--- title: "R. Chris Phelps | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/r-chris-phelps" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-08-25" --- # R. Chris Phelps Elbert County Superior Court · Chief Judge ## Profile - Court: Elbert County Superior Court - State: Georgia - Role: Chief 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/58af023dce9168f520c4dd22/) - [Official roster](https://georgiacourts.knack.com/gcd2/#directory-entries/entry-details/58af023dce9168f520c4dd22/) - [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/58af023dce9168f520c4dd22/) ## JSON-LD ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/r-chris-phelps", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/r-chris-phelps", "name": "R. 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Chris Phelps", "item": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/r-chris-phelps" } ] } ] } ``` ## Biography ### Professional career - Davis (S17G1333) before the Supreme Court of Georgia in 2017, which involved complex issues regarding sex offender registration Overall, Judge Phelps is recognized for his decades of legal experience, community involvement, and dedicated service to the Northern Judicial Circuit in Georgia - Trial lawyer in civil and criminal cases and held the role of Municipal Court Judge for the City of Elberton from 1977 to 1987 - Judge Phelps has also participated in significant cases, such as serving in place of Justice Britt C. Grant for the appeal of The State v ### Education ### Additional information - He ran unopposed in the 2020 judicial election, beginning another term in January 2021, which will continue through December 31, 2024 - He was subsequently elected to a full four-year term in May 2016, winning 64.77% of the vote and carrying all five counties of the Northern Circuit: Elbert, Franklin, Hart, Madison, and Oglethorpe. - Joined the Northern Judicial Circuit Superior Court by Governor Nathan Deal on January 30, 2015, and was sworn in on March 4, 2015. - He also acted as the attorney for the City of Elberton from 1987 until 2015. - Before his appointment, Judge Phelps had a long career in both private practice and public service. - Additionally, he represented attorneys of the Northern Judicial Circuit on the Board of Governors of the State Bar of Georgia for over three decades and chaired the State Bar's Finance Committee for 10 years ## 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.