reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
GA Code § 15-10-7 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 15 - Courts|Chapter 10 - Magistrate Courts|Article 1 - General Provisions|§ 15-10-7. Council of Magistrate Court Judges

  There is created a council of magistrate court judges to be known as the "Council of Magistrate Court Judges." The council shall be composed of the chief magistrates, magistrates, and senior magistrates of the magistrate courts of this state. The council is authorized to organize itself and to develop a constitution and bylaws.   It shall be the purpose of the council to effectuate the constitutional and statutory responsibilities conferred upon it by law, to further the improvement of the magistrate courts and the administration of justice, to assist the chief magistrates, magistrates, and senior magistrates throughout the state in the execution of their duties, and to promote and assist in the training of chief magistrates, magistrates, and senior magistrates.   Expenses of the administration of the council shall be paid from state funds appropriated for that purpose, from federal funds available to the council for that purpose, or from other appropriate sources.     (Code 1981, §15-10-7, enacted by Ga. L. 1988, p. 461, § 2; Ga. L. 1993, p. 910, § 3; Ga. L. 2019, p. 658, § 1/HB 257.)    The 2019 amendment,  effective July 1, 2019, deleted "The officers of said council shall consist of a president, a first vice president, a second vice president, a secretary, a treasurer, and such other officers as the council shall deem necessary. The council shall have an executive committee composed of two representatives from each judicial administrative district. No senior magistrate shall serve as an officer of the council or as a regular representative of a judicial administrative district to the executive committee of the council." following "and bylaws." at the end of subsection (a).   Cross references.   - Proposed rule amendments by The Council of Magistrate Court Judges, Uniform Rules for the Magistrate Courts, Rule 1.4.
GA Code § 15-10-8 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 15 - Courts|Chapter 10 - Magistrate Courts|Article 1 - General Provisions|§ 15-10-8. Authority of Retired Magistrate to Perform Marriage Ceremonies

 A retired magistrate of a magistrate court of any county of this state shall be vested with the same authority as an active judge of this state for the purpose of performing marriage ceremonies.For purposes of this Code section, a retired magistrate of a magistrate court shall be one who has served not less than eight years.    (Code 1981, §15-10-8, enacted by Ga. L. 1990, p. 297, § 1.)
GA Code § 15-10-20.1 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 15 - Courts|Chapter 10 - Magistrate Courts|Article 2 - Magistrates|§ 15-10-20.1. Qualifying in Absentia for Magistrates Serving on Active Military Duty

  Any elected chief magistrate or elected magistrate who is performing ordered military duty, as defined in Code Section 38-2-279, shall be eligible for reelection in any primary or general election which may be held to elect a successor for the next term of office, and may qualify in absentia as a candidate for reelection to such office. The performance of ordered military duty shall not create a vacancy in such office during the term for which such judge was elected.   Where the giving of written notice of candidacy is required, any elected chief magistrate or elected magistrate who is performing ordered military duty may deliver such notice by mail, agent, or messenger to the proper elections official. Any other act required by law of a candidate for the office of chief magistrate or magistrate judge may, during the time such official is on ordered military duty, be performed by an agent designated in writing by the absent chief magistrate or magistrate judge.     (Code 1981, §15-10-20.1, enacted by Ga. L. 2009, p. 311, § 1/HB 156.)
GA Code § 15-10-21 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 15 - Courts|Chapter 10 - Magistrate Courts|Article 2 - Magistrates|§ 15-10-21. Powers and Duties of Chief Magistrate

 The chief magistrate shall assign cases among the several magistrates of the county and shall decide any disputes between the magistrates of the county.    (Code 1981, §15-10-21, enacted by Ga. L. 1983, p. 884, § 2-1.)
GA Code § 15-10-22 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 15 - Courts|Chapter 10 - Magistrate Courts|Article 2 - Magistrates|§ 15-10-22. Qualifications; Restrictions on Practice of Law

