How does the Georgia State Supreme Court reach its decisions?
Terms of court begin in January, April, and September.
Cases are assigned in rotation to the justices for
preparation of opinions and decisions of the whole court.
When a justice prepares an opinion, it is circulated for
study to all of the other justices, and after discussion en
banc (meaning "in full court"), the opinion is adopted or
rejected by a majority of the justices. The justices elect
the chief justice and a presiding justice to handle
administrative matters for the court.
- "Judicial Branch: Overview,"
Gwen Y. Wood
O A panel of three justices meets to make a decision
on a case.
O A panel of five justices meets to make a decision
on a case.
o One justice writes an opinion, and the chief justice
makes a final decision.
One justice writes an opinion, and the others vote
to accept or reject it.