Civil Cases (9)
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Getting Ready for Court
This video explains what you can expect when going to court and how you can prepare. It will review what to wear, preparing documents, child care, who to bring with you, getting to court and going through security, mediation, and how to behave during the hearing. Read More
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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). Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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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). Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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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). Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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How to Be a Good Witness - State Bar of Georgia Consumer Pamphlet
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. Content Detail
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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. Content Detail
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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Military Law: An Overview
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. Content Detail
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Military Law Research Links
This website contains links that are useful for understanding military law and the court system, for resolving legal issues and finding source documents. Content Detail
Georgia State Court System (6)
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Filing a Claim in Magistrate Court - A Short Video Presentation
Before filing a claim in Magistrate Court, you'll want to consider whether or not the defendant will have the economic resources to collect should you be awarded a judgment... Content Detail
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How to Be a Good Witness - State Bar of Georgia Consumer Pamphlet
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. Content Detail
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Juror's Manual - State Bar of Georgia Consumer Pamphlet
The purpose of this brochure is to provide people who are going to serve on a jury with general background information which will hopefully lead to a clearer understanding and better appreciation of the judicial process. Content Detail
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Should I be Represented by a Lawyer? A Short Video Presentation
Persons appearing in court without a lawyer are called pro se litigants. In an effort to make the Magistrate Court user-friendly, hearings are usually conducted in an informal manner and the judge may intervene to ensure that the merits of the case are fairly presented. So if you feel comfortable speaking in front of people and are able to communicate your ideas well, you may decide that it's in your best interests to represent yourself. Content Detail
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What is Magistrate Court? A Short Video Presentation
Both individuals and businesses can be sued in the Magistrate Court. In 1999, the limit for monetary damages that can be filed was increased from $5,000.00 to $15,000.00. Content Detail
Our Federal Legal System (6)
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Changing Our Laws
This document provides an introduction to how our laws change over time. It discusses how the different sources for the law, including consitutional law, statutory law, and administrative law, are changed. This document is excerpted from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004). Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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Fair Treatment by the Government: Due Process
When you deal with the government you have the right to be treated fairly and to have a fair process for protecting your rights. These rights are contained in the "Due Process" clauses of the Fifth Amendment and the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This document explains more about your rights to fair treatment. The document is an excerpt from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004). Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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The Basics of Litigation
How litigation works Read More
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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). Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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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). Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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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). Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
Know Your Rights Articles (4)
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Learn about Civil Justice and the Legal System
This presentation was developed as part of the Law and Government Education Project in the Institute of Government at the University of Georgia. In partnership with the Law School and the Center for Teaching and Learning at UGA and the Law School at Mercer University, the Institute develops resources on basic areas of Georgia and federal law. These resources are then distributed across the state in a variety of ways including the State Bar of Georgia?s Pro Bono Project website. We hope you will find this presentation to be useful and informative. Please be advised, however, that this presentation is designed to provide general information only and does not substitute for legal advice. At the conclusion of the presentation you will find a list of organizations which may be able to provide assistance to those who have legal issues relevant to the topic of this presentation. We encourage viewers to contact these organizations for help. Also, please consult the Pro Bono Project website for a list of other presentations available for viewing. Content Detail
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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The Rule of Law
This short video explains the importance of the legal system in American society. This video is one in a series of public service videos presented by the State Bar of Georgia. Read More
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Trial by Jury
This short video explains the importance of the legal system in American society and particulary, the citizen-juror. This video is one in a series of public service videos presented by the State Bar of Georgia. Read More
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Your Guide to the Court System in Georgia
Handbook developed by the Southern Center for Human Rights to guide you through the courts (including the juvenile justice system) in Georgia Read More
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