Ashley Baker Osby
Occupation: Magistrate court judge, Fulton County
Previous elected offices held: None; appointed associated Probate Court judge, Clayton County
Other community service experience: Junior League of Atlanta, 15 years; Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Friends, Past President 2 consecutive years; CHOA Fundraising Chair for 2 years; Mentor for Woodward Academy and Panel Speaker; Mock Trial Judge for Georgia High Schools’ State Competitions; PTO member and chair for Jackson Elementary numerous years; Profession Speaker for North Atlanta High School; Profession Panelist for Utopian Academy Students; Mock Trial Teacher for Jackson Gifted Program Students; Mental Health Court Judge for both Clayton and Fulton counties.
What is motivating you to run for this office?
As a Magistrate Court judge, I feel that as a Superior Court judge I could make a more influential impact on cases and for the constituents of Fulton County. I was a law clerk for the late Honorable Rowland W. Barnes of the Fulton County Superior Court and also a former law clerk for Matthew O. Simmons of Clayton County Superior Court. I also have judicial experience since January 2016 and have practiced in Superior Courts all around the state of Georgia.
What is the biggest issue facing the court system and how will you address it?
Currently, the biggest issues Fulton County is facing is an increase in gang and crimes. I feel that I can efficiently address each case before me and make appropriate decisions for crimes committed in the county. Additionally, I will make sure the calendars within the office of the Superior Court are effectively handled and that a backlog should not be a part of the office of a Superior Court judge.
What strengths and weaknesses have the coronavirus pandemic crisis revealed in the court system?
The coronavirus pandemic has caused the court system as well as all of life to rapidly adapt to new methods. While the court has had to change the way of conducting trials, I think this may be a new way of getting cases handled more expeditiously and effectively via technology. I understand this may not be the best or most effective way of all cases. I believe it has assisted in moving many cases along without the need to await a trial date or being in person for absolutely every single hearing.