Joseph West Dent

- 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. 

Trial Judge over a wide range of civil and criminal cases

Dougherty

Public Safety

Criminal Justice

Property Rights

Georgia

Legal Experience

Ethics & Conduct

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Community Involvement

Superior Court Judge

Walter Ley

As of March 11, 2026, Joseph West Dent’s website did not contain information on this issue.