reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 11 - JUVENILE COURTS (§§ 15-11-1 — 15-11-747) › Article 11 - CHILD ADVOCATE FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN (§§ 15-11-740 — 15-11-747) › Section 15-11-747 - Child advocate advisory committee; membership; role of committee

(a)
There is established a Child Advocate Advisory Committee. The advisory committee shall consist of:
(1)
One representative of a not for profit children's agency appointed by the Governor;
(2)
One representative of a for profit children's agency appointed by the Lieutenant Governor;
(3)
One pediatrician appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;
(4)
One social worker with experience and knowledge of child protective services who is not employed by the state appointed by the Governor;
(5)
One psychologist appointed by the Lieutenant Governor;
(6)
One attorney from the Children and the Courts Committee of the State Bar of Georgia appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;
(7)
One current or former foster parent appointed by the Governor;
(8)
One former foster child who attained the age of majority or graduated from high school while still in the Georgia foster care system appointed by the Lieutenant Governor;
(9)
One individual who has served for at least three years as a court appointed special advocate (CASA) appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and
(10)
One juvenile court judge appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
Each member of the advisory committee shall serve a two-year term and until the appointment and qualification of such member's successor. Appointments to fill vacancies in such offices shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
(b)
The advisory committee shall meet a minimum of three times a year with the advocate and his or her staff to review and assess the following:
(1)
Patterns of treatment and service for children;
(2)
Policy implications; and
(3)
Necessary systemic improvements.
The advisory committee shall also provide for an annual evaluation of the effectiveness of the Office of the Child Advocate for the Protection of Children.
Amended by 2021 Ga. Laws 136,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2021.
Added by 2013 Ga. Laws 127,§ 1-1, eff. 1/1/2014.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 11A - [REPEALED] FAMILY COURT DIVISION (§ 15-11A-1) › Section 15-11A-1 - through 15-11A-9 - [Repealed]

Added by 2005 Ga. Laws 416,§ 3, eff. 5/10/2005.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-12) › Section 15-12-1 - Definitions

As used in this chapter, the term:
(1)
"Array" means the body of persons subject to voir dire from which the final jury and alternate jurors are selected.
(2)
"Choose" or "chosen" means the act of randomly selecting potential jurors from the county master jury list in a manner that does not deliberately or systematically exclude identifiable and distinct groups from the venire.
(3)
"Clerk" means the clerk of the superior court or a jury clerk if one is appointed pursuant to subsection (a) of Code Section
15-12-11
or Code Section
15-12-12
.
(4)
"Council" means The Council of Superior Court Clerks of Georgia.
(5)
"County master jury list" means a list compiled by the council of names of persons, including their addresses, city of residence, dates of birth, and gender, eligible for trial or grand jury service.
(6)
"Defer" means a postponement of a person's jury service until a later date.
(7)
"Excuse" means the grant of a person's request for temporary exemption from jury service.
(8)
"Inactivate" means removing a person's name and identifying information who has been identified on the county master jury list as a person who is permanently prevented from being chosen as a trial or grand juror because such person is statutorily ineligible or incompetent to serve as a juror.
(9)
"State-wide master jury list" means a comprehensive master list that identifies every person of this state who can be determined to be prima facie qualified to serve as a trial or grand juror.
(10)
"Venire" means the list of persons summoned to serve as trial or grand jurors for a particular term of court.
Amended by 2014 Ga. Laws 668,§ 1, eff. 4/29/2014.
Amended by 2014 Ga. Laws 578,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2014.
Enacted by 2011 Ga. Laws 50,§ 1-5, eff. 7/1/2011.
Former § 15-12-1 was redesignated as § 15-12-1.1 by 2011 Ga. Laws 50,§ 1-5
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-12) › Section 15-12-2 - Legislators excused

Any person summoned to serve as a juror in any court of this state shall be excused from such service during his attendance as a legislator in the General Assembly.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-12) › Section 15-12-3 - Term of service on jury

No person shall be allowed to serve on the trial jury of the superior court or on any trial jury in other courts for more than four weeks in any one year unless he or she is actually engaged in the trial of a case when the four weeks expire, in which case he or she shall be discharged as soon as the case is decided.
Amended by 2014 Ga. Laws 668,§ 3, eff. 4/29/2014.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 50,§ 1-6, eff. 7/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-12) › Section 15-12-4 - Eligibility of person to serve as a trial or grand juror

