Ballotpedia: James R. Thurman

As of May 21, 2024, James R. "Jim" Thurman did not have a website and did not complete our questionnaire.

James R. "Jim" Thurman is currently the Chief Magistrate in Lee County. He was elected in 2016.

As of March 19, 2024, James R. "Jim" Thurman did not have a website or any information online.

Legal Experience

Ethics & Conduct

Judicial Administration

Community Involvement

James R. "Jim" Thurman

James R. "Jim" Thurman is currently the Chief Magistrate in Lee County and is running for re-election. There is limited information on the amount of terms that James has served as Chief Magistrate.

As of March 19, 2024, James R. "Jim" Thurman did not have a website and did not complete our questionnaire.

- 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. 