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Candidate website

The candidate's website says, "Magistrate Court Judge Matthews has the experience handling the very cases heard by Superior Court Judges, having presided over hundreds of cases, and thousands of hearings in Superior Court by designation."

The candidate's website says, "Throughout her career she has tried cases in Superior Court, State Court, Juvenile Court, Municipal, and Recorder’s Court... She also served as a Senior Staff Attorney in Gwinnett County Superior Court and as a Law Clerk with the United States District Court, Northern District of Georgia."

Served as a Senior Staff Attorney in Gwinnett County Superior Court and as a Law Clerk with the United States District Court, Northern District of Georgia.

The candidate's website says, "Following her servant’s heart, upon graduation from Emory Law School, ... Judge Matthews was offered, and accepted, employment as an Assistant Public Defender at the Office of the Public Defender, DeKalb County, Georgia. In her first year of representing clients in court, Judge Matthews won twelve of her first fifteen trials."

Worked as an Assistant Public Defender at the Office of the Public Defender, DeKalb County, Georgia, winning twelve of fifteen trials in her first year.

The candidate's website says, "Judge Matthews later started her own law practice specializing in Criminal Law, Family Law, and Juvenile Law... While in private practice, she earned certification for Alternative Dispute Resolution..."

Owned her own law practice specializing in criminal, family and juvenile law.

Certified in Alternative Dispute Resolution, which allows her to mediate civil cases in Georgia.

As Magistrate Judge since 2020, she "sits by designation primarily for Superior Court; but also handles cases in State Court, Recorder’s Court, Juvenile Court, and Probate Courts, presiding over... family law, felony and misdemeanor criminal cases, and general civil litigation."

Has tried cases in "Superior Court, State Court, Juvenile Court, Municipal, and Recorder’s Court in courtrooms all across the state of Georgia."

- Worked as an Assistant Public Defender at the Office of the Public Defender, DeKalb County, Georgia, winning twelve of fifteen trials in her first year.
- Owned her own law practice specializing in criminal, family and juvenile law.
- Certified in Alternative Dispute Resolution, which allows her to mediate civil cases in Georgia.
- As Magistrate Judge since 2020, she "sits by designation primarily for Superior Court; but also handles cases in State Court, Recorder’s Court, Juvenile Court, and Probate Courts, presiding over... family law, felony and misdemeanor criminal cases, and general civil litigation."
- Has tried cases in "Superior Court, State Court, Juvenile Court, Municipal, and Recorder’s Court in courtrooms all across the state of Georgia."

Legal Experience

As of March 19, 2024, Regina Matthews’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Gwinnett Daily Post, Regina Matthews running for Gwinnett Superior Court Judicial Seat

The candidate's website says, "Magistrate Judge Matthews is always prompt, prepared, and well versed in the law... rendering well-reasoned opinions based on sound law..."

Said, "“Though not every citizen that comes before me will agree with a decision I have rendered in a case, they will always be treated with dignity and will know that they have been given an opportunity to be heard.”"

Said, "Building upon my experience, I am committed to upholding the highest standards of justice. To Gwinnett County voters, I offer an exceptional record of upholding the law impartially, effectively, and efficiently; and a judicial temperament that is decisive, humble, patient, compassionate, and open-minded."

- Said, "“Though not every citizen that comes before me will agree with a decision I have rendered in a case, they will always be treated with dignity and will know that they have been given an opportunity to be heard.”"
- Said, "Building upon my experience, I am committed to upholding the highest standards of justice. To Gwinnett County voters, I offer an exceptional record of upholding the law impartially, effectively, and efficiently; and a judicial temperament that is decisive, humble, patient, compassionate, and open-minded."

Judicial Administration

The candidate's website says, "“It is a judge's duty to follow the law fairly and equitably without favor or prejudice."

Believes that a judge has a duty to follow the law "fairly and equitably without favor or prejudice."

Said, "From the moment I took that solemn oath of office when I became a judge, I knew that my work for the citizens of Gwinnett County would become a lifelong commitment- and one that would come with great responsibility."

- Believes that a judge has a duty to follow the law "fairly and equitably without favor or prejudice."
- Said, "From the moment I took that solemn oath of office when I became a judge, I knew that my work for the citizens of Gwinnett County would become a lifelong commitment- and one that would come with great responsibility."

Judicial Philosophy

The candidate's website says, "The 3A Foundation celebrated the Lunar New Year with its 3rd annual Lunar New Year Gala... The sold-out event drew more than 200 attendees... all free for members of the local community."

Said, "Team Matthews is gearing up for the upcoming Fall season. Our team is working diligently to elevate our efforts on both fundraising and community engagement. Below is a summary of our plans for the coming months."

Said, "…spreading the word about our upcoming Meet and Greets and Fundraisers would be immensely valuable. We’ll be hosting multiple events each month at various local businesses across Gwinnett. Feel free to invite your friends, neighbors, and colleagues to join us in meeting Judge Matthews, supporting local small businesses, and enjoying complimentary food and treats."

