O.C.G.A. § 9-14-14: Hearing of issue.

If the return denies any of the material facts stated in the petition or alleges other facts upon which issue is taken, the judge hearing the return may in a summary manner hear testimony as to the issue. To that end, he may compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of papers, may adjourn the examination of the question, or may exercise any other power of a court which the principles of justice may require.