Which of the following options describes the role of juries in Georgia courts?

The role of juries in Georgia courts is multifaceted, allowing them to participate in both criminal and civil cases. This inclusive approach underlines the importance of juries in the judicial process. In criminal cases, juries are responsible for determining the guilt or innocence of the accused based on the evidence presented, serving as a crucial safeguard for the rights of defendants. In civil cases, juries can be tasked with resolving disputes between parties, deciding issues such as liability and the amount of damages owed.

This dual function underscores the jury's role as a critical component of the legal system, engaging community members in the pursuit of justice and ensuring that verdicts are based on a collective judgment rather than solely on the authority of a judge. This involvement also reflects the democratic principle of having ordinary citizens participate in legal proceedings, thereby enhancing the legitimacy and accountability of the judicial process.

The other options do not capture the comprehensive role of juries in Georgia courts, limiting their function either to civil cases only or suggesting that they do not exist at all, which misrepresents their actual presence and importance in the legal framework.