  Each magistrate taking office on or after July 1, 2019, shall:   Have been a resident of the county for two years next preceding the beginning of his or her term of office;   Be at least 25 years of age;   Remain a resident of such county during his or her term of office;   Be a citizen of the United States;   Be a registered voter; and   Have obtained a state accredited high school diploma or general educational development (GED) diploma.     Additional qualifications for the office of chief magistrate or magistrate or both may be imposed by local law.   A magistrate who is an attorney may practice in other courts but may not practice in the magistrate's own court or appear in any matter as to which that magistrate has exercised any jurisdiction.     (Code 1981, §15-10-22, enacted by Ga. L. 1983, p. 884, § 2-1; Ga. L. 1984, p. 1096, § 3; Ga. L. 1987, p. 430, § 1; Ga. L. 2019, p. 658, § 3/HB 257.)    The 2019 amendment,  effective July 1, 2019, substituted the present provisions of this Code section for the former provisions, which read: "Each magistrate shall have been a resident of the county for one year next preceding the beginning of his term of office and shall as of such date be at least 25 years of age and shall possess a high school diploma or its equivalent. However, an officer becoming a magistrate pursuant to Code Section 15-10-120 shall be eligible to the office of magistrate without the necessity of meeting these qualifications. Additional qualifications for the office of chief magistrate or magistrate or both may be imposed by local law.   "(b) A magistrate who is an attorney may practice in other courts but may not practice in the magistrate's own court or appear in any matter as to which that magistrate has exercised any jurisdiction."   Cross references.   - Proscription against inappropriate political activity by judges, Georgia Code of Judicial Conduct, Canon 7.   JUDICIAL DECISIONS    Cited in State v. Slaughter, 252 Ga. 435, 315 S.E.2d 865 (1984); Beck v. State, 283 Ga. 352, 658 S.E.2d 577 (2008).   OPINIONS OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL    There is no requirement that a magistrate be an attorney.  1983 Op. Att'y Gen. No. 83-53.   Eligibility of justice of the peace for appointment.    - Certified justice of the peace is eligible to be appointed chief magistrate pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-10-120 but a noncertified justice of the peace is eligible for appointment only if the requirements of O.C.G.A. § 15-10-22 have been met. 1983 Op. Att'y Gen. No. 83-59.
GA Code § 15-10-23.1 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 15 - Courts|Chapter 10 - Magistrate Courts|Article 2 - Magistrates|§ 15-10-23.1. Monthly Contingent Expense Allowance for the Operation of the Magistrate Court

 In addition to any salary, fees, or expenses now or hereafter provided by law, unless a magistrate waives such expenses in writing, the governing authority of each county is authorized to provide as contingent expenses for the operation of the office of magistrate court, and payable from county funds, a monthly expense allowance to each magistrate of not less than the amount fixed in the following schedule:   Population Minimum Monthly Expenses ---------- -------------- 0 - 11,889 $ 100.00 11,890 - 74,999 200.00 75,000 - 249,999 300.00 250,000 - 499,999 400.00 500,000 or more 500.00    (Code 1981, §15-10-23.1, enacted by Ga. L. 2001, p. 902, § 9; Ga. L. 2006, p. 875, § 2/HB 1399; Ga. L. 2015, p. 5, § 15/HB 90.)
GA Code § 15-10-24 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 15 - Courts|Chapter 10 - Magistrate Courts|Article 2 - Magistrates|§ 15-10-24. Discipline, Removal, and Involuntary Retirement

 Magistrates shall be subject to discipline, removal, and involuntary retirement by the Judicial Qualifications Commission in accordance with Article VI, Section VII, Paragraph VII of the Constitution.    (Code 1981, §15-10-24, enacted by Ga. L. 1983, p. 884, § 2-1; Ga. L. 1990, p. 336, § 1.)   Cross references.   - Rules of the Judicial Qualifications Commission.   JUDICIAL DECISIONS   Failure to complete training.    - Pursuant to subsection (c) of O.C.G.A. § 15-10-25, the Judicial Qualifications Commission's recommendation that a magistrate be removed from office for failure to complete satisfactorily the required training for the year was approved. In re Harper, 262 Ga. 335, 419 S.E.2d 21 (1992).
GA Code § 15-10-25 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 15 - Courts|Chapter 10 - Magistrate Courts|Article 2 - Magistrates|§ 15-10-25. Training Requirements; Payment of Training Costs

