Trellis

John holds a bachelor's degree in political science and government from Wake Forest University and a law degree from Mercer University. 

John served as a judge and as solicitor for the Valdosta Municipal Court, and as partner at the law firm, Saliba, Edwards & Moore. 

John Kent Edwards is the Chief Judge of the State Court in Lowndes County. He was appointed to this position in 2006, and has served for four terms. 

2024 Georgia General Elections

2024 GA Primary Election

2024 GA Primary Election Runoff

Received a Juris Doctor from Mercer University School of Law in 1992.

- Received a Juris Doctor from Mercer University School of Law in 1992.

Legal Experience

As of March 19, 2024, John Kent Edwards Jr’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Judicial Philosophy

Judicial Administration

Judge John Kent Edwards elected as Council of State Court Judges President

Current president of the Council of State Court Judges.

- Current president of the Council of State Court Judges.

Community Involvement

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John Kent Edwards Jr

- 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