AJC Politics, Meet the 34-year-old judge who is overseeing Trump prosecution in Georgia

Superior Court of Fulton, Judge Scott McAfee

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Candidate website

The candidate's website says, "Judge Scott McAfee has devoted his career to public service. First as a state and federal prosecutor and then as Georgia’s Inspector General."

The candidate's website says, "While with the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, Judge McAfee started in the complaint room and worked his way up to the major case division where he exclusively handled homicide prosecutions... As an AUSA in the Northern District of Georgia, he investigated and prosecuted major drug trafficking organizations and fraud conspiracies."

While with the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, he worked his way up to the major case division where he exclusively handled homicide prosecutions.

As Georgia’s Inspector General, he was responsible for allegations of fraud, waste, and corruption.

During law school, he interned for Georgia Supreme Court Justices David Nahmias and Keith Blackwell by helping with oral arguments and drafting court opinions on homicide case appeals.

He has experience in private practice, focusing on personal injury cases.

Between 2018 and 2021, he was an assistant U.S. attorney in Atlanta, where he helped with major drug investigations.

He is assigned as the Judge overseeing Trump's prosecution in Georgia.

- While with the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, he worked his way up to the major case division where he exclusively handled homicide prosecutions.
- As Georgia’s Inspector General, he was responsible for allegations of fraud, waste, and corruption.
- During law school, he interned for Georgia Supreme Court Justices David Nahmias and Keith Blackwell by helping with oral arguments and drafting court opinions on homicide case appeals.
- He has experience in private practice, focusing on personal injury cases.
- Between 2018 and 2021, he was an assistant U.S. attorney in Atlanta, where he helped with major drug investigations.
- He is assigned as the Judge overseeing Trump's prosecution in Georgia.

Legal Experience

The candidate's website says, "Later, as Georgia’s Inspector General, Scott was responsible for policing allegations of fraud, waste, and corruption throughout the entire executive branch."

The candidate's website says, "Maintain Full Transparency and Accountability"

As of March 19, 2024, Scott F. McAfee’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

The candidate's website says, "...he was sworn in as Fulton County’s newest Superior Court Judge... Scott is running for election in 2024 so that he can continue serving our community by clearing the COVID backlog, giving everyone their fair day in court..."

Said, "I look forward to continuing my service as your Fulton Superior Court Judge, delivering timely justice for all. I ask for your continued trust and your vote on May 21, 2024."

Said, "Justice delayed is justice denied. The pandemic left the Fulton Superior Court with an immense backlog of cases that I am working hard every day to clear so that everyone can get the justice they deserve."

Believes the pandemic left the Fulton Superior Court with a huge backlog of cases that needs to be addressed. 

The candidate's website says, "Judge McAfee has pledged to be fully transparent with all public matters that come before him. In an effort to maintain this pledge he has provided a live-stream of all courtroom proceedings that can be viewed on Youtube."

Provided a live-stream of all courtroom proceedings that can be viewed on Youtube to be fully transparent with all public matters.

- Believes the pandemic left the Fulton Superior Court with a huge backlog of cases that needs to be addressed. 
- Provided a live-stream of all courtroom proceedings that can be viewed on Youtube to be fully transparent with all public matters.

Judicial Administration

The candidate's website says, "Those found guilty of violent offenses will be held accountable for their actions so that our community is kept safe from violent crime."

Said, "True justice isn’t about locking people up and throwing away the key. I will work to provide a path forward for those who have made mistakes and have a desire to become productive members of our community."

- Said, "True justice isn’t about locking people up and throwing away the key. I will work to provide a path forward for those who have made mistakes and have a desire to become productive members of our community."

Judicial Philosophy

BBC, Judge Scott McAfee: The young jurist handling Trump's Georgia trial

He is a volunteer scuba diver at the Georgia Aquarium.

- He is a volunteer scuba diver at the Georgia Aquarium.

Community Involvement

Scott F. McAfee

The candidate's website says, "Exposure to different legal roles, such as defense counsel, civil litigation, and family law, is crucial. As a judge, you may be called upon to rule on any of these subjects."

