Georgia HB 543: Courts; six-person jury trials in civil actions; revise an exception

Bill Text

23 LC 49 1335
H. B. 543
- 1 -
House Bill 543
By: Representatives Reeves of the 99
th, Smith of the 18
th, Silcox of the 53
rd, Leverett of the
123
rd, and Gunter of the 8
th
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
To amend Code Section 15-12-122 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to1
demand of jury panels from which to select jury in civil actions in the state courts and the2
superior courts, so as to revise an exception to six-person jury trials in civil actions; to3
provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date and applicability; to repeal4
conflicting laws; and for other purposes.5
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:6
SECTION 1.7
Code Section 15-12-122 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to demand of8
jury panels from which to select jury in civil actions in the state courts and the superior9
courts, is amended by revising subsection (a) as follows:10
"15-12-122.11
(a)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this Code section subsection, in all civil12
actions in the state courts, each party may demand a full panel of 12 competent and13
impartial jurors from which to select a jury. When one or more of the regular panel of14
trial jurors is absent or for any reason disqualified, the judge, at the request of counsel for15
either party, shall cause the panel to be filled by additional competent and impartial jurors16

23 LC 49 1335
H. B. 543
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to the number of 12 before requiring the parties or their counsel to strike a jury. In all17
cases the parties or their attorneys may strike alternately, with the plaintiff exercising the18
first strike, until a jury of six persons is impaneled to try the case.19
(2) In all civil actions in the state courts in which the claim for damages is greater20
than $25,000.00 $100,000.00, either party may demand in writing prior to the21
commencement of the trial term that the case be tried by a jury of 12. If such a demand22
is made, the judge shall follow the procedures for superior courts of subsection (b) of this23
Code section."24
SECTION 2.25
This Act shall become effective on July 1, 2023.26
SECTION 3.27
This Act shall apply to all civil actions that may be brought or are pending in state courts on28
or after the effective date.29
SECTION 4.30
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.31