Said, "With the Fall season on the horizon, we’re eager to make our presence felt throughout Gwinnett... You can expect to see us at numerous local festivals, and we genuinely look forward to meeting you there..."

The candidate's website says, "Judge Matthews is a member of the Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton Counties, and Jack and Jill of America, Inc. ..."

Has membership in the Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton Counties and Jack and Jill of America, Inc., as well as the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys, Gwinnett County Bar Association, Georgia Association for Women Lawyers, and Gate City Bar Association.

- Has membership in the Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton Counties and Jack and Jill of America, Inc., as well as the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys, Gwinnett County Bar Association, Georgia Association for Women Lawyers, and Gate City Bar Association.

Community Involvement

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Regina Matthews

The candidate's website says, "· National Institute of Trial Advocacy, Trial Attorney Advocate"

Said, "I have a thriving general practice... I, instead, would be honored to serve as our next Superior Court Judge..."

The candidate's website says, "· Former prosecutor and criminal defense attorney, etc."

The candidate's website says, "Former prosecutor and criminal defense attorney, etc."

Said, "After high school, I received a full academic scholarship and went on to graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Business degree. Thereafter I received another full academic scholarship and graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School."

Has a JD from the University of Wisconsin Law School

Believes extensive legal experience across 20 fields and numerous Georgia counties, representing diverse clients and both sides of cases, positions them as a qualified candidate for Superior Court Judge.

Has 28 years of experience as an attorney, practicing both criminal and civil law.

Said, "Citizens want a judge who is unbiased and fair, and who has spent their career representing a variety of parties... My diversity of experiences ensures that I will adjudicate fairly."

Believes extensive experience in both criminal and civil law since 1996 in Georgia, including litigating multi-million dollar cases, equips them for an unbiased role as Superior Court Judge in Gwinnett County, valuing judicial integrity and constitutional respect.

Has litigated multi-million dollar cases, representing various clients such as small businesses, large corporations, the wealthy, the working class, cities, the state of Georgia, and more.

- Has 28 years of experience as an attorney, practicing both criminal and civil law.
- Said, "Citizens want a judge who is unbiased and fair, and who has spent their career representing a variety of parties... My diversity of experiences ensures that I will adjudicate fairly."
- Has litigated multi-million dollar cases, representing various clients such as small businesses, large corporations, the wealthy, the working class, cities, the state of Georgia, and more.

As of March 19, 2024, B. Thassanee Gutter-Parker’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Believes firsthand litigation experience across Georgia informs best practices, enhancing Gwinnett County's judicial system by initiating second-chance programs for certain offenders since 2019.

Said, "To continue the work I’ve already started... I have been a pioneer in developing and facilitating programs which reduce recidivism (crime); ... and a champion for community safety. I am a trailblazer for reform, and a Servant Leader for Justice."

- Believes firsthand litigation experience across Georgia informs best practices, enhancing Gwinnett County's judicial system by initiating second-chance programs for certain offenders since 2019.
- Said, "To continue the work I’ve already started... I have been a pioneer in developing and facilitating programs which reduce recidivism (crime); ... and a champion for community safety. I am a trailblazer for reform, and a Servant Leader for Justice."

The candidate's website says, "· Member of Berean Christian Church"

The candidate's website says, "· Member of Ministers Against Crime"

The candidate's website says, "· Board Member for Northside Hospital Women’s Leadership Council"

Said, "I continue to “Bridge the Gap between the Community and the Court” as I am: ... an advocate for our children; and a champion for community safety. ... a Servant Leader for Justice."

The candidate's website says, "PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR INFORMATION IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING, HOSTING A MEET-AND-GREET, WOULD LIKE A YARD SIGN, OR WOULD LIKE TO LEAVE A MESSAGE."

Said, "As your next Gwinnett County, Division 5, Superior Court Judge, I will continue to be a “Servant Leader for Justice who is Bridging the Gap between the Community and the Court”!"

The candidate's website says, "· Board Member for Council of Youth Anti-Drug, Inc."

The candidate's website says, "Board Member for Council of Youth Anti-Drug, Inc."

Said, "I continue to “Bridge the Gap between the Community and the Court”... a well-known advocate for our children; and a champion for community safety."

Says she is a champion for community safety.

Serves on multiple community boards, such as those of the Rotary Club of North Gwinnett, Council of Youth Anti-Drug, Inc., Gwinnett Boys & Girls Club, and Northside Hospital Women's Leadership Council.

- Says she is a champion for community safety.
- Serves on multiple community boards, such as those of the Rotary Club of North Gwinnett, Council of Youth Anti-Drug, Inc., Gwinnett Boys & Girls Club, and Northside Hospital Women's Leadership Council.

