A basic knowledge of Georgia courts and judges can be very beneficial if you ever find yourself in the courtroom. All too often individuals and businesses find the need to file a lawsuit, or are at the receiving end of a lawsuit, and their lack of knowledge on how the court system works leaves them lost in the proceedings. Regardless of the circumstances that put you there, it helps to understand the court process and know a little about the individual overseeing your case.

It’s important to understand that there are multiple courts in each state that oversee different types of cases. Each of these courts have judges that administer the law and case process. When considering Georgia courts and Georgia judges, keep the following in mind:

1. Courts in Georgia include superior (circuit) courts, state courts and magistrate courts, each with specific tasks and jurisdictions.

2. The Supreme Court and Georgia Courts of Appeals only hear appellate cases.

3. Bankruptcy information and case filings are also accessible through Georgia court records.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate courts and judges in Georgia

Georgia courts are on a multi-leveled system. The 49 circuit courts (also known as superior courts) have exclusive jurisdiction over cases concerning felonies, divorces, equity and land titles. There are ten state courts and they handle all civil cases as well as misdemeanors and traffic violations. The 159 magistrate courts handle civil cases concerning amounts under $15,000 as well as minor criminal cases, bad check cases, county ordinance violations and matters regarding summons, arrests and search warrants. Additionally, many counties contain a juvenile and probate court, and there are more than 400 municipal courts in GA towns and cities.

I recommend: Access the Georgia courts directory on the Judicial Branch of Georgia website. Visit the website for the Council of Superior Court Judges of Georgia for the latest court news.

File an appeal with the Supreme Court and Georgia Court of Appeals

The Georgia Supreme Court and Court of Appeals hear only appellate cases. The purpose of an appellate court is to review the trial transcript and original evidence of a case to determine if there were any errors in the original case decision. There are no witnesses, jurors or new evidence in a case heard before the Georgia appellate courts and their decisions are final. There are seven judges in GA Supreme Court. The Court of Appeals has 12 judges.

I recommend: Search the online docket for information on current case on The Supreme Court of Georgia website. Obtain biographical information on each judge in Georgia Court of Appeals.

Access records from bankruptcy courts in Georgia

Whether you need to search for a bankruptcy filing on a debtor or determine if bankruptcy is an option for you or your company, the Georgia Bankruptcy Courts can assist you with both. Two districts make up the Georgia Bankruptcy court: the northern and southern districts. Each provide information on the basics for bankruptcy filing, contact information for trustees and bankruptcy attorneys and an online search of Georgia bankruptcy records through the PACER system (Public Access to Court Electronic Records).

I recommend: Obtain downloadable bankruptcy forms on the US Bankruptcy Court – Southern District of Georgia website. Visit the bankruptcy court records search on the Northern District of Georgia Document Filing System.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Regardless of how much knowledge you have of Georgia courts and judges, you should hire an attorney who specializes in your specific type of case to represent you.