Georgia § 38-2-277 - Unauthorized military bodies prohibited; exceptions; support by counties or cities prohibited; penalty for membership.

Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 38-2-277 — Unauthorized military bodies prohibited; exceptions; support by counties or cities prohibited; penalty for membership., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 38-2-277. Unauthorized military bodies prohibited; exceptions; support by counties or cities prohibited; penalty for membership.

No body of men other than the organized militia, components of the armed forces of the United States, and bodies of the police and state constabulary and such other organizations as may be formed under this chapter shall associate themselves together as a military unit or parade or demonstrate in public with firearms. Associations wholly comprised of military personnel honorably discharged from the service of the United States and benevolent and secret organizations may parade in public with swords. Students in educational institutions where military science is a prescribed part of the course of instruction may drill or parade with firearms in public under the supervision of their instructors. This Code section shall not be construed to prevent parades in public with firearms by authorized organizations of the organized militia of any other state. No political subdivision of this state shall raise or appropriate any money toward arming, equipping, uniforming, or in any other way supporting, sustaining, or providing drill rooms or armories for any such unauthorized organizations. Any person who actively participates in an unauthorized military organization or who parades with any unauthorized body of men as set forth in subsection (a) of this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. (Ga. L. 1916, p. 158, § 2; Code 1933, § 86-9901; Ga. L. 1951, p. 311, § 49; Ga. L. 1955, p. 10, §§ 84, 109.)

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 38-2-277

What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 38-2-277 cover?

Section 38-2-277 ("Unauthorized military bodies prohibited; exceptions; support by counties or cities prohibited; penalty for membership.") 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 § 38-2-277?

A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 38-2-277" (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 § 38-2-277 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.