(a)
Any person who has served as a trial or grand juror at any session of the superior or state courts shall be ineligible for duty as a juror until the next succeeding county master jury list has been received by the clerk.
(b)
In addition to any other qualifications provided under this chapter, no person shall be qualified to serve as a juror under this chapter unless that person is a citizen of the United States.
Amended by 2014 Ga. Laws 668,§ 4, eff. 4/29/2014.
Amended by 2014 Ga. Laws 578,§ 5, eff. 7/1/2014.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 50,§ 1-7, eff. 7/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-12) › Section 15-12-5 - Service at next term when term not held

Whenever a term of court is not held because of the nonattendance of the judge or for some other cause, the jurors summoned for such term of court shall serve at the next succeeding term.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-12) › Section 15-12-6 - Fees of special criminal bailiffs

In all cases in the superior, state, or city courts in which services are performed by a special criminal bailiff of any of such courts, the same fees shall be charged as costs as are provided by law for similar services when performed by a sheriff. When collected, the fees shall be paid by the officer collecting the same into the treasury of the county in which the court is held.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-12) › Section 15-12-7 - Compensation of court bailiffs and expense allowance for trial or grand jurors

(a)
The first grand jury impaneled at the fall term of the superior courts of the several counties shall fix:
(1)
The compensation of court bailiffs in the superior courts of such counties for the next succeeding year, such compensation not to be less than $5.00 per diem. The same compensation shall be allowed to bailiffs of the several state courts and special courts as is allowed bailiffs in the superior court of the county in which the state or special court is located;
(2)
An expense allowance for trial or grand jurors in the superior courts of such counties for the next succeeding year not to be less than $5.00 nor to exceed $50.00 per diem. The same expense allowance shall be allowed to jurors of the several state courts and special courts as is allowed jurors in the superior court of the county in which the state or special court is located; and
(3)
An expense allowance for grand jurors, such expense allowance not to be less than $5.00 nor to exceed $50.00 per diem.
(b)
Any increase in the compensation of court bailiffs or increases in expense allowances for jurors fixed by a grand jury shall be subject to the approval of the governing authority of the county.
Amended by 2014 Ga. Laws 668,§ 5, eff. 4/29/2014.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 50,§ 1-8, eff. 7/1/2011.
Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 432,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2008.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-12) › Section 15-12-8 - Expense allowance when no grand jury impaneled

If in any county no grand jury is impaneled in the fall of any year, then, as to such county, the expense allowance provided for in Code Section
15-12-7
shall remain as fixed by the grand jury for the preceding year.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-12) › Section 15-12-9 - Expense allowance of persons who appear but are not sworn as trial or grand juror

The persons who appear in answer to the summons for trial or grand jury service shall receive the expense allowance for the day of their appearance even if they are not sworn as jurors.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 50,§ 1-9, eff. 7/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-12) › Section 15-12-10 - Juror's failure to appear or unauthorized absence; contempt

If any person is duly summoned to appear as a trial or grand juror at court and neglects or refuses to appear, or if any juror absents himself or herself without leave of the court, such neglect, refusal, or absence may, after notice and hearing, be punished as contempt of court.
Amended by 2014 Ga. Laws 668,§ 6, eff. 4/29/2014.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 50,§ 1-10, eff. 7/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-12) › Section 15-12-11 - Appointment of jury clerk and other personnel; trial or grand juror questionnaires; construction with other laws

