Atlanta, May 2, 2018 –Chief Judge Stephen G. Scarlett, Sr. of the Superior Court of the Brunswick Judicial Circuit has been designated to serve in place of Justice Nels S.D. Peterson in the appeal of Patterson et al. v. Kevon, LLC d/b/a Big Kev’s Barbecue (S17G1957). The Supreme Court of Georgia will hear arguments in the case on Monday, May 9 during its 10:00 A.M. session. In this case, a couple is appealing a Georgia Court of Appeals ruling that stops their lawsuit from going forward against a barbecue caterer whom they claim caused widespread food poisoning at a wedding rehearsal dinner. In addition to hearing arguments, Judge Scarlett will participate in the Court’s decision.
Judge Scarlett, 56, is the Chief Superior Court Judge for the Brunswick Judicial Circuit. He was first elected in 2000 and is currently serving his fifth term. The Brunswick Judicial Circuit includes the counties of Appling, Camden, Glynn, Jeff Davis, and Wayne. Judge Scarlett also serves as the District Administrative Judge for the First Judicial District and is a member of the Judicial Council of Georgia.
Judge Scarlett obtained his undergraduate degree from Valdosta State University in 1985. He graduated with his law degree from Atlanta Law School in 1988.
Prior to his election to the bench, Judge Scarlett was an Assistant District Attorney for the Brunswick Judicial Circuit, and subsequently a partner at Benefield and Scarlett. He served in the Georgia House of Representatives from 1997-2001.
Judge Scarlett is married to Judy Scarlett. They have two children.
(Designated judges are appointed when a justice must recuse himself or herself from a particular case. The Supreme Court of Georgia maintains a list of select judges from around the state and when the need arises, the Court appoints the next judge on the list.)