I WAS ELATED when I heard that Judge John “Pancho” Morse Jr. was being challenged for his seat on the Superior Court bench. I jumped up and down and screamed “hallelujah.”
I don’t wish him any sort of ill will. I just think he needs to go ride out his retirement as the pastor of the church where he and his wife work. That’s it. Let someone with energy and an investment in the community make the decisions.
Many of the incumbent politicians who drove this town into the crime-filled chaos of the last few years are now gone, having been voted out of office.
We’ve gotten a new police chief, sheriff, and mayor.
Well, hot damn, it’s time for a new judge too.
Let fresh eyes look at these cases and clear the backlog. Let families move on with their lives. Stop playing God with the lives of Chatham County citizens.
A quick look at the chathamcourts.org website and some of Judge Morse’s cases in the past few months showed me that he only closed about 15 percent of the cases he heard between February and present. (Computed using random samples of civil and domestic cases heard in Judge Morse’s courtoom from February–April 2016)
That means that 85 percent of his cases are still open. I don’t know about others, but if I only did 15 percent of my job, I’d be fired (sure, there is legal due process and other circumstances, I’m only using hard numbers here).
You know what else I found interesting? Most of the cases he heard in this sample were from more than a year ago.
What the actual heck? Why can’t he close cases? Especially mine …
The one resounding theme in this message I’m writing is that you, Judge Morse, need to leave the bench.
Every night, I cry myself to sleep. Every morning, I cry when I wake up.
Why? Because my children are hung up in an ugly custody battle that is stuck in your courtroom.
For years, my ex and I have fought over custody. This battle made its way to Judge Morse’s courtroom, and in all my experience in family court with my ex over the last decade, Morse is the only one who’s refused to rule.
Now, before the naysayers jump down my throat and tell me I need to just get along with my ex for the sake of the kids, please know that I am trying. I’ve offered up joint custody. I’ve offered up waiving of all child support. I’ve caved in every manner possible except one, giving up my kids altogether.
This refusal to give up my kids (I mean, who would actually give up their kids?) has led me to thousands in attorney fees, litigation fees, the loss of two vehicles, the almost loss of my home, the selling of all my possessions.
I’ve lost it all—while waiting for Judge Morse to rule.
Honestly, I couldn’t give two damns about material possessions or money in the bank. What grinds my gears is that my children are hung up in a court system with a judge who refuses to make a decision about their lives.
Am I going to live with Mommy and Daddy? Can I live with both?
Will Mommy have a car this week to take me to my after-school activities?
Will Mommy and Daddy ever stop fighting?
Why won’t the judge listen to me?
I miss my sister. Why did the judge take us away from my sister?
As a mother, it breaks my heart that I cannot answer these questions for my children. From their first breaths, I’ve fought to protect them and give them a good life, only to have their current situation tied up in a courtroom and a judge who can’t seem to make a decision other than to take my children away without a hearing (where’s the due process?).
I mean, seriously Judge Morse, how hard is it to make a decision?
I’ve always believed that bad leaders aren’t people who make bad decisions. They’re people who make no decisions.
By that very definition, your honor, you’re a piss poor leader. Just DECIDE.
Even if it’s not in my favor, at least I can appeal.
Sad part is, even with my name on this article, he doesn’t know me. He doesn’t know my kids. We’re just names in a file that he’ll look at one day.
We’re good people. I’m a good person. I’m an upstanding member of this community.
I’m even a certified CASA (court-appointed advocate for children) in Chatham County. I’m a sworn officer of the court who’s been appointed to speak on behalf of all children in this county, yet my own kids were taken without so much as a hearing. How does this even happen?
But these are my kids—my whole world—and my life. And someone else gets to make those decisions (or not, actually).
Bottom line is I want my life back. I want my children to have their childhood back before it’s too late.
I’m tired of being at the mercy of a man who feels we’re only important enough to continue our case and get back to us later.
The citizens of Chatham County need better. The citizens of Chatham County need Peter Muller.
This article appears in May 11-17, 2016.

Well said, Brandy. I hope your case is resolved soon!
I know from experience that waiting on a judge to rule is stressful at the very least. There is no excuse for not making decisions. I doubt Judge Morse will ever see the error of his ways. According to his site, he is there and working hard. But hard on what? While custody cases can be difficult, there is no reason they cannot be dispatched more quickly. I think Judge Morse simply does not care about the lives of the families he is disrupting by not making decisions. Thank you for your bravery coming forward Ms. Mai. I know this was not easy for you.
