News from November 2024


Reports find litigation in auto insurance claims escalates in Georgia amid rising costs

Auto insurance in Georgia has become increasingly expensive, with recent reports highlighting a notable rise in costs and litigation.


Crisis Line & Safe House expands efforts against violence with new initiatives

For the staff at Crisis Line & Safe House of Central Georgia, their work transcends a typical job.


Court completes maintenance on CM/ECF system; public access restored

The necessary maintenance on the case management and electronic files (CM/ECF) system has been finalized.


Rising auto insurance rates in Georgia spark calls for tort reform

Georgia drivers are facing a sharp increase in auto insurance premiums, with the state now ranking among the top five in the nation for the highest rates.


Final defendant convicted in Augusta-area meth-trafficking case

The final defendant in a drug trafficking operation in the Augusta area has been found guilty.


Georgia’s soaring auto insurance rates spark debate over tort reform

Georgia residents are facing sharp increases in auto insurance rates, and experts say the state's growing mass tort litigation crisis is a key factor driving up costs.


Federal charges announced against four for illegal firearms possession

Federal authorities in the Southern District of Georgia have returned indictments on several individuals facing felony charges related to illegal firearms possession.


Court updates forfeiture schedule for misdemeanor and petty offenses

The Court has released a new Forfeiture of Collateral Schedule for Misdemeanor and Petty Offenses, as stated in S.D. Ga.


Homeless veterans get legal help from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School

As Veterans Day is observed, the challenges faced by veterans, including homelessness, are highlighted.


Georgia court seeks comments on proposed rule amendments

The United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia has put forward proposed amendments to Local Rule 83.1(E)(4).


Court announces CM/ECF system outage for maintenance in November

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia has announced a scheduled outage of its case management/electronic case files (CM/ECF) system.


Courthouse closures announced for holidays in Northern District of Georgia

On Friday, November 29, and Tuesday, December 24, the Gainesville, Newnan, and Rome courthouses of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia will be closed for the holidays.


Malicious emails target CM/ECF users with fake court notices

The court has been alerted to reports of malicious emails targeting users of the Case Management/Electronic Case Files (CM/ECF) system.


Malicious emails target CM/ECF users with fake court notices

Malicious emails are being circulated among CM/ECF users, masquerading as communications from federal courts.


Mercer Law graduates serve as law clerks at Georgia Supreme Court

Mercer Law School alumni Elliza Guta and Stephen Greenway have taken on roles as term law clerks for the Georgia Supreme Court for the 2024-2025 period.


Chatham County man sentenced for receiving child pornography

A Chatham County resident has been sentenced to over eight years in federal prison for receiving child pornography.


Mercer honors seven alumni during annual awards dinner

Seven distinguished alumni of Mercer University were honored for their significant contributions during the ninth annual Alumni and Friends Awards Reception and Dinner on November 1, coinciding with the Homecoming celebrations.


Federal indictment targets multi-county drug trafficking ring

Eleven individuals have been indicted on charges related to a drug trafficking operation spanning multiple counties, following the unsealing of a federal indictment.