1. Article 1, Section 1, Paragraph XI of the Constitution of the State of Georgia (Jury Trial)

   “Right to trial by jury; number of jurors; selection and compensation of
   jurors.
   (a) The right to trial by jury shall remain inviolate, except that the court shall render
   judgment without the verdict of a jury in all civil cases where no issuable defense is filed
   and where a jury is not demanded in writing by either party. In criminal cases, the defendant shall have a public and speedy trial by an impartial jury; and the jury shall be the
   judges of the law and the facts.
   (b) A trial jury shall consist of 12 persons; but the General Assembly may prescribe any
   number, not less than six, to constitute a trial jury in courts of limited jurisdiction and in
   superior courts in misdemeanor cases.
   (c) The General Assembly shall provide by law for the selection and compensation of
   persons to serve as grand jurors and trial jurors.” Cf. Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution

2. Article 1, Section 1, Paragraph XII of the Constitution of the State of Georgia (Access to Courts)

   “Right to the courts.
   No person shall be deprived of the right to prosecute or defend, either in person or by an attorney, that person’s own cause in any of the courts of this state.”

3. Article 1, Section 1, Paragraph XIV of the Constitution of the State of Georgia (Benefit of Counsel)

   “Benefit of counsel; accusation; list of witnesses; compulsory process.
   Every person charged with an offense against the laws of this state shall have the privilege
   and benefit of counsel; shall be furnished with a copy of the accusation or indictment and,
   on demand, with a list of the witnesses on whose testimony such charge is founded; shall
   have compulsory process to obtain the testimony of that person’s own witnesses; and shall
   be confronted with the witnesses testifying against such person.”

4. Article 1, Section 1, Paragraph XVI (No Self-incrimination)

   “Self-incrimination.
   No person shall be compelled to give testimony
   tending in any manner to be self-incriminating.”

5. Article 1, Section 1, Paragraph XVII (Reasonable Bond)

   “Bail; fines; punishment; arrest, abuse of prisoners.
   Excessive bail
   shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments
   inflicted; nor shall any person be abused in being arrested, while under arrest, or in prison.”

6. O.C.G.A. 15-12-125 (Jury Panel – criminal case)

   “For the trial of misdemeanors in all courts, each party may demand a full panel of 12 competent and impartial jurors from which to select a jury. . .”

7. O.C.G.A. 9-11-38 (Jury Panel – civil case)

   “The right of trial by jury as declared by the Constitution of the state or as given by statute of the state shall be preserved to the parties inviolate.”

If you have been arrested, sued or are in need of legal advice to bring about a case against someone else, contact our office now.  We will take the time to hear your situation and discuss your options, making you a priority.