Lesson_GS_U2_Georgia's Government

​Unit 2 | The Government of Georgia
Part 1: The Foundation of Georgia's Government

​Comparing Constitutions

​Big Question: How does Georgia’s Constitution compare to the US constitution? (Describe one similarity and one difference).

• ​Georgia's first constitution (a written plan for government) was issued in 1777. Since then, it has been revised 10 times, most recently in 1982.

• Much like the US Constitution, Georgia's features a preamble (an introduction that states its purpose), many articles (a distinct section within a document), a bill of rights (freedoms protected by law), and many amendments (a change or addition to a written document).

• Unlike the US Constitution has fewer articles (7), compared to Georgia's 11. This was done to provide more detail and leave less up to interpretation.

• Another difference is the Georgia lists its Bill of Rights under Article 1, where as Freedom of Speech is Article 1 in the US Constitution.

Multiple Choice

How is Georgia's Constitution similar to the US Constitution?

• Georgia's Constitution is identical to the US Constitution in all aspects.
• Georgia's Constitution does not protect individual rights.
• Georgia's Constitution is only applicable to state laws and has no federal influence.
• Georgia's Constitution also has many articles as well as a Bill of Rights.

Multiple Choice

Which Constitution features the citizens' Bill of Rights as it's first article?

• Georgia Constitution

• US Constitution

• Neither, the Bill of Rights is a separate document.

• The Bill of Rights is the first article in both documents.

​The Branches of Georgia's Government

​Big Question: Describe Georgia's system of checks and balances between its three branches of government.

• ​Georgia's three branches of government (legislative, executive, and judicial) function much like those in the federal government. Each branch has separate, distinct powers known as a separation of powers (division of power and responsibilities between branches).

• In addition to separation of powers, each branch can check the power of the other two to ensure one branch doesn't become too powerful. This is known as checks and balances.

Powers
~Can declare legislative branch laws unconstitutional (not legal according to constitution)
~Can restrain executive branch's actions.
Limitations
~Legislative branch has to approve judges that serve on this branch.
~Executive branch appoints new judges to fill vacancies.

​Legislative Branch
(makes new laws)

Executive Branch
(enforces and carries out the law)

​Judicial Branch
(interprets the law)

Powers
~Can summon special sessions and veto (stop) legislative bills
~Can appoint judicial branch judges to fill vacancies.
Limitations
~Judicial branch can restrain actions.
~Legislative branch has to approve its budget plans, and can also impeach the governor or other executive branch members.

Powers
~Approves executive branch's selection for new judicial branch judges.
~Can impeach executive branch members and approve their state budgets.
Limitations
~Executive branch can veto their new bills and summon them to special sessions (meetings)
~Judicial branch can declare their new laws unconstitutional.

Multiple Choice

Which branch of Georgia's government enforce and carry out laws, can appoint new judges, veto bills, and call special sessions (meetings)?

• Judicial

• Executive

• Legislative

Multiple Choice

Which branch of Georgia's government interprets laws, can restrain the governor's actions, and declare laws unconstitutional?

• Judicial

• Executive

• Legislative

Multiple Choice

Which branch of Georgia's government makes new laws, can impeach the governor, approve state budgets, and approve the governor's judge appointments?

• Judicial

• Executive

• Legislative

​Your Rights and Responsibilities

​Big Question: List at least two rights and two responsibilities under Georgia law.

• ​Both the US and Georgia Constitutions outline many rights listed in their Bill of Rights. The state of Georgia also requires many civil responsibilities (the responsibility of each citizen, especially to contribute to society). However, not every responsibility is enforced by law.

​Rights

​Responsibilities

• ​Freedom of speech.

• Freedom of worship and religion.

• Freedom of press (news sources).

• Freedom of peaceful assembly and petition.

• Right to a trial by jury.

• ​Pay state income taxes.

• Serve on juries if called upon by the court.

• Volunteering in the community (not required by law but encouraged).

• Voting in local, state, and federal elections. (not required by law).

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a right guaranteed to Georgia's citizens by its constitution?

• Freedom of speech.

• Freedom of religion.

• Freedom of peaceful assembly or protest.

• Freedom of the press (news).

• Freedom to declare war.

Multiple Select

Select TWO (2) of the following that are considered responsibilities of Georgia citizens, but are not enforced or protected by the law.

• Pay state taxes.

• Volunteer in the community.

• Serve on juries.

• Voting.

