1. Georgia State Judicial Branch SS8CG4: SS8CG4: The student will analyze the role of the judicial branch in Georgia state government.

2. Georgia’s Judicial Branch Made up of state’s courts Purpose: – interpret state constitution – protect legal rights of citizens – enforce laws of the state Due Process of Law: amendments in the Constitution that make sure everyone is protected from abuse by the government. Examples of Due Process include: – Right to a fair and public trial – Right to be present at the trial – Right to an impartial jury – Right to be heard in one's own defense

3. Georgia’s Judicial Branch felony A felony is a serious crime. It is punishable by a prison sentence of more than 1 year (arson, kidnapping, robbery, rape, burglary, selling drugs, & car theft). capital felony A capital felony is punishable by death (murder). misdemeanor A misdemeanor has a less severe punishment of jail or fine (shoplifting, cruelty to animals, and assault & battery with minor injuries).

4. Laws are divided into two categories: Criminal & Civil Laws Criminal Law: Criminal Law: protects society from individuals The accused or defendant will be tried in criminal court. A prosecutor (lawyer for GA) will start legal action against the person who is accused of a crime Crime: Crime: a serious offense that breaks the law in Georgia

5. Laws are divided into two categories: Criminal & Civil Laws Civil Law: Civil Law: deals with the relationship between individuals (reality TV court shows) Think of an example from TV or from your own knowledge. Tort: Tort: an injury or wrong done to a person. The person sues for money (called damages) in a civil court. Plaintiff: Plaintiff: Person who sues Defendant: Defendant: Person who is being sued

6. Georgia’s Judicial Branch Appellate Court Appellate Court reviews cases from lower courts (no witnesses and no juries). - includes the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals Trial Courts Trial Courts hear criminal and civil cases –examples: magistrate, juvenile, state, superior, probate, municipal

7. Juvenile Court System SS8CG6: The student will explain how the Georgia court system treats juvenile offenders.

8. Juvenile Court System Juvenile:Juvenile: citizen under the age of 17. Common crimes are: 1. truancy(not going to school) 2. Drugs 3. drinking alcohol 4. loitering (hanging around a public place without permission) 5. violating curfews 6. running away from home

9. Juvenile Court System Every county has a juvenile court. Purposes: –help and protect children –provide care for children removed from homes Delinquent Act:Delinquent Act: act that would be a crime if committed by an adult (example: burglary) Status Offense:Status Offense: act that would not be a crime if committed by an adult (example: smoking)

10. Steps in Juvenile Justice Process 1.Juvenile “taken into custody” (arrested) 2.Intake: intake officer evaluates case 3.Detain or release (to parents) 4.Detained juveniles sent to YDC (youth detention center) 5. Probable cause hearing before a judge (Judge Peggy Walker for Douglas County) 6. Dismissal, informal adjustment, or formal hearing 7. Sentencing/ Consequences

11. Georgia’s Seven Deadly Sins Act In 1994, the General Assembly made a law about violent youth crime. Juveniles could be treated as adults by the courts if charged with crimes such as: 1.Murder 2.Voluntary Manslaughter 3.Rape 4.Sodomy 5.Child Molestation 6.Sexual Battery 7.Armed robbery with a firearm Superior courts handle these cases, not juvenile courts. Mandatory 10-year sentences were a part of the new law.

12. Rights of Juveniles Juveniles have the right to a fair and speedy trial. There are no juries in juvenile cases. Parents or guardians may be present at hearings. An attorney must be provided if child’s parents cannot afford one.

13. Ticket out the Door Question In your own words, what is the Seven Deadly Sins Act that the General Assembly made law in 1994?