Trial Courts of Georgia
Superior Court
Superior courts are the highest level of trial courts of general jurisdiction. Superior courts have exclusive jurisdiction over felony cases ( except cases involving juvenile offenders as provided by law), prosecuted by the District Attorney's Office, and cases regarding title to land, equity, and divorce. Superior courts have general jurisdiction over civil law cases and misdemeanors.
Georgia has 159 superior courts, one in each county. In Superior courts, a judge or a jury hears witnesses' testimony, reviews evidence, and decides cases by applying the relevant law to the relevant facts.
State Court
State courts are trial courts with limited jurisdiction covering misdemeanor and traffic violations, prosecuted by the Solicitor, and all civil actions, regardless of the amount, unless the superior court has exclusive jurisdiction. State courts also handle preliminary felony matters.
Georgia has 70 state courts.
Juvenile Court
Juvenile courts exercise exclusive jurisdiction in cases involving delinquent, unruly, and deprived children under the age of 17. Juvenile courts have concurrent jurisdiction with superior courts involving non-capital offenses, custody, child support, legitimation cases, and termination of parental rights.
Georgia has 159 juvenile courts, one in each county.
Probate Court
Probate courts exercise jurisdiction in the probate of wills, the administration of estates, the appointment of guardians, and the involuntary hospitalization of incapacitated adults. The court also administers oaths of office and issues marriage licenses and gun permits.
Georgia has 159 probate courts, one in each county.
Magistrate Court Magistrate courts are courts for civil claims of $15,000 or less, county ordinance violations, applications for and issuance of arrest and search warrants, warrant application hearings, dispossessory writs, distress warrants, and deposit account fraud. No jury trial are held in this court. Appeals from this court are made to the state or superior court.
Georgia has 159 magistrate courts, one in each county.
