Savannah Tribune: Judge John E. Morse, Jr. Serves As President of Council of Superior Court Judges of Georgia

Savannah Morning News: Chatham County Superior Court Judge John E. Morse Jr. takes oath for fifth term

John graduated with a bachelor's degree from Georgia State University and a law degree from Mercer University. He and his wife have two daughters. He is a member of the Hinesville congregation of the African Methodist Espiscopal Church.

John was previously a judge for the Chatham County State Court, Senior State Attorney with the Drug Prosecution Division’s Savannah Regional Office of the Prosecuting Attorney’s Council, a prosecutor with Chatham County District Attorney’s Office, a law clerk to Superior Court Judge Eugene H. Gadsden, and a law clerk to Superior Court Judge C. Cloud Morgan.

BallotPedia, John E. Morse Jr. (Georgia)

John "Pancho" Morse Jr. is one of the Superior Court Judges in the Georgia Superior Court in Eastern Judicial Circuit. He was appointed to this position in 1995 and has served in this position for seven consecutive terms. 

Georgia Superior Courts

Trellis: Judge John E. Morse, Jr.: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

As current President of the Council of Superior Court Judges in the Georgia's Eastern Judicial Circuit, leads development and administration of the Georgia's Superior Court Judges' budget, response to legislative issues involving the Superior Court, drafts and proposals of Uniform Superior Court Rules, preparation of bench publications, and certification of continuing judicial education.

As Superior Court Judge in Georgia's Eastern Judicial Circuit, advises attorneys, juries, litigants, and court personnel on conduct, issues, and proceedings and presides over hearings and issues legal decisions. 

Served as a judge for the Chatham County State Court from 1992-1995 and presided over hearings involving civil law actions not within the jurisdiction of the Superior Court, dispossessions, misdemeanors, and some traffic offenses.

As assistant district attorney for the Chatham County District Attorney's Office, assisted in trial strategy, presented cases to grand jury, answered juror's questions, and other litigation-related duties.

Served as a law clerk for Judge C. Cloud Morgan  and Judge Eugene H. Gadsden and prepared legal documents, conducted legal research, and compiled case materials.

- As current President of the Council of Superior Court Judges in the Georgia's Eastern Judicial Circuit, leads development and administration of the Georgia's Superior Court Judges' budget, response to legislative issues involving the Superior Court, drafts and proposals of Uniform Superior Court Rules, preparation of bench publications, and certification of continuing judicial education.
- As Superior Court Judge in Georgia's Eastern Judicial Circuit, advises attorneys, juries, litigants, and court personnel on conduct, issues, and proceedings and presides over hearings and issues legal decisions. 
- Served as a judge for the Chatham County State Court from 1992-1995 and presided over hearings involving civil law actions not within the jurisdiction of the Superior Court, dispossessions, misdemeanors, and some traffic offenses.
- As assistant district attorney for the Chatham County District Attorney's Office, assisted in trial strategy, presented cases to grand jury, answered juror's questions, and other litigation-related duties.
- Served as a law clerk for Judge C. Cloud Morgan  and Judge Eugene H. Gadsden and prepared legal documents, conducted legal research, and compiled case materials.

Legal Experience

As of March 19, 2024, John "Pancho" Morse, Jr did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

Fox 28 Savannah: Judge John E. Morse, Jr. sworn in after winning re-election

Promised to improve the filing system to manage the case overload experienced by Georgia's Superior Court.

- Promised to improve the filing system to manage the case overload experienced by Georgia's Superior Court.

Judicial Administration

Said, "When we address all the things that contribute to [crime] as well as prevent it, we can really make a mark on it."

Believes that crime is a community issue, not just a policing issue.

- Said, "When we address all the things that contribute to [crime] as well as prevent it, we can really make a mark on it."
- Believes that crime is a community issue, not just a policing issue.

Judicial Philosophy

Currently serves as the Senior Pastor of the Pleasant Grove African Methodist Espiscopal  (AME) Church in Hinesville, Georgia.

- Currently serves as the Senior Pastor of the Pleasant Grove African Methodist Espiscopal  (AME) Church in Hinesville, Georgia.

Community Involvement

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John "Pancho" Morse, Jr

- Georgia Superior Court Judges hear a wide range of criminal cases from petty theft and public drunkenness to murder. Some cases in front of the Georgia Superior Court involve the death penalty. 
- On the civil side, Superior Court Judges hear cases on divorce, titles to land, contract disputes, and premises liability. 
- Superior Court Judges are elected by judicial circuit. Each county surrounding Atlanta has its own judicial circuit, while rural judicial districts typically consist of multiple counties.
- Superior Court Judges are elected to four year terms. Elections are nonpartisan. The Governor can appoint Superior Court Judges when vacancies arise. 