GPS RESEARCH LIBRARY: Criminal liability of Georgia prison staff when a gang member they housed with others kills someone
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Georgia Prisoners' Speak — gps.press
Generated: 2026-11-04 01:29:55 EST

Research Date: 2026-11-03
Topic: Prison staff accountability
JSON: https://gps.press/research-data/criminal-liability-of-georgia-prison-staff-when-a-gang-member-they-housed-with-others-kills-someone/?format=json

SUMMARY
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This collection sets out facts from public sources on the subject in its title, drawn from Georgia, federal sources, Alabama, District of Columbia, Florida, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, West Virginia, national and multi-state sources and other sources. Each entry gives a short statement, the exact passage from the source that supports it, and the source's title, web address and the date it was retrieved. Searches of a source that found no match are listed too, with the wordings that were tried. The entries record what each source said when it was retrieved. They aren't a complete account of the subject, and they don't add analysis or conclusions.

LEGAL FACTS (331)
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- [confirmed] Hale v. Tallapoosa County states three-element Eighth Amendment failure-to-protect test
  Hale v. Tallapoosa County (11th Cir. 1995) is the earliest opinion found stating the three-element Eighth Amendment failure-to-protect test later quoted in Purcell: (1) a substantial risk of serious harm; (2) the defendants' deliberate indifference to that risk; and (3) causation. It derived the test from Farmer v. Brennan and LaMarca v. Turner.
  Date: 1995-05-02
  Tags: legal,conditions,violence
  Sources: Hale v. Tallapoosa County, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 1995-05-02 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Farmer v. Brennan: subjective knowledge of risk may be inferred from obviousness
  In Hope v. Pelzer, the U.S. Supreme Court stated: 'We may infer the existence of this subjective state of mind from the fact that the risk of harm is obvious. Farmer v. Brennan, 511 U. S. 825, 842 (1994).' This establishes that a prison official's subjective awareness of a substantial risk of serious harm, the mental state required for deliberate-indifference liability, can be proven circumstantially when the risk is obvious.
  Date: 2002-06-27
  Tags: legal,conditions,violence
  Sources: Hope v. Pelzer, Supreme Court of the United States, 2002-06-27 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-2-1(a) definition of a crime
  O.C.G.A. § 16-2-1(a) defines a "crime" as a violation of a statute of this state in which there is a joint operation of an act or omission to act and intention or criminal negligence.
  Tags: legal,policy
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-2-1 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Voluntary manslaughter definition under O.C.G.A. § 16-5-2(a)
  O.C.G.A. § 16-5-2(a) provides that a person commits voluntary manslaughter when he causes the death of another human being under circumstances which would otherwise be murder and if he acts solely as the result of a sudden, violent, and irresistible passion resulting from serious provocation sufficient to excite such passion in a reasonable person; if there should have been an interval between the provocation and the killing sufficient for the voice of reason and humanity to be heard, the killing shall be attributed to deliberate revenge and be punished as murder.
  Tags: legal,violence,death
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-2 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Felony murder predicate must be proximate cause of death
  In Smith v. State, the Supreme Court of Georgia held that under the felony murder statute the predicate felony must be the proximate cause of the victim's death, citing Jackson, 287 Ga. at 660, 697 S.E.2d 757.
  Date: 2012-03-23
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Smith v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2012-03-23 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 35-8-2 includes GDC personnel in 'law enforcement unit' for POST Act
  O.C.G.A. § 35-8-2 includes within 'law enforcement unit,' for purposes of the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Act, the Department of Corrections for the purpose of personnel who are authorized to exercise the power of arrest and who are employed or appointed by that department. Source text: '(C) The Department of Corrections, the Department of Community Supervision, the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, municipal correctional institutions employing 300 or more correctional officers, and county correctional institutions for the purpose of personnel who are authorized to exercise the power of arrest and who are employed or appointed by such department, board, or institutions.'
  Tags: legal,policy,staffing
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 35-8-2 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Felony penalty for GDC employee providing contraband to inmate
  O.C.G.A. § 42-5-18(d)(4) provides that an employee or contractor of the department who commits or attempts to commit a violation of subsection (b) or (b.1), providing a weapon, intoxicant, drug, telecommunications device, tobacco, or other unauthorized item to an inmate, shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of ten years.
  Tags: legal,contraband,corruption,policy
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-5-18 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 17-3-2 tolls limitations period for government officer/employee theft by conversion
  O.C.G.A. § 17-3-2 provides that the period within which a prosecution must be commenced does not include any period in which the accused is a government officer or employee and the crime charged is theft by conversion of public property while such an officer or employee.
  Tags: legal,policy
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 17-3-2 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Eleventh Circuit pattern instruction defines 'willfully' for § 242 prosecutions
  The Eleventh Circuit's general pattern jury instruction on 'willfully' (Basic Instruction 9.1A), which the committee says would usually apply to the § 242 crime, defines 'willfully' to mean that the act was committed voluntarily and purposely, with the intent to do something the law forbids, that is, with the bad purpose to disobey or disregard the law.
  Tags: legal,policy,investigations
  Sources: Table of Contents

