[1][2] Prior to his legislative service, Caldwell served as a judge in the Fayette County Superior Court for about 15 years, from approximately 1995 until 2010, after having practiced law and worked in the district attorney’s office in the Griffin Judicial Circuit since the 1970s.
[7] Over his tenure, he sponsored and co-sponsored a range of bills, such as those recognizing local achievements, adjusting compensation provisions for juvenile court judges, and issuing educational commendations.
Opponents, such as several legal advocacy groups, argued the revisions would reduce the Commission’s independence and open the door to political interference, particularly when high-ranking judges were under review.
Caldwell played an active role in these debates, reiterating his stance that the new framework would strengthen due process for judges while providing increased openness to the public.
[11] Critics continued to assert that Caldwell’s involvement represented a conflict of interest, pointing out his history with the JQC, while supporters framed the reforms as long-overdue measures to bring transparency to an agency they believed had operated outside meaningful legislative scrutiny.