What types of cases do state court judges in Georgia typically hear?

State court judges in Georgia typically handle a variety of cases, including misdemeanors that encompass traffic violations. This jurisdiction allows them to address offenses that carry less severe penalties than felonies. In Georgia, misdemeanors are generally punishable by up to one year of imprisonment, monetary fines, or both, making it a critical function of state courts to adjudicate these matters.

The correct answer points to the important role that state court judges play in the judicial system by managing cases that may significantly affect people's daily lives, such as minor criminal offenses and infractions. Misdemeanors often involve less complex issues compared to felonies, allowing state judges to process these cases more rapidly while still ensuring justice is served.

In contrast, other options highlight a narrower scope of jurisdiction. Civil matters only would exclude the important area of criminal law, which is a significant part of what state courts handle. Major felonies typically fall under the domain of superior courts in Georgia rather than state courts, and only traffic violations would inaccurately limit the breadth of cases managed by state judges. Thus, the choice accurately reflects the typical responsibilities of state court judges in Georgia.