Georgia § 16-14-12 - Cases of special public importance.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-14-12 — Cases of special public importance., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-14-12. Cases of special public importance.
The state may, in any civil action or civil forfeiture proceeding brought pursuant to this chapter, file with the clerk of the court a certificate stating that the case is of special public importance. A copy of such certificate shall be furnished immediately by such clerk to the chief judge or, in his or her absence, the presiding chief judge of the court in which such civil action or civil forfeiture proceeding is pending; and, upon receipt of such certificate, the judge shall immediately designate a judge to hear and determine such civil action or civil forfeiture proceeding. The judge so designated shall promptly assign such civil action or civil forfeiture proceeding for hearing, participate in the hearings and determination, and cause such civil action or civil forfeiture proceeding to be expedited. (Code 1933, § 26-3411, enacted by Ga. L. 1982, p. 1385, § 6; Code 1981, § 16-14-12 , enacted by Ga. L. 1982, p. 1385, § 12; Ga. L. 2015, p. 693, § 2-25/HB 233.) Editor's notes. - Ga. L. 2015, p. 693, § 4-1/HB 233, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: "This Act shall become effective on July 1, 2015, and shall apply to seizures of property for forfeiture that occur on or after that date. Any such seizure that occurs before July 1, 2015, shall be governed by the statute in effect at the time of such seizure." Law reviews. - For article on the 2015 amendment of this Code section, see 32 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 1 (2015).
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 16-14-12
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-14-12 cover?
Section 16-14-12 ("Cases of special public importance.") 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 § 16-14-12?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-14-12" (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 § 16-14-12 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.