Georgia's Fornication Statute and the In re J.M. Ruling
In short
Georgia's code still defines fornication as voluntary intercourse by an unmarried person, punishable as a misdemeanor (O.C.G.A. § 16-6-18). In January 2003, in In re J.M., the Supreme Court of Georgia held that the state constitution's right to privacy bars prosecution for private, unforced, non-commercial sex between people legally able to consent.
What the full article will cover
- What does O.C.G.A. 16-6-18 say?
- What happened in In re J.M.?
- How does Georgia's constitutional right to privacy work?
- Why is the statute still in the code?
- How does Georgia's history connect to Bowers v. Hardwick?
Frequently asked questions
- What is the penalty for fornication in Georgia?
- Is adultery a crime in Georgia?
- Did In re J.M. strike down the law entirely?
Sources
- law.justia.com — https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/title-16/chapter-6/section-16-6-18/
- caselaw.findlaw.com — https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/ga-supreme-court/1223060.html
- law.cornell.edu — https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/478/186
General information, not legal or religious advice.