Said, "I believe that a judge should possess a more diverse background beyond solely being a prosecutor throughout their entire career. Here are some key points to consider:"

The candidate's website says, "With over 15 years of experience practicing law in Fulton County, Robert Patillo has a proven track record of success... Patillo brings that experience as a Defense attorney... to the Fulton County Superior court..."

Has practiced law in Fulton County for over 15 years, primarily at his own law firm.

Has held previous positions as a law clerk, including an employment and policy litigation law clerk for the City of Chicago, a law clerk for Employment Litigation, a judicial clerk for Morgan Hamilton, a legal intern at Contract and Tax, and a legal intern for Center for American Progress.

- Has practiced law in Fulton County for over 15 years, primarily at his own law firm.
- Has held previous positions as a law clerk, including an employment and policy litigation law clerk for the City of Chicago, a law clerk for Employment Litigation, a judicial clerk for Morgan Hamilton, a legal intern at Contract and Tax, and a legal intern for Center for American Progress.

As of March 19, 2024, Robert Hillard Patillo II’s website did not contain information on this issue.

The candidate's website says, "Restorative Justice programs focus on healing and rehabilitation rather than punitive measures."

The candidate's website says, "By addressing the root causes of criminal behavior, we can break the cycle of recidivism."

Said, "We must prioritize Restorative Justice programs for our youthful offenders, granting them an opportunity to transform their lives and receive a second chance—a chance that is often denied to Black communities. Here are some key considerations:"

The candidate's website says, "Every defendant has the Constitutional right to a fair and timely trial."

The candidate's website says, "In summary, a modernized, efficient, and equitable Fulton County Superior Court benefits everyone—defendants, victims, and the community at large."

The candidate's website says, "Digital case management, online filings, and virtual hearings can significantly reduce administrative burdens."

The candidate's website says, "A well-functioning court system is essential to uphold these rights."

The candidate's website says, "Swift justice is essential. Prolonged case wait times can be detrimental to defendants, victims, and the overall legal system."

The candidate's website says, "The court system should embrace technology to streamline processes and enhance efficiency."

The candidate's website says, "In order to ensure justice for all, we must reform the Fulton County Superior Court to align with 21st-century standards. Here are critical areas that require attention:"

Believes "we must reform the Fulton County Superior Court to align with 21st-century standards."

Believes digital case management, online filings, and virtual hearings can reduce administrative burdens.

- Believes "we must reform the Fulton County Superior Court to align with 21st-century standards."
- Believes digital case management, online filings, and virtual hearings can reduce administrative burdens.

The candidate's website says, "The prosecutor-to-judge pipeline can create potential biases. Defendants often find themselves arguing against both the prosecutor and the judge during significant portions of their trial."

The candidate's website says, "In summary, a judge’s competence extends beyond legal expertise—it encompasses a holistic understanding of various aspects of life and law."

Wants to prioritize restorative justice programs for young offenders to give them an opportunity and receive a second chance.

Believes every defendant has the Constitutional right to a fair and timely trial.

Believes that a judge should possess a more diverse background beyond solely being a prosecutor throughout their entire career, while avoiding bias.

- Wants to prioritize restorative justice programs for young offenders to give them an opportunity and receive a second chance.
- Believes every defendant has the Constitutional right to a fair and timely trial.
- Believes that a judge should possess a more diverse background beyond solely being a prosecutor throughout their entire career, while avoiding bias.

The candidate's website says, "Collaboration with local nonprofit organizations and technical schools is essential."

The candidate's website says, "Investing in our youth means investing in our collective future."

The candidate's website says, "Patillo has previously served on the Board of Director for the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers"

Served on the Board of Director for the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

- Served on the Board of Director for the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

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Robert Hillard Patillo II

- Georgia Superior Court Judges hear a wide range of criminal cases from petty theft and public drunkenness to murder. Some cases in front of the Georgia Superior Court involve the death penalty. 
- On the civil side, Superior Court Judges hear cases on divorce, titles to land, contract disputes, and premises liability. 
- Superior Court Judges are elected by judicial circuit. Each county surrounding Atlanta has its own judicial circuit, while rural judicial districts typically consist of multiple counties.
- Superior Court Judges are elected to four year terms. Elections are nonpartisan. The Governor can appoint Superior Court Judges when vacancies arise. 