Evidence

In the sixth year since the implementation of Georgia’s new Evidence Code, the Georgia Supreme Court must still remind lower courts and litigators to rely upon the new Code and its subsequent case law when addressing evidentiary issues arising after 2013. This Article highlights some of the continuing changes to Georgia’s evidence rules based on the new Georgia Evidence Code, Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) Title 24. This Article period spans from June 1, 2018 to May 31, 2019. Specifically, this Article addresses: (1) the consequences of straying from the new Code; (2) new interpretations of Rule 404(b); and (3) reinterpreting what is admissible evidence in relation to pre-arrest silence, parties as evidence, and identity testimony in child sexual abuse cases.