​Voting in Georgia

​Big Question: List all the qualifications to vote in Georgia and the options for voting during an election.

Voting is an essential right in any democracy. However, not everyone can vote. To vote in Georgia, you must meet all of its voting qualifications. Additionally, there are several ways in which you can carry out your vote that Georgia residents must be aware of.

​GEORGIA'S VOTING QUALIFICATIONS

• Register to vote at least 30 days before an election.

• You must be a citizen of the United States.

• You must be a legal resident of Georgia and of the county where you wish to vote.

• You must be at least 18 years of age by Election Day.

• You must not be serving a sentence for a felony (a serious crime with sever punishments) conviction, or be declared mentally incompetent by a judge.

​CARRYING OUT YOUR VOTE

1). Vote in person on Election Day. Polls are open from 7:00am - 7:00pm.
2). Vote in person early. Typically early voting in Georgia opens up 3 weeks before elections.
3). Vote by absentee ballot. If you cannot be in your state during the election window, voters can request an absentee ballot. This ballot must be in by the end of Election Day.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a requirement of Georgia citizens to vote?

• Must have paid state taxes within the last year.

• Must be a United States citizen.

• Must be 18 years of age by Election Day.

• Must be a legal Georgia resident and of the county in which you vote.

• Cannot have a felony conviction or be declared incompetent by a judge.

Multiple Choice

All of the following are ways in which Georgian's can vote except...

• ...by voting online at vote.ga.gov.

• ...by voting in person on Election Day.

• ...by voting in person during early voting.

• ...by voting with a requested absentee ballot.

​Unit 2 | The Government of Georgia
Part 2: Georgia's Legislative and Executive Branch

​Georgia's General Assembly

​Big Question: What are the qualifications to run for office for Georgia's House of Representatives and the Georgia State Senate?

~Georgia's legislative branch is known as the "General Assembly". Their duty is to represent the views of their constituents (a larger group of people) that voted them into office. Much like the US Congress, Georgia's General Assembly is also broken up into two houses known as the Senate and House of Representatives.
~Members of each house are elected for two year terms (a fixed period of time, usually in office). However, before they can even run, there are many qualifications that must be met...

​	​Georgia House of Representatives	​Georgia Senate
Minimum age to be elected​.	​21	​25
​National citizenship requirement?	​Citizen of the US	​Citizen of US
​Minimum length of time as citizen of the state.	​2 years	​2 years
Minimum length of time as resident of territory from which elected.​	1 year​	1 year​

Multiple Choice

Which of the Georgia General Assembly's houses requires you to be 25 years of age to run for office?

• Georgia Senate

• Georgia House of Represenatives

• Both

• Neither

Multiple Choice

Which of the Georgia General Assembly's houses requires you to be 21 years of age to run for office?

• Georgia Senate

• Georgia House of Represenatives

• Both

• Neither

Multiple Choice

Which of the Georgia General Assembly's houses requires you to be a US citizen, live within Georgia for two years, and live within the region in which they are running for 1 year?

• Georgia Senate

• Georgia House of Represenatives

• Both

• Neither

​From Bill to Law

​Big Question: Describe the five-step process for making a law in Georgia.

​To do its job as the lawmaking branch for Georgia, the General Assembly decides which bills (a proposal for a new law) become laws. However, the process is long.

-Step 1: A bill is proposed by a member of either house of the General Assembly.

-Step 2: Once the bill is introduced, it is assigned to a committee (a group appointed for a special function). The committee can...
~Send the bill to the floor for a vote.
~Revise the bill and then send it to the floor for a vote.
~Kill the bill.

-Step 3: The committee sends the finished version of the bill to the floor, and the legislators will vote on it.

-Step 4: If the bill is accepted, it then goes to the other house for considerations. The second house can then...
~Approve the bill: It then goes to the governor for approval.
~Change the bill: Then both houses have to agree on changes or the bill dies.
~Kill the bill: If the second house does not approve it, it dies.

Step 5: Once both houses approve the bill, the governor has 40 days to sign the bill into law, veto it, or do nothing.
~If the governor signs the bill, it becomes law.
~If the governor does nothing for 40 days, the bill becomes law.
~If the governor vetoes the bill, the bill does not become law unless a 2/3s vote by both houses of the Georgia Assembly overrides it.

​(Governor Kemp signing a bill into law.)

​(Georgia Assembly legislators debating a bill.)

