Answers| Latest Update
State Board of Pardons and Paroles Has the power of executive clemency in the Georgia
Constitution, power to commute penalties, to remove disabilities imposed by law, and to remit
any part of a sentence for any offense against the state after conviction. Members: 5
State Personnel Board Provides direction for State Merit System of Personnel
Administration; gives US Veterans a Veteran's preference in any civil service program
established by state government. Members: 5
State Transportation Board Designates which roads are encompassed within the state
highway system, approves long range transportation plans, and authorizes lease agreements.
Members: composed of as many members as there are congressional districts in the state (14)
Veterans Service Board Informs veterans about benefits and assists/advises veterans to
secure benefits. Members: 7
Board of Natural Resources sets rules and regulations ranging from air and water quality
to hunting seasons. Members: amount of congressional districts in the state (14) and 5
members from the state at large
Constitutional Majority The passage of legislation by the General Assembly requires what
proportion of support from each chamber?
Georgia Supreme Court Court of last resort; jurisdiction over constitutional cases and
election contest cases. Also has jurisdiction over land title, will and equity cases, divorce and
alimony cases, certified cases, death penalty cases, and writs of habeas corpus. 9 Justices with 6
year terms who are selected through nonpartisan elections
, Georgia Court of Appeals Intermediate appellate court of Georgia; jurisdiction of all cases
except those involving constitutional questions, murder, and habeas corpus cases. 15 judges
with 6 year terms who are selected through nonpartisan elections
Superior Courts Jurisdiction over trial cases in the state. They also hear appeals from the
lower courts. 202 judges with 4 year terms who are selected through nonpartisan elections
State Courts have jurisdiction in one county. Main responsibilities are traffic violations,
issuing arrest warrants, holding preliminary hearings in criminal cases and trying civil matters.
Term: 4 years
Probate Courts Exclusive jurisdiction over wills, overseeing of estates, appointment of
guardians, and the involuntary hospitalization of incapacitated adults. There is one for every
county in Georgia
Juvenile Courts have jurisdiction over delinquent children under the age of 17 and in
special cases under the age of 18
Magistrate Courts have limited jurisdiction and do not hold jury trials; mainly deal with
minor criminal offenses, violations, preliminary hearings, etc.
protected civil liberties Freedom of speech
Freedom of religion
Freedom of press
privacy Unprotected civil liberty includes right to _______
Sovereign Immunity a legal doctrine where a state cannot commit a legal wrongdoing
and is immune from civil suit or criminal prosecution; state government cannot be sued unless it
gives consent