 Standard The student with analyze the role of the Judicial Branch in the Georgia state government.  EQ How does the Georgia’s judicial system provide justice and protect the rights of citizens?

 Criminal Cases: cases involving violations of the law  Civil Cases: disputes between two or more persons; covers issues like citizenship, property rights, contracts, marriage, divorce, and child custody.

 Felony: serious crime, serving a year or more in prison, with a $1,000 fine or both  Misdemeanor: less than serious crime, less than a year in prison, and less than a $1,000 fine  Types of court cases…  Civil cases disputes between citizens  Criminal cases involve violation of laws  Felony serious crime with severe punishments aloud  Misdemeanor less serious crime with smaller punishments

 Grand Jury decides whether or not person accused of crimes should be officially charged and to serve trial  Trial Jury is a group of citizens who are charged with judging a person charged with crime.

 Supreme Court - Covers all criminal cases involving death sentence  Court of Appeals: Review civil and criminal cases decided in trial courts  Superior Court: Have authority over felony cases, divorce, equity and cases regarding title to land  State Court:misdemeanor, violations, including traffic cases, and all civil actions. Also issue search and arrest warrants  Municipal Court: issue criminal warrants, deal with shoplifting cases and cases involving possession of one ounce or less of marijuana.:

 Probate Court: deal with oaths of office and issue marriage licenses, may hear certain misdemeanors, traffic cases, and fish laws  Magistrate Court: deal with bank account fraud, summonses arrest and search warrents

 Courts enforce constitutional laws. The courts protect citizens and make sure they have “due process” of law. No state can deprive citizens of life, liberty, or property.

 1. What could be considered as a felony?  Truancy  Stealing  Murder  Speeding