---
title: "Michael J. McGirt | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/michael-j-mcgirt-ga-magistrate-64e4fee03291280026b3c482"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-08-25"
---

# Michael J. McGirt

Liberty County Magistrate Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Liberty County Magistrate 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


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://georgiacourts.knack.com/gcd2/#directory-entries/entry-details/64e4fee03291280026b3c482/)
- [Official roster](https://georgiacourts.knack.com/gcd2/#directory-entries/entry-details/64e4fee03291280026b3c482/)
- [Supreme Court of Georgia, court orders amending Uniform Trial Court Rules](https://www.gasupreme.us/rules/amendments-to-rules)
- [Judicial Council of Georgia Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://georgiacourts.knack.com/gcd2/#directory-entries/entry-details/64e4fee03291280026b3c482/)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- Michael J. McGirt is the Chief Magistrate Judge of Liberty County, Georgia, serving since 2023 and re‐elected in 2024 to a term through December 31, 2028
- Following 2023 – Appointed Chief Magistrate Judge after Magistrate Judge Paula Hendrix was elevated to Superior Court in the Atlantic Judicial Circuit

### Education



### Additional information

- August 2023 – Appointed Associate Magistrate Judge after longtime Chief Magistrate Judge Melinda Anderson retired
- Democrat.
- He has emphasized that his judicial approach is guided by the law, regardless of race, religion, political status, or other personal factors.
- He has also highlighted the importance of fairness, compassion, and accountability in decision‐making
- As Chief Magistrate Judge, McGirt presides over cases in the Liberty County Magistrate Court, which handles a range of matters including traffic violations, small claims, and certain criminal and civil cases.



## Published courtroom rules

### Shared court rules

- [Georgia Magistrate Court Rule 15 — virtual proceedings](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-92c085addd8bb83007e0ba04) — Georgia Magistrate Courts only. Virtual proceedings; consent, exceptions and judicial orders control. Dated 2023 source, later amendments not exhaustively certified. [Official source](https://www.gasupreme.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Order-approving-Magistrate-videoconferencing-rules_entered.pdf). Collected 2026-10-27.