Georgia § 16-11-4 - Advocating overthrow of government.

Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-11-4 — Advocating overthrow of government., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 16-11-4. Advocating overthrow of government.

As used in this Code section, the term: "Organization" means any corporation, company, partnership, association, trust, foundation, fund, club, society, committee, political party, or any group of persons, whether or not incorporated, permanently or temporarily associated together for joint action or advancement of views on any subject. "Subversive organization" means any organization which engages in or advocates, abets, advises, or teaches, or which has a purpose of engaging in or advocating, abetting, advising, or teaching activities intended to overthrow, to destroy, or to assist in the overthrow or destruction of the government of the state or of any political subdivision thereof by force or violence. A person commits the offense of advocating the overthrow of the government if he knowingly and willfully commits any of the following acts: Advocates, abets, advises, or teaches the duty, necessity, desirability, or propriety of overthrowing or destroying the government of the state or any political subdivision thereof by force or violence; Prints, publishes, edits, issues, circulates, sells, distributes, exhibits, or displays any written or printed matter advocating, advising, or teaching the duty, necessity, desirability, or propriety of overthrowing or destroying the government of the state or of any political subdivision thereof by force or violence; Assists in the formation, participates in the management, or contributes to the support of any subversive organization, knowing the purpose thereof; Becomes a member or continues to be a member of a subversive organization, knowing the purpose thereof; Destroys any books, records, or files or secretes any funds in this state of a subversive organization, knowing the organization to be such; or Conspires with one or more persons to commit any of the acts prohibited by this Code section. A person convicted of violating any provision of this Code section shall be punished by a fine of not more than $20,000.00 or by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than 20 years, or both. (Code 1933, § 26-2204, enacted by Ga. L. 1968, p. 1249, § 1.) Cross references. - Constitutional guarantee of free speech and press, Ga. Const. 1983, Art. I, Sec. I, Para. V.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 16-11-4

What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-11-4 cover?

Section 16-11-4 ("Advocating overthrow of government.") 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 § 16-11-4?

A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-11-4" (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 § 16-11-4 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.