  All magistrates shall periodically satisfactorily complete a training course as provided in Article 8 of this chapter. All senior magistrates shall periodically satisfactorily complete a training course as provided in Code Section 15-10-223.   The Georgia Magistrate Courts Training Council shall keep records of training completed by magistrates and senior magistrates.   Subject to the provision of Code Section 15-10-24, if any magistrate or senior magistrate does not satisfactorily complete the required training in any year, the Georgia Magistrate Courts Training Council shall promptly notify the Judicial Qualifications Commission which shall recommend removal of the magistrate from office unless the Judicial Qualifications Commission finds that the failure was caused by facts beyond the control of the magistrate or senior magistrate.   The reasonable costs and expenses of such training shall be paid by the county governing authority from county funds.     (Code 1981, §15-10-25, enacted by Ga. L. 1983, p. 884, § 2-1; Ga. L. 1984, p. 1096, § 4; Ga. L. 1990, p. 336, § 2; Ga. L. 1993, p. 910, § 5.)
GA Code § 15-10-26 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 15 - Courts|Chapter 10 - Magistrate Courts|Article 2 - Magistrates|§ 15-10-26. Conflicts Between Local Ordinances and Local Acts

 In any case in which action is authorized under this chapter to be taken by local Act or local ordinance, no local ordinance shall be enacted which is inconsistent with a local Act.    (Code 1981, §15-10-26, enacted by Ga. L. 1983, p. 884, § 2-1.)
GA Code § 15-10-27 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 15 - Courts|Chapter 10 - Magistrate Courts|Article 2 - Magistrates|§ 15-10-27. Continuation of Certain County Civil Court Officials as Magistrate Court Officials

  With respect to any county in which there exists a civil court of the county continued in existence by Article VI, Section X, Paragraph I, subparagraph (5) of the Constitution and in which there are as of June 30, 1983, no officers who will become magistrates pursuant to Code Section 15-10-120, the provisions of this Code section shall control over any other conflicting provisions of this chapter.   In any county subject to this Code section the judge of such civil court shall serve as chief magistrate for a term of office concurrent with his term as judge of civil court. The chief judge of superior court of any such county shall fix the compensation to be received by the chief magistrate for his services as chief magistrate, and such compensation may be less than the minimum salary otherwise specified by this chapter.   In any county subject to this Code section the clerk of civil court shall serve as clerk of magistrate court and the sheriff and deputies of civil court shall serve as constables of magistrate court.   A civil court judge who appoints an attorney or another trial judge to act as judge pro tempore of the civil court may provide that the attorney or judge so appointed shall also serve as magistrate pro tempore for the magistrate court.     (Code 1981, §15-10-27, enacted by Ga. L. 1983, p. 884, § 2-1; Ga. L. 1987, p. 484, § 1.)   OPINIONS OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL   Civil court independent from sheriff.    - If the sheriff of a civil court is a constable of the magistrate court and functions independently of the sheriff of the superior court under O.C.G.A. § 15-10-27, the civil court is exempt from collecting and remitting fees to the Sheriff's Retirement Fund under subsection (b) of O.C.G.A. § 47-16-61. 1992 Op. Att'y Gen. No. U92-15.
GA Code § 15-10-40 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 15 - Courts|Chapter 10 - Magistrate Courts|Article 3 - Civil Proceedings|§ 15-10-40. Applicability of Article

 This article shall govern civil proceedings in the magistrate court.    (Code 1981, §15-10-40, enacted by Ga. L. 1983, p. 884, § 2-1.)   Law reviews.   - For annual survey of trial practice and procedure, see 38 Mercer L. Rev. 383 (1986).   JUDICIAL DECISIONS   Voluntary dismissal rule did not apply in magistrate court.    - Trial court erred in relying on O.C.G.A. § 9-11-41 in finding that a tenant failed to object to the landlord's voluntary dismissal of its magistrate court dispossessory action, resulting in the dismissal of the tenant's counterclaim to that action; the Civil Practice Act, O.C.G.A. § 9-11-1 et seq., did not apply to magistrate court suits, O.C.G.A. §§ 15-10-40 and15-10-42, and there was nothing to indicate that the magistrate court opted to follow the Civil Practice Act as permitted by O.C.G.A. § 15-10-44. Howell v. Beauly, LLC, 337 Ga. App. 898, 789 S.E.2d 214 (2016).
GA Code § 15-10-44 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 15 - Courts|Chapter 10 - Magistrate Courts|Article 3 - Civil Proceedings|§ 15-10-44. Trial Procedure