(a)
In all counties having a population of 600,000 or more according to the United States decennial census of 1990 or any future such census, the judges of the superior court of such counties, by a majority vote of all of them, shall have the power to appoint a jury clerk and such other personnel as may be deemed necessary or advisable to dispatch the work of the court. The appointments to such positions and the compensation therefor shall be determined by the judges without regard to any other system or rules, such personnel to serve at the pleasure of the judges. The salaries and expenses of the personnel and any attendant expense of administration of the courts are determined to be contingent expense of court and shall be paid as provided by law for the payment of contingent expenses. The duties of the personnel shall be as prescribed by the judges.
(b)
Prospective trial and grand jurors in all counties may be required to answer written questionnaires, as may be determined and submitted by the judges of such counties, concerning their qualifications as jurors. In propounding the court's questions, the court may consider the suggestions of counsel. In the court's questionnaire and during voir dire examination, judges should ensure that the privacy of prospective jurors is reasonably protected and that the questioning by counsel is consistent with the purpose of the voir dire process.
(c)
Juror questionnaires shall be confidential and shall be exempt from public disclosure pursuant to Article 4 of Chapter 18 of Title 50; provided, however, that jury questionnaires shall be provided to the court and to the parties at any stage of the proceedings, including pretrial, trial, appellate, or postconviction proceedings, and shall be made a part of the record under seal. The information disclosed to a party pursuant to this subsection shall only be used by the parties for purposes of pursuing a claim, defense, or other issue in the case.
(d)
In the event any prospective juror fails or refuses to answer the questionnaire, the clerk shall report the failure or refusal to the court together with the facts concerning the same, and the court shall have such jurisdiction as is provided by law for subpoena, attachment, and contempt powers.
(e)
This Code section shall be supplemental to other provisions of law, with a view toward efficient and orderly handling of jury selection and the administration of justice.
Amended by 2014 Ga. Laws 668,§ 7, eff. 4/29/2014.
Amended by 2013 Ga. Laws 33,§ 15, eff. 4/24/2013.
Amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 605,§ 3, eff. 4/17/2012.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 50,§ 1-11, eff. 7/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-12) › Section 15-12-12 - Power of chief judge of superior court to appoint a jury clerk and other necessary personnel; juror qualifications

(a)
In all counties of this state where the chief superior court judge of the county had the power to appoint a jury clerk on January 1, 2011, the chief judge of the superior court of such counties shall continue to have the power to appoint a jury clerk and such other personnel as may be deemed necessary or advisable to dispatch the work of the court, and the appointments to such positions and the compensation therefor shall be determined by such judge without regard to any other system or rules, such personnel to serve at the pleasure of such judge, and the salaries and expenses thereof and any attendant expenses of administration of the courts are determined to be contingent expenses of court and shall be paid as provided by law for the payment of contingent expenses. The duties of such personnel shall be as prescribed by such judge.
(b)
All prospective jurors in such counties shall be required to answer questionnaires as may be determined and submitted by the chief superior court judge of such counties concerning their qualifications as jurors.
(c)
In the event any such person fails or refuses to answer such questionnaire, the clerk shall report such failure or refusal to the court, together with the facts concerning the same, and the court shall have such jurisdiction as is now provided by law for subpoena, attachment, and contempt powers.
(d)
This Code section shall be in addition and supplemental to other provisions provided by law, with a view toward efficient and orderly handling of jury selection and the administration of justice.
Added by 2014 Ga. Laws 578,§ 6, eff. 7/1/2014.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 2 - BOARD OF JURY COMMISSIONERS (§ 15-12-20) › Section 15-12-20 - through 15-12-24 - [Reserved]

Reserved. Repealed by Ga. L. 2014, p. 451, § 7/HB 776, effective July 1, 2014.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 3 - SELECTION OF JURORS (§§ 15-12-40 — 15-12-46) › Section 15-12-40 - Ineligibility to serve as trial juror

Any person who has been convicted of a felony in a state or federal court who has not had his or her civil rights restored and any person who has been judicially determined to be mentally incompetent shall not be eligible to serve as a trial juror.
Added by 2012 Ga. Laws 599,§ III-3-1, eff. 7/1/2012.
Former section 15-12-40, relating to compilation, maintenance, and revision of jury lists, was repealed 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 3 - SELECTION OF JURORS (§§ 15-12-40 — 15-12-46) › Section 15-12-40.2 - through 15-12-43 - [Reserved]

Reserved. Repealed by Ga. L. 2011, p. 59, § 1-17/HB 415, effective July 1, 2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 3 - SELECTION OF JURORS (§§ 15-12-40 — 15-12-46) › Section 15-12-43.1 - Review of county master jury list

On and after July 1, 2012, upon the request of a party or his or her attorney, the clerk shall make available for review by such persons the county master jury list.
Added by 2011 Ga. Laws 50,§ 1-21, eff. 7/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 3 - SELECTION OF JURORS (§§ 15-12-40 — 15-12-46) › Section 15-12-44 - [Repealed] Procedures on loss or destruction of jury box or jury list

Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 50,§ 1-22, eff. 7/1/2011 and repealed 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 3 - SELECTION OF JURORS (§§ 15-12-40 — 15-12-46) › Section 15-12-44.1 - Safeguarding of master jury lists; development of state-wide system to ensure preservation of jury data

