The Court System- Georgia's Judicial Branch
SS8CG4- Analyze the role of the judicial branch in Georgia state government.
A. Describe the ways that judges are selected in Georgia.
B. Analyze the dual purpose of the judicial branch: to interpret the laws of Georgia and administer justice in our legal system.
C. Explain the difference between criminal law and civil law.
D. Explain the steps in the adult criminal justice system beginning with arrest.
A. Describe the ways that judges are selected in Georgia.
B. Analyze the dual purpose of the judicial branch: to interpret the laws of Georgia and administer justice in our legal system.
C. Explain the difference between criminal law and civil law.
D. Explain the steps in the adult criminal justice system beginning with arrest.
Trial and Appellate Courts
Georgia’s Courts fall in one of two categories — trial or appellate.
Trial courts have original jurisdiction; they are the first court to hear a case. There are five types of trial courts: State, Juvenile, Probate, Magistrate courts and the most common trial court is the Superior Court.
Each county in Georgia is required to have a Superior Court and will hear any civil or criminal case.
Appellate courts review cases that have already been decided by a lower court. The Court of Appeals of Georgia and the Supreme Court of Georgia each have specific cases they will hear, reexamining past decisions.
Trial courts have original jurisdiction; they are the first court to hear a case. There are five types of trial courts: State, Juvenile, Probate, Magistrate courts and the most common trial court is the Superior Court.
Each county in Georgia is required to have a Superior Court and will hear any civil or criminal case.
Appellate courts review cases that have already been decided by a lower court. The Court of Appeals of Georgia and the Supreme Court of Georgia each have specific cases they will hear, reexamining past decisions.
Terms of Office
Judges for all courts, except the juvenile courts, are elected in non-partisan elections. Judges in courts with original jurisdiction are elected for four year terms; appellate court judges are elected to six year terms. However, the Governor has the power to fill vacancies between elections.
