DeKalb Board of Ethics will appeal ruling to Georgia Supreme Court

The court ruling that stopped ethics oversight of DeKalb County's government is being appealed to Georgia's highest court.

The DeKalb Board of Ethics filed notice of appeal Friday of Superior Court Judge Asha Jackson's order that dismantled the board. Jackson decided April 28 that unelected groups — like the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce and local colleges — shouldn't have been allowed to appoint four of the board's seven members.

Without those four members, the board can't decide allegations of government misconduct or take votes.

The board’s attorney, Darren Summerville, wrote in the appeal notice that the case should be reviewed by the Georgia Supreme Court because it’s about the constitutionality of a state law.

The court ruling said the legislation that created the DeKalb Board of Ethics in 2015 unconstitutionally allowed private entities to appoint its members.

About the Author

More of the AJC’s in-depth coverage of Atlanta’s plans for international event

‘The only thing that changes is how we deliver it’

As the AJC nears the end of its print chapter, some of the reporters, editors and photographers who make the AJC reflect on their “big break" moments.

Georgia sees one of the highest rises in life expectancy in the nation

Georgia's life expectancy rose more sharply than most U.S. states as the coronavirus pandemic receded, according to the latest CDC data, but still has ground to make up.

The Latest