- [confirmed] Smith v. State: jury may find both actors responsible under parties-to-a-crime statute
  The Supreme Court of Georgia held that even though the jury could not pinpoint which of two household members struck the fatal blow, it reasonably could have rejected the hypothesis that the boyfriend acted alone and instead found that both the boyfriend and the mother were responsible under the parties-to-a-crime statute, OCGA § 16-2-20.
  Date: 2020-01-27
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Smith v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2020-01-27 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O'Neal: lying to GDC investigator outside regular job duties under § 17-7-52
  The Georgia Court of Appeals in State v. O'Neal held that a corrections officer's conduct of lying to an agent of the Georgia Department of Corrections who was investigating him was not within the performance of his regular job duties at the prison, so that count of the indictment did not fall within the scope of O.C.G.A. § 17-7-52. The court reasoned such conduct cannot be said to be within the performance of the officer's regular job duties, such as making routine incident reports or filling out a daily activity sheet.
  Date: 2019-10-14
  Tags: legal,corruption,investigations,policy
  Sources: State v. Wesley T. O'Neal, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2019-10-14 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Lanier: qualified immunity test is adaptation of fair-warning standard
  The Supreme Court held in United States v. Lanier that the civil role of qualified immunity and the criminal-law role of the fair-warning doctrine are of no significance because both serve the same objective; the qualified immunity test is simply the adaptation of the fair warning standard to give officials the same protection from civil liability that individuals have traditionally possessed in the face of vague criminal statutes.
  Date: 1997-03-31
  Tags: legal,policy
  Sources: United States v. Lanier, Supreme Court of the United States, 1997-03-31 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] 18 U.S.C. § 1512(b) criminalizes intimidation to influence testimony
  18 U.S.C. § 1512(b) makes it an offense for whoever knowingly uses intimidation, threatens, or corruptly persuades another person, or attempts to do so, or engages in misleading conduct toward another person, with intent to influence, delay, or prevent the testimony of any person in an official proceeding.
  Tags: legal,investigations,corruption
  Sources: law.cornell.edu: 1512

