Chief Magistrate Judge Brendan F. Murphy administered the oaths of office for three full‑time magistrate judges at a public ceremony in Cobb County that included remarks from local judges, the district attorney and clergy.

The ceremony, held at Cobb County facilities, formally installed Jennifer Inman, Norman Barnett and Mallory Lumpkin Dawson to full‑time magistrate posts. "When magistrates have a question about law unique to our court around the state, they call her," Murphy said of Inman while introducing the appointees.

Why it matters: Magistrate court is frequently the first point of contact for many civil and criminal matters; full‑time appointments affect the court's daily capacity to hear warrants, small claims, landlord‑tenant matters and other high‑volume dockets. At the ceremony, Murphy noted the county used an open appointment process for the positions and that the Superior Court confirmed the appointments.

Jennifer Inman, a long‑time magistrate court practitioner and former part‑time magistrate judge, said she accepted the full‑time appointment because she “love[s] this court” and pledged to ensure litigants have both "actual access to justice" and a "perception of justice." Inman thanked judges and staff for their support and said she would "provide full and fair hearings" and treat participants with respect.

Norman Barnett, who was also sworn in, emphasized public service and the mentorship he received in his career. "I'm thrilled to be here," Barnett said, describing his commitment to the court’s mission and noting he had moved from federal and state prosecutorial work into the magistrate role. Murphy and other speakers highlighted Barnett’s prosecutorial and civil‑litigation background. The ceremony included a brief mention that Barnett’s parents were unable to attend because of a recent medical emergency.

Mallory Lumpkin Dawson was introduced by District Attorney Joe Mulholland and sworn in with family and former mentors present. In her remarks Dawson recited a line she attributed to Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson: "It literally takes a village to make a judge," and said she would work to ensure those who come before the court are treated with dignity and that justice is transparent and accessible.

The investiture included a charge from Superior Court Judge Kelly S. Hill, who cited Micah 6:8 and urged the new judges: "To act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly." The program opened and closed with prayers from Judge Sonia Brown and Reverend Dr. John Vaughn and included brief introductions from several judges who described the appointees’ legal experience and temperament.

Murphy described the selection process as open and competitive; he said talent and excellence rose to the top when the county solicited applications. He also noted the magistrate court’s role in delivering justice close to the community.

A notable point at the ceremony: speakers observed that Norman Barnett is the first Black man to serve on the Cobb County Magistrate Court bench and only the second Black man to serve as a full‑time judge in the county, a milestone several speakers framed as part of longer‑term efforts to expand opportunity.

The oath‑taking and remarks concluded with prayers and applause. The Superior Court’s confirmations were referenced during the ceremony; no formal vote totals or additional administrative actions were recorded in the transcript of the event.