Georgia § 24-6-601 - General rule of competency.

Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 24-6-601 — General rule of competency., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 24-6-601. General rule of competency.

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, every person is competent to be a witness. (Code 1981, § 24-6-601 , enacted by Ga. L. 2011, p. 99, § 2/HB 24.) Cross references. - Adultery generally, § 16-6-19 . Child abandonment generally, § 19-10-1 . Testimony as to child's description of sexual contact or physical abuse, § 24-8-820 . Competency to testify in general, Fed. R. Evid. 601. Law reviews. - For article, "The Evidence Code and Cases Instituted in Consequence of Adultery," see 15 Ga. St. B.J. 176 (1979). For article, "The Need for a Special Exception to the Hearsay Rule in Child Sexual Abuse Cases," see 21 Ga. St. B.J. 50 (1984). For article, "An Analysis of Georgia's Proposed Rules of Evidence," see 26 Ga. St. B.J. 173 (1990). For note discussing the admissibility of husband and wife's testimony concerning nonaccess in determining the legitimacy of a child, see 6 Ga. St. B.J. 448 (1970). For note, "The Georgia Child Hearsay Statute, and the Sixth Amendment: Is There a Confrontation?," see 10 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 367 (1994). For comment discussing the effect of mental unsoundness on the competency of witnesses, in light of O'Shea v. Jewel Tea Co., 233 F.2d 530 (9th Cir. 1956), see 19 Ga. B.J. 533 (1957). For comment on Western & A.R.R. v. Hart, 95 Ga. App. 810 , 99 S.E.2d 302 (1957), holding that the accuracy of the opinion of a 12 year old as to the speed of a train is a matter for the jury to decide and its admission into evidence was not error, see 20 Ga. B.J. 395 (1958). For comment on Bacon v. State, 222 Ga. 151 , 149 S.E.2d 111 (1966), see 18 Mercer L. Rev. 506 (1967).

Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 24-6-601

What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 24-6-601 cover?

Section 24-6-601 ("General rule of competency.") 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 § 24-6-601?

A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 24-6-601" (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 § 24-6-601 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.