Legal and Governmental Terms

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What is the role of Justices in the Supreme Court?

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Members of the Supreme Court; in the Georgia Supreme Court, justices hold six year terms and are selected by popular vote.

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What is the function of a Juvenile Court?

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A court that specializes in justice for minors.

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What does Limited Jurisdiction mean?

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A court with a jurisdiction of only one county.

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What powers does a Magistrate Court have?

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The powers to issue warrants and try minor criminal cases, civil cases for sum of $15,000 or less, and civil disputes.

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What is a Misdemeanor?

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A minor offense with a penalty of no more than one year in prison and/or a fine.

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What are Opening Statements in a trial?

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Attorneys for both the plaintiff and defense are given the opportunity to speak directly to the jury to explain what they hope to prove in the case.

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What is a Plea Bargain?

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The ability for a defendant to plead guilty to a lesser charge.

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What happens during a Preliminary Hearing?

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A magistrate judge determines if there was crime committed and if there is probable cause that the suspect was involved in the crime.

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What is the Presentation of Evidence?

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During a trial when witnesses are called to provide testimony.

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What is Probable Cause?

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When there is sufficient evidence that the suspect was involved in a crime.