For the record, CASA volunteers are sworn, not certified. This person is no longer a sworn CASA advocate in Chatham County.
To the Anonymous911 writer, CASA advocates cannot be acting advocates when they have their own cases pending. Thus I haven’t been an acting advocate for quite some time. And it sounds like you know me or know about my case. Feel free to come forward instead of hiding behind an anonymous name.
I am so sorry that you are going through this also. My heart hurts for you and your family. Thank you for speaking out. It takes a lot of courage.
Your case has been going on for over a decade now? You said Judge Morse just got your case? Well it doesn’t sound like Judge Morse is the problem here, it sounds like you are the problem. Especially being that your kids were taken from you… It sounds like you are the difficult one here. I personally never had to deal with Judge Morse for a case so I can’t speak good nor bad on him. I’m just the type of person that listens to both sides of the story and from hearing just your side of the story… I’m sorry but I can’t agree with you just bashing his name like that.
That’s fair, It’s Me. If I were an outsider reading this, I would think the same thing as you. My ex and I have been divorced for almost a decade. We were a military family, so we had to go into courts in various states to update our agreements each time we moved, thus your interpretation that this has been going on for a decade.
As for my kids getting taken from me, I can understand how one would think “wow, she must be a bad mom if her kids were taken away.” I’m happy to own my faults, but there is nothing about me that would warrant children being taken — nothing.
And I’ll say this, he took the three kids that were involved in this custody battle but left my youngest daughter with me. So I’m not a bad person. I’m good enough to have my youngest, but he took the others without a hearing without any regard to my youngest being separated from the others & without giving me the opportunity to show him that the other party committed perjury with his allegations.
My case is so much more complicated than a news article will allow. I ask kindly that you don’t jump to such quick judgements about my parenting based on the fact I’m a female who lost her children. Trust me, my own guilt beats me up enough.
I’m not even bashing Judge Morse for a poor ruling, I’m angry because he refuses to do any followups. Even if he ruled against me (which he probably will after reading this), at least I could appeal. But to hang up our lives under a temporary order for this long is unheard of.
Judge Morse comes from the very neighborhood that breeds the young criminals you speak of. His job is to review the cases brought before him and adjudicate them fairly. Both prosecuters and defense Lawyers drag these cases out through manipulation of the system. What complicates the process even more is newly discovered information or evidence that make it’s way to the court. That requires judicial review before cases can go forward. Now, I’m a retired police Sergeant and a former CASA. I’m still involved with the courts, but in a new capacity. I challenge you to review towns and cities of equal population in and out of this state and then review their judicial records. I think that you may find the similarities between Judge Morse’s record and those you review.
I understand Ms. Mai’s situation and frustration totally. Unfortunately, she (as I was) is being taken advantage of strictly for political gain by Judge Morse’s opponent in an upcoming election. In my opinion, it was solicited to provide any negative information about Judge Morse’s cases to tarnish his character when there are legal and factual reasons for which a case could not move forward knowing full well that Judge Morse could not respond publicly on these matters. I was a former vocal supporter of Judge Morse’s opponent until I realized that I was simply a political prawn, and there was no genuine concern about my personal situation. Thank God we have a judge who will not bow to pressure and will do what is right. I just hope that I have not done something that cannot be reversed, and others solicited like me will see the error of their ways.
Public forums such as this can be useful but they can be very problematic at times. People unfamiliar with the processes of government can be easily manipulated by individuals, especially politicians. The court system is just that -a system. Believe it or not Judges must follow the law and the court system in which all cases must flow. Many times, attorneys representing clients manipulate the system in order to delay cases as a method of balancing their case loads. They may get really busy and forget to tell their clients what is happening that may cause their case to be delayed. Clients may believe it’s the fault of a particular Judge failing to rule when it is their counsel or the attorney representing the other party who may have requested a delay. Sometimes this delay tactic is used for the benefit of their clients. Since the court system handles thousands of cases each year, a request for delay may place a particular case behind other cases which may have been scheduled for months in advance of the clients case. Makes sense, doesn’t it?
Any individual who goes before a Judge and he rules against them or their expectations are not realized, will have sour grapes. These individuals can become easy targets for someone looking to manipulate them. Of the thousands of cases handled in the courts each year, you can easily find some people who are unhappy with the rulings of every Judge. If the ruling is in your favor you have no reason to be angry. Therefore, you are less likely to speak out in forums such as this or to be used by someone to make their case against someone running for election or reelection to an office. Across this country people are beginning to hold those running for public office to a much higher standard. Stop with the negative allegations, vicious insinuations, derogatory utterances, and such. Give us all the facts and only the facts, then step back and let us make an informed voting decision.
