 Frequently Asked Questions
What types of questions can Clerk's Office employees answer?
How can I obtain a copy of the rules of the Supreme Court of Georgia?
Must you be a lawyer to file an appeal in the Supreme Court?
What is the meaning of the inscription that appears behind the bench in the Courtroom?
Is a decision announced immediately after a case has been orally argued?
Does the Chief Justice assign cases to the other Justices on the Court?
Is there any parking convenient to the Judicial Building?
Can case files be checked out for review and copying off premises?
How often does the Court hear oral arguments and who may attend?
Is it possible to contact a Justice or law clerk and discuss a case pending before the Court?
How Long Does it Take to Decide An Appeal?
What types of questions can Clerk's Office employees answer?
In general, Clerk's Office employees can answer questions about pending and decided cases. More specifically, they can answer questions pertaining to (1) the format and filing of briefs, motions and oral argument requests; (2) the scheduling of oral arguments; and (3) the terms of Court. They cannot answer legal questions, interpret or explain the decisions of the Court, nor can they identify the Justice to which a pending case has been assigned.
How can I obtain a copy of the rules of the Supreme Court of Georgia?
The Rules of the Supreme Court of Georgia are available on the Court's webpage. The Rules cover a wide variety of topics and procedures relevant to the appellate process.
Must you be a lawyer to file an appeal in the Supreme Court?
Non-lawyers may represent themselves in the Supreme Court. They should familiarize themselves with the Court's Rules prior to filing an appeal.
What is the meaning of the inscription that appears behind the bench in the Courtroom?
The Latin phrase, "Fiat justitia ruat caelum," means: Let justice be done, though the heavens may fall.
Is a decision announced immediately after a case has been orally argued?
The Justices take a tentative vote after oral argument, but it is not a binding vote. A decision is typically rendered from one to five months after oral argument.
Does the Chief Justice assign cases to the other Justices on the Court?
Cases are assigned to the Justices in rotation, or sequentially, by the Court's automated docketing system.
 Is there any parking convenient to the Judicial Building?
There are a number of pay parking lots within walking distance of the Judicial Building. The Georgia State and Garnett Street MARTA train stations are also within walking distance. (Parking lots shaded green.)
Can case files be checked out for review and copying off premises?
Although case files are a matter of public record, they may only be viewed in the Clerk's Office during normal business hours. Copying is also available: $5.00 for the first 10 pages, $1.00 per page thereafter.
How often does the Court hear oral arguments and who may attend?
The Court hears oral arguments in every month except August and December. The calendar normally begins on the second Monday of each month. Oral arguments are open to the public. The courtroom is on the sixth floor of the State Judicial Building which is located at the corner of Mitchell and Washington streets in downtown Atlanta.
Is it possible to contact a Justice or law clerk and discuss a case pending before the Court?
The Justices and their law clerks are strictly prohibited from discussing pending or decided cases with parties, their attorneys, members of the media, or the general public.
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