Could Fayette soon have its

own judicial circuit, despite a state judicial panel report last year

recommending against such a move?

Preliminary legislative work

has begun that would create a two-judge superior court circuit comprising

just Fayette County.

Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-Sharpsburg)

said he was approached by legislators from Pike and Upson counties who

are concerned Fayette could control the entire judicial circuit.

"We're studying the issue

right now and have sent a letter to the Fayette County Commission to get

their input," he said.

Westmoreland said the county

currently funds about 40 percent of the costs for the circuit, which is

nearly $800,000.

"We could have two judges

and still save some money," he added.

Last year, a judicial panel

discounted the notion of Fayette having its own circuit because of cost

concerns, particularly since, the panel said, there is no case backlog.

But with other legislators

now pushing the idea, Westmoreland wants to get a consensus from county

officials before he officially introduces a bill into the hopper calling

for a separate Fayette district.

With the idea still in the

trial balloon phase, all the details are still not clear how the election

process for the potential judges would take place.

Attorney John Mrosek, who carried

Fayette County in an unsuccessful 2000 campaign bid to unseat current

Superior Court Judge Johnnie L. Caldwell Jr., questioned the reasons for

establishing a new circuit for Fayette County only.

Currently as part of the Griffin

Judicial Circuit which includes Pike, Spalding and Upson counties Fayette

criminals traditionally get stronger sentences than issued to criminals

in other south metro counties, Mrosek said. If the Fayette circuit was

created, it could lead to sentences that aren't as strong, Mrosek added.

"We'll become more and

more like Atlanta and less like middle Georgia," Mrosek said.

Mrosek also said that the change

would cost the state $1 million a year with little benefit since there

is no case backlog.

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