Georgia § 16-12-81 - Distribution of material depicting nudity or sexual conduct; penalty.

Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-12-81 — Distribution of material depicting nudity or sexual conduct; penalty., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 16-12-81. Distribution of material depicting nudity or sexual conduct; penalty.

A person commits the offense of distributing material depicting nudity or sexual conduct when he sends unsolicited through the mail or otherwise unsolicited causes to be delivered material depicting nudity or sexual conduct to any person or residence or office unless there is imprinted upon the envelope or container of such material in not less than eight-point boldface type the following notice: "Notice - The material contained herein depicts nudity or sexual conduct. If the viewing of such material could be offensive to the addressee, this container should not be opened but returned to the sender." As used within this Code section, the term: "Nudity" means the showing of the human male or female genitals, pubic area, or buttocks with less than a full opaque covering or the depiction of covered male genitals in a discernibly turgid state. "Sexual conduct" means acts of masturbation, homosexuality, sodomy, sexual intercourse, or physical contact with a person's clothed or unclothed genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or, if the person is female, breast. A person who commits the offense of distributing material depicting nudity or sexual conduct, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than three years or by a fine not to exceed $10,000.00, or both. (Code 1933, § 26-2102, enacted by Ga. L. 1970, p. 173, § 1.) Cross references. - Constitutional guarantee of free speech and press, Ga. Const. 1983, Art. I, Sec. I, Para. V. Law reviews. - For comment on a nuisance abatement statute applied to authorize prior restraint on exhibition of unnamed films, in the future as violative of the federal Constitution in Universal Amusement Co. v. Vance, 587 F.2d 159 (5th Cir. 1978), probable jurisdiction noted, 442 U.S. 928, 99 S. Ct. 2857 , 61 L. Ed. 2 d 295 (1979), aff'd, 445 U.S. 308, 100 S. Ct. 1156 , 63 L. Ed. 2 d 413 (1980), see 13 Ga. L. Rev. 1076 (1979).

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 16-12-81

What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-12-81 cover?

Section 16-12-81 ("Distribution of material depicting nudity or sexual conduct; penalty.") 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 § 16-12-81?

A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-12-81" (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 § 16-12-81 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.