The Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys (GACDL) recently presented a seminar showcasing some of the most prominent and skilled criminal defense trial attorneys. "Theatre on the Round" was a continuing legal education seminar for lawyers at the State Bar of Georgia building. It featured Bobby Lee Cook (left). 

The Georgia Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, held that Georgia’s Child Hearsay Statute (O.C.G.A. § 24-3-16) does not comply with the requirements of the Confrontation Clause. Hatley v. State, S11A1617.

The Georgia Supreme Court, in a 4-3 decision upheld a judge’s decision that an armed robbery occurred in a case where no money was taken or even moved from the cash register. Gutierrez v. State, S11G0344.

The Georgia Supreme Court reversed a defendant’s murder conviction in the death of a 15 month old child because the judge made a number of improper statements during trial praising a police officer. Murphy v. State, S11A358.

The Supreme Court of Georgia upheld a judge’s decision to admit conversations the defendant had with an attorney who he was trying to hire. Rogers v. State, S11A0659. While in jail awaiting trial, Rogers placed a telephone call to his girlfriend. The girlfriend then created a three-way call to an attorney. During the conversation Rogers made statements that were introduced as evidence against him at trial.

A middle school student in Georgia was suspended after telling his teacher he accidentally brought a small knife to school.The 13-year-old boy is serving a four-day, in-school suspension because he found a small pocket knife inside this backpack that he got as a gift for Christmas.  His aunt bought the bag at a yard sale. The boy brought the knife to school by accident and reported it immediately to a teacher.