  The trial shall be conducted on the day set for the hearing, or at such later time as the judge may set. Immediately prior to the trial of any case, the judge shall counsel the parties to make an earnest effort to settle the controversy by conciliation. If the parties fail to settle their differences without a trial, the judge shall proceed with the hearing on its merits.   The judge shall conduct the trial in such manner as to do substantial justice between the parties according to the rules of substantive law. All rules and regulations relating to pleading, practice, and procedure shall be liberally construed so as to administer justice.   If the plaintiff fails to appear, the action may be dismissed for want of prosecution, the defendant may proceed to a trial on the merits, or the case may be continued as the judge may direct. If both parties fail to appear, the judge may continue the case, order the same dismissed for want of prosecution, or make any other just and proper disposition thereof, as justice may require.     (Code 1981, §15-10-44, enacted by Ga. L. 1983, p. 884, § 2-1.)
GA Code § 15-10-46 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 15 - Courts|Chapter 10 - Magistrate Courts|Article 3 - Civil Proceedings|§ 15-10-46. Ordering Deferred Partial Payment of Judgment

  When the judgment is to be rendered and the party against whom it is to be entered requests it, the judge shall inquire fully into the earnings and financial status of such party and shall have full discretionary power to stay the entry of judgment, to stay execution, and to order partial payments in such amounts, over such periods, and upon such terms as seem just under the circumstances and as will assure a definite and steady reduction of the judgment until it is fully and completely satisfied.   The judge of the magistrate court shall not be obligated to collect such deferred partial payments on judgments so rendered but, if the plaintiff so requests, he may do so at the expense of the plaintiff for clerical and accounting costs incurred thereby, not to exceed 10 percent of each payment.     (Code 1981, §15-10-46, enacted by Ga. L. 1983, p. 884, § 2-1.)   Cross references.   - Deferred partial payments, Uniform Rules for the Magistrate Courts, Rule 44.
GA Code § 15-10-47 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 15 - Courts|Chapter 10 - Magistrate Courts|Article 3 - Civil Proceedings|§ 15-10-47. Effect, Recordation, Execution, and Enforcement of Money Judgments; Fee for Recordation

  Except where otherwise provided by law, the general laws and rules applicable to the effect, recordation, execution, and enforcement of money judgments in civil cases in the superior courts of this state shall be applicable to and govern the magistrate courts.   Upon the issuance of any execution by the magistrate court, the clerk of the magistrate court shall immediately transmit a copy of the execution to the clerk of superior court of the county. The fee of the clerk of superior court for recording the execution on the general execution docket shall be charged and collected by the magistrate court contemporaneously with or prior to the issuance of the execution but not before the entry of judgment in the action; and such fee shall be transmitted by the clerk of magistrate court to the clerk of superior court together with the copy of the execution. The clerk of the superior court shall immediately enter the execution upon the general execution docket in the same manner as executions issued by the superior court, without the necessity of any action by the plaintiff in fi. fa.     (Code 1981, §15-10-47, enacted by Ga. L. 1983, p. 884, § 2-1; Ga. L. 1984, p. 1096, § 7; Ga. L. 1986, p. 701, § 4; Ga. L. 1987, p. 320, § 1.)   OPINIONS OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL   Writs of fieri facias may be directed to constables.   - Writs of fieri facias issued by the magistrate court may be directed to the constables of that court and, in executing these writs, constables may conduct judicial sales of personal property. 1984 Op. Att'y Gen. No. U84-36.
GA Code § 15-10-48 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 15 - Courts|Chapter 10 - Magistrate Courts|Article 3 - Civil Proceedings|§ 15-10-48. Form of Statement of Claim, Verification, and Notice

