Court Cases
the Supreme Court ruled that issues related to non deadly force must be judged from the standpoint of a reasonable officer.
Graham v. Connor
A court that reconsiders a case that has already been tried in order to determine whether the measures used complied with accepted rules of criminal procedure and were in accordance with constitutional doctrines.
appellate court
This Georgia court presides over all felony cases
Superior Court
the Supreme Court held that police officers can perform a stop and frisk when they have reasonable suspicion to believe criminal activity is afoot.
Terry v. Ohio
An order of a superior court requesting that the record of an inferior court (or administrative body) be brought forward for review or inspection.
writ of certiorari
This Georgia Court reviews cases to correct legal errors or errors of law made at the trial level. Answer
Court of Appeals of Georgia
What if any, inequities are perpetuated by the current system we have in place?
There are concerns about potential inequities in the current law enforcement system.
A decision handed down by the US Supreme Court that becomes the law of the land and serves as a precedent for resolving similar legal issues.
landmark decision
County courts that issue warrants, hear minor criminal offenses and civil claims involving amounts of $15,000 or less
Magistrate Court
What about those accused of less serious offenses who can't afford representation? Do they get the same zealous defense?
Individuals who cannot afford representation may face challenges in receiving the same level of zealous defense.
The process of deciding a case by a group of persons selected and sworn in to serve as jurors at a criminal trial, often as a 6 or 12 person jury.
jury trial
This Georgia Court exercises limited jurisdiction within one county. These judges hear misdemeanors including traffic violations, and issue search and arrest warrants.
State Court
Should those accused of most heinous crimes be represented by the likes of Judy Clarke and Miriam Conrad? Does it matter whether the death penalty is in play in a particular case?
It is important for those accused of heinous crimes to have competent representation regardless of circumstances.
Providing counsel to indigent offenders by having attorneys under contract to the county handle all (or some) such cases.
contract system (attorney)
This is Georgias' highest court, and reviews decisions made by other courts in civil and criminal cases.
Supreme Court of Georgia