Georgia § 15-12-163 - Challenges for cause; hearing of evidence; when objection may be made.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-12-163 — Challenges for cause; hearing of evidence; when objection may be made., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15-12-163. Challenges for cause; hearing of evidence; when objection may be made.
When each juror is called, he shall be presented to the accused in such a manner that he can be distinctly seen. The state or the accused may make any of the following objections to the juror: That the juror is not a citizen, resident in the county; That the juror is under 18 years of age; That the juror is incompetent to serve because of mental illness or intellectual disability, or that the juror is intoxicated; That the juror is so near of kin to the prosecutor, the accused, or the victim as to disqualify the juror by law from serving on the jury; That the juror has been convicted of a felony in a federal court or any court of a state of the United States and the juror's civil rights have not been restored; or That the juror is unable to communicate in the English language. It shall be the duty of the court to hear immediately such evidence as is submitted in relation to the truth of these objections; the juror shall be a competent witness for this purpose. If the judge is satisfied of the truth of any objection, the juror shall be set aside for cause. (Ga. L. 1855-56, p. 229, § 7; Code 1863, § 4568; Code 1868, § 4588; Code 1873, § 4681; Code 1882, § 4681; Penal Code 1895, § 973; Penal Code 1910, § 999; Code 1933, § 59-804; Ga. L. 1995, p. 1292, § 11; Ga. L. 2015, p. 385, § 4-15/HB 252.) The 2015 amendment, effective July 1, 2015, substituted "intellectual disability" for "mental retardation" in the middle of paragraph (b)(3). Law reviews. - For article, "Practitioner's Note Jury Selection: Whose Job Is It, Anyway?," see 23 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 617 (2007). For annual survey of law on criminal law, see 62 Mercer L. Rev. 87 (2010).
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 15-12-163
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-12-163 cover?
Section 15-12-163 ("Challenges for cause; hearing of evidence; when objection may be made.") 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 § 15-12-163?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-12-163" (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 § 15-12-163 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
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