Which type of cases does the Magistrate's Court handle?

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The Magistrate's Court in Georgia is primarily designed to handle civil claims under a specified threshold, which includes claims typically under $15,000. In this context, the correct answer highlights the court's role in adjudicating civil disputes where the amount in controversy is less than $5,000. This minor civil jurisdiction makes the court accessible for individuals seeking speedy resolutions to smaller claims without the complexities found in higher courts.

Additionally, the Magistrate's Court also has the authority to manage specific criminal matters, such as issuing arrest warrants and handling certain misdemeanors, but the focus of the question is on civil claims. By limiting its jurisdiction to lower amounts, the court also helps alleviate the burden on higher courts, allowing for a more efficient legal process for minor disputes.

In contrast, criminal cases over $10,000 typically fall under the jurisdiction of superior courts, family law matters are handled in family courts or superior courts, and felony cases are also addressed at the superior court level. Hence, their respective jurisdictions do not overlap with the specialized function of the Magistrate's Court in managing small civil claims.

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