CANTON, GA (September 15, 2023) – Three Cherokee County courts have been recognized for their efforts in keeping cases moving forward through the judicial system.

Superior, Juvenile and Magistrate Courts all earned the Clearance Rate Excellence Award from the Judicial Council of Georgia. The award recognizes the top 10 percent in each class of court that demonstrate exceptional performance in maintaining clearance rates, a key indicator of a court’s ability to effectively manage its caseload. The award represents that each of these courts has either met or exceeded 100 percent or better clearance rate.

“We are honored to have received this recognition for the hard work done every day in our courts,” said Chief Superior Court Judge Ellen McElyea. “We faced particular challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a backlog of cases when we were able to resume jury trials after being unable to have them due to a state-wide judicial emergency. It has truly been a team effort to manage our caseloads, and we appreciate the help of the Clerk of Courts, the District Attorney’s Office, the Sheriff, Court Administration, and the local bar association.”

“This award validates all of Superior Court and Magistrate Court’s hard work over the past year and several years,” said Clerk of Courts Patty Baker. “I am so proud that we have received this award, especially because we received it on the heels of a pandemic and court closures. We made plenty of changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we were successful in increasing our efficiency overall. Congratulations to all court personnel that made this possible. Cherokee County is truly the best place to live, work, and play.”

“While the courts work hard every day to meet the needs of the families we serve, we could not keep up with the volume of a rapidly growing community without an amazing staff of county employees that believe passionately in the mission of Juvenile Court,” said Presiding Juvenile Court Judge Jennifer Davis. “We are very proud of our team and the work that is done in Juvenile Court. We are grateful for the support that our Superior Court, our community and the county have provided to us as we continue to grow and meet the needs of our children and families in Cherokee County.”

During the pandemic, the Georgia Supreme Court issued several declarations that shuddered in-person court operations. Court personnel utilized innovative ways such as virtual courts and e-filing of criminal matters to help keep cases moving.