Georgia § 15-10-22 - Qualifications; restrictions on practice of law.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-10-22 — Qualifications; restrictions on practice of law., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15-10-22. Qualifications; restrictions on practice of law.
Each magistrate taking office on or after July 1, 2019, shall: Have been a resident of the county for two years next preceding the beginning of his or her term of office; Be at least 25 years of age; Remain a resident of such county during his or her term of office; Be a citizen of the United States; Be a registered voter; and Have obtained a state accredited high school diploma or general educational development (GED) diploma. Additional qualifications for the office of chief magistrate or magistrate or both may be imposed by local law. A magistrate who is an attorney may practice in other courts but may not practice in the magistrate's own court or appear in any matter as to which that magistrate has exercised any jurisdiction. (Code 1981, § 15-10-22 , enacted by Ga. L. 1983, p. 884, § 2-1; Ga. L. 1984, p. 1096, § 3; Ga. L. 1987, p. 430, § 1; Ga. L. 2019, p. 658, § 3/HB 257.) "(b) A magistrate who is an attorney may practice in other courts but may not practice in the magistrate's own court or appear in any matter as to which that magistrate has exercised any jurisdiction." The 2019 amendment, effective July 1, 2019, substituted the present provisions of this Code section for the former provisions, which read: "Each magistrate shall have been a resident of the county for one year next preceding the beginning of his term of office and shall as of such date be at least 25 years of age and shall possess a high school diploma or its equivalent. However, an officer becoming a magistrate pursuant to Code Section 15-10-120 shall be eligible to the office of magistrate without the necessity of meeting these qualifications. Additional qualifications for the office of chief magistrate or magistrate or both may be imposed by local law. Cross references. - Proscription against inappropriate political activity by judges, Georgia Code of Judicial Conduct, Canon 7.
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 15-10-22
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-10-22 cover?
Section 15-10-22 ("Qualifications; restrictions on practice of law.") 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 § 15-10-22?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-10-22" (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 § 15-10-22 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.