Records backlog in Cobb sparks calls for accountability, resignation of Superior Court Clerk Connie Taylor

A significant backlog in filing online court records in the Cobb County Superior Court Clerk’s office has led to dissatisfaction among local lawyers and other elected officials, with one calling for Connie Taylor to resign as Clerk. 

Taylor’s office is facing criticism as it lags nearly three months behind in filing online court records, which is causing unexpected delays and affecting individuals relying on the online records system to access the latest case pleadings and stay informed about their cases.

Lawyers, who typically view the county court system as efficient, are expressing frustration over the unprecedented delays, causing disruptions in court proceedings. Critics attribute the issues to leadership problems within Taylor’s office, emphasizing the need for swift correction to restore public trust in the Cobb justice system’s operations.

Lawyers are not the only ones complaining. Cobb Superior Court Judge Rob Leonard took to social media to express concerns about the backlog as he encouraged those with urgent filings to send them directly to his office.

The records are reportedly indexed only up to September 11, causing disruptions in court proceedings, missed notices, and potential complications for individuals with business before the court.

Leonard highlighted the challenges from the delays including having to hold default judgments and bench warrants, with attorneys not receiving notices and addresses not being updated.

Marietta City Councilwoman Cheryl Richardson, who is also an attorney, joined Leonard and the other growing chorus of displeasure in the job performance of Taylor.

In a Facebook post, Richardson even called for Taylor’s resignation as she emphasized that the court’s inefficiency and incompetence are negatively impacting lawyers and their clients.

Speaking from her position as an elected official, Richardson stated that while she usually refrains from commenting on certain matters, the current situation necessitates a change from that practice.

Richardson asserted that Taylor should resign or quit to allow someone else to address the backlog and other issues before they worsen. Richardson reiterated her comments to the MDJ, emphasizing that, at this point, a significant change, such as Taylor’s resignation, is necessary to address the challenges faced by the court system.

Candidates planning to run against Taylor in the 2024 election are also attacking Taylor on the backlog. One candidate, Nick Simpson, criticized Taylor, saying what is going on in her office is “completely unacceptable” as he emphasized the potential impact on citizens, attorneys, and the justice system’s overall efficiency.

This backlog is not the first controversy involving Taylor since she became Clerk of the Superior Court. Previously, she faced scrutiny for profiting from passport fees, which her predecessor also collected. Taylor was also accused of ordering the destruction of related records.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation initiated an investigation into Taylor’s handling of fees at the request of a Cobb Superior Court judge. The outcome of their review is still pending.