The peers of James G. Blanchard Jr., chief judge of the Columbia County Judicial Circuit, have selected him as this year’s judicial winner of the Star Award.
The award was announced during this week’s meeting of the Council of Accountability Court Judges of Georgia. Blanchard was nominated by the team members of the Columbia County accountability courts. The Council of Accountability Court Judges then nominates the winner each year.
Georgia has 170 certified accountability courts throughout the state. The Council of Accountability Court judges was established in 2015 to certify accountability courts, set standards, provide peer review, data collection, training, monitoring and grants.
Blanchard has been the driving force behind accountability courts for the Augusta and Columbia County Judicial Circuits. The first court established in Augusta was drug court in 2008. Mental health and veteran accountability courts have also been established.
Blanchard has served as a Superior Court judge in both circuits. He was appointed to his judgeship in January 2002.
Sandy Hodson is a staff reporter covering courts for The Augusta Press. Reach her at sandy@theaugustapress.com.Â
