An ethics complaint against Forsyth County’s chief superior court judge could test the state judicial watchdog commission’s new powers to discipline judges for violating emergency orders intended to control the spread of COVID-19. 

The complaint, filed against Chief Superior Court Judge Jeff Bagley by Marietta criminal defense lawyer David West, contends the judge violated the terms of a series of judicial emergency orders issued by Chief Justice Harold Melton. Those orders have dramatically limited court operations since March to ensure the courts are adhering to public health and safety guidelines that would limit potential exposure to the virus.