B. Thassanee Gutter-Parker

Said, "After 31 years of practicing law... I am a lifelong public servant, having been a local government attorney for over 27 years and represented City of Atlanta and Gwinnett County governments, elected and appointed officials, and thousands of employees..."

Believes in a diverse legal background, encompassing civil rights, employment, and personal injury litigation, contract law, and transactional work, with a record of managing and winning jury trials in state and federal courts.

The candidate's website says, "Tuwanda Rush Williams joined the law firm of Thompson, O’Brien, Kappler & Nasuti as Of Counsel on June 5, 2023... She has been a member of the Georgia Bar since October 1992. Her 31 years of legal experience is expansive... For most of her legal career, she has been a local government lawyer, and her practice has been concentrated in section 1983 civil rights and constitutional law and litigation, state law claims of assault, battery, unlawful arrest, false imprisonment, and malicious prosecution, tort claims, tax appeals, eminent domain, public procurement and contract disputes, personal injury, property damage, and elections litigation."

Has 31 years of experience as an attorney.

Experienced in civil rights litigation, such as Title VII, ADA, and ADEA employment litigation, as well as contract and procurement litigation, personal injury, property damage, and workers' compensation defense litigation.

Has handled transactional matters in the areas of procurement and contracts, drafting various policies and training materials for the City of Atlanta Law Department and their employees.

As a privately practicing attorney, has experience with personal injury litigation, insurance defense, and domestic relations (family law).

As a court-appointed attorney, has experience with misdemeanor criminal defense, simple wills, and landlord-tenant law.

As a local government lawyer, has experience with constitutional law and litigation, as well as state law claims of assault, battery, unlawful arrest, false imprisonment, and malicious prosecution, tort claims, tax appeals, eminent domain, and more.

- Believes in a diverse legal background, encompassing civil rights, employment, and personal injury litigation, contract law, and transactional work, with a record of managing and winning jury trials in state and federal courts.
- Has 31 years of experience as an attorney.
- Experienced in civil rights litigation, such as Title VII, ADA, and ADEA employment litigation, as well as contract and procurement litigation, personal injury, property damage, and workers' compensation defense litigation.
- Has handled transactional matters in the areas of procurement and contracts, drafting various policies and training materials for the City of Atlanta Law Department and their employees.
- As a privately practicing attorney, has experience with personal injury litigation, insurance defense, and domestic relations (family law).
- As a court-appointed attorney, has experience with misdemeanor criminal defense, simple wills, and landlord-tenant law.
- As a local government lawyer, has experience with constitutional law and litigation, as well as state law claims of assault, battery, unlawful arrest, false imprisonment, and malicious prosecution, tort claims, tax appeals, eminent domain, and more.

The candidate's website says, "New Leadership Delivering Temperance, Transparency & Trustworthiness"

Said, "My platform is built on three Ts: Temperance, Transparency, and Trust... I am even-tempered, open and honest, and you can trust me to follow the law and to do what is right."

Has a platform "built on three Ts: Temperance, Transparency, and Trust."

- Has a platform "built on three Ts: Temperance, Transparency, and Trust."

As of March 19, 2024, Tuwanda Rush Williams’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Wants to curb the incarceration rate of persons with mental illness, PTSD, & substance abuse.

- Wants to curb the incarceration rate of persons with mental illness, PTSD, & substance abuse.

The candidate's website says, "As the program celebrates its 30th anniversary, Leadership Gwinnett seeks to ensure that the community’s most influential leaders are knowledgeable about issues and passionate about the success of the county and region."

The candidate's website says, "LILBURN -- New Mercies Christian Church and the Gwinnett County Minority Bar Association are teaming up to host a community event at the church Wednesday night."

The candidate's website says, "There are many ways to volunteer, from canvassing to hosting fundraising events."

The candidate's website says, "The purpose of Real Talk is to address concerns about the growing number of youths...charged with serious crimes that can result, upon conviction, in significant prison terms," she said... The panel members will analyze and discuss skits and scenarios presented depicting young people engaged in "certain behavior," Williams said."

The candidate's website says, "Tuwanda has performed dozens of hours of community service through nonprofit organizations such as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Jack & Jill of America, the Peachtree Rose Club, the National Council of Negro Women, Family Promise of Gwinnett, and the former Rotary Club of Gwinnett Tomorrow... She also received the Phoenix Award from the Gwinnett Chapter of the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers in November 2022."

Said, "Assist Tuwanda as WE work toward serving fairly on the Superior Court bench. Put out signs, set up tables, make calls, and more!"

The candidate's website says, "The 'New Year, New You Silent Auction' is dedicated to bringing positive change to our community... championed by Tuwanda Rush Williams in her campaign for Superior Court Judge in Gwinnett County."

Supports community involvement through a silent auction for Tuwanda's campaign, aiming to raise funds, unite Gwinnett County stakeholders, and highlight her commitment to Temperance, Transparency, and Trust in local governance.

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Tuwanda Rush Williams

- 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. 