A local attorney has filed a motion requesting a preliminary and permanent injunction to stop Columbia County from splitting off from the Augusta Judicial Circuit.
Willie Saunders filed a civil lawsuit in Richmond County Superior Court in late April trying to halt the split that was authorized by Georgia Senate bill nine. The Georgia Legislature passed the measure during the 2021 session and Gov. Brian Kemp signed it into law.
In his latest filing, Saunders is requesting the preliminary and permanent injunction, arguing that keeping the AJC intact until there is a final ruling on the lawsuit is in the best interest of all parties involved.
MORE: Legal Steps Taken to Stop the Breakup of the Augusta Judicial Circuit
The motion argues that granting the injunction is in the best interest of the public and that the AJC, made up of Augusta, Burke and Columbia counties, efficiently handles judicial matters in all three counties.
Splitting off Columbia County to create the Columbia Judicial Circuit is to take effect on July 1.
Saunders says a date has not been set for a hearing on this latest motion or for the lawsuit.
All eight of the judges in the AJC recused themselves from hearing this case. Senior Judge Gail Tusan of Fulton County has been tapped to preside. Her spokesman said the judge is trying to arrange a hearing sometime in June
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com.
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