Multiple Choice

Select the correct order of the lawmaking process under the Georgia legislature (General Assembly).

• 1). Committee review.

  2). Introduction of a bill.

  3). Voting in both chambers.

  4). Floor debate.

  5). Governor's approval or veto.

• 1). House floor debate

  2). Voting in both chambers.

  3). Committee review. 4). Introduction of a bill.

  5). Governor's approval or veto.

• 1). Introduction of a bill.

  2). Voting in both chambers.

  3). Committee review. 4). Governor's approval or veto.

  5). House floor debate.

• 1) Introduction of a bill. 2) Committee review. 3) House floor debate. 4) Voting in both chambers.

  5) Governor's approval or veto.

Multiple Choice

Under Step 4 of the Georgia lawmaking process, If either house of the Georgia Assembly cannot agree on a bill or changes made to it before it gets to the governor for approval (Step 5), what happens to the bill?

• It goes to the Georgia Supreme Court for constitutional review.

• It dies and legislators have to begin again or draft an entirely new bill.

• The federal government steps in and Georgia's US senators decide the bill's fate.

• The bill goes to the governor after 40 days if both houses cannot agree.

Multiple Choice

If a bill passes both houses of the General Assembly (Georgia legislature), but ultimately gets vetoed by the governor during Step 5 of the lawmaking process, how can the General Assembly override this action and pass the bill into law without the governor's approval?

• By getting a 2/3s majority vote to pass the bill from both houses in the General Assembly.

• By using a filibuster to stall the governor for 40 days so the bill will pass anyway.

• By sending the bill to the Georgia Supreme Court for approval.

• The General Assembly cannot override the governor's veto under any circumstance.

​The Committee System

​~The committee system is an important part of Georgia's legislature. They have a large impact over the success or failure of every bill, so it is important that members from each political party is represented.

~In Georgia's Senate, there are 26 committees. While in Georgia's House of Representatives has 36 committees.

~The main goal of each committee is three-fold...
1. To review each proposed law.
2. To investigate each issue.
3. To work out differences between different versions of the bill.

​Big Question: What is the purpose of the Georgia General Assembly's committee system?

(A General Assembly committee reviewing a bill)

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a basic function of Georgia's legislative committees?

• Work out differences between versions of the bill.

• Review each proposed law.

• Investigate each issue in a bill.

• Serve as a mediator under the governor's authority.

​The Governor and Lieutenant Governor

~The governor of Georgia is the state's chief executive (highest elected official of the executive branch and viewed as a leader).
~To serve as governor in Georgia, you must be a US citizen for 15 years, a Georgia resident for 6 years, and at least 30 years old. The term for governor is 4 years. The governor can serve no more than two terms.

​Big Question: What are the qualifications for governor and lieutenant governor and what are their roles in the state government?

Brian Kemp - (R)
Georgia Governor

Burt Jones - (R)
Georgia Lieutenant-Governor

~The lieutenant governor is the second-highest position in the state.
~They have to meet all the same qualifications as the governor to run.
~However, they do not run with the governor during elections, so they can sometimes be from different political parties.

​

The governor also serves as...

• CEO of the State: Proposes laws, signs/vetoes bills, budgets..

• Chief Law Enforcement Officer: Empowers law agencies.

• Commander-in-Chief: Commands GA National Guard.

The lieutenant-governor also serves as...

• Leader of the Georgia Senate on the Georgia Assembly

• Second-in-command should the governor die or leave

Multiple Choice

All of the following are qualifications for both governor and lieutenant governor in Georgia except...

• Be a citizen of the US for at least 15 years.

• Be at least 30 years of age.

• Live in Atlanta for at least 3 years.

• Be a citizen of Georgia for at least 6 years.

Multiple Choice

What are the term limits for governor of Georgia?

• Four consecutive two-year terms

• One four-year term only

• Two consecutive four-year terms.

• No term limits

Multiple Select

Check ALL that are roles of Georgia's governor.

• CEO of the state responsible for proposing budgets, signing/vetoing bills, and proposing new laws.

• Leader of the Georgia Senate on Georgia's General Assembly.

• Chief law enforcement officer responsible for empowering Georgia's safety agencies.

• Commander-in-chief of the Georgia National Guard.

• Second in command should something happen to Georgia's chief executive.

Multiple Select

Check ALL that are roles of Georgia's lieutenant-governor.

• CEO of the state responsible for proposing budgets, signing/vetoing bills, and proposing new laws.

