Introduction

Georgia and Federal Law

This handbook discusses both Georgia and federal laws that protect the rights of individuals with disabilities. Georgia and federal law should both be examined to get a full picture of the law on a particular topic. In some areas, Georgia laws provide more legal protection; in other areas, federal law is more comprehensive.

Statutes, Regulations, and Cases

The law consists of a combination of statutes, regulations, and cases. Legislators pass statutes in Congress or in the state Capitol. Usually, statutes are short and do not detail the mechanisms for enforcement or describe what constitutes an abrogation of the law.

Several government agencies devise regulations to carry out the statute's mandates.

Judges issue opinions in cases which resolve interpretative disputes involving statutes and regulations.

What Action can Individuals Take?

Complaints: Individuals can file complaints with agencies if they have either experienced discrimination or been denied other rights. The agency can then investigate the complaint, and if it finds that the law has been violated, the agency can impose sanctions and award remedies to the complainant (individual who filed the complaint).

Lawsuit: Individuals can also file lawsuits. Sometimes, they must first go through an agency (administrative) complaint process. To determine if you can file a lawsuit, contact the responsible agency. Although you may file a lawsuit yourself, you should probably discuss your case with a legal organization or attorney if you plan to do so.