The state-wide master jury lists and county master jury lists shall be safeguarded against catastrophic, routine, or any other form of loss or destruction, and on and after July 1, 2012, the council shall develop, implement, and provide a state-wide system to ensure that jury data for all counties of this state shall be systematically preserved in perpetuity and that all jury list data can be restored in the event of loss.
Added by 2011 Ga. Laws 50,§ 1-23, eff. 7/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 3 - SELECTION OF JURORS (§§ 15-12-40 — 15-12-46) › Section 15-12-45 - [Repealed] Loss or destruction of precepts

Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 50,§ 1-24, eff. 7/1/2011 and repealed 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 3 - SELECTION OF JURORS (§§ 15-12-40 — 15-12-46) › Section 15-12-46 - Adjournment of term pending choosing of trial or grand jurors

If juries have not been chosen for any regular term of the superior court and there is not sufficient time for choosing and summoning prospective trial and grand jurors to serve at the regular term, the judge of the superior court for the county in which the failure has occurred, by order passed at chambers, may adjourn the court to another day, may require the requisite number of prospective trial and grand jurors to be summoned, and may enforce their attendance at the term so called.
Amended by 2014 Ga. Laws 668,§ 9, eff. 4/29/2014.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 50,§ 1-25, eff. 7/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 4 - GRAND JURIES (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-102) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-83) › Section 15-12-60 - Qualifications of grand jurors; impact of ineligibility

(a)
Any citizen of this state 18 years of age or older who has resided in the county for at least six months preceding the time of service shall be eligible and liable to serve as a grand juror.
(b)
Any person who holds any elective office in state or local government or who has held any such office within a period of two years preceding the time of service as a grand juror shall not be eligible to serve as a grand juror.
(c)
The following individuals shall not be eligible to serve as a grand juror:
(1)
Any individual who has been convicted of a felony in a state or federal court who has not had his or her civil rights restored;
(2)
Any individual who has been judicially determined to be mentally incompetent;
(3)
Any individual charged with a felony offense and who is in a pretrial release program, a pretrial release and diversion program, or a pretrial intervention and diversion program, as provided for in Article 4 of Chapter 18 of Title 15 or Article 4 of Chapter 3 of Title 42 or pursuant to Uniform Superior Court Rule 27, a similar diversion program from another state, or a similar federal court diversion program for a felony offense;
(4)
Any individual sentenced for a felony offense pursuant to Code Section
16-13-2
who has not completed the terms of his or her sentence;
(5)
Any individual serving a sentence for a felony offense pursuant to Article 3 of Chapter 8 of Title 42 or serving a first offender sentence for a felony offense pursuant to another state's law; and
(6)
Any individual who is participating in a drug court division, mental health court division, veterans court division, a similar court program from another state, or a similar federal court program for a felony offense.
(d)
If an indictment is returned, and a grand juror was ineligible to serve as a grand juror pursuant to subsection (c) of this Code section, such indictment shall not be quashed solely as a result of such ineligibility.
Amended by 2018 Ga. Laws 562,§ 15, eff. 5/8/2018.
Amended by 2015 Ga. Laws 98,§ 1A-1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 599,§ III-3-3, eff. 7/1/2012.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 50,§ 1-26, eff. 7/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 4 - GRAND JURIES (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-102) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-83) › Section 15-12-61 - Number of grand jurors; votes necessary for indictment or presentment; alternate grand jurors; report on preceding grand jury by foreperson or clerk

(a)
A grand jury shall consist of not less than 16 nor more than 23 persons. The votes of at least 12 grand jurors shall be necessary to find a bill of indictment or to make a presentment. Three alternate grand jurors may be sworn and, subject to the maximum number fixed in this subsection, may serve when any grand juror dies, is discharged for any cause, becomes ill, or is for other cause absent during any sitting. Alternate grand jurors may serve as members of inspection and examination committees with the same authority and responsibilities as grand jurors and without regard to the maximum limitation on the number of grand jurors fixed herein. However, nothing in this Code section shall limit the authority of a judge of the superior court to replace a grand juror.
(b)
The grand jury shall be authorized to request the foreperson of the previous grand jury to appear before it for the purpose of reviewing and reporting the actions of the immediately preceding grand jury if the succeeding grand jury determines that such service would be beneficial. While serving a succeeding grand jury, the foreperson of the immediately preceding grand jury shall receive the same compensation as other members of the grand jury. Any person serving as foreperson of a grand jury and then requested to report to an immediately succeeding grand jury shall not be eligible to again serve as a grand juror for one year following the conclusion of such earlier service.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 50,§ 1-27, eff. 7/1/2011.
Amended by 2001 Ga. Laws 2, § 15, eff. 2/12/2001.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 4 - GRAND JURIES (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-102) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-83) › Section 15-12-62 - [Repealed] Selection of grand jurors

Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 50,§ 1-28, eff. 7/1/2011 and repealed 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 4 - GRAND JURIES (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-102) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-83) › Section 15-12-62.1 - Choosing of grand jurors

The clerk shall choose a sufficient number of persons to serve as grand jurors from the county master jury list in the same manner as trial jurors are chosen. The clerk, not less than 20 days before the commencement of each term of court at which a regular grand jury is impaneled, shall issue summonses by mail to the persons chosen for grand jury service.
Amended by 2014 Ga. Laws 668,§ 10, eff. 4/29/2014.
Added by 2011 Ga. Laws 50,§ 1-29, eff. 7/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 4 - GRAND JURIES (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-102) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-83) › Section 15-12-63 - Concurrent grand juries

In any term of court when the public interest requires it, the court, on application of the district attorney, may empanel one or more concurrent grand juries.
Amended by 2014 Ga. Laws 668,§ 11, eff. 4/29/2014.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 50,§ 1-30, eff. 7/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 4 - GRAND JURIES (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-102) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-83) › Section 15-12-64 - [Repealed] Procedure where judge has failed to draw grand jury

Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 50,§ 1-31, eff. 7/1/2011 and repealed 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 4 - GRAND JURIES (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-102) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-83) › Section 15-12-65 - [Repealed] Service of summons; time limits

Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 50,§ 1-32, eff. 7/1/2011 and repealed 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 4 - GRAND JURIES (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-102) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-83) › Section 15-12-65.1 - Mailing of summonses; failure to receive notice

On and after July 1, 2012, the clerk shall be authorized to mail all summonses by first-class mail addressed to the prospective jurors' most notorious places of abode at least 25 days prior to the date of the court the prospective jurors shall attend. Failure to receive the notice personally shall be a defense to a contempt citation.
Added by 2011 Ga. Laws 50,§ 1-33, eff. 7/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 4 - GRAND JURIES (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-102) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-83) › Section 15-12-66 - Preliminary oath to be administered to grand jurors

(a)
Prior to empaneling, swearing, and charging the grand jury, the presiding judge and the district attorney may examine prospective grand jurors as to their qualifications to serve as provided in Code Sections
15-12-4
and
15-12-60
. Such examination shall be conducted after the administration of the preliminary oath set forth in subsection (b) of this Code section. Any prospective grand juror who is not qualified to serve shall be excused by the presiding judge.
(b)
Prior to examination, the presiding judge, the district attorney, or the clerk shall administer the following oath or affirmation to prospective grand jurors:
"You shall give true answers to all questions as may be asked by the court or the district attorney concerning your qualifications to serve as a grand juror."
Amended by 2014 Ga. Laws 668,§ 12, eff. 4/29/2014.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 50,§ 1-34, eff. 7/1/2011 and repealed 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 4 - GRAND JURIES (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-102) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-83) › Section 15-12-66.1 - Insufficient number of persons to complete panel of grand jurors

When from challenge or from any other cause there are not a sufficient number of persons in attendance to complete the empaneling of grand jurors, the presiding judge shall order the clerk to choose at random from the names of persons summoned as trial jurors a sufficient number of prospective grand jurors necessary to complete the grand jury. Nothing in this Code section shall be construed as barring the court from taking any action against a person who has been summoned to appear as a juror as provided in Code Section
15-12-10
.
Amended by 2014 Ga. Laws 668,§ 13, eff. 4/29/2014.
Added by 2011 Ga. Laws 50,§ 1-35, eff. 7/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 4 - GRAND JURIES (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-102) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-83) › Section 15-12-67 - Appointment or election of foreman; oath of foreman and grand jurors

(a)
The judge of the superior court may appoint the foreman of the grand jury or may direct the grand jury to elect its own foreman. The foreman of the grand jury may administer the oath prescribed by law to all witnesses required to testify before the grand jury and may also examine such witnesses.
(b)
The following oath shall be administered to the foreperson and to each member of the grand jury:
"You, as foreperson (or member) of the grand jury for the County of __________________, shall diligently inquire and true presentment make of all such matters and things as shall be given you in the court's charge or shall come to your knowledge touching the present service; and you shall keep the deliberations of the grand jury secret unless called upon to give evidence thereof in some court of law in this state. You shall present no one from envy, hatred, or malice, nor shall you leave anyone unpresented from fear, favor, affection, reward, or the hope thereof, but you shall present all things truly and as they come to your knowledge. So help you God."
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 4 - GRAND JURIES (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-102) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-83) › Section 15-12-68 - Oath of witnesses

