IN THE INTEREST OF T. A. W., 265 Ga. 106 (1995)

454 S.E.2d 134

S94A1650.Supreme Court of Georgia.
DECIDED MARCH 6, 1995.

HUNT, Chief Justice.

The issue in this case is whether juvenile courts have the authority to grant new trials. We hold that they do, and reverse.

In denying the child’s, T. A. W.’s, motion for new trial, the juvenile court, while expressing its belief that the state constitution and statutes authorize the grant of a new trial by the juvenile court, held that it was constrained by the Court of Appeals’ decisions to the contrary,

Page 107

In the Interest of M. A. L., 202 Ga. App. 768 (415 S.E.2d 649) (1992) and In the Interest of J. O., 191 Ga. App. 521
(382 S.E.2d 214) (1989). The Court of Appeals transferred the appeal to this court on the ground that it involved the construction of a constitutional provision, Art. VI, Sec. I, Par. IV of the Georgia Constitution of 1983. In the Interest of T. A. W., 214 Ga. App. 1
(447 S.E.2d 136) (1994).

Art. VI, Sec. I, Par. IV of the Georgia Constitution of 1983 provides, in pertinent part: “[e]ach superior court, state court, and other courts of record may grant new trials on legal grounds.” (Emphasis supplied.)[1]

Juvenile courts are courts of record. OCGA § 15-11-65 (b). Accordingly, juvenile courts are authorized to grant new trials.[2] To the extent In the Interest of M. A. L., supra, and In the Interest of J. O., supra, conflict with this opinion, they are overruled.

For the foregoing reasons, the order of the juvenile court is reversed, and this case is remanded to the juvenile court for proceedings consistent with this opinion.

Judgment reversed and remanded. All the Justices concur.

DECIDED MARCH 6, 1995.
Juvenile court, new trial; constitutional question. Douglas Juvenile Court. Before Judge Messinger.

Suzan G. Littlefield, Edwards McLeod, Jennifer McLeod, for appellant.

Barry Wood, for appellee.