Thursday, October 16, 2008
News Fulton County Superior Court: Bedford vs. Bottoms
Posted by Thomas Wheatley @thomaswheatley on Thu, Oct 16, 2008 at 8:00 PM
Judicial races are usually bland affairs.
Because candidates aren’t supposed to tip off how they’d rule on particular cases — or even types of cases — they normally don’t talk about anything other than qualifications. And usually, all the candidates — at least on the face of it — are “qualified.”
But Fulton County voters have two true Superior Court contests this year: One between seven candidates, and the other in which controversial incumbent T. Jackson Bedford faces a challenger, Keisha Lance Bottoms, who has support from neighborhood activists.
Superior Court is the highest level of court in the state system outside of the appellate courts. It's where felonies, divorces and a lot of financial cases are heard.
Bedford raised the ire of many intown Atlantans last year when he ruled that the Friends of Piedmont Park would have to pay damages to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens because of a lawsuit the nonprofit waged over the iconic greenspace’s controversial parking deck. Prior to that judgment, he sparked outrage when he granted bail in a Little Five Points murder case to Cori Williams, the accused killer of Terry Williams. And in 2006, he ordered Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard handcuffed in the courtroom, a move that angered community activists (the judge is white, and Howard's black).
Let’s just say Bedford has a nose for controversy.
The grumbling reached officialdom last week when a government watchdog filed an ethics complaints against the judge. In his complaints, George Anderson of Rome alleged the judge ordered contempt-of-court fines to be donated to his pet charity, failed to be thorough on his campaign disclosure forms, and discussed pending cases outside the courtroom. (Minutes from a July NPU-F meeting and members interviewed by CL say Bedford did discuss the Williams murder case.) The State Ethics Commission and Judicial Qualifications Commission have yet to weigh in on Anderson’s complaint.
Bedford’s opponent is Atlanta Magistrate Judge Keisha Lance Bottoms, a married mother of two with 14 years of varied experience as a lawyer. In the weeks leading up to the race, residents still smarting from Bedford’s rulings and alleged conduct have rallied around her.
As outlined in the ethics complaint, Bedford may have taken some very questionable actions; he appears, at least, to have allowed impulse to override good judgment. At the same time, Bottoms’ legal qualifications pale in comparison to Bedford’s: He’s a former head of the Atlanta Bar Association who’s served 12 years in the county’s highest level of courtroom; for six years, she’s been a part-time jurist in a low-level court — one that signs warrants and hears preliminary hearings.
We have concerns about Bedford’s temperament, but aren’t convinced that Bottoms has the necessary legal background to replace him. For more information on this race check out the candidates' websites (links above) and this League of Women Voters questionnaire.
The second contested Fulton County Superior Court judgeship is not only a crowded contest, but it’s wide open because there's no incumbent. Barring a landslide by one of eight candidates, the race will be decided in a Dec. 2 runoff. Making things more difficult for voters, there are many qualified candidates.
Whoever wins will be filling the shoes of Judge Thelma Wyatt Cumming-Moore. (She recently made headlines by ruling that the state had to consider carbon dioxide when permitting coal power plants — an unprecedented decision that slammed the brakes on a proposed coal plant in Early County and made utility lawyers across the country rethink their strategies. That ruling has been appealed.)
The candidates' backgrounds range from assistant district attorney to defense lawyer to corporate litigator. Patrise Hooker — who according to her website boasts endorsements from Atlanta City Council President Lisa Borders and Councilmembers Kwanza Hall and Caesar Mitchell — is a specialist in general corporate and commercial real estate law. She lost a 2004 Fulton County Superior Court bid.
Kelly Lee, the youngest of the candidates, is a partner at a local firm and specializes in contract and insurance coverage disputes.
In 2005, Myles Eastwood was eyed by Gov. Sonny Perdue to fill an open position in the court, but in the end wasn’t appointed.
According to his website, Lawrence Cooper has tried cases involving brain and spinal cord injuries and divorce cases.
Kimberly Esmond Adams, a Notre Dame graduate and veteran of several high-profile trials, is the Fulton County Chief Senior District Attorney.
Karlise Yvette Grier is an Atlanta native and Emory Law School graduate who heads her own firm specializing in domestic relations cases.
Prior to her current job as Clayton County Chief Solicitor General, Patricia “Pat” Jackson prosecuted cases in Atlanta municipal and Fulton County Superior Court.
One candidate, Mike Wallace, should be familiar with the Fulton County Superior Court — he’s presided over cases for the last four years as a fill-in judge to help chip away at its large caseload.
