What type of cases does the Georgia Court of Appeals primarily hear?

The Georgia Court of Appeals primarily hears appeals from lower courts. This means it reviews decisions made by trial courts to ensure that the law was applied correctly and that proper legal procedures were followed. The Court of Appeals does not conduct original trials or hear evidence; rather, it focuses on reviewing the record from the lower court, examining legal arguments presented by both parties, and interpreting applicable law.

This process is crucial in maintaining a fair judicial system, as it allows for oversight and correction of errors made by lower courts. The Court may handle a wide range of cases, including civil and criminal matters, as long as they originate from decisions made by trial courts within the state.

In contrast, original cases would be those that are heard for the first time in a court and would not typically enter the Court of Appeals. Civil cases only would limit the scope of the Court’s jurisdiction, disregarding criminal matters that also fall under its purview. Federal cases are not within the scope of the Georgia Court of Appeals, as federal matters are handled by federal courts, such as the U.S. District Courts and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.