Georgia § 14-3-851 - Authority to indemnify director involved in legal proceeding.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 14-3-851 — Authority to indemnify director involved in legal proceeding., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 14-3-851. Authority to indemnify director involved in legal proceeding.
Except as otherwise provided in this Code section, a corporation may indemnify an individual who is a party to a proceeding because the individual is or was a director against liability incurred in the proceeding if: He or she conducted himself or herself in good faith; and He or she reasonably believed: In the case of conduct in his or her official capacity, that his or her conduct was in the best interests of the corporation; In all other cases, that his or her conduct was at least not opposed to the best interests of the corporation; and In the case of any criminal proceeding, he or she had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. A director's conduct with respect to an employee benefit plan for a purpose the director believed in good faith to be in the interests of the participants in and beneficiaries of the plan is conduct that satisfies the requirements of subsection (a) of this Code section. The termination of a proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, or conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent is not, of itself, determinative that the director did not meet the standard of conduct described in this Code section. A corporation may not indemnify a director under this Code section: In connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation, except for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding if it is determined that the director has met the relevant standard of conduct under this Code section; or In connection with any other proceeding with respect to conduct for which the director was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received by the director, whether or not involving action in the director's official capacity. (Code 1981, § 14-3-851 , enacted by Ga. L. 1991, p. 465, § 1; Ga. L. 1997, p. 1165, § 14.)
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 14-3-851
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 14-3-851 cover?
Section 14-3-851 ("Authority to indemnify director involved in legal proceeding.") 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 § 14-3-851?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 14-3-851" (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 § 14-3-851 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.