Any person running for public office, Local, State or National who uses unhanded, negative tactics must have their character brought into question. Show me a Judge (any Judge) who rules over thousands of cases or an attorney who has represented hundreds of clients without a single complaint. Can’t do it- can you? The truth is- the system, (good or bad) is the system. The system dictates how fast or slow things move through it. Anyone running for public office knows this. Misleading the public by blaming one individual or another is down right manipulation. Americans are sick and tired of this kind of underhanded, offensive politics. Ask yourself this simple question, is it necessary to use negative ads and tactics to win a political office at any level? If you will do that to win an office, what will you do to keep that office? Ethical people don’t use mudslinging to get ahead, they take the high road by speaking about themselves and the good ideas and qualities they will bring to an elected office. Unethical people will- well you know……
Tonya Tony is known to run from one cause to another. She is up for the highest bidder. Everything she says is based upon her buddy Wilcher who is hoping Morse can bring him the black vote in November.
JBBBrown, I fully recognize that judges get reversed sometimes, and that at least one party usually is dissatisfied with the substantive rulings in a case. Those are NOT the point of my campaign and are NOT why I am running against Judge Morse. My main complaints, and the complaints of most people who are standing up against Judge Morse, are based on his extreme delays in issuing his own rulings (sometimes NEVER issuing a ruling before the case finally settles). I have never suggested that cases are not delayed by discovery efforts, busy attorneys, scheduling problems, tactics, etc., but when motions are filed, and parties need a ruling from the judge, it is time for the judge to get work done. And Judge Morse is known to be the worst on that issue. That is why I am running against him. I have no political aspirations, I am not a political pawn, and I am not naive enough to think that I can clear up all problems in a short while. But I will work harder than Judge Morse and issue rulings in a timely manner and will treat people respectfully. Those alone should be reasons to replace a judge who is not getting things done properly. I am sorry if the “negative ads” concern you–the fact is that I am merely informing our public about real problems that exist in Judge Morse’s courtroom. If my ads simply said, “Peter Muller would be a good judge,” most citizens would have no knowledge of why Judge Morse should not be reelected. I am trying to get the truth out to the public, and it appears that that has occurred. I am not mudslinging; I am shining a light. Most people do not even know that they can vote for judges, because most attorneys are fearful of running against a judge who needs to be replaced.
According to the docket, the writer filed this custody action in March 2015 and was previously represented by counsel. Her attorney withdrew from the case in March 2016. Her ex-husband is represented by one of the most experienced and aggressive family lawyers in Savannah. A guardian ad litem was appointed to represent the best interests of the children. There are entries on the docket for nearly every month since it was filed, sometimes multiple entries, reflecting that the parties have been serving and answering discovery, for which process the Georgia Civil Practice Act allows six months. The writer has been unrepresented by counsel since March 2016, when her attorney withdrew. Since then, she has continued to file motions without an attorney. Trying to navigate the procedural requirements of the Georgia Civil Practice Act without an attorney, in a contested custody action with experienced opposing counsel and a guardian ad litem, is unlikely to lead to a speedy and successful resolution.
Negative campaign? I haven’t seen Muller running a negative campaign. Of course, the Georgia Court of Appeals had some very negative things to say about Morse’s performance, and it is appropriate for Muller to point that out. From what I’ve seen via social media, it is Muller who is having open dialogue, even with dissenters while Morse has to “approve” things posted to his page and deletes posts which don’t enhance his propaganda. He asks for “evidence” that he has problems, yet when victims of his judicial lethargy post about their experiences, they are deleted. What is he hiding?
Notpc: those objectively watching the challenger’s campaign can see for themselves that it is sinking pretty low, particularly for a judicial election. Some examples: the challenger has suggested that Judge Morse’s supporters have removed his campaign signs, without any evidence to support the accusation. The challenger has posted a picture, apparently attempting to link Judge Morse to Commissioner Yusuf Shabazz. It’s difficult to come up with a benign motive for that one. I also understand he has been selective with the facts he has chosen to reveal regarding one or more older cases pending on Judge Morse’s docket.
