgia, issues arrest warrents and holds hearing to determine probable cause in criminal cases. This court doesn't determine guilt or innocence, except in cases involving violations of county ordinances.
This court often handles cases involving abandoned vehicles, bad checks, drugs, environmental issues, rent disputes, mediation and small claims. The court also conducts weddings at 6pm each weekday and at noon and 6pm on the weekend and county holidays.
This court also has the distinction of being one of the few courts in the United States that operates for 24 hours a day.
Judge Frank R. Cox serves as chief magistrate. Donna Tschappat is court administrator and Anne Urick Gordon is court clerk.
Judge Roy Bean, named for the eccentric Texan saloon owner, is a far cry from the wild west. A spacious, ambient room set against the backdrop of a beautiful mahogany bar, this "saloon" is a favorite for the after-work business crowd and Roger Williams University law students.
Live music is the specialty with popular local acts playing every Friday and Saturday night. Several TV's show sports and entertainment programs. The food is pub fare - burgers, sandwiches and dogs. On Monday and Wednesday nights from 5 to 9 p.m. wings are $0.35 and drafts are $2. On Tuesday nights there are $1 tacos and $2 chili dogs from 5 to 9 p.m.
The bar carries draft and bottled beers, including seasonal specials and local brews Narragansett and Newport Storm. Thursday nights are college nights, providing an occasion to open the upstairs, usually reserved for private events.
Founded in 1978, the district trial court handles civil and criminal cases filed in the cities of Somerville and Medford. Among the types of cases heard are small claims, motor vehicle infractions, probation hearings and restraining orders. Language interpreters are available and may be applied for using online forms available by clicking here.
During fiscal year 2009, the Somerville District Court held proceedings for over 14,900 cases--or an average of 60 per business day.
The Cobb County Juvenile Court is an independent court organized under state law to hear all county cases involving allegations of neglect, abuse or deprivation of children under 18. The court also deals with cases of unruly conduct, delinquency or traffic violations by those under 17. When the court determines that a child needs treatment or rehabilitation, it provides access to the appropriate program or center.
James R. Whitfield is the current presiding judge of this court.