What must be established for a civil lawsuit to proceed in Georgia?

For a civil lawsuit to proceed in Georgia, it is essential to establish clear jurisdiction and proper venue. Jurisdiction refers to the authority of a court to hear a case and make legal decisions, which depends on various factors such as the location where the events occurred, the residency of the parties involved, and the type of claim being made. Proper venue ensures that the case is filed in the correct court, typically based on where the parties reside or where the cause of action arose.

Establishing both jurisdiction and venue is crucial because if either is lacking, the court may dismiss the case, preventing any legal proceedings from taking place. This requirement ensures that the legal process is conducted in an appropriate context, honoring the rights of all parties and the integrity of the judicial system.

Other options such as a criminal charge, mediation agreements, or a pre-trial settlement are not prerequisites for initiating a civil lawsuit. A civil case can proceed independently of any criminal proceedings, and while mediation and settlements may occur, they are not mandatory for the lawsuit to commence.