Georgia’s Judicial Georgia’s Judicial BranchBranch

The purpose of rules is to regulate how we interact

with one another and manage conflict

Interpret the state constitution

Protect legal rights of citizens

Enforce the laws of the state

Originally the court was just a room where a person went to seek justice or fairness- in settling a dispute

State Judicial BranchState Judicial BranchMade up of 77 different levels of courts

A. appellate-level courts (handle appeals from lower courts)

supreme court court of appeals

B. trial-level courts 1. superior 3. juvenile 5. magistrate 2. state 4. probate

The courts interpret the laws made by the legislative branch

Each state has its own court system

Appellate CourtsAppellate CourtsIncludes: Supreme Court of GeorgiaSupreme Court of Georgia highest court in Georgiahighest court in Georgia

7 justices7 justices

no jury no jury

Court of AppealsCourt of Appeals

12 judges12 judges

no juryno jury

Court of Appeals and Superior Courts do not hold trials-they review decisions made by trial

courts to determine if the decisions were fair.

Courts at the local level

Municipal and special courts

Supreme CourtHighest court in Georgia

7 supreme court judges elected by popular vote serve 6 year term Judges elect a chief justice among

themselves

If position becomes open governor can appoint one

Supreme Court

Review cases:titles to landWillsDivorceAlimonyDeath penaltyThey have the final authority in

matters of law for the state

Trial CourtsTrial Courts

Magistrate courts Magistrate courts (elected or appointed)(elected or appointed)

small claims ($15,00), bad checks, minor arrest,

search warrants, county ordinances violations, no jury

Probate Courts Probate Courts (elected)(elected)

wills, marriages, appointment of guardians, may have a

jury

Juvenile courts Juvenile courts (appointed by superior court judges)(appointed by superior court judges)

delinquent children under 17

deprived children under 18, juvenile traffic cases no jury

State courts State courts (elected)(elected)

misdemeanor violations, traffic and civil cases judge and jurySuperior courts Superior courts (elected)(elected)

any civil or criminal case, felonies, juvenile serious cases, titles to land , judge and jury

Quick quiz

1. Which is the highest court in Georgia? a. State court b. Superior Court c. Supreme Court

2. Which court does not have a jury a. State court c. Superior court b. Juvenile court

3.Which court can hear almost any civil or criminal case?

a. Probate court c. Magistrate court

b. Superior court

Quick quiz4. Which court has 12 judges? a. Supreme court b. Juvenile court c. Court of appeals5. If you got a bad check from someone,

which court would help you? a. Magistrate court b. Supreme court c. Juvenile court

Quick quiz6. Which court handles wills and other

administrative matters? a. Magistrate court b. State court c. Probate court7. A misdemeanor like trespassing would be

handled by which court? a. Court of Appeals b. Probate court c. State court

Criminal and Civil Criminal and Civil Criminal Person has committed a crimeDivided into 2 groups

misdemeanor felonies

Less serious crimePunishment less than one year in prison Fine $1,000 or less or both

concealed weapon shopliftingtraffic violations trespassingcruelty to animals

most serious of crimes-punishable by a year or more in prison

arson murderBurglary robberykidnapping rapeauto theft selling drugs

Civil CasesCivil CasesCourts settle disputes between two or more

persons or groupsCitizenship, property rights, contract, marriages,

divorce, child custody, inheritance

Plaintiff Defendant Prosecution

Person or group who brings the legal action

Person or group against whom the legal action is brought

The state brings criminal charges against an individual

Quick QuizQuick Quiz

1. Who has the burden of proof in a criminal case?

a. accused b. defendant c. plaintiff d. state

Quick Quiz

2. Who has the burden of proof in a civil case?

a. accused b. Defendant c. Plaintiff d. state