Which of the following is a characteristic of Georgia’s court system?

Georgia's court system is characterized by the inclusion of both trial courts and appellate courts, which allows for a comprehensive judicial process. Trial courts are the first level of the court system where cases are initially heard, involving the presentation of evidence and testimony. Appellate courts follow, reviewing decisions made by trial courts to ensure that the law was applied correctly and that proper legal procedures were followed.

This structure allows for a clear distinction in functions: trial courts focus on fact-finding and juries can be involved in criminal and civil cases, while appellate courts are tasked with legal interpretation and handling appeals. Describing a system that includes both types is crucial to understanding how justice is administered within Georgia.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the structure of Georgia's court system. The reliance on federal judges is not applicable since state courts operate independently of federal jurisdiction. Claiming a single tier of courts misrepresents the existence of multiple court levels within the state. Furthermore, stating that jury trials are only permitted in civil cases overlooks the fact that jury trials are also a constitutional right in criminal cases, where defendants have the option of a jury trial for serious offenses.