In Georgia, a habeas petition challenges the legality of an inmate's confinement after a direct appeal has failed. A petition may also be used to overturn an invalid sentence, or address a denial of bond. Only people who have been restrained in their liberty may file a habeas petition.
Superior Court Judges preside over cases involving misdemeanors, contract disputes, premises liability, and various other actions. In addition, the Superior Court has exclusive equity jurisdiction over all cases of divorce, title to land, and felonies involving jury trials, including death penalty cases.
The Fulton County Superior Court is a trial court of general jurisdiction. The court has exclusive, constitutional authority over felony cases, prosecuted by the District Attorney's Office, regarding title to land, equity, declaratory judgments, habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, adoptions, and divorce.
Northern District of Georgia | United States District Court.
The Georgia Municipal Court is a trial-level court having limited jurisdiction. The court presides over traffic infractions, certain criminal misdemeanor cases, and minor civil cases. It has the power to: Try Municipal ordinance violations.
Limited jurisdiction courts — municipal, magistrate, probate, juvenile, state, and state-wide business — hear traffic and criminal misdemeanor cases and civil cases. Superior court jurisdiction is more extensive, including felony offenses, domestic relations cases, civil matters, etc.
A Federal Writ of Habeas Corpus is a procedure where federal courts with national power can review the legality of an individual's incarceration.
Article I, Section 9, Clause 2: The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.
The writ of habeas corpus is the great remedy of the citizen or subject against arbitrary or illegal imprisonment; it is the mode by which the judicial power speedily and effectually protects the personal liberty of every individual, and repels the injustice of unconstitutional laws and despotic governments.
A writ of habeas corpus is used to bring a prisoner or other detainee (e.g. institutionalized mental patient) before the court to determine if the person's imprisonment or detention is lawful. A habeas petition proceeds as a civil action against the State agent (usually a warden) who holds the defendant in custody.