Georgia § 24-5-502 - Communications to clergyman privileged.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 24-5-502 — Communications to clergyman privileged., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 24-5-502. Communications to clergyman privileged.
Every communication made by any person professing religious faith, seeking spiritual comfort, or seeking counseling to any Protestant minister of the Gospel, any priest of the Roman Catholic faith, any priest of the Greek Orthodox Catholic faith, any Jewish rabbi, or any Christian or Jewish minister or similar functionary, by whatever name called, shall be deemed privileged. No such minister, priest, rabbi, or similar functionary shall disclose any communications made to him or her by any such person professing religious faith, seeking spiritual guidance, or seeking counseling, nor shall such minister, priest, rabbi, or similar functionary be competent or compellable to testify with reference to any such communication in any court. (Code 1981, § 24-5-502 , enacted by Ga. L. 2011, p. 99, § 2/HB 24.) Law reviews. - For annual survey on domestic relations, see 69 Mercer L. Rev. 83 (2017). For note discussing confidential communication privileges in Georgia, see 2 Ga. St. B.J. 356 (1966). For note, "Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting Laws in Georgia: Strengthening Protection for Georgia's Children," see 31 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 643 (2015). For comment, "The Psychotherapist-Client Testimonial Privilege: Defining the Professional Involved," see 34 Emory L.J. 777 (1985). For comment, "Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting Laws in Georgia: Strengthening Protection for Georgia's Children," see 31 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 643 (2015).
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 24-5-502
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 24-5-502 cover?
Section 24-5-502 ("Communications to clergyman privileged.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 24-5-502?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 24-5-502" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 24-5-502 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.