Georgia HB 25: Fully Informed Jury Act of 2013; enact

Bill Text

LC 29 5338
- 1 -
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
To amend Article 4 of Chapter 8 of Title 17 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated,1
relating to conduct and argument of counsel, so as to permit certain argument to the jury; to2
provide for a short title; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date and3
applicability; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.4
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:5
SECTION 1.6
This Act shall be known and may be cited as the "Fully Informed Jury Act of 2013."7
SECTION 2.8
Article 4 of Chapter 8 of Title 17 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to9
conduct and argument of counsel, is amended by adding a new Code section to read as10
follows:11
"17-8-77.12
In a criminal jury trial, the court shall permit the defendant or his or her counsel to argue13
for jury nullification in its role as the judges of the law and the facts pursuant to Article I,14
Section I, Paragraph XI of the Constitution."15
SECTION 3.16
This Act shall become effective upon its approval by the Governor or upon its becoming law17
without such approval and shall apply to offenses which occur on or after that date.18
SECTION 4.19
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.20