The Georgia Supreme Court has ordered the removal of Douglas County Probate Judge Christina Peterson from office following a series of ethical violations and a recent arrest. The decision, effective immediately, marks the culmination of a contentious legal battle surrounding Peterson’s conduct both on and off the bench.
Peterson, 38, had faced mounting scrutiny over allegations of “systemic incompetence” by the Judicial Qualifications Commission, prompting their recommendation for her removal earlier this year. The court’s ruling underscored severe concerns about Peterson’s handling of judicial responsibilities, citing instances where she allegedly demonstrated poor judgment and engaged in unethical behaviour.
One particularly contentious case involved Peterson’s decision to jail a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Thailand. The citizen sought to amend her marriage license to include her biological father’s name, but Peterson accused her of fraud and sentenced her to up to 20 days in jail. This decision was later criticized as unjustified, with the court finding that Peterson had misled the panel and acted inappropriately.
The ruling highlighted that Peterson’s actions were not isolated incidents, noting 30 counts brought against her, of which 12 were deemed severe enough to warrant disciplinary action.
In addition to the ethical issues, Peterson faced legal troubles when she was arrested outside an Atlanta nightclub for allegedly pushing a police officer during an altercation. The incident, captured on bodycam footage, further tarnished her reputation and added to calls for her removal from the bench.
Peterson’s attorney, Marvin Arrington Jr., defended her actions during a press conference, arguing that she was attempting to intervene in a situation where a woman was under attack. However, the court’s decision to remove Peterson from office stands firm, barring her from seeking judicial office in Georgia for the next seven years.
The removal of Judge Peterson marks a rare and consequential decision by the Georgia Supreme Court, signalling a commitment to upholding judicial integrity and accountability within the state’s legal system.
