Can magistrate courts conduct jury trials in Georgia?

Magistrate courts in Georgia are not authorized to conduct jury trials. These courts handle minor civil matters, specific criminal offenses, and certain other limited responsibilities, such as issuing warrants or managing small claims, but they do so without a jury. Instead, cases in magistrate court are typically decided by a judge. This setup reflects the court's purpose and the nature of the disputes it addresses, which are generally less complex and of lower stakes compared to those in higher courts such as superior or circuit courts, where jury trials are available. Consequently, the statement that magistrate courts do not conduct jury trials is accurate and aligns with the procedural framework expressed in Georgia's legal system.