Chief Juvenile Judge Peggy Walker Honored By Georgia High Court

DOUGLASVILLE, GA — Douglas County Chief Juvenile Judge Peggy Walker received one of the most prestigious awards given by the Supreme Court of Georgia during a luncheon meeting at the Douglas County Bar Association Friday.

Chief Justice P. Harris Hines and Justice David E. Nahmias presented Judge Walker with its Amicus Curiae award, which is Latin for “friend of the court.” The Amicus Curiae award is recognition of judges, attorneys and others who have provided exceptional service and leadership to Georgia’s judiciary.

“Chief Juvenile Judge Peggy Walker is a true champion who has paved the way for a successful Juvenile Judicial System in Douglas County,” Douglas County Board of Commissioners Chairman Dr. Romona Jackson Jones said. “I am thrilled to see Judge Walker receive such a prestigious and well deserved accolade for her extraordinary contributions in our community and the United States at large.”

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For 20 years, Judge Walker has served as Douglas County’s sole full-time juvenile court judge, helping shape the lives of thousands of children. Many members of the judicial system nationally and state-wide consider her to be a leader in child welfare and juvenile justice policy.

In 2016, Judge Walker served as President of the National Council of Juvenile Court Judges. Judge Walker also served as Chair of the Georgia Commission on Family Violence for two years and was a member for six after being appointed by former Governor Sonny Perdue.

Governor National Deal appointed Judge Walker to the Child Fatality Review Panel, which studies the deaths of children in an attempt to prevent them, and today she serves as Vice Chair. Gov. Deal also appointed her to the Georgia Child Welfare Reform Council, which he created to improve the state’s child welfare system and its ability to protect its most vulnerable citizens.

With Georgia having one of the highest infant mortality rates in the country, averaging three infant deaths per week due to sleep-related causes, Judge Walker appeared on a local Atlanta television news station in 2016 as a guest to talk on safe sleep efforts awareness. “She’s got the biggest heart for children,” said Director of Communications and Community Relations Rick Martin. “Judge Walker believes being honored by the Supreme Court of Georgia was a lifetime achievement and she looks forward to impacting more children and their families.”

Photo courtesy Douglas County