Title 1

Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Code or in an Act or resolution of the General Assembly, in the event any title, chapter, article, part, subpart, Code section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, item, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this Code or of any Ac…

The omission from this Code of any Acts passed prior to the adoption of this Code which validated any bonds, notes, warrants, certificates, or other evidences of indebtedness issued by any political subdivision or instrumentality of the state shall in no way operate or be constru…

Unless otherwise provided, the adoption of this Code shall not invalidate or affect any rules or regulations which were in effect on November 1, 1982, promulgated pursuant to authority given by law, and such rules and regulations shall remain in force until repealed, replaced, or…

(a) The adoption of this Code shall not affect the term of office or the right to hold office of any person who is in office on November 1, 1982, unless otherwise expressly provided or unless such office is abolished by the adoption of this Code. (b) The adoption of this Code sha…

Unless otherwise provided in this Code, the descriptive headings or catchlines immediately preceding or within the text of the individual Code sections of this Code, except the Code section numbers included in the headings or catchlines immediately preceding the text of the Code …

(a) Unless otherwise indicated in the context, references in this Code to titles, chapters, articles, parts, subparts, or Code sections shall mean titles, chapters, articles, parts, subparts, or Code sections of this Code. (b) Unless there is an expressed intention to the contrar…

This Code shall become effective on November 1, 1982.

(a) There are two classes of persons: natural and artificial. (b) ‘‘Natural person’’ means any human being including an unborn child. (c) Corporations are artificial persons. They are creatures of the law and, except insofar as the law forbids it, they are subject to be changed, …

The citizens of other states of the United States or of foreign states at peace with this state shall, by comity, be allowed the privilege of suing in the courts of this state and of giving evidence therein, as long as the same comity is extended in the courts of the other states…

(a) Aliens are the subjects of foreign governments who have not been naturalized under the laws of the United States. (b) Aliens who are subjects of governments at peace with the United States and this state, as long as their governments remain at peace with the United States and…

Natural persons are categorized, according to their rights and status, as: (1) Citizens; (2) Citizens of the United States but not of this state; and (3) Aliens. History. — Orig. Code 1863, § 1583; Code 1868, § 1646; Code 1873, § 1652; Code 1882, § 1652; Civil Code 1895, § 1803; …

Until citizenship is acquired elsewhere, a citizen of this state continues to be a citizen of this state and of the United States. History. — Orig. Code 1863, § 54; Code 1868, § 50; Code 1873, § 47; Code 1882, § 47; Civil Code 1895, § 1806; Civil Code 1910, § 2163; Code 1933, § 7…

Except in time of war, every citizen of this state shall have the right of expatriation with a view to becoming a citizen of another country with which this state is at peace. Declaration or avowal of the intention to become a citizen of another country, accompanied by actual rem…

If a person expatriated under Code Section 1-2-4 acquires citizenship under some foreign power, he and his descendants who go with him for the purpose of residence may become citizens of this state again only after meeting the residence requirements and taking the oath of allegia…

(a) The rights of citizens include, without limitation, the following: (1) The right of personal security; (2) The right of personal liberty; (3) The right of private property and the disposition thereof; (4) The right of the elective franchise; (5) The right to hold office, unle…

Female citizens are entitled to the privilege of the elective franchise and have the right to hold any civil office or perform any civil function as fully and completely as do male citizens. History. — Orig. Code 1863, § 1587; Code 1868, § 1650; Code 1873, § 1656; Code 1882, § 16…

The law prescribes certain ages at which persons shall be considered of sufficient maturity to discharge certain civil functions, to make contracts, and to dispose of property. Prior to those ages they are minors and are, on account of that disability, unable to exercise these ri…

Such citizens of the other states of the Union as are recognized as citizens of the United States by the Constitution thereof shall be entitled, while temporarily within this state, to all the rights of citizens thereof, except the elective franchise, the right to hold office, an…

(a) In all interpretations of statutes, the courts shall look diligently for the intention of the General Assembly, keeping in view at all times the old law, the evil, and the remedy. Grammatical errors shall not vitiate a law. A transposition of words and clauses may be resorted…

Except for wills of personalty of persons domiciled in another state or country, when writings or contracts are intended to have effect in this state they must be executed in conformity to the laws of this state. History. — Orig. Code 1863, § 9; Code 1868, § 8; Code 1873, § 8; Co…

Abrogation of laws by agreement; waiver or renunciation of benefits established by law. Binding effect of legislation upon state. Effect and enforcement of foreign laws. Execution of writings and contracts. Local referenda on abolishing offices or shortening or lengthening term. …

As used in this Code or in any other law of this state, defined words shall have the meanings specified, unless the context in which the word or term is used clearly requires that a different meaning be used.

