Columbus welcomed its newest Municipal Court judges to the bench Monday.
Attorneys Marc Amos and Nicole Clinkscales were sworn in by Mayor Robert Smith at the Municipal Complex in front of city officials, friends and family. They won”t hear cases until next week, but both are eager to begin their tenures.
“I can”t wait to get to work for the city of Columbus. I”m excited about the prospects of getting more involved and making sure we”ve got a safe and secure and just community,” said Amos.
Clinkscales said her understanding was the two would alternate weeks on the bench. City judges hear misdemeanor criminal cases, drug court cases preliminary hearings for felony cases, ordinance violations and issue search warrants.
Municipal Court meets every Monday and Wednesday and the first and third Thursday of each month.
Both appointees also expressed their hope to implement progressive strategies from the bench to better serve the people who appear in their court rather than simply dole out punishment.
“I just want to restore confidence in the court system and reestablish respect for the Municipal Court,” said Clinkscales. “I think we do that by operating with integrity and bringing the Municipal Court into the new millennium. But again, the law doesn”t change. We”re going to keep the basics the same.”
Clinkscales mentioned implementing new programs to assist those convicted in court with paying fines as well as keeping track of outstanding fines.
Clinkscales was uncertain how her appointment to the Municipal Court would affect her standing on the Columbus Planning and Zoning Commission. She planned to speak with Smith about her spot on the commission Monday afternoon but would attend Monday evening”s meeting.
Jason Browne was previously a reporter for The Dispatch.
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