The City of Atlanta Municipal Court Judges, on Thursday, May 22nd, elected Judge William F. Riley, Jr., presiding Judge of Atlanta’s Community Court, as Chief Judge of the City of Atlanta Municipal Court, replacing Chief Judge Barbara A. Harris. 

Chief Judge Riley is a strong advocate for the judicial reforms as outlined in the Mayor’s Municipal and City Court Review Panel Report.  He looks forward to working toward the implementation of the plan and says that the Municipal Court and its Judges will maintain an on-going dialogue and working relationship with Mayor Shirley Franklin, the City Court of Atlanta, City Council and the residents of Atlanta.

Riley praised the outstanding accomplishments of Judge Harris.  During her term, the Municipal Court developed three Domestic Violence Divisions, an Environmental Division, a Community Court, and a Housing Court.

Riley says that reorganization will continue.  The Municipal Court will become more efficient and effective.  His plan also includes implementing the Mayor’s Homeless Commission recommendation of expanding Community Court.

As stated earlier by Mayor Franklin, City Attorney Linda DiSantis has been assigned the task to work with the courts on the court panel recommendations.