 The statement of claim, verification, and notice shall be in substantially the following form: Magistrate Court of _____________ County State of Georgia ________________ Plaintiff ________________ Address v. ________________ Defendant Statement of Claim (Here the plaintiff or, at his or her request, the court will insert a brief statement of the plaintiff's claim or claims giving the defendant reasonable notice of the basis for each claim and, if the action is on a contract, either express or implied, the original statement of the plaintiff's claim which is to be filed with the court may be verified by the plaintiff or his or her agent as follows:) STATE OF GEORGIA COUNTY OF ________________ __________________, being first duly sworn on oath, says the foregoing is a just and true statement of the amount owing by defendant to plaintiff, exclusive of all setoffs and just grounds of defense. ________________ Plaintiff or agent Sworn and subscribed before me this ________ day of __________, ______. ________________ Notary public or attesting official Notice TO: ________________ Defendant ________________ Home Address or ________________ Business Address You are hereby notified that ____________ has made a claim and is requesting judgment against you in the sum of ______________ dollars ($ __________), as shown by the foregoing statement. The court will hold a hearing upon this claim at (address of court) at a time to be set after your answer is filed. YOU ARE REQUIRED TO FILE OR PRESENT AN ANSWER TO THIS CLAIM WITHIN 30 DAYS AFTER SERVICE OF THIS CLAIM UPON YOU. IF YOU DO NOT ANSWER, JUDGMENT BY DEFAULT WILL BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU. YOUR ANSWER MAY BE FILED IN WRITING OR MAY BE GIVEN ORALLY TO THE JUDGE. If you have witnesses, books, receipts, or other writings bearing on this claim, you should bring them with you at the time of hearing. If you wish to have witnesses summoned, see the court at once for assistance. If you have any claim against the plaintiff, you should notify the court at once. If you admit the claim, but desire additional time to pay, you must come to the hearing in person and state the circumstances to the court. You may come with or without an attorney. ________________ Magistrate of __________ County    (Code 1981, §15-10-48, enacted by Ga. L. 1983, p. 884, § 2-1; Ga. L. 1999, p. 81, § 15; Ga. L. 2008, p. 824, § 4/HB 958.)
GA Code § 15-10-49 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 15 - Courts|Chapter 10 - Magistrate Courts|Article 3 - Civil Proceedings|§ 15-10-49. Procedure in Attachment, Garnishment, Dispossessory, and Distress Warrant Proceedings

  Procedure in attachment cases shall be subject to Chapter 3 of Title 18, except that there shall be no prejudgment attachment granted in the magistrate court.   Procedure in garnishment cases shall be subject to Chapter 4 of Title 18.   Procedure in dispossessory proceedings and in distress warrant proceedings shall be subject to Articles 3 and 4 of Chapter 7 of Title 44.     (Code 1981, §15-10-49, enacted by Ga. L. 1983, p. 884, § 2-1; Ga. L. 1986, p. 701, § 5.)
GA Code § 15-10-51 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 15 - Courts|Chapter 10 - Magistrate Courts|Article 3 - Civil Proceedings|§ 15-10-51. Authorizing Clerks to Sign Notices and Summonses

 The chief magistrate of each county may, by local rule of court, authorize the clerk of the magistrate court or one or more deputy clerks of the court to sign any notice or summons in any civil action pending in the court.    (Code 1981, §15-10-51, enacted by Ga. L. 1985, p. 636, § 2.)   Code Commission notes.   - Pursuant to Code Section 28-9-5, in 1985, Code Section 15-10-50, as enacted by Ga. L. 1985, p. 636, § 2, was redesignated as Code Section 15-10-51.
GA Code § 15-10-52 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 15 - Courts|Chapter 10 - Magistrate Courts|Article 3 - Civil Proceedings|§ 15-10-52. Party Name in Action

 The style of any action, other than a proceeding brought pursuant to Chapter 7 of Title 44, relating to landlord and tenant, brought in the magistrate court by the assignee of the obligee of any obligation shall show the action in the name of the original obligee by the assignee.    (Code 1981, §15-10-52, enacted by Ga. L. 2000, p. 880, § 1.)   Code Commission notes.   - Pursuant to Code Section 28-9-5, in 2000, Code Section 15-10-52, as enacted by Ga. L. 2000, p. 1580, § 1, was redesignated as Code Section 15-10-53.   Law reviews.   - For note on 2000 enactment of this Code section, see 17 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 64 (2000).