Superior Court
Trial court for felony cases and major civil disputes where guilt or liability is decided.
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| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 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. |