Bobby Harrison Smith, III has resigned from his position as Ludowici Municipal Court Judge pro-tem. Smith will continue to serve as magistrate and probate judge, which are elected positions.

The announcement was made at the Ludowici Council meeting held Tuesday morning, according to city attorney Luke Moses.

During a special called meeting held July 19, Ludowici City Mayor Jim Fuller had asked Moses to review the law regarding the appointment of Municipal Court Judge.

Fuller said Smith has served as the judge pro tem since May, but a city resident questioned whether Smith was legally qualified to hold the position.

James Wasdin of Ludowici wrote a letter to the mayor dated July 18, asserting that state law requires municipal court judges to be, “licensed to practice law in the state of Georgia and (be) an active member in good standing of the State Bar of Georgia.”

Moses said his law firm rendered their opinion which was presented to the Mayor and council. 

Smith resigned to be in compliance with the law.