What is the role of the Georgia Supreme Court?

The role of the Georgia Supreme Court is to serve as the highest appellate court in the state. This means it primarily reviews decisions made by lower courts to ensure that the law was applied correctly and that due process was followed. The Supreme Court evaluates cases involving significant legal principles, interprets state laws, and addresses constitutional issues. Its decisions create binding precedents that lower courts must follow, thus shaping the application of law in Georgia.

The function of the Supreme Court differs significantly from being the lowest court, overseeing law enforcement, or creating new state laws. A court that acts as the lowest court would typically be responsible for handling initial trials and fact-finding, while the Supreme Court focuses on appeal. Additionally, law enforcement oversight is not within the judiciary's jurisdiction, as it falls under the executive branch of government. Likewise, while the legislature is tasked with lawmaking, the Supreme Court's role is to interpret and apply those laws rather than create them.