What are Georgia Court Records?

Docket Sheets

Dockets are chronological records listing the events, actions, documents, and parties involved in a case.

Judgment and Orders

These are official decisions made by the judge and jury. When the trial ends, the judge signs the final judgment. This judgment shows each party's punishments and responsibilities.

Transcripts

Transcripts are verbatim records of court proceedings that include the names of the speakers. They are used as evidence in motions and appeals.

Evidence

This includes physical and document-based materials recorded from police reports and introduced by any parties during legal proceedings.

Court Minutes

These are official records of courtroom proceedings from the beginning to the end of a trial. They include a summary of events such as recesses, testimonies, and official statements.

Pleadings

These are records of statements made by each party in a case describing the party's request to the court.

Civil Cases

Civil cases seek to resolve non-criminal disputes between individuals and/or organizations. A civil case is initiated when an individual or organization (plaintiff) files a complaint against another (defendant) for different reasons, ranging from contract disputes to property issues and personal injury claims.

The complaint must detail the foundation of the plaintiff's claim against the defendant, provide the defendant's address, and cite the applicable state law about the claim. Once the complaint is filed and formally served, the defendant must submit a response.

Under the Georgia Rules of Magistrate Court, the parties involved in a civil matter are encouraged to meet in person to explore the possibility of settling the dispute amicably, thereby avoiding a trial. Should a settlement not be achieved, the case will advance to trial. Decisions in civil cases are primarily based on the standard of proof known as the "preponderance of evidence." This standard requires that a party establish that their interpretation of the facts is more likely accurate than not.

Criminal Cases

A criminal case is an action brought against an individual by a government representative for committing a crime.

These cases do not seek to resolve a dispute between individuals but to uphold the law and ensure justice. Criminal cases often result in much harsher punishments. A guilty verdict may lead to imprisonment or even the death penalty.

Before a jury decides on a criminal matter, the state representative who brought the action against the defendant must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime. This means a jury must unanimously decide that the individual committed the crime.

Georgia Supreme Court

In Georgia, the Supreme Court is the highest court. Its primary role is to review other courts' decisions in civil and criminal matters. The Supreme Court has exclusive jurisdiction over issues related to the constitutionality of state statutes, all criminal cases that involve the death penalty, and petitions originating from the Court of Appeals.

Furthermore, the court is tasked with regulating the legal profession and overseeing the judiciary within the state. The Supreme Court of Georgia comprises nine justices under the leadership of a Chief Justice. The Chief Justice is responsible for presiding over official court sessions and leading the conferences among the justices.

Court of Appeals of Georgia

The state's Court of Appeals is the primary appellate court for various civil and criminal cases adjudicated in trial courts. Its responsibility is to evaluate these cases to identify any legal errors that may have occurred during the trial process. Comprising fifteen judges, the Court of Appeals operates through five panels, each consisting of three judges.

Upon assignment, a panel carefully reviews the trial transcript, relevant portions of the case record, and the written briefs submitted by the attorneys representing the involved parties. Furthermore, the panels may conduct oral arguments in several cases. If necessary, a case may also be subjected to review by the full court to ensure a thorough examination of the issues presented.

Georgia Superior Court

The Superior Court has jurisdiction over various civil and criminal cases, including all felony trials. It also has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce cases and can correct errors made by courts with limited jurisdiction.

Georgia State Court

State Courts are courts of limited jurisdiction that mostly handle misdemeanors, such as traffic violations, and civil matters not exclusively assigned to the Superior Court. Additionally, state courts issue search and arrest warrants and conduct preliminary hearings in criminal cases.

Georgia Juvenile Courts

The Juvenile Courts of the state are responsible for overseeing matters involving individuals under the age of 18. These courts possess concurrent jurisdiction with superior courts in specific areas, including child custody and support, temporary guardianship when appropriately transferred from probate court, and criminal cases transferred from superior court to facilitate parental participation in family treatment court programs.

Furthermore, Juvenile Courts manage special proceedings, such as granting judicial consent for a child's marriage, employment, or enlistment in the armed services when mandated by law, and terminating parental rights as stipulated by the juvenile code.

Georgia Probate Court

The state's probate court has original jurisdiction in the probate of wills and administration of decedents' estates. Additionally, these courts have the authority to appoint legal guardians to oversee the affairs of individuals who are incapacitated. In counties that lack state courts, probate courts may also adjudicate traffic violations, certain misdemeanors, and citations concerning state game and fish regulations.

Georgia Magistrate Courts

Magistrate Courts, commonly called county courts, are responsible for adjudicating minor criminal offenses and civil claims not exceeding $15,000. These courts serve as the initial venue for various civil matters, including dispossessory actions, check fraud cases, and landlord-tenant disputes. Furthermore, Magistrate Courts conduct preliminary hearings in criminal cases, issue search and arrest warrants, and determine bail amounts for defendants.

Georgia Municipal Court

These courts preside over cases involving traffic offenses, local ordinance violations, misdemeanor shoplifting, criminal trespass, and possession of marijuana. Municipal Courts also conduct preliminary criminal hearings and issue warrants.

Georgia State-Wide Business Courts

These courts handle 17 specific types of cases, including those related to the Limited Liability Company Act, the Limited Liability Partnership Act, the Uniform Commercial Code, and the Georgia Business Corporation Code. To be accepted, claims must either be based on the court's equity jurisdiction or involve at least $500,000. For commercial real estate cases, claims must exceed $1 million.