Atlanta Journal & Atlanta Constitution v. Clarke

Benham, Chief Justice.

This appeal calls for an interpretation of the provisions in OCGA § 9-13-142 for the designation of a newspaper as the “official organ” of a county, the newspaper in which legal advertisements are to be published. Under that section, a journal or newspaper qualifies for designation as legal organ only if it meets requirements for “continuous publication” and “85% paid subscription” for specified periods of time. OCGA § 9-13-142 (a). The designation and any changes in designation are made by a majority of the judge of the probate court, the sheriff, and the clerk of…