Post on 31-Dec-2015
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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