Advocates push for more funding to go toward Fulton County Magistrate Court [Video]

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Advocates are pushing for more funding to go toward the Fulton County Magistrate Court to help with concerns like a lack of staff.

Sherry B. Williams, a public policy and civic engagement consultant, said a lack of staff leads to fewer cases being heard per day and longer wait times for someone to get their day in court.

“Any delay in a court proceeding causes damage,” she said.

According to Williams, that damage often impacts Fulton County’s underserved and Black communities.

“When you have an issue for the magistrate court, why should you have to wait because the courts are backed up?” Williams asked.

The magistrate court handles civil and criminal matters, including landlord-tenant actions, which Williams calls critical.

“We’re talking about southwest Atlanta, we’re talking about Campbellton Road,” she said. “There are more apartment complexes and senior residents in this corridor than I …