The structure of the Adult Judicial System What

The structure of the Adult Judicial System

What is the job of the Judicial Branch? • Read the article and explain how the judicial branch interprets the law. • Write a short paragraph that would explain the role of the judicial branch.

STANDARDS: SS 8 CG 4 Analyze the role of the judicial branch in Georgia state government. a. a. Describe the ways that judges are selected in Georgia. b. b. Analyze the dual purpose of the judicial branch: to interpret the laws of Georgia and administer justice in our legal system. c. c. Explain the difference between criminal law and civil law. d. d. Explain the steps in the adult criminal justice system beginning with arrest. © Brain Wrinkles

Types of Courts • Appellate: Courts whose responsibility is to review prior court cases • No witnesses are heard • There are multiple judges in the courtroom to hear the argument • Focus is on the questions of the law and interpret the law. • Trial: The court where most cases are heard first. • Both sides present their side of the story • Only one judge hears evidence and makes a decision • Jury • Focus on the evidence and administer justice

Supreme Type of Court Supreme Responsibilities -reviews decisions made in civil or criminal cases by trial or Court of Appeals. -determine if laws are constitutional -challenges to elections -death sentences Number of courts 1 How Judges are selected Jurisdiction Appellate 8 Justices and 1 (only reviews Chief Justice. cases on Elected to six year appeal from terms (statewide, lower-ranking courts. ) nonpartisan elections).

Court of Appeals Type of Court of Appeals Responsibilities -Reviews civil and criminal cases previously heard by trail courts. Number of courts 4 divisions How Judges are selected Jurisdiction 12 judges assigned to 4 panels. Elected to six year terms (statewide, nonpartisan elections) Appellate (only hears cases appealed from lower ranking courts. )

Superior Type of Court Superior Responsibilities -Civil trials - Criminal trials - Felony trials -Divorce cases -Land titles Number of courts 49 circuit courts How Judges are selected Jurisdiction Elected to 4 year terms (circuitwide, nonpartisan elections) Original

Magistrate Type of Court Responsibilities Magistrate -Issue warrants - Minor criminal cases - Civil cases ($15, 000 or less) -Civil disputes -Search and arrest warrants Number of courts 159 How Judges are selected Either elected or appointed Jurisdiction Limited to one county

Type of Court Probate Responsibilities Probate -Wills and estates -Marriage licenses - Firearms licenses -Appointing legal guardians -Traffic violations (for counties with no state courts) -Misdemeanors (for counties with no state courts) -Violations of game and fish laws Number of courts 159 How Judges are selected Jurisdiction Elected to 4 year terms (countywide, nonpartisan elections) Limited to one county

Juvenile Type of Court Juvenile Responsibilities -Delinquent and unruly offences by children under 17 -Deprived and neglected children under 18 -Minors seeking permission to marry or join military Number of courts 159 How Judges are selected Jurisdiction Appointed by superior court judges to four year terms. Limited to one county

State Type of Court State Responsibilities -Misdemeanors -Preliminary criminal case hearings -Civil cases -Can also issue search warrants Number of courts 70 How Judges are selected Jurisdiction Elected to Limite d four year terms (countywid e, nonpartisan elections)

Interpreting or Justice? • Court rules that the owner of a dog that dug up Mr. Vickery’s prize roses must pay to replace the roses. • Court declared the use of random traffic stops and search and seizure to be unconstitutional. • Paul gets a speeding ticket for going 75 in a 55 mph zone. He has to pay $100 and go to driving school. • The Supreme Court rules that students have the right to color their hair any color they want.

Desk top Review 1. How are the Supreme Court of Georgia Justices selected? 2. How are the Juvenile judges selected? 3. How is the Superior Court judge selected? 4. Which court handles Unruly and Delinquent minors? 5. Which court handles wills and estates, firearms licenses, and marriage licenses? 6. Which type of court only hears cases that were heard in lower courts? 7. Which type of court only hears original cases with testimony and witnesses? 8. What are the two purposes of the Judicial branch?