And you know there’s no evidence of signs being taken by Morse supporters how? And selective facts being “revealed”? These cases are public record. There are no secrets there and, you know that. As far as the relationship between Morse and Shabazz being interpreted from a picture of two campaign signs next to each other? Just goes to show that their supporters are sometimes one and the same. You have a weak stomach when it comes to politics if you can call any of that “sinking pretty low.” At least Muller doesn’t filter and delete comments from his Facebook page from people whose opinions differ from his own. You seem to have a lot riding on this race eh?
It seems as if galawyer has a lot riding on this campaign. Maybe he/she is one of the ones in Morse’s back pocket.
Like body language, a person’s temperament, morals and ethics are truly exemplified in his or her actions. Persons pursuing high political office should have an abundance of each of these valuable quality characteristics, especially if they will hold the power of life and death over fellow Americans. The upcoming vote for Superior Court Judge on May 24th is not about the speed of a decision, but the correctness of the decision and the corresponding judgment metered out by the Judge. We should not take this election lightly because the person selected may be the one judging your case or that of a family member.
With that thought in mind, let’s very slowly re-read, examine and dissect the 05/14/2016 comments written by one individual running for office in response to comments written on 05/13/2016 by (JBBrown). Bear in mind that in order for an untruth to be palatable it must be sprinkled with a bit of truth.
1). The respondent admits that judges are routinely reversed by a higher court and that at least one party may be dissatisfied with the substantive rulings in a case. This is TRUE; however, the fact that the Judge running for reelection received a reversal was listed as a cornerstone issue in the respondent’s campaign. This was highlighted as if this judge was the only Chatham County Judge to receive such reversal. If you were judging his statement, how would you rule? Should this be listed under the column of DECEPTION? Manipulations take several forms. You can either be given bogus information or factual information may be withheld from you. Either way is classified as deception. This is how American voters are routinely manipulated by politicians each election cycle.
2). Respondent states: I have no political aspirations; I am not a political pawn. This statement speaks to how little respect some politicians have for the American voters. Running for any political office means the person running has some level of political aspiration, or they would not spend thousands of dollars of donor’s money to run. Does this make sense to you? I’m not sure what a political pawn is, but by definition the word politician (Websters dictionary) refers to anyone running for a political or governmental office. Not sure about you, but I would not give one dime to any politician who has no political aspirations. In fact, it’s rumored that he seriously considered running or pursuing another Judges position before now. True or not, that’s not a bad thing unless he is trying to now convince the public that he truly has no present or past political aspirations. Again, are these statements DECEPTIVE in nature? You be the judge.
3). Respondent states: I am not naive enough to think that I can clear up all problems in a short while (TRUTH). But I will work harder than Judge ******** and issue rulings in a timely manner. What exactly does he mean by timely? How much time will he take? What specific changes will the respondent implement to speed up the disposition of court cases? Will attorneys be limited in the number of motions they can file per case? What will be done to assist people like Ms. Brandy Mia who is not represented by legal counsel? Does he know how many cases or what type of cases are on any of the Judges dockets? Without that knowledge, how can he possibly judge the time utilized by his opponent or any judge to rule on cases. How do we measure these generic misleading statements? Again, you be the judge.
These are valid, pertinent questions which need to be answered by the respondent to get our vote. Are we expected to just trust the person making these statements, go to the polls and vote like clones?
4). Respondent states: If my ads simply said, ***(I) *** would be a good judge,” most citizens would have no knowledge of why Judge ***(my opponent)*** should not be reelected. I am trying to get the truth out to the public, and it appears that that has occurred. I am not mudslinging; I am shining a light. Most people do not even know that they can vote for judges, because most attorneys are fearful of running against a judge who needs to be replaced. HOLY COW! In his own words, this person truly believes the voters of Chatham County are “NOT SMART ENOUGH “to know how and when to vote for a Judge”. Unless appointed by the Governor, Judges run for election and their names show up on a ballot at the end of each four year term. Finally, I have never met a Chatham County attorney who is afraid of any Judge. They are honorable ladies and gentlemen who diligently represent their clients. Any counsel, who is truly afraid; as the respondent claims, should hang up their license to practice law in Georgia.
Remember, this election is about due process and the law. It is not a race between the turtle and the hare. The above responses by respondent are in no way meant for consumption by intelligent voting age adults. Any person out there who desires to put a spin on the respondents exact words- give us your best defense. The jury anxiously awaits your response.
