A Message from Karlise

People often ask me why I want to be a judge. I want to be a judge because I have a passion for helping people. I want to work to improve the lives of the people of Fulton County through judicial service.

I love this community. I was born and raised in Fulton County. I grew up in the Collier Heights community and was graduated from Frederick Douglass High School. I also spent time in the Pittsburg community where both my grandmother and my mother were born and raised. I currently live in the Old Fourth Ward. My parents were wonderful people. My father worked at Lockheed Georgia, until shortly before his death from cancer. My mother taught high school mathematics for 35 years at Washington, Howard, Sutton, and Northside. My parents, through their example, taught me the values of honesty, service, and hard work. These values define me as a person, as a lawyer and as a judge. I have a history of working in court proceedings directly with children and families to improve their lives. Through judicial service and community outreach, I want to work to strengthen families, serve as a role model for young people, and promote a stronger and safer Fulton County.

I ask for you to vote for me, Karlise Yvette Grier, on November 2, 2010.

Why should I vote for you?

I am the best person for this position. Fulton County has many challenges ahead of it. Despite these challenges, it is imperative that Fulton County judges continue to provide justice for all. Electing committed, multi-faceted attorneys who are willing to lead – and who are willing to work – is necessary to keep our county moving forward in the 21st century. My judicial experience, demonstrated record of fairness, and respect for all litigants are qualities Fulton County needs in its judges. Attorneys and voters do not have to guess about my judicial temperament; attorneys who have worked with me know I have the temperament of an outstanding jurist, and you can find some of their comments on my “Wall of Support.” In addition, I have a documented history of participating in innovative initiatives to improve our justice system. Innovation and a proven desire to improve our justice system are additional qualities that are essential for judges in these challenging, ever-changing times. I am the best person for this position, and I would be honored to continue serving and working for the people of Fulton County as a full-time superior court judge.

I ask for you to vote for me, Karlise Yvette Grier, on November 2, 2010.

What is your “platform”?

As a judge, I cannot make political promises or express an opinion on today’s hot button issues. Nevertheless, to help voters better understand why I am the best person for this position, I offer information about how I would approach my work as a superior court judge as follows.

When working in the Courtroom, I will work to:

1.       Excellence, Efficiency and Accuracy. Ensure that cases move through the court system as quickly as possible with a minimum of errors. I will continue to work hard for the people of Fulton County by coming to court ready to work – having read pleadings and briefs; conducting independent research; and deciding and drafting orders quickly.

2.       Opportunity to be Heard. Ensure that all people in a case have an opportunity to fully present his or her case and to be heard. In criminal cases, I will consider the rights of victims and protect the constitutional rights of defendants. In civil cases, I will listen, hear, and understand both sides of the case before making a decision.

3.       Respectful and Courteous. Ensure that all people – regardless of their race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, or status – are treated with courtesy and respect. I am there to serve them. I must earn the voters’ respect each and every day.

When working in the Community, I will work to:

1.       Power of the People. Educate young people and voters about the role of judges in interpreting and enforcing laws and the role of voters in changing laws such as “3 strikes and you are out,” or other mandatory sentences.

2.       Family Matters. Educate young people about the importance of making thoughtful decisions about family matters, and educate young people about laws relating to legitimation, divorce, child custody, and child support that impact children and their parents who live separately.  I will continue to work on issues involving children who are in foster care.

3.       Access to Justice. Work to improve access to the courts for people who cannot afford an attorney in civil cases. In addition, I will work to improve the indigent defense system so that cases do not languish. This brings closure for victims and protects the constitutional rights of defendants.

I ask for you to vote for me, Karlise Yvette Grier, on November 2, 2010.

What do you think of mandatory sentences (such as mandatory 10 year minimum sentences for certain offenses and “three strikes and you are out”)?

In court, if the law mandates a certain sentence, I will follow the law regardless of my personal opinion about the law. In cases in which the law allows judicial discretion, I will consider all of the facts and circumstances of a case, including prior convictions, to reach a decision that is just, to the best of my ability and understanding, and in a manner that is consistent with the law.  As part of my obligation to engage in pro bono work, while working in the community, I will strive to work with legislators and community leaders, to the extent allowed by law, on sentencing issues and risk-reduction programs for youths.

I would be honored to continue working for the people of Fulton County as a full-time superior court judge.

I ask for you to vote for me, Karlise Yvette Grier, on November 2, 2010.

What do superior court judges do?

Superior court judges decide cases - such as divorce, child custody, and child support - which significantly affect Georgia families. Superior court judges also preside over criminal cases, such as murder and rape. In recent years, Fulton County Superior Court judges have decided other issues that greatly affect the lives of most Georgians, including the constitutionality of the Voter ID law, school funding in Georgia, and the construction of a $2 billion coal-fired power plant in Georgia.