Georgia § 51-1-20 - Liability of persons serving charitable organizations and public entities while acting in good faith.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 51-1-20 — Liability of persons serving charitable organizations and public entities while acting in good faith., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 51-1-20. Liability of persons serving charitable organizations and public entities while acting in good faith.
A person serving with or without compensation as a member, director, or trustee, or as an officer of the board without compensation, of any nonprofit hospital or association or of any nonprofit, charitable, or eleemosynary institution or organization or of any local governmental agency, board, authority, or entity shall be immune from civil liability for any act or any omission to act arising out of such service if such person was acting in good faith within the scope of his or her official actions and duties and unless the damage or injury was caused by the willful or wanton misconduct of such person. As used in this Code section, the term "compensation" shall not include reimbursement for reasonable expenses related to said services. This Code section shall not affect any immunity of any person arising from any source, whether or not such person may additionally be subject to and possess an immunity provided by this Code section. The immunity provided by this Code section shall be supplemental to any such existing immunity. (Ga. L. 1969, p. 709, § 1; Ga. L. 1987, p. 915, § 2; Ga. L. 1987, p. 986, § 1.) Law reviews. - For article, "The Tort Liability of a Charitable Institution," see 5 Ga. B. J. 25 (1942). For article, "Hospital Liability for Negligent Care in Georgia," see 17 Ga. B. J. 18 (1954). For article analyzing doctrine of immunity from tort liability enjoyed by charitable institutions, see 24 Ga. B. J. 201 (1961). For note on the status of the charitable immunity doctrine, see 10 Mercer L. Rev. 323 (1959). For note advocating uniformity in doctrine of charitable immunity, see 23 Ga. B. J. 398 (1961). For comment on Cox v. DeJarnette, 104 Ga. App. 664 , 123 S.E.2d 16 (1961), see 24 Ga. B. J. 536 (1962). For comment on Williams v. Hospital Auth., 119 Ga. App. 626 , 168 S.E.2d 336 (1969), see 6 Ga. St. B. J. 209 (1969). For comment advocating abolition of the doctrine of charitable immunity in light of Abernathy v. Sisters of St. Mary's, 446 S.W.2d 599 (Mo. 1969), see 21 Mercer L. Rev. 521 (1970).
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 51-1-20
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 51-1-20 cover?
Section 51-1-20 ("Liability of persons serving charitable organizations and public entities while acting in good faith.") 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 § 51-1-20?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 51-1-20" (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 § 51-1-20 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.