The chief justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia warned Monday that judges who continue to ignore public health guidelines regarding COVID-19 or who fail to abide by his emergency declarations could face discipline by the state’s judicial watchdog. 

Chief Justice Harold Melton said that, while judges across the state are largely managing courthouse functions in line with state public health and CDC guidelines, he has been made aware of multiple incidents where practices “have been less than what is necessary to protect the safety of all.” His comments came during an emergency meeting of the state Judicial Council Monday.