Trellis

Philip Copeland Smith has a bachelor's degree from Vanderbilt University and a law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law. 

Courts & Judges

Philip currently serves as a superior court judge. He was appointed in 2012.

Philip previously worked as a state court judge and a district attorney. 

As superior court judge, oversees cases involving criminal felonies, the administration of wills and estates, evictions of renters, and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

As state court judge, oversaw traffic cases and civil and criminal jury and non-jury trials, and granted applications for search and arrest warrants.

As a district attorney, prosecuted civil and criminal actions under state law and presented cases before grand juries.

- As superior court judge, oversees cases involving criminal felonies, the administration of wills and estates, evictions of renters, and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.
- As state court judge, oversaw traffic cases and civil and criminal jury and non-jury trials, and granted applications for search and arrest warrants.
- As a district attorney, prosecuted civil and criminal actions under state law and presented cases before grand juries.

Legal Experience

As of March 11, 2026, Philip Copeland Smith did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Community Involvement

Philip Copeland Smith

- 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. 