As used in this Code or in any other law of this state, the term: (1) ‘‘Abode’’ ordinarily means domicile. (2) ‘‘Accident’’ means an event which takes place without one’s foresight or expectation or design. (3) ‘‘Act of God’’ means an accident produced by physical causes which ar…

State, 302 Ga. App. 451, 691 S.E.2d 328 (2010). Cited in Pruitt v. State, 123 Ga. App. 659, 182 S.E.2d 142 (1971); Lott v. State, 123 Ga. App. 781, 182 S.E.2d 546 (1971); Gunn v. Balkcom, 228 Ga. 802, 188 S.E.2d 500 (1972); J.C. Penney Co. v. Malouf Co., 125 Ga. App. 832, 189 S.E…

Notwithstanding the provisions of Code Section 1-3-4, no general Act which provides for an increase in compensation to one or more of the county officials listed in Article IX, Section I, Paragraph III of the Constitution or Chapter 10 of Title 15 shall be effective until the fir…

Laws prescribe only for the future; they cannot impair the obligation of contracts nor, ordinarily, have a retrospective operation. Laws looking only to the remedy or mode of trial may apply to contracts, rights, and offenses entered into, accrued, or committed prior to their pas…

After they take effect, the laws of this state are obligatory upon all the inhabitants thereof. Ignorance of the law excuses no one. History. — Orig. Code 1863, § 8; Code 1868, § 7; Code 1873, § 7; Code 1882, § 7; Civil Code 1895, § 7; Penal Code 1895, § 4; Civil Code 1910, § 7; …

Laws made for the preservation of public order or good morals may not be dispensed with or abrogated by any agreement. However, a person may waive or renounce what the law has established in his favor when he does not thereby injure others or affect the public interest. History. …

The state is not bound by the passage of a law unless it is named therein or unless the words of the law are so plain, clear, and unmistakable as to leave no doubt as to the intention of the General Assembly. History. — Civil Code 1895, § 3; Civil Code 1910, § 3; Code 1933, § 102…

The laws of other states and foreign nations shall have no force and effect of themselves within this state further than is provided by the Constitution of the United States and is recognized by the comity of states. The courts shall enforce this comity, unless restrained by the …

(a) The State of Georgia shall recognize and observe as public and legal holidays: (1) All days which have been designated as of January 1, 1984, as public and legal holidays by the federal government; and (2) All other days designated and proclaimed by the Governor as public and…

The first Thursday in February of each year is designated as ‘‘Girls and Women in Sports Day’’ in Georgia. History. — Code 1981, § 1-4-10, enacted by Ga. L. 1991, p. 788, § 1.

Religious holidays. Designation of ‘‘American History Month’’. Declaration of ‘‘Wildflower Week’’. Declaration of ‘‘Bird Day’’. Declaration of ‘‘Law Enforcement Officer Appreciation Day’’. Declaration of ‘‘Peace Officer Memorial Day’’; declaration of ‘‘Police Week’’. Declaration …

The first Tuesday in February of each year is designated as ‘‘Firefighter Appreciation Day’’ in Georgia. History. — Code 1981, § 1-4-12, enacted by Ga. L. 1996, p. 836, § 1.

(a) The State of Georgia recognizes the first ten amendments to the Constitution of the United States as vitally important in articulating and ensuring fundamental human rights. These first ten amendments, known collectively as the Bill of Rights, were ratified on December 15, 17…

The first week in February of each year is declared to be ‘‘Home Education Week’’ in Georgia. History. — Code 1981, § 1-4-14, enacted by Ga. L. 1998, p. 1014, § 1.

(a) The General Assembly finds that a Georgia family’s proud tradition of racing began in Dawsonville, Georgia, under the tutelage and guiding hand of George Elliott. George’s young son Bill began to demonstrate at an early age a natural skill and competitive racing instinct at D…

(a) The General Assembly recognizes that: (1) President Ronald Wilson Reagan, a man of humble background, worked throughout his life serving freedom and advancing the public good, having been employed as an entertainer, Union leader, corporate spokesman, Governor of California, a…

The fourth Monday in March of each year is designated and shall be observed as ‘‘Prison Chaplains Appreciation Day’’ in all state and private correctional institutions in Georgia. History. — Code 1981, § 1-4-16, enacted by Ga. L. 2006, p. 484, § 1/HB 1292.

The twelfth day of February in each year is declared to be ‘‘Georgia Day,’’ as the anniversary of the landing of the first colonists in Georgia under Oglethorpe. History. — Code 1981, § 1-4-17, enacted by Ga. L. 2008, p. 2, § 1/HB 387.

The third Monday in October of every year is designated ‘‘School Bus Drivers Appreciation Day’’ in Georgia. History. — Code 1981, § 1-4-18, enacted by Ga. L. 2008, p. 563, § 2/HB 791.

The third week in October of every year is designated ‘‘School Bus Safety Week’’ in Georgia. History. — Code 1981, § 1-4-19, enacted by Ga. L. 2008, p. 566, § 2/HB 790.

The only days to be declared, treated, and considered as religious holidays shall be the first day of each week, called Sunday. History. — Ga. L. 1943, p. 331, § 2.

(a) The General Assembly hereby finds and determines that tourism is a great economic resource in Georgia; and historical, heritage, and cultural inheritance are among the tourism industry’s most popular attractions. Georgia’s Confederate heritage, physical artifacts and battle s…

(a) August 7 of every year is designated as ‘‘Purple Heart Day.’’ (b) The Governor may annually issue a proclamation designating August 7 as ‘‘Purple Heart Day.’’ Public officials, schools, private organizations, and all residents of this state are encouraged to commemorate Purpl…

By resolution (Ga. L. 1984, p. 1277), the General Assembly designated 1984 as ‘‘The Year of the Disabled Voter in Georgia.’’ By resolution (Ga. L. 1985, p. 256), the General Assembly designated the week beginning with the first Sunday of June each year as ‘‘Garden Week.’’ By reso…