So far 2016 has been a busy year for State Court Judge Jason B. Thompson.
In addition to implementing the Griffin Judicial Circuit’s first DUI Court, there have been several students who have served as “shadows” for the day. These students meet with Judge Thompson before the court session and then observe the court proceedings. After the hearings or trials, Judge Thompson will meet with the students to discuss the legal proceedings.
The following high school students have observed in 2016: Jada Williams, Kennedy Estrada, Sade Harper, John Chapman, and Katie Stone. There have also been college students (Carla Whitehead, Martha Harley, Umberto Warner, and Caitlyn Henderson) as well as Boy Scouts visiting court this year (Mason Rzepkowski, Michael Kimbell).
In an effort to visit with as many students as possible, Judge Thompson continued to visit schools such as Fayetteville Elementary, Cleveland Elementary, Flat Rock Middle, and Sara Harp Minter Elementary to discuss the judicial system and government. At the Open Campus, he met with the faculty as they discussed issues facing juveniles in the judicial system. Judge Thompson was asked to ride the bus home with students at Burch Elementary as a reward for their excellent behavior. The junior and senior classes at Whitewater High School heard Judge Thompson and NFL All-Pro Marcus Stroud talk to them about “Actions Have Consequences” as part of the Prom Promise program.
Additionally, Judge Thompson swore in numerous law enforcement officers, firemen, council members, and new Magistrate Court Judge Christy Dunkelberger. The State Court started a new tradition this year. In May, Judge Thompson hosted an Open House for the community to visit court to learn about State Court. Over 50 community members turned out to meet Judge Thompson and the State Court staff. During the Open House, the State Court staff discussed internship opportunities, DUI Court, and other new programs with the visitors. Due to the overwhelming response, Judge Thompson will continue to host this event each May.
Judge Thompson is the chairperson for the Rotary Club Laws of Life essay contest that recognized local high school students at an awards banquet. He also served as the Master of Ceremonies for the Most Improved 5th Grader Banquet hosted by the Metro Fayette Kiwanis Club.
If any student is interested in internships or “shadowing” opportunities, contact Toni Tumlin at 770-716-4270 or ttumlin@fayettecountyga.gov.