• Leader of the Georgia Senate on Georgia's General Assembly.

• Chief law enforcement officer responsible for empowering Georgia's safety agencies.

• Commander-in-chief of the Georgia National Guard.

• Second in command should something happen to Georgia's chief executive.

​Agencies and Boards

​Big Question: What are the roles of the many state agencies headed by Georgia's executive branch?

• One of the responsibilities of the governor is to enforce the law. Agencies help the governor carry out this task. Many agencies are under the control of a board that helps oversee it's policies (a plan of action that is made to influence decisions and actions). The board makes sure these policies run smoothly and the law is enforced. Here are some of Georgia's major agencies and their roles....

The Department of Education certifies teachers, sets standards for K-12, and distributes funds to school systems.

The Department of Human Services provides assistance for families and children, the elderly, and those struggling with mental health.

The Department of Public Safety enforces traffic laws, helps reduce crime, and responds to natural and man-made disasters.

The Department of Transportation plans, constructs, and maintains highways and bridges and supports other forms of transportation.

The Department of Natural Resources helps conserve and protect natural and cultural resources by managing state parks, historical sites and fishing and wildlife areas.

Match

Match each role with its appropriate Georgia agency.

• Certifies teachers, sets standards K-12, distributes funds to school districts.

• Provides assistance for families and children, the elderly, and those with mental illness.

• Enforces traffic laws, helps reduce crime, responds to natural and man-made disasters.

• Plans and constructs bridges and highways; also supports other forms of transportation such as busses and trains.

• Manages state parks and historical sites and fishing and wildlife areas.

Department of Education (DOE)

Department of Human Services (DHS)

Department of Public Safety (DPS)

Department of Transportation (DOT)

Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

• Department of Education (DOE)

• Department of Human Services (DHS)

• Department of Public Safety (DPS)

• Department of Transportation (DOT)

• Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

​Unit 2 | The Government of Georgia
Part 3: Georgia's Judicial Branch and Adult/Juvenile Law

​Interpret Laws and Administer Justice

• Georgia's judicial branch has two roles, to interpret the law and to administer justice in Georgia's legal system. But what does that mean?

• When the judicial branch is charged with interpreting the law, a law goes under what is known as a judicial review (the power of the judicial branch to review laws and potentially declare them unconstitutional). This means the GA Supreme Court looks closely at a law and compares it with a state constitution. They have the final say. However, the US Supreme Court can overturn Georgia law if they deem it violates the US Constitution.

• Whether it is at the state or local level, one primary role of the GA judicial branch is administer justice. The state's judicial branch is responsible for making sure laws are followed consistently and fairly, while ensuring any punishments for lawbreaking fit the crime.

BIG QUESTION: Describe the two main functions of Georgia's judicial branch.

Multiple Choice

When a Georgia justice places a law under judicial review to ensure it follows the state constitution, he/she is practicing the important judicial role of...

• ...interpreting laws.

• ....administering justice.

• ....vetoing bills.

• ...impeachment.

Multiple Choice

When a Georgia judge or justice is deciding on a reasonable and fair punishment for a criminal, he/she is practicing the important judicial role of...

• ...interpreting laws.

• ....administering justice.

• ....vetoing bills.

• ...impeachment.

Criminal Law and Civil Law

• Throughout Georgia and the United States, there are two main areas of law that judicial branches must contend with; civil and criminal.

• Criminal law deals with legal punishment for those that harm people or society. This includes crimes such as DUI, murder, robbery, and more.

• Civil law deals with disputes about the rights of individuals and organizations, and usually involves one party seeking compensation (money) from the other by filing a lawsuit. Although there may be wrong doing, this typically doesn't mean that either party is a criminal. This includes disputes over things like divorce, property ownership, contracts, and personal injuries.

BIG QUESTION: Explain the difference between criminal law and civil law.

​Criminal Law

​Civil Law

• The government brings the case.

• The governments prosecuting attorney seeks punishment.

• The defendant (the person or organization in a lawsuit that is sued or accused of a crime).

• The prosecution must prove the defendant is guilty "beyond a reasonable doubt" in a fair trial. This is known as due process.

• An individual, organization, or the government files a lawsuit.

• The plaintiff (the person or organization that brings the lawsuit to court) is seeking monetary damages.

• The defendant could be required to testify.

• The plaintiff only has to show the guilt of the other party by a "preponderance of the evidence".

Multiple Choice

Decide whether the following example falls under criminal law, civil law or neither.

