What legal system handles serious crimes in Georgia?

The legal system that handles serious crimes in Georgia is criminal law. Criminal law encompasses the rules and statutes that define which actions are considered offenses against the state and establish the procedures for prosecuting individuals accused of these crimes. Serious crimes, often referred to as felonies, include offenses such as murder, robbery, and sexual assault, which carry harsher penalties and legal procedures compared to less serious offenses.

In a criminal law framework, the prosecution represents the government and is responsible for proving that the defendant committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. The principles of criminal law are designed to maintain public order and protect the community from harmful behaviors, emphasizing state accountability for enforcing laws and ensuring justice for victims.

The other options, while significant components of the legal system, serve different functions. Civil law deals with disputes between individuals or organizations regarding rights, obligations, and liabilities, rather than criminal acts. Statutory law refers to specific laws enacted by legislative bodies, which can include both criminal and civil statutes but isn't limited to serious crime matters. Case law consists of judicial decisions that interpret laws and can influence future legal rulings but does not specifically manage how serious crimes are prosecuted. Hence, criminal law is the correct framework for addressing serious crimes in Georgia.