Abbot and Murphy PC

Judge John R. Murphy III, Professional Background and Legal Expertise

Judge Murphy is from Augusta, Georgia. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and completed his J.D. at the University of Georgia School of Law School in 1971.

Judge Murphy practiced as a partner at Abbott & Murphy P.C. and served as the special assistant attorney general of Georgia from 1981 to 1998.

John R Murphy III is the current State Court Judge in Jefferson County. He joined the bench in 1997. 

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2024 GA Primary Election

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As a partner at Abbott & Murphy P.C., he practiced real estate law, business law, and probate.

- As a partner at Abbott & Murphy P.C., he practiced real estate law, business law, and probate.

Legal Experience

As of March 19, 2024, John R Murphy III did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

Judicial Philosophy

Judicial Administration

Judge Murphy is a member of the State Bar of Georgia and American Bar Association.

- Judge Murphy is a member of the State Bar of Georgia and American Bar Association.

Community Involvement

John R Murphy III

As of April 22, 2024, John R Murphy III did not have a website and did not complete our questionnaire.

John R Murphy III is the current State Court Judge in Jefferson County. 

Completed his JD at the University of Georgia School of Law School in 1971.

Joined the Jefferson County State Court bench in 1997.

Practiced as a partner at Abbott & Murphy since 1977.

Served as the special assistant attorney general of Georgia from 1981 to 1998.

- Completed his JD at the University of Georgia School of Law School in 1971.
- Joined the Jefferson County State Court bench in 1997.
- Practiced as a partner at Abbott & Murphy since 1977.
- Served as the special assistant attorney general of Georgia from 1981 to 1998.

As of March 19, 2024, John R Murphy III did not have a website and did not complete our questionnaire.

- Despite their name, State Courts in Georgia have limited jurisdiction within their county. State Court Judges also have limited jurisdiction over the types of cases they hear, as opposed to Superior Court. 
- State Court Judges hear misdemeanors, like traffic tickets. They also issue arrest and search warrants and hold preliminary hearings in some criminal cases. 
- State Court Judges hear most civil matters that aren't related to land titles, divorce, or cases involving non-monetary damages (those matters are handled by the Superior Court).
- State Court Judges are elected in non-partisan county wide elections and serve four year terms. The Governor can appoint State Court Judges when vacancies arise. 


Local Judges who hear misdemeanors and some civil cases