(a)
The following oath shall be administered to all witnesses in criminal cases before the grand jury:
"Do you solemnly swear or affirm that the evidence you shall give the grand jury on this bill of indictment or presentment shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? So help you God."
(b)
Any oath given that substantially complies with the language in this Code section shall subject the witness to the provisions of Code Section
16-10-70
.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 620,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2010.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 4 - GRAND JURIES (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-102) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-83) › Section 15-12-69 - Oath of bailiff attending grand jury

The following oath shall be administered to all bailiffs attending grand juries:
"You do solemnly swear that you will diligently attend the grand jury during the present term and carefully deliver to that body all such bills of indictment or other things as shall be sent to them by the court without alteration, and as carefully return all such as shall be sent by that body to the court. So help you God."
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 4 - GRAND JURIES (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-102) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-83) › Section 15-12-70 - Disqualification for relationship to interested party

All grand jurors in the courts of this state shall be disqualified to act or serve in any case or matter when such jurors are related by consanguinity or affinity to any party interested in the result of the case or matter within the third degree as computed according to the civil law. Relationship more remote shall not be a disqualification.
Amended by 2016 Ga. Laws 369,§ 5, eff. 7/1/2016.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 4 - GRAND JURIES (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-102) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-83) › Section 15-12-72 - Disclosures of grand jurors in court

Grand jurors shall disclose everything which occurs in their service whenever it becomes necessary in any court of record in this state.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 4 - GRAND JURIES (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-102) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-83) › Section 15-12-73 - Exclusion of admissions and communications among grand jurors

Admissions and communications among grand jurors are excluded as evidence on grounds of public policy.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 4 - GRAND JURIES (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-102) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-83) › Section 15-12-74 - Grand jury presentment of offenses; publication or filing of findings

(a)
Grand jurors have a duty to examine or make presentments of such offenses as may or shall come to their knowledge or observation after they have been sworn. Additionally, they have the right and power and it is their duty as jurors to make presentments of any violations of the laws which they may know to have been committed at any previous time which are not barred by the statute of limitations.
(b)
If a true bill is returned by the grand jury on any count of an indictment or special presentment, the indictment or special presentment shall be published in open court. If a no bill is returned by the grand jury on all counts of an indictment or special presentment, the prosecuting attorney shall file such indictment or special presentment with the clerk.
Amended by 2016 Ga. Laws 350,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2016.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 4 - GRAND JURIES (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-102) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-83) › Section 15-12-78 - Inspection of county jails; recommendations and presentments

Grand juries shall carefully inspect the sanitary condition of the jails of their respective counties at each regular inspection provided for in Code Section
15-12-71
and in their general presentments shall make such recommendations to the county governing authorities as may be necessary to provide for the proper heating and ventilation of the jails, which recommendations the county governing authorities shall strictly enforce. The grand juries shall also make such presentments as to the general sanitary condition of the jails and the treatment of the inmates as the facts may justify.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 4 - GRAND JURIES (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-102) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-83) › Section 15-12-80 - Publication of general presentments

Grand juries are authorized to recommend to the court the publication of the whole or any part of their general presentments and to prescribe the manner of publication. When the recommendation is made, the judge shall order the publication as recommended. Reasonable charges therefor shall be paid out of the county treasury, upon the certificate of the judge, as other court expenses are paid.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 4 - GRAND JURIES (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-102) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-83) › Section 15-12-81 - Notice of upcoming appointment by grand jury

(a)
Whenever it is provided by law that the grand jury of any county shall elect, select, or appoint any person to any office, notice thereof shall be given in the manner provided in subsection (b) of this Code section.
(b)
It shall be the duty of any board, authority, or entity whose members are elected, selected, or appointed by the grand jury of a county to notify the clerk of superior court in writing, at least 90 days prior to an upcoming election, selection, or appointment by the grand jury, that the grand jury shall elect, select, or appoint a person to the office held by such member at the time of notice; except where a vacancy has been created by death, resignation, or removal from office, in which case notice shall be given within ten days of the creation of the vacancy. It shall be the duty of the clerk of superior court, upon receiving notice of the upcoming appointment, to publish in the official organ of the county a notice that certain officers are to be elected, selected, or appointed by the grand jury of the county. The publication shall be once a week for two weeks during a period not sooner than 60 days prior to the election, selection, or appointment, except, where a vacancy has been created by death, resignation, or removal, notice shall be published once a week for two weeks during a period not sooner than ten days prior to the election, selection, or appointment. The cost of advertisement shall be paid from the funds of the county. It shall be the duty of the governing authority of the county to pay the cost promptly upon receiving a bill for the advertisement.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 4 - GRAND JURIES (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-102) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-83) › Section 15-12-82 - Change of venue in criminal grand jury investigation

