Georgia Supreme Court allows lawsuit against Athens DA Gonzalez
- The Georgia Supreme Court ruled in October 2024 that an open records lawsuit against Deborah Gonzalez can proceed.
- Jarrod Miller filed a request in June 2023 to obtain public records about severe issues in the district attorney's office.
- The ruling emphasizes the importance of accountability for public officials and the application of open records laws.
In October 2024, the Georgia Supreme Court ruled that an open records lawsuit against Deborah Gonzalez, the district attorney for Athens-Clarke County, can proceed. The lawsuit originated when Jarrod Miller, a county resident, requested public records in June 2023 to reveal serious issues including staff shortages, heavy caseloads, and potential violations of crime victims' rights. Gonzalez opposed the request, claiming that open records laws did not apply to her, leading Miller to file a complaint. The trial court rejected Gonzalez's claim and allowed the case to move forward, which has now been validated by the Supreme Court's ruling. The court concluded that Gonzalez is not absolutely immune from civil liability for her actions concerning the Open Records Act, underlining the accountability of public officials in matters of transparency and access to government records.