Rule 4-1 Prohibition on Ex Parte Communications

If you have a case in the Georgia Business Court, you cannot contact the judge privately to talk about your case. The other side must always be present or informed when any communication happens with the judge.

This rule works both ways. The judge will not reach out to one party without the other party knowing, and the judge will not listen to or read anything sent directly to them outside of official court proceedings. Any information shared with the judge must be shared with everyone involved in the case.

There are a few narrow exceptions allowed under Georgia's rules for judicial conduct, but those situations are rare. In general, all communication with the judge about your case must happen in open court or through proper legal filings that all parties can see.