---
title: O.C.G.A. § 16-3-23.1. No duty to retreat prior to use of force in self-defense.
collection: code
id: 16-3-23.1
cite_as: O.C.G.A. § 16-3-23.1 (2025)
canonical_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-3-23.1
md_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-3-23.1.md
text_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-3-23.1/text
source_url: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/docs/default-source/joint-features-document-library/t16-ch1-6-(v14)-2019-pdf.pdf?sfvrsn=af47a366_0#page=320
date: 2025
status: active
corpus_version: 2025-supplement-89aa39ab3c68
license: CC0-1.0
publisher: Georgia Commons, an independent project of Georgia Civic Data. Not the State of Georgia. Not legal advice.
up: https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-3.md
previous: https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-3-23.md
next: https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-3-24.md
index: https://georgiacommons.org/code/index.md
version: the only printed version
in_force: true
current_through: Including Acts of the 2025 Regular Session of the General Assembly
heading_path: CRIMES AND OFFENSES / DEFENSES TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTIONS / JUSTIFICATION AND EXCUSE
---

# O.C.G.A. § 16-3-23.1. No duty to retreat prior to use of force in self-defense.

A person who uses threats or force in accordance with Code Section 16-3-21, relating to the use of force in defense of self or others, Code Section 16-3-23, relating to the use of force in defense of a habitation, or Code Section 16-3-24, relating to the use of force in defense of property other than a habitation, has no duty to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground and use force as provided in said Code sections, including deadly force.

## History

Code 1981, § 16-3-23.1, enacted by Ga. L. 2006, p. 477, § 1/SB 396.