GPSTC EXAM 1 – GA CRIMINAL LAW
EXAM 2025-2026
There are two types of law in today's legal system: constitutional law and
statutory law.
3. Case law.
Constitutional Law (Basic Laws of a Nation/State) - Respond to the Supreme
Law of the Land.
- outlines the powers and responsibilities of the government.
- ensures certain rights for the public
- Federal, local, and state courts are bound by the US Constitution.
** States can add to, but not take away from, civil liberties guaranteed by the
United States Constitution.
** Law enforcement officers are obligated by this.
Statutory Laws (State Laws): ANSWER States' written laws.
- All crimes in Georgia are statutory; they must be listed in a book to be
considered a crime and enforceable.
- Adjoining Statute: Statute Crimes with their indicated punishments (no
offence, no punishment, no statute).
* Ex Post Facto Laws: laws enacted after the fact to punish past actions that
were not criminal at the time of commission...
--> The law must be enacted before the alleged criminal offence occurs.
, Local ordinances (city/county statutes) - ANSWER Laws passed by the
city/county
- City ordinances generate revenue for the CITY.
- state/felony go to state courts, and money goes to the county.
Case Law (Court Law). Federal and state laws - ANSWER Case Law that is
founded on past appellate court rulings are binding on lower court decisions
(Precedent)
Purposes of Case Law:
1. Interpret the constitution.
2. Clarify statutes.
Federal: Applies varies by Circuit.
State: Always applicable.
Georgia 11th Circuit and Federal/State Courts - ANSWER Georgia, Alabama,
and Florida make up the 11th Circuit of the Federal Appeals Court System.
At the state level:
Superior Court: The highest court in Georgia for trials.
Anything following represents a hearing (appeal) at the Court of Appeals.
EXAM 2025-2026
There are two types of law in today's legal system: constitutional law and
statutory law.
3. Case law.
Constitutional Law (Basic Laws of a Nation/State) - Respond to the Supreme
Law of the Land.
- outlines the powers and responsibilities of the government.
- ensures certain rights for the public
- Federal, local, and state courts are bound by the US Constitution.
** States can add to, but not take away from, civil liberties guaranteed by the
United States Constitution.
** Law enforcement officers are obligated by this.
Statutory Laws (State Laws): ANSWER States' written laws.
- All crimes in Georgia are statutory; they must be listed in a book to be
considered a crime and enforceable.
- Adjoining Statute: Statute Crimes with their indicated punishments (no
offence, no punishment, no statute).
* Ex Post Facto Laws: laws enacted after the fact to punish past actions that
were not criminal at the time of commission...
--> The law must be enacted before the alleged criminal offence occurs.
, Local ordinances (city/county statutes) - ANSWER Laws passed by the
city/county
- City ordinances generate revenue for the CITY.
- state/felony go to state courts, and money goes to the county.
Case Law (Court Law). Federal and state laws - ANSWER Case Law that is
founded on past appellate court rulings are binding on lower court decisions
(Precedent)
Purposes of Case Law:
1. Interpret the constitution.
2. Clarify statutes.
Federal: Applies varies by Circuit.
State: Always applicable.
Georgia 11th Circuit and Federal/State Courts - ANSWER Georgia, Alabama,
and Florida make up the 11th Circuit of the Federal Appeals Court System.
At the state level:
Superior Court: The highest court in Georgia for trials.
Anything following represents a hearing (appeal) at the Court of Appeals.
