Chief Justice Hugh P. Thompson of the Georgia Supreme Court held up Rockdale's domestic violence court, headed by State Court Judge Nancy Bills, as a model of accountability courts during the recent State of the Judiciary Address.

In the address, given to the members of the General Assembly including the Lt. Governor Casey Cagle, Speaker David Ralston, and his fellow judges, Thompson reported that "Georgia's judicial system is sound, and it is strong."

Chief Justice Thompson said one of the crowning achievements of the judiciary involves specialty courts - also called "accountability courts." He commended trial courts for taking up the challenge. They have embraced the opportunity to create and then preside in drug courts, mental health courts, veterans' courts, family dependency treatment courts, juvenile drug courts, domestic violence, and DUI courts.

As an example, Chief Justice Thompson recognized Rockdale County's State Court Judge Nancy N. Bills for creating a domestic violence court, using the accountability court model. Georgia has the 10th highest domestic violence rate in the country and these courts can help save women's lives. "I am so proud of Judge Bills," he said in conclusion.

Upon hearing the Chief Justice had mentioned her court, Judge Bills commented, "It is flattering to hear that the work of many on behalf of survivors of domestic violence is being recognized. She also offered "We are fortunate in Rockdale County to not only have an accountability court for domestic violence, but to also have DUI and Drug Courts which are demonstrating positive results."

For more about Rockdale's Family Violence Task Force and domestic violence court, go to rockdaleaware.com