Georgia § 15-12-165 - Number of peremptory challenges.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-12-165 — Number of peremptory challenges., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15-12-165. Number of peremptory challenges.
Every person accused of a felony may peremptorily challenge nine of the jurors impaneled to try him or her. The state shall be allowed the same number of peremptory challenges allowed to the accused; provided, however, that in any case in which the state announces its intention to seek the death penalty, the accused may peremptorily challenge 15 jurors and the state shall be allowed the same number of peremptory challenges. (Laws 1833, Cobb's 1851 Digest, p. 835; Code 1863, § 4530; Code 1868, § 4549; Code 1873, § 4643; Code 1882, § 4643; Penal Code 1895, § 974; Penal Code 1910, § 1000; Code 1933, § 59-805; Ga. L. 1992, p. 1981, § 2; Ga. L. 2005, p. 20, § 7/HB 170; Ga. L. 2011, p. 59, § 1-59/HB 415.) Cross references. - Number of strikes allowed to defendants jointly indicted and tried for capital offense, § 17-8-4 . Editor's notes. - Ga. L. 2005, p. 20, § 1/HB 170, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: "This act shall be known and may be cited as the 'Criminal Justice Act of 2005.'" Ga. L. 2005, p. 20, § 17/HB 170, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that the amendment to this Code section shall be applicable to all trials which commence on or after July 1, 2005. Ga. L. 2011, p. 59, § 1-1/HB 415, not codified by the General Assembly, provides: "This Act shall be known and may be cited as the 'Jury Composition Reform Act of 2011.'" Law reviews. - For article on 2005 amendment of this Code section, see 22 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 29 (2005). For annual survey of death penalty decisions, see 57 Mercer L. Rev. 139 (2005); 58 Mercer L. Rev. 111 (2006). For note, "Toward an Integrated Rule Prohibiting All Race-Based Peremptory Challenges: Some Considerations on Georgia v. McCollum," see 26 Ga. L. Rev. 503 (1992). For comment on Alderman v. State, 241 Ga. 496 , 246 S.E.2d 642 , cert. denied, 439 U.S. 991, 99 S. Ct. 593 , 58 L. Ed. 2 d 666 (1978), see 31 Mercer L. Rev. 349 (1979).
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 15-12-165
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-12-165 cover?
Section 15-12-165 ("Number of peremptory challenges.") 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 § 15-12-165?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-12-165" (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 § 15-12-165 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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