A lineman is injured on the job due to faulty equipment and files a lawsuit against the power company.

• Civil Law

• Criminal Law

• Neither

Multiple Choice

Decide whether the following example falls under criminal law, civil law or neither.

A parent is angry because their child received OSS after they were caught vaping in the gym, and they go to the school board to launch a formal complaint.

• Civil Law

• Criminal Law

• Neither

Multiple Choice

Decide whether the following example falls under criminal law, civil law or neither.

A employee at a tech company was fired for taking an extra hour for lunch for the past month so they file a complaint with the Georgia Department of Labor.

• Civil Law

• Criminal Law

• Neither

Multiple Choice

Decide whether the following example falls under criminal law, civil law or neither.

A woman is arrested for driving drunk on the highway with two of her friends in the vehicle.

• Civil Law

• Criminal Law

• Neither

Multiple Choice

Decide whether the following example falls under criminal law, civil law or neither.

Two 16-year-olds are caught vandalizing the town's water tower.

• Civil Law

• Criminal Law

• Neither

Multiple Choice

Decide whether the following example falls under criminal law, civil law or neither.

Two parents can't agree on child custody during their divorce.

• Civil Law

• Criminal Law

• Neither

Judges and Jurisdictions

• Across the US, states set up jurisdictions (power and authority to issue legal rulings) for their courts to rule in different types of cases.

• Georgia's general jurisdiction (refers to a court that holds the authority to hear all types of cases). trial courts are the superior courts. This type of court hears all cases such as felonies, divorces, and land disputes. Superior court judges are elected to four-year terms in GA.

• Courts with limited jurisdiction (refers to a court that only holds authority in certain cases) like probate courts, typically hear criminal cases such as misdemeanors (a lesser crime that has less severe punishments), traffic violations, and some civil cases. Probate judges are also elected to four-year terms.

• Courts that review lower courts' rulings in appeals (a request for a review and reconsideration of a ruling) are in the appellate jurisdiction (the power of a court to review appeals). Judges on the Georgia Court of Appeals rule on criminal cases, custody cases, and civil cases. If the decision gets appealed again, the Georgia Supreme Court justices will decide. Judges in the Court of Appeals or Georgia Supreme Court are elected to serve six-year terms.

BIG QUESTION: Describe the qualifications for judges and the different roles of jurisdictions for courts in Georgia.

Multiple Choice

How are superior court (general jurisdiction) and probate court (limited jurisdiction) judges put into power in Georgia?

• They are elected at the local level to four year terms.

• The governor appoints them to eight year terms.

• The General Assembly appoints them with no term limits.

• The President of the United States appoints all of them.

Multiple Choice

How are Appellate Court and Supreme Court judges/justices put into power in Georgia?

• They are elected at the state/regional level to six year terms.

• The governor appoints them to eight year terms.

• The General Assembly appoints them with no term limits.

• The President of the United States appoints all of them.

Multiple Choice

Decide which court jurisdiction would most likely handle the case in the example below.

A court conducts a trial by jury for a felony murder charge.

• Superior Court (General Jurisdiction)

• Probate Court

  (Limited Jurisdiction)

• Appellate Court (Appellate Jurisdiction)

Multiple Choice

Decide which court jurisdiction would most likely handle the case in the example below.

A man goes to court to argue against a speeding ticket he received.

• Superior Court (General Jurisdiction)

• Probate Court

  (Limited Jurisdiction)

• Appellate Court (Appellate Jurisdiction)

Multiple Choice

Decide which court jurisdiction would most likely handle the case in the example below.

The superior court ruling that a couple's neighbor's property line extends past their swimming pool is appealed by the couple.

• Superior Court (General Jurisdiction)

• Probate Court

  (Limited Jurisdiction)

• Appellate Court (Appellate Jurisdiction)

The Adult Criminal Process

• Typically, people that commit crimes in Georgia can be tried as an adult at 18. Below are the steps of that process in Georgia.

BIG QUESTION: Briefly describe the 7 steps in Georgia's adult criminal process.

Step 1). First Appearance and Bail - Within 72 hours of arrest, a judge presents the defendant with charges, asks if they need an attorney, and usually sets a cash bail (the conditional release of someone accused of a crime while awaiting trial).

