Atlanta, August 2, 2018 – The Supreme Court of Georgia today honored Troup County Juvenile Court Judge Michael Key with its Amicus Curiae award, one of the most prestigious awards given by the state’s highest court.
Chief Justice P. Harris Hines and Justice David E. Nahmias, Chairman of the Justice for Children Committee, presented the award to Judge Key on behalf of the Court. The ceremony took place at the Emory Conference Center in Atlanta at the opening of the first “Fulton/DeKalb Multi-Disciplinary Child Abuse and Neglect Institute.” The Institute is a training session for judges, lawyers and child welfare workers in which Judge Key is serving as lead faculty.
Judge Key, a juvenile judge for more than 29 years, was recognized for his outstanding leadership and service to Georgia’s juvenile courts. He served as President of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges in 2010; he also has served as President of Georgia’s Council of Juvenile Court Judges. Judge Key has taught classes on law and policy all over the country and state. He has led or assisted in a number of juvenile justice improvement efforts and received numerous awards, including the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges President’s Award. He served as Chair of the Georgia Commission on Family Violence and currently serves as Chair of the Georgia Child Support Commission.
“For nearly three decades, Judge Key has worked tirelessly to improve Georgia’s child welfare and juvenile justice systems,” Chief Justice Hines said. “His care and attention for the children and families of this state raises the performance bar for all of us.”
The Amicus Curiae – or Friend of the Court – award is a recognition of judges, attorneys and others who have provided exceptional service and leadership to Georgia’s judiciary.