Leadership and Innovation in Georgia’s Accountability Courts

Justice Speaks Podcast #80

This episode of Justice Speaks continues the series of interviews with individuals who impact the justice system through their leadership in treatment courts and community supervision. This episode is sponsored by OpAns.

About Judge Lawton Stephens

In this episode, we interview the Honorable Lawton Stephens, Superior Court Judge in Georgia and immediate past Chair of the Council of Accountability Court Judges (CACJ). With more than three decades on the bench and a significant role in advancing Georgia’s treatment court system, Judge Stephens offers a wide-ranging and insightful discussion on the evolution and future of accountability courts in his state.

Judge Stephens begins by sharing his personal and professional background, including the influence of his father, who served in the U.S. Congress. Originally working as a general practice attorney, Judge Stephens handled a wide array of cases, from criminal defense to custody disputes. His appointment to the bench came in 1991 from then-Governor Zell Miller, and since that time, he has served the state as a Superior Court Judge for 34 years. His long-standing commitment to public service and judicial integrity sets the tone for the conversation.

Treatment Courts in Georgia—The Challenge

Judge Stephens reflects on his introduction to treatment courts and his early efforts to launch a felony drug court in Georgia. He recounts the initial skepticism from various stakeholders and the persistent challenges in gaining community and institutional support. Nevertheless, Judge Stephens remained committed to the core principle that substance dependency is a disease and that successful treatment courts must be structured to respond with compassion, accountability, and evidence-based interventions.

As Chair of the Council of Accountability Court Judges, Judge Stephens played a central role in organizing Georgia’s annual judicial training conference, a large-scale event that brings together judges, practitioners, and stakeholders to share knowledge, review best practices, and ensure statewide consistency in treatment court operations. He emphasized how this collaboration has strengthened judicial education and increased momentum for expanding accountability courts throughout Georgia.

Step by Step—Phases and Relapse Prevention 

The conversation explores the structured phases of the drug court model used in Judge Stephens’ jurisdiction. His court utilizes a five-phase approach that typically lasts 18 to 24 months. Participants are required to comply with daily drug and alcohol testing, abide by curfews, and either work full-time or attend school full-time. These conditions are enforced consistently to maintain a high level of accountability while supporting each participant’s recovery journey.

Judge Stephens underscores the value of a robust relapse prevention component in his court’s approach. Rather than simply aiming for abstinence, the program incorporates random and observed 10-panel drug tests that include alcohol screening. The structure is deliberately unpredictable, thereby reducing opportunities to circumvent the process. Judge Stephens notes that the objectivity of drug testing results helps establish credibility and consistency in court operations, while also reinforcing trust among participants.

The Future of Georgia’s Treatment Courts 

A significant portion of the discussion centers on how Georgia funds its accountability court system. Judge Stephens explains that the state provides funding through the general budget, overseen by the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. This model ensures that accountability courts are subject to oversight, evaluation, and transparency—factors that have contributed to the program’s credibility and longevity. He also credits the formation of the Council of Accountability Court Judges as a critical development in legislative and operational coordination, helping to standardize practices across counties and judicial circuits.

Looking ahead, Judge Stephens is optimistic about the future of treatment courts, particularly in Georgia. He predicts significant growth in the coming years as more jurisdictions recognize the long-term value of these programs. Drawing from his experience at the All Rise national convention in Anaheim, Judge Stephens highlights how collaboration and shared learning across states have accelerated the adoption of effective treatment court practices nationwide.

A Personal Transformation 

Finally, the episode explores the impact of treatment court involvement on Judge Stephens personally. He describes the experience as transformational, noting how it has deepened his understanding of substance dependency and broadened his perspective on justice. As he contemplates retirement, Judge Stephens expresses hope that the work will continue to evolve and that collaboration will remain a cornerstone of future success.

We wish to thank Judge Lawton Stephens for sharing his insights and experiences on Justice Speaks. We also wish to thank OpAns for sponsoring this podcast episode.