Any of the elected executive officials in state government whose office is specifically provided for by the Georgia Constitution.

Money spent by a government for a certain purpose.

The 12-month period for financial record keeping. For Georgia state government, the fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30.

Money that government receives from taxes, fees, and other sources.

A sentence by a judge allowing a convicted offender to avoid imprisonment if the offender follows certain rules and regularly reports to a supervisor during the probation period.

The power of the court to review the constitutionality of actions by the legislative and executive branches.

A group of citizens chosen to decide the outcome of a trial.

Any person under the age of 17.

A crime less serious than a felony, carrying a punishment of less than one year in jail, a fine of $1,000 or less, or both.

A court’s authority to be the first to hear a case.

The process for resolving disputes constructively using a neutral mediator.

The person or party filing a suit against another in a civil case.

An act such as truancy, disobedience, or running away that is an offense only when committed by a juvenile.

Georgia general trial court with original jurisdiction over most criminal and civil matters.

A group of 12 citizens who hear evidence at a trial and decide whether a defendant is guilty or innocent.

The pretrial process in which opposing lawyers question potential jurors to select an impartial jury.

The formal charge that a grand jury makes against a criminal suspect so that a trial can be held.

A group of 16 to 23 citizens that decides whether or not someone charged with an offense should be formally accused and stand trial.

Rights and procedures guaranteed by the Constitution to ensure that citizens are treated fairly by government.

A crime less serious than a felony, carrying a punishment of less than one year in jail, a fine of $1,000 or less, or both.

The elected official who represents the state in criminal cases tried in superior court.

Any act by a juvenile that would be considered a criminal offense if committed by an adult.

Any legal dispute involving citizens, groups, businesses, or governments that does not involve a violation of criminal law.