BallotPedia, W. Fletcher Sams

GA Supreme

Fletcher received a bachelor's degree in biology from Rhodes College and a law degree from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. He is married with two children and is a member of the Fayetteville First United Methodist Church.

Fletcher has worked as a private practice lawyer, a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, a Special Master for the Griffin Judicial Circuit, a City Attorney for the Town of Brooks, and a professor for Mercer University. He has also worked as an Assistant District Attorney for the Waycross Judicial Circuit and as the District Attorney for the Griffin Judicial Circuit.

W. Fletcher Sams was appointed as Superior Court Judge in Griffin Judicial Circuit in 2010. He is running for reelection.

Has membership with the Fayette and Spalding Bar Associations and the Georgia Council of Superior Court Judges.

Was recognized for Leadership Excellence in Judicial Education by the Council of State Court Judges.

- Has membership with the Fayette and Spalding Bar Associations and the Georgia Council of Superior Court Judges.
- Was recognized for Leadership Excellence in Judicial Education by the Council of State Court Judges.

Legal Experience

The Citizen, Judge W. Fletcher Sams of Fayetteville selected as district administrative judge

Said, “I am extremely honored and humbled by the faith placed in me by the distinguished judges of this diverse District, especially in light of our current judicial emergency."

- Said, “I am extremely honored and humbled by the faith placed in me by the distinguished judges of this diverse District, especially in light of our current judicial emergency."

Ethics & Conduct

Youtube

Said, "I...want to improve communication to the to the judges in our respective districts to keep them apprised of what's going on at the judicial Council level so that they're better informed."

- Said, "I...want to improve communication to the to the judges in our respective districts to keep them apprised of what's going on at the judicial Council level so that they're better informed."

Judicial Administration

Said, "I sincerely solicit everyone’s prayers for the Judicial Council members and for myself that we may serve with wisdom and common sense."

Said, "What I love most about my job is to be able to see the drama, the theater, the psychology of the courtroom and the trial."

Said, "You see sometimes days, weeks, months, years of conflict boil down to hours or days of testimony. I like to refer to it as life concentrate."

- Said, "I sincerely solicit everyone’s prayers for the Judicial Council members and for myself that we may serve with wisdom and common sense."
- Said, "What I love most about my job is to be able to see the drama, the theater, the psychology of the courtroom and the trial."
- Said, "You see sometimes days, weeks, months, years of conflict boil down to hours or days of testimony. I like to refer to it as life concentrate."

Judicial Philosophy

Said, "I am thrilled to be in a position to provide additional service to the citizens of our District and State in advising and voting on statewide policy."

- Said, "I am thrilled to be in a position to provide additional service to the citizens of our District and State in advising and voting on statewide policy."

Community Involvement

W. Fletcher Sams

- 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. 