The Georgia Supreme Court has set July 12 as the deadline for Cobb County Senior Superior Court Judge Adele Grubbs to hear arguments in a challenge to the creation of a Columbia County Judicial Circuit separate from the Augusta Judicial Circuit.
The state high court announced Thursday its decision in the matter regarding the split of Columbia County from the greater Augusta Judicial Circuit. Members decided that, in the interest of all involved including future litigants before the Columbia County Superior Court, the new circuit should go forward unless three issues could not be resolved. The Georgia legislature approved the measure unanimously earlier this year.
MORE: Columbia County Judicial Split Halted For Now
According to the Supreme Court, Judge Grubbs needs to clarify whether the activist organization Black Votes Matter actually has standing to file a claim since they do not have an actual purported victim who has been damaged under the law.
Black Votes Matter claims to represent all black voters in Columbia County but has not provided the court the names of anyone they actually represent.
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The Supreme Court instructed Grubbs to settle the issue of sovereign immunity so the case can move forward. Grubbs is also to determine whether the plaintiffs have the right to sue the governor over an action taken by the legislature.
The high court placed a stay on the temporary restraining order, essentially meaning that Bobby Christine can be sworn in as district attorney in Columbia County and that office can begin operations unless Grubbs rules in favor of the plaintiffs on July 12.
MORE: Columbia County Judicial Split On Hold
Saunders and Black Votes Matter claim that Senate Bill 9, signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp effectively overruled voters who elected Jared Williams over incumbent Natalie Paine in the 2020 election.
Williams is the first elected Black district attorney for the circuit which was comprised of Richmond, Burke and Columbia Counties prior to the law’s passing creating the Columbia County circuit.
Scott Hudson is the Senior Reporter for The Augusta Press. Reach him at scott@theaugustapress.com.
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