The True Citizen, CHIEF MAGISTRATE JUDGE, BURKE COUNTY 

Burke County: MAGISTRATE COURT

Ballotpedia, Cynthia D. Kelley

As a chief magistrate, Kelley assigns cases to lower magistrates, determines the court’s schedule, and appoints magistrates to be confirmed by the superior court.

- As a chief magistrate, Kelley assigns cases to lower magistrates, determines the court’s schedule, and appoints magistrates to be confirmed by the superior court.

Legal Experience

Said unlike other elected positions where one is "in the public and strive to be highly visible, the Chief Magistrate MUST  remain neutral and not influenced or appear to be influenced by other community partners, public officials and citizens."

- Said unlike other elected positions where one is "in the public and strive to be highly visible, the Chief Magistrate MUST  remain neutral and not influenced or appear to be influenced by other community partners, public officials and citizens."

Ethics & Conduct

As of July 25, 2024, Cynthia D. Kelley did not have a website or any information online.

Judicial Administration

Community Involvement

Cynthia D. Kelley

- Magistrate Courts hear civil cases only in amounts less than $15,000. There are no jury trials in Magistrate Court. 
- Magistrate Courts hear landlord tenant dispossessory cases (i.e. a case where a landlord is seeking an eviction of their tenant) and can order evictions. 
- The Chief Magistrate can determine procedures for managing the cases in front of the Magistrate. For example, in Fulton County the Chief Magistrate informs parties in landlord tenant dispossessory cases on the benefits of mediation and provides on-site mediators to resolve landlord tenant disputes before the parties appear in front of the judge. 
- Magistrate Courts only have jurisdiction over their respective counties. Each county has its own magistrate court. Magistrate Court Judge term lengths vary per county, however most serve four year terms. Local Superior Court Judges set parameters for Magistrate Courts. 