GA Judge Rescinds Elf On The Shelf 'Ban,' Calls Elves 'Essential Front-Line Workers'

COBB COUNTY, GA — A Cobb County judge jokingly banished the popular Christmas tradition known as Elf on the Shelf a few weeks ago, but after a convincing argument from the Cobb County Bar Association, he's decided to rescind the "ban," effective immediately.

Cobb County Superior Court Judge Robert Leonard banned all elves from all shelves across Cobb County in a tongue-in-cheek order earlier this month, citing "a risk to the emotional health and well being of Cobb's young children" when parents forget to find a new spot for the elf.

Related: GA Judge 'Bans' Elf On The Shelf: 'My Gift To Tired Parents'

But on Tuesday, the Cobb Bar Association — along with Santa Claus, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman and Jingles the Elf — successfully argued that elves are necessary to carry out the group's toy drive this year, and Leonard revoked the order.

"On Nov. 4, 2021, the Court issued an Order banishing the Elves in Cobb County, to protect emotional health and well-being of Cobb's young children," the order rescinding banishment of the elves reads, which cites the aforementioned holiday icons as "intervenors."

"Since the entry of said Order, the undersigned has received numerous Motions to Intervene and Reconsider the ruling. The Intervenors have persuasively argued that the Elves are essential front-line workers and without them many children will suffer this holiday season. Specifically, the Cobb County Bar Association has argued the Elves are necessary to carry out their toy drive this year.

"The Court agrees it is in the best interest of the children of Cobb County to allow elves to continue their work."

The Cobb Bar Association's toy drive aims to help spread cheer to some of Cobb County's children in need through organizations such as MUST Ministries, Cobb Christmas and LiveSAFE Resources. People can donate new, unwrapped toys or money.

Collection bins are located in the Bar office at 70 Haynes St., Suite 2006 in Marietta and continue through Dec. 14. Monetary donations can be made through the website at cobbcountybar.org.