(a)
The judges of the superior courts are authorized and empowered to transfer the investigation by a grand jury from the county where the crime was committed to the grand jury in any other county in this state when it appears that a qualified grand jury cannot be had for the purpose of such investigation in the county where the crime was committed. The county master jury list shall be exhausted in trying to secure a qualified jury before a transfer of the investigation shall be made, unless the accused consents to a transfer.
(b)
In order to secure a transfer under this Code section, the district attorney shall file a written motion asking for the transfer, stating the reason for transfer, and naming the day and hour when the motion is to be heard. He shall serve the accused with a copy of the motion at least one day before the hearing of the motion if the accused is in the custody of the officers of the court. In the event the accused is not in the custody of the officers of the court, service may be perfected in any manner reasonably calculated to give notice to the accused. In the event that the accused cannot be located, notice by publication may be used, as ordered by the court.
(c)
The district attorney and the counsel for the accused may, by agreement, determine the county to which the transfer of the investigation shall be made, but in the event they do not agree it shall be the duty of the presiding judge to name the county to which the transfer shall be made.
(d)
The sheriff and the clerk of the county in which the crime was committed shall be qualified and authorized to perform the duties of such officers in the same manner as if there had been no change of venue. Any order or summons issued in connection with the investigation or trial shall be as binding as if no change of venue had been made.
(e)
The expenses of the investigation and trial shall be paid by the county in which the crime was committed, and no greater amount shall be paid as per diem or for mileage than would have been paid in the event the investigation and trial had been in the county where the crime was committed. However, no change of venue shall be had for the trial of the accused except as provided by law, unless by consent of the accused.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 50,§ 1-36, eff. 7/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 4 - GRAND JURIES (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-102) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-83) › Section 15-12-83 - Oath of court reporter attending grand jury proceeding; compensation; role and responsibilities

(a)
Upon the request of the district attorney or when the grand jury proceedings are in accordance with Code Section
17-7-52
, a court reporter shall be authorized to be present and shall attend such proceedings. Before attending the grand jury proceedings, the court reporter shall take the following oath:
"I do solemnly swear that I will keep secret all things and matters coming to my knowledge while in attendance upon the grand jury, so help me God."
(b)
The district attorney of the circuit in which the county is located shall appoint the court reporter and, notwithstanding any law to the contrary, fix the compensation therefor, and such compensation, including the cost of transcripts, shall be paid by the county.
(c)
The court reporter shall take and transcribe the testimony of any witness appearing before the grand jury and any argument or legal advice provided to the grand jury by the prosecuting attorney and shall furnish such transcript to the district attorney.
(d)
When a witness testifies pursuant to a grant of immunity as provided in Code Section
24-5-507
, such testimony shall be transcribed, a copy of the transcript shall be provided to the district attorney, and the original transcript shall be filed under seal in the office of the clerk.
(e)
The court reporter shall be incompetent to testify at any hearing or trial concerning any matter or thing coming to the knowledge of the court reporter while in attendance upon the grand jury.
(f)
Except as otherwise provided in this Code section, a recording, any court reporter's notes, and any transcript prepared from such recording or notes shall be provided solely to the district attorney, who shall retain control of such recording, notes, and transcript. The district attorney may use such materials to the extent such use is appropriate to the proper performance of his or her official duties, including compliance with Article 1 of Chapter 16 of Title 17.
Amended by 2016 Ga. Laws 350,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2016.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 4 - GRAND JURIES (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-102) › Part 2 - SPECIAL PURPOSE GRAND JURIES (§§ 15-12-100 — 15-12-102) › Section 15-12-100 - Procedure for impaneling special grand jury; number of jurors; foreperson; powers of jury

