R. Robin McDonald

Daily Report reporter R. Robin McDonald's journalism career includes stints as a staff writer at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, The Wichita Eagle, and The Anniston Star and as a trial tracker at CourtTV and CNN. She is the author of two true crime books -- Black Widow: The True Story of the Hilley Poisonings and Secrets Never Lie: The Death of Sara Tokars.

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September 25, 2020 | Daily Report Online

Georgia Eyes Resuming In-Person Jury Trials as Soon as November

The likely restoration of in-person jury trials comes as Georgia still grapples with the spread of COVID-19.

By R. Robin McDonald

5 minute read

September 23, 2020 | Daily Report Online

Judiciary Considers Legislation to Alter Speedy Trial Statute

The state Supreme Court's chief justice says the question is whether the courts need legislative help to reconcile health and safety guidelines for juries with pent-up speedy trial demands that have been tolled since March.

By R. Robin McDonald

4 minute read

September 17, 2020 | Daily Report Online

Georgia Judges Celebrate Constitution Day by Taking to Twitter

Eighteen judges from municipal court to the Supreme Court of Georgia entertained questions—and revealed something of themselves—at a Twitter town hall for the state's schoolchildren.

By R. Robin McDonald

4 minute read

September 16, 2020 | Daily Report Online

Should Prosecutors Have Stepped Down From Retrial in Sneiderman Murder Case?

The DeKalb prosecutors who secured Hemy Neuman's conviction saw privileged information that resulted in the first trial being thrown out.

By R. Robin McDonald

5 minute read

September 15, 2020 | Daily Report Online

Georgia Justices Wrestle With Federal Question Over Political Appointees

The Supreme Court of Georgia on Monday heard oral arguments on whether the state had the right to cancel a district attorney election so the governor could appoint a replacement.

By R. Robin McDonald

5 minute read

August 31, 2020 | Daily Report Online

DeKalb's Chief Superior Court Judge Grapples With Court in the Age of COVID-19

Superior Court Judge Asha Jackson and her pandemic task force have fought to continue essential operations while protecting staff and the public.

By R. Robin McDonald

5 minute read

August 27, 2020 | Daily Report Online

Lawyer Calls Long County Probate Judge's Botched Election an 'Administrative Breakdown'

Long County Probate Judge Bobby Harrison Smith is asking a judge for a do-over election after he lost his race to a challenger by a handful of votes where some people voted twice.

By R. Robin McDonald

5 minute read

August 27, 2020 | Daily Report Online

Public Defender Council Plans to Restore Depleted Appellate Unit

Executive Director Omotayo Alli said she is restructuring the division, traditionally based in Atlanta, to assign appellate lawyers to each of the state's 10 judicial administrative districts.

By R. Robin McDonald

4 minute read

August 25, 2020 | Daily Report Online

Fulton DA-Elect Names Transition Team That Includes Former Mayor, Attorneys, NBA Star

Fulton DA-elect Fani Willis named the 22-member transition team to provide her with advice on office operations and the implementation of new programs targeting social justice issues.

By R. Robin McDonald

4 minute read

August 24, 2020 | Daily Report Online

Amid a Pandemic, Public Interactions Remain a Reality for Probate Courts

"The duty of the court must go on," said Chattooga County's chief magistrate judge, who survived COVID-19. "The most we can do is take precautions and deal with this day to day."

By R. Robin McDonald

5 minute read

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