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Legislator's Guide to the Judicial Branch

As chief magistrate, presides over a magistrate court and assigns cases, sets court sessions, appoints other magistrate judges, and sets policy for the court.

- As chief magistrate, presides over a magistrate court and assigns cases, sets court sessions, appoints other magistrate judges, and sets policy for the court.

Legal Experience

Makes "fair and equitable decisions on civil and criminal matters."

- Makes "fair and equitable decisions on civil and criminal matters."

Ethics & Conduct

Franklin County Citizen

As Cheif Magistrate, has signed 15,865 arrest warrants and overseen 23,252 criminal cases and 8,543 civil cases.

Has a top short-term goal is to continue to use technology to enhance services to officers, litigants and to save tax dollars.

Has long term goals centered on managing case load and educating staff and others about the office.

- As Cheif Magistrate, has signed 15,865 arrest warrants and overseen 23,252 criminal cases and 8,543 civil cases.
- Has a top short-term goal is to continue to use technology to enhance services to officers, litigants and to save tax dollars.
- Has long term goals centered on managing case load and educating staff and others about the office.

Judicial Administration

Has membership with the Franklin County Young Famers, coaching Little League and travel teams.

- Has membership with the Franklin County Young Famers, coaching Little League and travel teams.

Community Involvement

Cody Wayne Grizzle

Ballot Pedia

As of May 6, 2025, Crystal Buffington Nelms did not have a website or any information online.

Wants to enhance the court system proceedings to improve the time in which cases are handled.

Would like to implement programs for underserved communities in order to expand court access.

- Wants to enhance the court system proceedings to improve the time in which cases are handled.
- Would like to implement programs for underserved communities in order to expand court access.

LinkedIn

Crystal Buffington Nelms

- Magistrate Courts hear civil cases only in amounts less than $15,000. There are no jury trials in Magistrate Court. 
- Magistrate Courts hear landlord tenant dispossessory cases (i.e. a case where a landlord is seeking an eviction of their tenant) and can order evictions. 
- The Chief Magistrate can determine procedures for managing the cases in front of the Magistrate. For example, in Fulton County the Chief Magistrate informs parties in landlord tenant dispossessory cases on the benefits of mediation and provides on-site mediators to resolve landlord tenant disputes before the parties appear in front of the judge. 
- Magistrate Courts only have jurisdiction over their respective counties. Each county has its own magistrate court. Magistrate Court Judge term lengths vary per county, however most serve four year terms. Local Superior Court Judges set parameters for Magistrate Courts. 