- [confirmed] Farmer v. Brennan: no liability if official responded reasonably to known risk
  In Peralta v. Dillard, the Ninth Circuit (en banc) summarized Farmer v. Brennan: 'The Court has also told us that, even if an official knows of a substantial risk, he's not liable "if [he] responded reasonably." Farmer, 511 U.S. at 844, 114 S.Ct. 1970.' Thus, even where prison staff knew of a gang-related risk, liability under the deliberate-indifference standard turns on whether their response was reasonable.
  Date: 2014-03-06
  Tags: legal,conditions,violence
  Sources: Cion Peralta v. T. Dillard, Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, 2014-03-06 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 45-15-3: AG duty to participate in criminal actions on Governor's requirement
  O.C.G.A. § 45-15-3 provides that, when required by the Governor, the Attorney General has a duty to participate on behalf of the state in all criminal actions in any court of competent jurisdiction when the district attorney is being prosecuted, and in all other criminal or civil actions to which the state is a party.
  Tags: legal,policy
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 45-15-3 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-2-1(b) definition of criminal negligence
  O.C.G.A. § 16-2-1(b) defines criminal negligence as an act or failure to act which demonstrates a willful, wanton, or reckless disregard for the safety of others who might reasonably be expected to be injured thereby.
  Tags: legal,policy
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-2-1 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Voluntary manslaughter penalty under O.C.G.A. § 16-5-2(b)
  O.C.G.A. § 16-5-2(b) provides that a person convicted of voluntary manslaughter shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than 20 years.
  Tags: legal,violence,death
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-2 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] State v. Jackson overruled 29-year felony murder interpretation
  State v. Jackson, 287 Ga. 646, 659-60 (5)-(6) (697 SE2d 757) (2010), overruled a nearly 29-year-old interpretation of Georgia's felony murder statute, as described in Williams v. Harvey.
  Date: 2010-01-01
  Tags: legal
  Sources: WILLIAMS v. HARVEY, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2021-05-17 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 35-8-2 defines 'peace officer' to include GDC personnel for Chapter 35-8
  O.C.G.A. § 35-8-2 defines 'peace officer,' for purposes of Chapter 35-8 only, to include personnel who are authorized to exercise the power of arrest and who are employed or appointed by the Department of Corrections, the Department of Community Supervision, the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, municipal correctional institutions employing 300 or more correctional officers, county probation systems, and county correctional institutions. Source text: '(C) Personnel who are authorized to exercise the power of arrest and who are employed or appointed by the Department of Corrections, the Department of Community Supervision, the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, municipal correctional institutions employing 300 or more correctional officers, county probation systems, and county correctional institutions;'
  Tags: legal,policy,staffing
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 35-8-2 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [reported] Johnson v. State addressed admission of defendant's intoxication-related comments
  Johnson v. State (Ga. Ct. App. 1997) held there was no error in admitting the appellant's comments, which were relevant as bearing on the defendant's intoxication.
  Date: 1997-02-11
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Johnson v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 1997-02-11 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-4-1 defines criminal attempt
  O.C.G.A. § 16-4-1 provides a person commits the offense of criminal attempt when, with intent to commit a specific crime, he performs any act which constitutes a substantial step toward the commission of that crime.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-4-1 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Ware maximum sentence for each violation
  Ware faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 for each violation.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: <!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5; URL='/archives/opa/pr/f, former oklahoma supervisory corrections officer convicted facilitating white supremacist

- [confirmed] Felony penalty for crossing guard lines with weapon or intoxicants
  O.C.G.A. § 42-5-15(a)-(b) makes it unlawful for any person to come inside the guard lines at any state or county correctional institution with a weapon or while under the influence of intoxicants or drugs without the knowledge or consent of the warden or superintendent, and provides a felony penalty of imprisonment for not less than one year nor more than four years.
  Tags: legal,contraband,drugs
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-5-15 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] District attorneys must draw up indictments and prosecute all indictable offenses
  O.C.G.A. § 15-18-6(1)(5) provides that it is a duty of district attorneys to draw up all indictments or presentments, when requested by the grand jury, and to prosecute all indictable offenses.
  Tags: legal,policy
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-18-6 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] 18 U.S.C. § 242 criminalizes willful deprivation of rights under color of law
  18 U.S.C. § 242 makes it an offense for anyone, under color of law, to willfully subject a person to the deprivation of rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Constitution or laws of the United States.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: 18 U.S.C. § 242: Deprivation of rights under color of law

