Superior Court

Trial court for felony cases and major civil disputes where guilt or liability is decided.

District Attorney (DA)

Elected prosecutor for a judicial circuit who represents the state in criminal cases.

Defense Counsel

Lawyer who represents the accused; may be private or appointed public defender.

Public Defender

Office that provides legal representation to indigent defendants who cannot afford private counsel.

Georgia Indigent Defense Council

State body that oversees and supports the provision of counsel for indigent defendants.

Georgia Crime Lab

State forensic laboratory that analyzes physical evidence for criminal prosecutions.

Arraignment

Initial court hearing where charges are read and the defendant enters a plea.

Trial phase

Court stage where facts are presented, evidence is examined, and witnesses testify.

Beyond a reasonable doubt

The high criminal standard of proof required to convict a defendant.

Sentencing

Judicial determination of punishment after a conviction.

Probation

Community supervision alternative to incarceration with conditions monitored by officers.

Probation Officer

Corrections employee who supervises offenders on probation and enforces conditions.

Corrections Department

State agency that manages probation, prisons, and offender rehabilitation.

Prison conditions

Describes overcrowding, violence, and legal scrutiny over cruel and unusual confinement.

Cruel and unusual

Constitutional standard used by courts to evaluate abusive or inhumane punishment.

State Courts

Courts with uniform jurisdiction over misdemeanors and general civil actions.

Misdemeanor

A non‑felony criminal offense typically punishable by fines or short jail terms.

Civil actions

Lawsuits between private parties seeking compensatory or punitive damages.

Preponderance of evidence

Civil standard of proof meaning more likely than not.

Compensatory damages

Monetary awards intended to reimburse actual losses to a plaintiff.

Punitive damages

Monetary awards intended to punish wrongful conduct and deter future misconduct.

Probate Court

County court handling wills, estates, guardianships, marriage licenses, and commitments.

Probate Judge

Elected county official who presides over probate matters for a four‑year term.

Magistrate’s Court

Local court handling small claims, certain hearings, and ordinance violations.

Small claims

Civil cases with limited monetary value (under $5,000 in this context).

Domestic violence hearings

Magistrate or other court proceedings addressing protective orders and related matters.

County ordinance violations

Local law infractions heard in magistrate or municipal courts.