Document Type
Peach Sheet
Abstract
The Act permits criminal defendants to introduce evidence that they are survivors of family violence, sexual abuse, or related trauma in support of a justification defense. It amends various Code sections to provide for the admissibility of such evidence, clarify the applicability of justification defenses, and establish evidentiary standards. The Act also creates privilege protections for communications made between victims and their abuser, provides civil immunity for facilitators of those dialogues, and imposes a uniform oath requirement for peace officers statewide.
Recommended Citation
Emma M. Kelley & Ashlyn A. Puckett,
HB 582 - Defenses to Criminal Prosecutions,
42
Ga. St. U. L. Rev.
69
(2025).
Available at:
https://readingroom.law.gsu.edu/gsulr/vol42/iss1/13