To the young lady (Brandy Mia) who poured out her heart and made her family problems a political football. You have most likely done more damage to your kid’s lives than any judge ever could. Your hurt and anger may be misdirected because it’s being used in a manner which will plague your kid’s good name in ways you never intended. Stop for a moment and consider how your family issues are being used as a political sniping tool by others. It made you famous for a few days, but at what cost? At the end of your first article you made a political endorsement. That was the kiss of death for your argument. Was the point of your article to express your personal hurt and anger geared toward a particular Judge or something more sinister? Were you asked to publish the article by someone who perhaps gave you very specific language and technical information to use? Your case has been in and out of the courts for over a decade, according to your own confession. Why so much anger now, why Judge Morse? Perhaps your anger and discuss should also be directed toward other judges who may have ruled against you over the past ten years.
Your story upon second reading appears to be full of holes. Playing on public sympathy for personal or political gain is not a good thing. When or if you have to appear in court again, regardless of which judge hears your case, you can expect the media to follow your case very closely and publicize every detail. Henceforth, you should keep your family business private. That’s the best way to keep your kids out of harm’s way.
So, according to The Spin Stops Here, Brandy Mai is just supposed to accept Judge Morse allowing her case to languish? If I were her and the multitude of other WOMEN he has mistreated, I would be yelling from the rooftops or calling the National Media. There is no oversight of these judges, and they can do as they please as long as no one runs against them. Instead of shaming Mai for shedding light on her plight, why don’t you ask why? Why is she having to go public for her voice to be heard? It’s a free country, and she can say as she pleases. Oh yeah, everywhere but on Morse’s facebook page where opinions which dissent from his are not allowed. That speaks volumes. Clearly, his camp is getting nervous. The word is out.
NOTPC–as has already been pointed out, there is no reason to believe Judge Morse has allowed Brandy’s case to “languish.” Those unfamiliar with the court system are often shocked by how slowly things seem to move. In fact, judges legally CAN’T rule on some matters until a certain amount of time has passed. This is because the opposing side has a certain number of days set by law in which to file an answer or response. If the parties in Brandy’s case are still actively engaged in discovery, then her case isn’t even ripe for adjudication yet. Just because Judge Morse may have issued a ruling against her, it doesn’t mean she’s being “mistreated” or that her voice isn’t being heard. There are two sides to every story, and only one is airing her dirty laundry all over the internet.
Additionally, I’m confused by your comment that there’s no oversight for judges. Thats literally what appellate courts are for. Also, there’s Georgia’s Judicial Qualifications Commmission, whose entire function is to oversee judges.
I know that judge Morse is the best judge we have he sees through the other judges my dad was a cop for chatham county for nearly thirty years and was set up for knowing to much about corruptness and our homeland security my dad has been in prison for five years and the sherries depots and court system have terrorized me it is to the point that my life and others have been threatened with death and judge Morse knew something want write there are da judges detectives so many people involved his name is rick hall if anyone can help me internal affairs set him up I can’t get no one to issue me a reffera for the gbi to investigate the sherriff dept my dad got me when I was twelve he has rescued so many children and helped so many he was tired of the illegal things that were going on and innocent people being set up threaten or killed he knew that homeland security CIA were involved in terrorist attacks on 911 and he was telling me dept of defense was coming through radio there was another rick hall that worked in internal affairs and his bestfriend warren Blanton well they threaten me and said I better lie and say I seen my dad molest little boys or they would charge us both this was in 2013 a boy came in in 2008 to report he was molested by rick hall but they did nothing cause it was the rick hall in internal affairs well they stuck my dad with his and charges anybody that can direct me to help please im not giving up even if I die my dad is my partner my life and a angel justice needs to be served and all the ones that are involved need to be arrested and yall will see what is really going on and that judge Morse is the only GB honest one judge wamsley sentenced my dad warren Blanton internal affairs was the lone witness for the state I wasn’t even allowed to come to court well just about four months ago judge wamsley tried to set me up with a arson charge my boyfriend was found dead I got hit by a under cover cop and three cops stopped and terrorize me for three hours they want to silence me Jesus want let me give up and if I do die it sure will be known that they were responsible this is sick and crazy that no one will help cause they know they are involved but there sins are about to shine bright and sherriff welcher is the devil I don’t care somebody has to stand up to them and I did not come this far to give up
I have worked for county government and I have never seen a court ran like this one. I am disgusted with the way this judge oversaw the case I was involved in. In my Opinion this judge is on the take and I would love to see his cases load to see how many families he has ruined through the years. He calls himself a man of God?? I found this article because I googled the judges name. I wasnt surprised at what I found. I hope Women start coming forward against this Judge. They have nothing more to lose because he took it all!!! After all it is the year of the me to movement .