---
title: O.C.G.A. § 17-8-75. Improper statements by counsel.
collection: code
id: 17-8-75
cite_as: O.C.G.A. § 17-8-75 (2025)
canonical_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/17-8-75
md_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/17-8-75.md
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source_url: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/docs/default-source/joint-features-document-library/t17-(v15)-2020-pdf.pdf?sfvrsn=8c04ccfe_0#page=899
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.
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current_through: Including Acts of the 2025 Regular Session of the General Assembly
heading_path: CRIMINAL PROCEDURE / TRIAL / CONDUCT AND ARGUMENT OF COUNSEL
---

# O.C.G.A. § 17-8-75. Improper statements by counsel.

Where counsel in the hearing of the jury make statements of prejudicial matters which are not in evidence, it is the duty of the court to interpose and prevent the same. On objection made, the court shall also rebuke the counsel and by all needful and proper instructions to the jury endeavor to remove the improper impression from their minds; or, in his discretion, he may order a mistrial if the prosecuting attorney is the offender.

## History

Civil Code 1895, § 4419; Civil Code 1910, § 4957; Code 1933, § 81-1009.

## Cross References

Corresponding provision relating to civil procedure, § 9-10-185.

## Law Reviews

For article, ‘‘From O.J. to McVeigh: The Use of Argument in the Opening Statement,’’ see 48 Emory L.J. 107 (1999). For article, ‘‘Death Penalty Law,’’ see 53 Mercer L. Rev. 233 (2001).

For note, ‘‘Argument of Counsel,’’ see 1 Ga. B.J. 44 (1927).

For comment on Aycock v. State, 180 Ga. 150, 4 S.E.2d 221 (1939), see 2 Ga. B.J. 69 (1940). For comment on Washington v. State, 80 Ga. App. 415, 56 S.E.2d 119 (1949), see 1 Mercer L. Rev. 320 (1950). For comment on Cornett v. State, 218 Ga. 405, 128 S.E.2d 317 (1962), see 25 Ga. B.J. 448 (1963).

## History of Code Section.

This Code section is a codification of the rulings contained in Augusta & S.R.R. v. Randall, 85 Ga. 297, 11 S.E. 706 (1890); Metropol-itan S.R.R. v. Johnson, 90 Ga. 500, 16 S.E. 49 (1892); Croom v. State, 90 Ga. 430, 17 S.E. 1003 (1893); Farmer v. State, 91 Ga. 720, 18 S.E. 987 (1893).