- [confirmed] Lewis v. State: wilful omission of duty causing death is murder
  The Supreme Court of Georgia, quoting the common-law rule from Rex v. Hughes, stated that death ensuing in consequence of the wilful omission of a duty will be murder, death ensuing in consequence of the negligent omission of a duty will be manslaughter, and that it has never been doubted that if death is the direct consequence of the malicious omission to perform a duty, as of a mother to nourish her infant child, this is a case of murder.
  Date: 1884-12-21
  Tags: legal,death
  Sources: Lewis v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1884-12-21 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O'Neal: count-by-count ruling on § 17-7-52 scope for Johnson State Prison officer
  On the State's appeal from the quashing of an indictment against a Johnson State Prison corrections officer for failure to follow O.C.G.A. § 17-7-52's pre-indictment procedures, the Court of Appeals examined each count separately: the violation-of-oath count (abusing inmates 'while employed as a corrections officer') alleged conduct within the performance of his duties, so quashing it was affirmed; the simple battery count (no employment context) and the false-statement count (lying to a GDC investigator) were outside his duties, so quashing them was reversed. The court affirmed as to Count 1 and reversed as to Counts 2 and 3.
  Date: 2019-10-14
  Tags: legal,violence,corruption,investigations
  Sources: State v. Wesley T. O'Neal, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2019-10-14 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Lanier: judgment vacated for wrong fair-warning standard under § 242
  The Lanier Court vacated the judgment because the Sixth Circuit used the wrong standard for deciding whether prior judicial decisions gave fair warning that the defendant's actions violated constitutional rights under 18 U.S.C. § 242, and remanded for application of the proper standard.
  Date: 1997-03-31
  Tags: legal
  Sources: United States v. Lanier, Supreme Court of the United States, 1997-03-31 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] 18 U.S.C. § 1512(c) criminalizes corrupt destruction or concealment of records
  18 U.S.C. § 1512(c) makes it an offense for whoever corruptly alters, destroys, mutilates, or conceals a record, document, or other object, or attempts to do so, with intent to impair its integrity or availability for use in an official proceeding, or otherwise obstructs, influences, or impedes any official proceeding, punishable by a fine or imprisonment of not more than 20 years, or both.
  Tags: legal,investigations,corruption
  Sources: law.cornell.edu: 1512

- [confirmed] OCGA § 16-4-9 allows coconspirator withdrawal defense
  A coconspirator may be relieved from the effects of Code Section 16-4-8 if he can show that before the overt act occurred he withdrew his agreement to commit a crime.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-4-9 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Street v. CCA: Farmer overruled 'specific risk' requirement
  The Sixth Circuit in Street v. Corrections Corporation of America stated: 'To the extent those cases required a showing of a "specific risk" to the plaintiff, they have been overruled by Farmer and are no longer reliable.' A prisoner need not show that officials knew of a risk specific to that individual; knowledge of a general, substantial risk (such as gang violence in a housing unit) can suffice.
  Date: 1996-12-17
  Tags: legal,violence,gangs
  Sources: William Street v. Corrections Corporation of America, Jimmy Turner, and Dexter Stephen, Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, 1996-12-17 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-2-20(b) definition of party to a crime
  O.C.G.A. § 16-2-20(b) provides a person is concerned in the commission of a crime only if he directly commits the crime, intentionally causes another to commit it, intentionally aids or abets in the commission of the crime, or intentionally advises, encourages, hires, counsels, or procures another to commit the crime.
  Tags: legal,policy
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-2-20 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Ford v. State predicate felony standard
  Ford v. State, 262 Ga. 602(1), 423 S.E.2d 255 (1992), holds that to support a felony murder conviction the predicate felony must either be dangerous per se or create a foreseeable risk of death under the attendant circumstances, as quoted in State v. Kelly.
  Date: 1992-01-01
  Tags: legal
  Sources: State v. Kelly, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2011-11-07 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] City of Winder v. McDougald followed Kidd v. Coates on intent to injure
  City of Winder v. McDougald (Ga. Ct. App. 2002) followed Kidd v. Coates, 271 Ga. 33, 518 S.E.2d 124 (1999), which required evidence that the officer had a deliberate or premeditated intention to inflict injury or take life, not merely an intention to do the act purportedly resulting in the injury or death.
  Date: 2002-03-27
  Tags: legal
  Sources: City of Winder v. McDougald, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2002-03-27 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-4-6(a) penalty for attempted death/life-punishable crime
  O.C.G.A. § 16-4-6(a) provides a person convicted of criminal attempt to commit a crime punishable by death or by life imprisonment shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one year nor more than 30 years.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-4-6 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Cruelty to children first degree definition (deprivation of sustenance)
  O.C.G.A. § 16-5-70(a) provides a parent, guardian, or other person supervising the welfare of or having immediate charge or custody of a child under the age of 18 commits cruelty to children in the first degree when such person willfully deprives the child of necessary sustenance to the extent that the child's health or well-being is jeopardized.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-70 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] District attorneys must review every case with probable cause and make prosecutorial decision
  O.C.G.A. § 15-18-6(1)(4) provides that it is a duty of district attorneys to review every individual case for which probable cause for prosecution exists and to make a prosecutorial decision available under the law based on the facts and circumstances of each individual case.
  Tags: legal,policy
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-18-6 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] 18 U.S.C. § 241 criminalizes conspiracy against rights
  18 U.S.C. § 241 makes it an offense for two or more persons to conspire to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate any person in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured by the Constitution or laws of the United States.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: 18 U.S.C. § 241: Conspiracy against rights

