Georgia § 45-10-1 - Code of ethics for government service generally - Establishment and text.

Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 45-10-1 — Code of ethics for government service generally - Establishment and text., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 45-10-1. Code of ethics for government service generally - Establishment and text.

There is established for and within the state and for and in all governments therein a code of ethics for government service which shall read as follows: CODE OF ETHICS FOR GOVERNMENT SERVICE Any person in government service should: I. Put loyalty to the highest moral principles and to country above loyalty to persons, party, or government department. II. Uphold the Constitution, laws, and legal regulations of the United States and the State of Georgia and of all governments therein and never be a party to their evasion. III. Give a full day's labor for a full day's pay and give to the performance of his duties his earnest effort and best thought. IV. Seek to find and employ more efficient and economical ways of getting tasks accomplished. V. Never discriminate unfairly by the dispensing of special favors or privileges to anyone, whether for remuneration or not, and never accept, for himself or his family, favors or benefits under circumstances which might be construed by reasonable persons as influencing the performance of his governmental duties. VI. Make no private promises of any kind binding upon the duties of office, since a government employee has no private word which can be binding on public duty. VII. Engage in no business with the government, either directly or indirectly, which is inconsistent with the conscientious performance of his governmental duties. VIII. Never use any information coming to him confidentially in the performance of governmental duties as a means for making private profit. IX. Expose corruption wherever discovered. X. Uphold these principles, ever conscious that public office is a public trust. (Ga. L. 1968, p. 1369.) Law reviews. - For article, "Conflicts of Interests of Public Officers and Employees," see 13 Ga. St. B.J. 64 (1976). For article, "Georgia's New Ethics Laws: A Summary of the Changes Relevant to Lobbyists and Legislators," see 11 Ga. St. B.J. 22 (No. 4, 2005).

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 45-10-1

What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 45-10-1 cover?

Section 45-10-1 ("Code of ethics for government service generally - Establishment and text.") 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 § 45-10-1?

A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 45-10-1" (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 § 45-10-1 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.