Georgia. Superior Court (Chatham County)

For several decades after the American Revolution (1775-1783), Georgia was the only state that did not have a supreme court to review the decisions made by the trial courts. Until then, the courts were divided regionally. The Supreme Court was not established until 1845. George Walton (c.1749-1804) served in many political roles in Georgia during and after the Revolutionary War. He was elected to the Provincial Congress and a delegate to the Second Continental Congress in 1776 where he was one of three Georgians to sign the Declaration of Independence. After the Revolution, he served as Chief Justice of Georgia, 1783-1786, as Governor in 1789 and later as a U.S. Senator and justice of the state supreme court.

From the description of Georgia Superior Court, Chatham County letter, 1895. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 38477518

From the description of Chatham County Superior Court civil minute book, 1847-1850. (Georgia Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 180190250

From the description of Chatham County Superior Court records, 1783. (Georgia Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 82368264

Two judicial circuits, the Eastern and the Western were established in 1789, each covering several counties. The Middle Circuit was added in 1797, and the Ocmulgee in 1807. As the number of counties increased, the composition of the circuits changed. Since 1899, when another circuit was established, the Eastern Circuit has been entirely comprised of Chatham County.

From the description of Georgia Superior Court, Chatham County briefs, 1914-1932. (Georgia Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 78245713