How Civil Lawsuits Work: Before the Trial
This document describes the basic process for what happens before the trial in a civil law suit. The document has been excerpted from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004).
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
How Civil Lawsuits Work: The Trial
This document describes the basic process of what happens during a civil law suit. The document has been excerpted from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Third Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2001).
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
How Civil Lawsuits Work: After the Trial
This document describes the basic process of what happens after a civil law suit ends. The document has been excerpted from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004).
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
How Courts Work in Civil Cases
This pamphlet describes step by step how courts work in civil cases (filing the complaint or petition, serving the complaint on the defendant, filing an answer, discovery and collection of evidence, hearing or trial, court decision, appeal and collection of judgment).
By: Atlanta Legal Aid Society
Civil Court Cases
(Separate Website)
This web page explains the process for a civil court case and describes some of the documents and concepts that are involved in the process, including : (1) the complaint or petition, (2) serving the complaint or petition on the opposing party, (3) use of blank or standard forms, (3) jurisdiction, (4) answering the complaint or petition, (5) hiring an attorney, (6) getting free or reduced-cost legal assistance, (7) getting a waiver of court costs, (8) trial calendars, (9) witnesses, (10) getting a continuance (a delay in the court case), and (11) the final judgment or final order.
By: Georgia Administrative Office of the Courts
How to Be a Good Witness - State Bar of Georgia Consumer Pamphlet
(Separate Website)
You have a very important job to do as a witness in a lawsuit. Your role is not only important to the party for whom you appear and yourself, but also for the American system of justice. For a jury or judge to make a correct and wise decision, they must decide on facts stated by witnesses who have sworn to tell the truth. Understanding what you are expected to do and how to do it will ease your anxiety and make you a better witness.
By: State Bar of Georgia
How to Sue in Magistrate Court Magistrate Courts let you sue for money claims under $15,000 (fifteen thousand dollars). A Magistrate Judge decides your case after a trial. There is no jury. You do not need a lawyer. However, you may seek help from a lawyer.
By: Atlanta Legal Aid Society
Read this in:
Korean / 한국어
,
Spanish / Español
Court System Overview
Understanding the Federal Courts
(Separate Website)
This publication was developed by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to provide an introduction to the federal judicial system, its organization, and its relationship to the legislative and executive branches of the government.
This publication was developed by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to provide an introduction to the federal judicial system, its organization, and its relationship to the legislative and executive branches of the government.
By: Administrative Office of the United States Courts
The Courts, Part 1: An Overview of Courts and Legal Disputes
This document discusses why you might need to go to court and what a court is. It also discusses the two general kinds of disputes courts are asked to decide - civil and criminal disputes. This document is excerpted from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004).
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
The Courts, Part 2: Which Court Can Hear Your Case?
This document discusses the two general types of jurisdiction that courts must have in order to have the authority to hear a case. It also explains the Georgia court system and the federal court system. This document is excerpted from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004).
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
The Courts, Part 3: How Courts Work and Make Laws
This document discusses what judges and juries do. It also discusses how courts make and change laws. This document is excerpted from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004).
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Georgia State Court System
Georgia Court Rules
(Separate Website)
These web pages provide the court rules for the following Georgia Courts: Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Superior Court, State Court, Juvenile Court, Probate Court, and Magistrate Court
By: Georgia Administrative Office of the Courts
Georgia Consumer's Guide to the Magistrate Court
(Separate Website)
If you have been unable to resolve a dispute with a person or a business, you may take your problem to Magistrate's Court. Magistrate's Court, also called Small Claims Court, is an informal court that handles money claims for less than $15,000.00. This court offers a quick and inexpensive process for complaint resolution.
By: Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs
A Citizens's Guide to Filing Appeals in the Court of Appeals of Georgia
(Separate Website)
This web site is a guide to assist parties who are representing themselves without the help of a lawyer with the basic procedural steps that must be followed in filing appeals to the Court of Appeals of Georgia. The web site answers common questions and provides forms for parties who are representing themselves in court without the help of a lawyer.
By: Court of Appeals of Georgia
The Georgia Court System
(Separate Website)
These web pages describe the Georgia court system and provides basic information about the jurisdiction of each of the courts (the kinds of cases each of the different courts may take).
By: Georgia Administrative Office of the Courts
Military Law: An Overview
(Separate Website)
All persons serving in the Armed Forces of the United States are subject to military law at all times. This web site contains a brief overview of military law and links to the sources of military law.
By: Cornell Legal Information Institute
Modification of a Court Order in a Family Law Case
This document explains how to modify a court order in a family law case.
By: Atlanta Legal Aid Society
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LegalAid-GA is a project of Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Georgia Legal Services Program and the Pro Bono Project of the State Bar of Georgia. The project is funded by the Legal Services Corporation and the Georgia Access to Justice Project.