The Georgia Court System

What is the role of the Court of Appeals in Georgia?

• To conduct trials for criminal cases

• To review decisions made by Superior, State, and other trial courts to determine if legal errors were made during the trial process.

• To oversee the election process in Georgia

• To provide legal advice to the Governor of Georgia

What types of cases does the Superior Court handle?

• Serious civil cases, felony criminal cases, divorce, and land disputes.

• Traffic violations and minor criminal offenses.

• Small claims and family law cases.

• Only civil cases involving contracts.

What is the highest court in Georgia?

• Supreme Court (7 Justices): Reviews decisions made by lower courts, focuses on correcting errors of law and interpreting the state constitution, and is the final authority on Georgia law.

• Court of Appeals: Handles appeals from lower courts and administrative agencies.

• Superior Court: Deals with serious criminal cases and civil disputes.

• Magistrate Court: Handles minor civil disputes and criminal cases.

What cases are handled by the State Court in Georgia?

• Felony criminal cases involving serious offenses

• Misdemeanor criminal cases and civil cases under $25,000

• All family law cases

• Civil cases over $25,000

What cases does the Juvenile Court in Georgia oversee?

• Cases involving children under 18 accused of delinquency or considered neglected or abused.

• Cases involving adults accused of criminal activities.

• Civil cases related to property disputes among minors.

• Traffic violations committed by minors.

What is the jurisdiction of the Probate Court in Georgia?

• Handles criminal cases and felonies.

• Handles wills, estates, guardianships, and issues marriage and firearms licenses.

• Handles traffic violations and parking tickets.

• Handles family law cases and divorce proceedings.

What is the role of the Magistrate Court in Georgia?

• Handles minor civil claims and landlord-tenant issues, issues arrest and search warrants, and sets bail for misdemeanor offenses.

• Oversees major criminal cases and felony charges.

• Manages family law cases including divorce and child custody.

• Conducts jury trials for serious criminal offenses.

What types of cases are handled by Municipal Courts in Georgia?

• Felony criminal cases and serious civil disputes

• Ordinance violations (e.g., parking tickets, littering) and minor traffic offenses within city limits

• Family law cases such as divorce and child custody

• Major traffic offenses and DUI cases