(a)
The chief judge of the superior court of any county to which this part applies, on his or her own motion, on motion or petition of the district attorney, or on petition of any elected public official of the county or of a municipality lying wholly or partially within the county, may request the judges of the superior court of the county to impanel a special grand jury for the purpose of investigating any alleged violation of the laws of this state or any other matter subject to investigation by grand juries as provided by law.
(b)
Until July 1, 2012, the chief judge of the superior court of the county shall submit the question of impaneling a special grand jury to the judges of the superior court of the county and, if a majority of the total number of the judges vote in favor of impaneling a special grand jury, the members of a special grand jury shall be drawn in the manner prescribed by Code Section
15-12-62
. On and after July 1, 2012, the chief judge of the superior court of the county shall submit the question of impaneling a special grand jury to the judges of the superior court of the county and, if a majority of the total number of the judges vote in favor of impaneling a special grand jury, the members of a special grand jury shall be chosen in the manner prescribed by Code Section
15-12-62.1
. Any special grand jury shall consist of not less than 16 nor more than 23 persons. The foreperson of any special grand jury shall be selected in the manner prescribed by Code Section
15-12-67
.
(c)
While conducting any investigation authorized by this part, investigative grand juries may compel evidence and subpoena witnesses; may inspect records, documents, correspondence, and books of any department, agency, board, bureau, commission, institution, or authority of the state or any of its political subdivisions; and may require the production of records, documents, correspondence, and books of any person, firm, or corporation which relate directly or indirectly to the subject of the investigation being conducted by the investigative grand jury.
Amended by 2016 Ga. Laws 350,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2016.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 50,§ 1-37, eff. 7/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 4 - GRAND JURIES (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-102) › Part 2 - SPECIAL PURPOSE GRAND JURIES (§§ 15-12-100 — 15-12-102) › Section 15-12-101 - Supervision of special grand jury; procedure for dissolution; additional investigation

(a)
When a special grand jury is impaneled pursuant to Code Section
15-12-100
, the chief judge of the superior court of the county shall assign a judge of the superior court of the county to supervise and assist the special grand jury in carrying out its investigation and duties. The judge so assigned shall charge the special grand jury as to its powers and duties and shall require periodic reports of the special grand jury's progress, as well as a final report.
(b)
When the judge assigned to a special grand jury decides that the special grand jury's investigation has been completed or on the issuance of a report by the special grand jury of the matter investigated by it reporting that the investigation has been completed, the judge so assigned shall recommend to the chief judge of the superior court that the special grand jury be dissolved. The chief judge shall report the recommendation to the judges of the superior court of the county and, upon a majority thereof voting in favor of the dissolution of the special grand jury, the special grand jury shall stand dissolved. If a majority of the judges do not vote in favor of the dissolution of the special grand jury, the chief judge shall instruct and charge the special grand jury as to the particular matters to be investigated; and the special grand jury shall be required to investigate further and establish a period of time within which the investigation shall be completed. At the expiration of the period of time, the special grand jury shall be dissolved.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 4 - GRAND JURIES (§§ 15-12-60 — 15-12-102) › Part 2 - SPECIAL PURPOSE GRAND JURIES (§§ 15-12-100 — 15-12-102) › Section 15-12-102 - Applicability of part

This part shall apply only to all counties and consolidated city-county governments of this state. Except as otherwise provided by this part, Part 1 of this article shall apply to the grand juries authorized by this part.
Amended by 2016 Ga. Laws 350,§ 5, eff. 7/1/2016.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 5 - TRIAL JURIES (§§ 15-12-120 — 15-12-172) › Part 1 - IN GENERAL (§§ 15-12-120 — 15-12-142) › Section 15-12-120 - [Repealed] Selection and summoning of trial jurors

Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 50,§ 1-38, eff. 7/1/2011 and repealed 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 15 - COURTS (§§ 15-1-1 — 15-25-3) › Chapter 12 - JURIES (§§ 15-12-1 — 15-12-172) › Article 5 - TRIAL JURIES (§§ 15-12-120 — 15-12-172) › Part 1 - IN GENERAL (§§ 15-12-120 — 15-12-142) › Section 15-12-120.1 - Choosing of trial jurors

On and after July 1, 2012, trial juries shall be chosen from a county master jury list. The presiding judge shall order the clerk to choose the number of jurors necessary to conduct the business of the court. The clerk shall choose the names of persons to serve as trial jurors for the trial of civil and criminal cases in the court. Such trial jurors shall be summoned in the same manner as provided in Code Section
15-12-65.1
.
Added by 2011 Ga. Laws 50,§ 1-39, eff. 7/1/2011.