---
title: "Catherine Mims Smith | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/catherine-mims-smith"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-08-25"
---

# Catherine Mims Smith

Brooks County Superior Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Brooks County Superior Court
- State: Georgia
- Role: Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-08-25

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### electronic devices and recording

Scope: statewide

Georgia's class-specific Uniform Court Rules govern electronic devices and recording in state trial courts. Before using recording, photography, livestreaming, or similar courtroom technology, confirm the governing rule and the assigned court's procedure.

Evidence excerpt: Uniform Superior, Juvenile, Magistrate, Municipal and Probate Court Rules

[Supreme Court of Georgia, court orders amending Uniform Trial Court Rules](https://www.gasupreme.us/rules/amendments-to-rules)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### recording devices and courtroom access

Scope: statewide

For Georgia Superior Court proceedings, statewide Rule 22 governs recording devices and courtroom recording; counsel should confirm judge approval and courtroom conditions before using recording, photographic, or comparable electronic presentation equipment.

Evidence excerpt: The new version will take effect on May 1, 2018.

[Supreme Court of Georgia, New Rule 22 approved for use of recording devices in courtrooms](https://www.gasupreme.us/new-rule-22/)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://georgiacourts.knack.com/gcd2/#directory-entries/entry-details/63bc37f78292f900123020a1/)
- [Official roster](https://georgiacourts.knack.com/gcd2/#directory-entries/entry-details/63bc37f78292f900123020a1/)
- [Supreme Court of Georgia, court orders amending Uniform Trial Court Rules](https://www.gasupreme.us/rules/amendments-to-rules)
- [Supreme Court of Georgia, New Rule 22 approved for use of recording devices in courtrooms](https://www.gasupreme.us/new-rule-22/)
- [Judicial Council of Georgia Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://georgiacourts.knack.com/gcd2/#directory-entries/entry-details/63bc37f78292f900123020a1/)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- On December 24, 2022, Smith was sworn in as the first female Superior Court Judge in the Southern Judicial Circuit
- Private practice: Associate at the Whitehurst Firm, later opening her own firm
- She has highlighted her 25 years of advocacy for vulnerable populations, her dual role as defense and prosecution attorney, and her dedication to community safety and child welfare
- Thomasville, Georgia native and the first female Superior Court Judge in the Southern Judicial Circuit, with over 25 years of legal experience in private practice, public defense, and prosecution

### Education

- University of Georgia School of Law in — J.D. (1996)

### Additional information

- handling adoptions, divorce, custody, and co-counseling on two death penalty cases
- She returned to her hometown to build a career in law, balancing community service with family life
- Born and raised in Thomasville, GA, Smith attended Wesleyan College in Macon



## Published courtroom rules

### Shared court rules

- [Uniform Superior Court Rules](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-815bee855bfd141a25d75d36) — Superior Court proceedings. Collected April 9, 2026 compilation; amendments effective November 5, 2026 are future on this collection date and are not applied. Section-specific exceptions, waivers, later amendments and case orders remain applicable. This is a source excerpt, not an exhaustive statement of the rule. [Official source](https://assets.georgiacourts.gov/4/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/14025702/UNIFORM-SUPERIOR-COURT-RULES-2026_04_09.pdf). Collected 2026-10-27.