Which court in Georgia has the authority to issue a writ of mandamus?

The Georgia Supreme Court has the authority to issue a writ of mandamus, which is a court order commanding an individual, organization, or lower court to perform a specific act that is required by law. This Supreme Court function aligns with its role as the highest court in the state, responsible for ensuring that lower courts and public officials comply with their legal obligations.

While other courts in Georgia have important functions and may handle a range of case types, the Supreme Court's jurisdiction encompasses reviewing actions and decisions from lower courts, thus granting it the power to issue such writs to ensure a fair application of justice throughout the state. Additionally, the Georgia Court of Appeals typically handles appellate reviews of lower court decisions, while the Superior Court generally deals with serious civil and criminal cases. The Magistrate Court has a more limited jurisdiction, focusing primarily on minor civil claims and misdemeanors. Therefore, the Supreme Court's role in issuing writs of mandamus underscores its unique position within the judicial hierarchy in Georgia.