Step 2). Preliminary Hearing - The judge hears from the prosecution and defense to decide if there is enough evidence to present the defendant with a crime.
Step 3). Indictment - Serious felonies in GA require a grand jury. The grand jury hears the evidence presented by the prosecutor and decides whether to indict (to charge with a crime) the defendant.
Step 4). Arraignment - At arraignment (to bring to court to answer for a criminal charge) charges are formally presented. The defendant enters a plea (a defendant's reply of guilty or not guilty to a criminal charge). If they plead guilty, the court will set a date for sentencing. If they plead not guilty, a trial date will be set.
Step 5). Preparing for Trial - Both sides prepare for trial. They gather evidence, interview witnesses, and prepare their arguments.
Step 6). Plea Bargaining - Sometimes the prosecution will offer a plea bargain (an offer of reduced charges in exchange for admission of guilt). Many times this is offered in the preliminary hearing (Step 2) to avoid costly trials. If the defendant does not accept, the trial continues.
Step 7). The Trial - At the trial a jury is selected. The jury hears arguments from the prosecution and defense. The jury then decides upon a verdict (the decision or judgement in a court case). They can then either convict (to find guilty of criminal offense) the defendant on all, some, or none of the charges.

Multiple Choice

Decide which step of the Georgia adult criminal justice process is being described below...

The judge hears arguments from the prosecution and defense and decides if there is enough evidence to prosecute he defendant with a crime.

• Step 4 - Arraignment

• Step 7 - The Trial

• Step 1 - First Hearing and Bail

• Step 2 - Preliminary Hearing

• Step 5 - Preparing for Trial

Multiple Choice

Decide which step of the Georgia adult criminal justice process is being described below...

Defendant is arrested and a judge informs them of their charges. Bail is typically set as well.

• Step 4 - Arraignment

• Step 7 - The Trial

• Step 1 - First Hearing and Bail

• Step 2 - Preliminary Hearing

• Step 6 - Plea Bargaining

Multiple Choice

Decide which step of the Georgia adult criminal justice process is being described below...

A jury is selected and their hear the evidence and defense presented. They then reach a verdict and decide to convict the defendant on all, some, or none of the charges.

• Step 4 - Arraignment

• Step 3 - Indictment

• Step 7 - The Trial

• Step 2 - Preliminary Hearing

• Step 6 - Plea Bargaining

Multiple Choice

Decide which step of the Georgia adult criminal justice process is being described below...

The defendant has pled "not guilty". Both sides prepare by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and preparing their arguments

• Step 4 - Arraignment

• Step 7 - The Trial

• Step 1 - First Hearing and Bail

• Step 2 - Preliminary Hearing

• Step 5 - Preparing for Trial

Multiple Choice

Decide which step of the Georgia adult criminal justice process is being described below...

If the defendant has committed a serious felony, a grand jury reviews the evidence and decides if there is enough to convict the defendant with a crime.

• Step 4 - Arraignment

• Step 7 - The Trial

• Step 3 - Indictment

• Step 2 - Preliminary Hearing

• Step 6 - Plea Bargaining

Multiple Choice

Decide which step of the Georgia adult criminal justice process is being described below...

Sometimes the prosecution will offer the defendant a plea bargain, which is a reduced sentence in exchange for an admission of guilt and avoiding a trial. This sometimes happens early on in Step 2 as well.

• Step 4 - Arraignment

• Step 3 - Indictment

• Step 5 - Preparing for Trial

• Step 2 - Preliminary Hearing

• Step 6 - Plea Bargaining

Multiple Choice

Decide which step of the Georgia adult criminal justice process is being described below...

Criminal charges are formally presented to the defendant and they enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.

• Step 4 - Arraignment

• Step 3 - Indictment

• Step 5 - Preparing for Trial

• Step 7 - The Trial

• Step 6 - Plea Bargaining

Juveniles in Georgia

• In Georgia's justice system, a juvenile is considered a person under the age of 17. Someone who enters the juvenile system before 17 continues to be considered a juvenile for earlier acts until 21. There are two types of behaviors juveniles can be charged with...

• A delinquent act is one that is considered a crime if committed by an adult. For example: Possession of drugs, robbery, and assault would be considered delinquent acts.

• An unruly act is a violation of a law that only pertains to juveniles. For example: truancy (skipping school), running away from home, being continually disobedient to reasonable expectations by parents, loitering in public places (between 12:00am-5:00am).

• Georgia's juvenile legal system focuses on rehabilitation (to restore someone to normal mental health or normal life through therapy) rather than punishment. Consequences for either type of act may result in probation, attendance in a youth detention center, or court supervision.

