Which courts in Georgia primarily handle minor criminal offenses and civil cases?

Municipal Courts in Georgia are specifically designed to handle minor criminal offenses and civil cases. These courts address issues such as traffic violations, misdemeanor criminal cases, and certain city ordinance violations. Their jurisdiction is typically limited to petty offenses, meaning they deal with less serious crimes compared to other court levels, such as Superior Courts, which handle more serious criminal matters and major civil cases, and Circuit Courts, which do not exist in Georgia but could refer to similar court types in other states. Appellate Courts, on the other hand, do not hear cases directly; instead, they review decisions made by lower trial courts. Thus, Municipal Courts play a vital role in managing minor legal disputes and maintaining order in local jurisdictions.