For the information about the ins and outs and pros and cons of each candidate, visit their respective websites below or the League of Women Voters’ voting guide. Let us know in the comments how you’re leaning or if you have any special insights.
Check out CL's 2008 Voter's Guide and add your comments to races you care about. On Oct. 21, come back to find a handy cheat-sheet for the voting booth.
Comments (15)
Showing 1-15 of 15
I got a robo-push poll that tried to slander Bottoms. I wonder what Bedford supporter paid for that.
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"We aren’t convinced Bottoms has the necessary legal background to replace Bedford, but we’re concerned about his temperament." Really? Reminds me of another prominent slot on the ballot this year. I bet I know who you recommend in one of those, probably both :-)
Kim Adams is a great choice for the vacant seat on Superior Court. She has the temperment, know-how and ability to do the job. As a prosecutor in Fulton County I am sure she has seen it all!
I've worked with Karlise Grier for years both within the State Bar and in her volunteering with the ACLU and so many other great organizations. She's smart, even-keeled, thoughtful and fair. I know and like many of the candidates for this seat, but she has my enthusiastic vote. Gerry Weber
Patrise Hooker will bring integrity, common sense, hard work and a sense of fair play to the Fulton County Bench. I have known Patrise since she was respected student leader at Georgia Tech. She instills confidence in people regardless of background or political affiliation. She is a public servant in the truest sense.
Kimberly Adams is the best qualified candidate for the Fulton Superior Court Judge race. I think we deserve someone to take the seat that will be vacated by the Honorable Thelma Wyatt-Cummings Moore, that will be fair and honest. My understanding is that this seat has approximately 75% criminal cases and we need someone with that type of experience. Kimberly Adams has that experience.
Patrise Perkins-Hooker is the best candidate for the Superior Court Judge position. She has previous experience as a judge and is a proven leader in the community as well as the field of law. Her compassion for the community as well as her integrity and professional accolades provide the background for fairness and exceptional judgment. A vote for Patrise is a vote for justice served.
I believe Kimberly Adams is clearly the best choice for the vacant Fulton County Superior Court Judge seat. She has strong felony criminal and civil trial experience (I believe she is the only candidate with both) which is required for the types of cases that will be before her. Her advocacy for all citizens, especially women and children, has been exceptional and demonstrates the commitment she will bring to the office.
I support Karlise because throughout my involvement with the legal community through the State and local bar associations I have observed her pattern of hard work and service to others. That is important to me, and I believe these qualities will be of great benefit to the citizens of Fulton County. The Honorable Yolanda K. Johnson Board Member, Atlanta Public Schools
I know Patrise has been a leader in the local legal community for over 20 years now. She reformed the treatment of exploited teen-age girls. I know she's been respected (and supported) by people from all walks of life. To me that says this opportunity is more about service than a "promotion". Also from what I've heard she's already had some judicial duties - Magistrate court I believe?
Having known Patrise Perkins-Hooker for almost 20 years, I can think of no better candidate for Fulton County Superior Court. She is the clear choice! In addition to a 24-year legal career, Patrise leads by example in serving and giving back to her community. Having previously served as a part-time Magistrate Court Judge for Fulton County, I am certain Patrise will bring the right temperament to the bench.
It is important to keep in mind that of all the candidates, Patrise Perkins Hooker is the only candidate in this race that was vetted and selected by the Judicial Qualifications Committee to be a 2004 finalist for Superior Court Judge. When we speak of competent and capable experience, it matters greatly that Mrs. Perkins Hooker has the exemplary credentials and qualifications to warrant being placed on a short list of skilled candidates for an important position like Superior Court Judge of Fulton County. Therefore, Patrise is, no doubt, the most qualified candidate to serve as Judge. E.S. Jones A*media & Associates
It is quite obvious that independent professionals and members of the community view Mrs. Hooker as being extremely involved in serving her community. She was even recognized by the Georgia Supreme Court for her volunteer service. Since she possesses the experience and skills needed for the job and has demonstrated her commitment to serving our community, Mrs. Hooker is, by far, the most qualified candidate to serve as Judge.
Having known Larry Cooper for 28 years now, I can say without the slightest hesitation, that Larry would be an oustanding judge in Fulton County. With over thirty years experience, he has worked on landmark cases including the first invasion of privacy AIDS case, as well as other criminal and civil cases including major medical malpractice cases, divorse, family violence, etc. Larry is passionate about the legal process and has always upheld the highest ethical standards. I strongly urge you to support Larry!
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