BIG QUESTION: Who is considered a "juvenile" in Georgia, and what is the difference between a delinquent act and an unruly act?

Multiple Choice

At which age can a juvenile be tried as an adult in Georgia?

• 17

• 6/7

• 18

• 21

Categorize

Options (7)

armed robbery

murder

possession of drugs

assault

being out past curfew (12:00am-5:00am)

running away from home

truancy (skipping school)

Place the following acts in the delinquent category or the unruly category.

Delinquent Acts

Unruly Act

Juveniles Have Rights

• Juveniles and adults taken into custody in Georgia have many of the same rights, but not everything is the same for them.

BIG QUESTION: What are some of the main similarities and differences in rights between adults and juveniles in Georgia?

​RIGHTS	​JUVENILES	​ADULTS
​Right to be informed of rights and charges against them.	​yes	yes​
​Right to have an attorney present when being questioned by the police.	yes​	yes​
​Right to remain silent so not to testify against oneself.	yes​	yes​
​Right to be represented by an attorney at trial. (1)	no​	yes​
​Right to confront and cross examine a witness.	yes​	yes​
​Right to appeal a judge's decision.	yes​	yes​
​Arrest photos made public. (2)	no​	yes​
​Right to a trial by jury. (3)	no​	yes​
​Right to have criminal records sealed by a judge after completing sentence. (4)	​yes	​no

EXPLANATIONS...
1). Most of the time juveniles don't have trials, so an attorney being present for them at trial would not be necessary.
2) In an effort to protect the privacy of juveniles, their arrest photos are not made public.
3). Judges handle most cases for juveniles. Jury trials are very rare.
4). Juveniles can have their court records sealed upon completing their sentence. Adults cannot do this.

Multiple Select

Select TWO (2) rights that juveniles have in Georgia's criminal justice system, that adults do not.

• Trial by jury.

• Arrest photos are private.

• Right to remain silent.

• Criminal records can be sealed after completing sentence.

• Right to appeal the ruling.

Steps in the Juvenile Criminal Justice System

• For juveniles, the justice system focuses more on rehabilitation over punishment. So the steps are more informal than they are for adults.

BIG QUESTION: Describe the steps in the justice system for juveniles that have been arrested in Georgia.

​STEP 1
The juvenile is taken into custody by the police.

​STEP 2
The juvenile is taken into juvenile detention or released to the custody of their parent/guardian.

​STEP 3
An intake officer decides if there is enough evidence to support charges against the juvenile. The the officer can release the juvenile, go to an informal hearing, or go to a formal hearing.

​STEP 4 (Informal Hearing)
Typically if the crime is not too serious or if the juvenile is a first offender, an informal hearing occurs. The judge may order the juvenile to do community service, pay a fine, do counseling, etc.

​STEP 4 (Formal Hearing)
There are two parts to a formal hearing.
1). The judge will determine if the juvenile is guilty.
2). If the judge finds the juvenile guilty, they will issue a sentence. Most likely probation or in a detention center.

​STEP 5
The juvenile can appeal the decision of a formal hearing an have the case reviewed.

Reorder

Place the steps of Georgia's juvenile criminal justice system in correct order.

• Juvenile is taken into custody.

• Juvenile is taken to a detention facility or released back to guardian while awaiting charges.

• An intake officer decides if there is enough evidence to charge the juvenile with a crime.

• Either a formal or informal hearing is held to determine sentencing.

• Juvenile can appeal the judge's final ruling or sentencing.

1

2

3

4

5

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

Poll

This is the end of notes for Unit 2!

Vote for which part of Unit 2 gave you the most trouble. In other words, which should we focus most on during next week's review?

• Part 1: Foundations of Georgia's Government

  This includes...

  ~The GA constitution

  ~Citizen Rights/responsibilities.

  ~Voting qualifications.

  ~Basics of the three branches of democracy.

• Part 2: Georgia's Legislative and Executive Branch

  This includes...

  ~Georgia's legislature members and qualifications.

  ~Legislative lawmaking steps.

  ~GA Governor and Lieutenant Governor roles.

  ~GA Agencies roles.

• Part 3: Georgia's Judicial Branch and Adult/Juvenile Law

  This includes...

  ~Role of GA judicial branch.

  ~Steps in adult criminal justice system.

  ~Juvenile acts and rights.

  ~Steps of juvenile criminal justice system.