Infancy is no defense to a tort action so long as the defendant has reached the age of discretion and accountability prescribed by Code Section 16-3-1 for criminal offenses.
History. Orig. Code 1863, § 2996; Code 1868, § 3009; Code 1873, § 3064; Code 1882, § 3064; Civil Code 1895, § 3904; Civil Code 1910, § 4501; Code 1933, § 105-1806.
Law reviews.
For comment criticizing Hatch v. O’Neill, 231 Ga. 446 , 202 S.E.2d 44 (1973), holding individual under age of criminal responsibility not civilly liable for willful torts, see 26 Mercer L. Rev. 367 (1974).
For article surveying torts law, see 34 Mercer L. Rev. 271 (1982).
For article, “Defending the Lawsuit: A First-Round Checklist,” see 22 Ga. St. B.J. 24 (1985).
Structure Georgia Code
Chapter 11 - Defenses to Tort Actions
Article 1 - General Provisions
§ 51-11-1. Authorization to Act as Justification; Effect of Plea
§ 51-11-3. Extenuation and Mitigation of Damages
§ 51-11-4. Arbitrament and Award
§ 51-11-5. Former Recovery and Pendency of Another Action
§ 51-11-7. Effect of Plaintiff’s Failure to Avoid Consequences of Defendant’s Negligence
§ 51-11-9. Immunity From Civil Liability for Threat or Use of Force in Defense of Habitation