- [confirmed] Lewis v. State: Fleet prison warden's deputy guilty of murder, warden acquitted
  The Supreme Court of Georgia, discussing the common-law prisoner-custody case concerning the Fleet prison, stated that the warden's deputy's servant Barnes, who had direct custodial duty and personal knowledge of the prisoner's dangerous confinement, was guilty of murder, while the warden Huggins was found not guilty because from his single encounter with the prisoner it could not be inferred that he knew the prisoner's situation was caused by improper treatment or that he consented to its continuance.
  Date: 1884-12-21
  Tags: legal,death,conditions
  Sources: Lewis v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1884-12-21 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 42-4-1: sheriffs and police chiefs are jailers by virtue of office
  O.C.G.A. § 42-4-1 provides that sheriffs are, by virtue of their offices, jailers of the counties with authority to appoint other jailers, subject to the supervision of the county governing authority, and chiefs of police are, by virtue of their offices, the jailers of the municipal corporations with authority to appoint other jailers, subject to the supervision of the municipal governing authority.
  Tags: legal,policy,facilities
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-4-1 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] 18 U.S.C. § 241: conspiracy to injure/oppress rights
  18 U.S.C. § 241 makes it an offense if two or more persons conspire to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate any person in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured by the Constitution or laws of the United States, or because of his having exercised the same.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: law.cornell.edu: 241

- [confirmed] 18 U.S.C. § 3281: no limitations period for capital offenses
  18 U.S.C. § 3281 provides that an indictment for any offense punishable by death may be found at any time without limitation.
  Tags: legal,death
  Sources: law.cornell.edu: 3281

- [confirmed] OCGA § 16-6-5.1(b)(5) custodial relationship includes correctional facility custody
  O.C.G.A. § 16-6-5.1(b)(5) lists, among the custodial relationships triggering the offense of improper sexual contact by employee or agent in the first degree, that the victim is 'In the custody of a correctional facility, juvenile detention facility, facility providing services to a person with a disability, or a facility providing child welfare and youth services of which he or she is an employee or agent.'
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-6-5.1 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Screws v. United States: Section 242 requires specific intent to violate constitutional rights
  United States v. Covington (4th Cir.) followed Screws v. United States for the proposition that a defendant must 'have been thinking in constitutional terms' to violate 18 U.S.C. § 242. This means criminal prosecution of prison staff for a killing by a housed gang member requires proof that staff acted with the specific intent to deprive a constitutional right, not mere negligence or indifference.
  Date: 2026-07-02
  Tags: legal,corruption,violence
  Sources: United States v. Shronda Covington, Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, 2026-07-02 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Board Rule 125-1-2-.11 authority citations
  Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 125-1-2-.11 cites as authority the Georgia Constitution of 1983, Art. XI, Sec. 1, and O.C.G.A. §§ 42-2-2, 42-2-11, 42-5-3, 42-5-36, 42-5-55, 42-6-3, and 42-10-4.
  Tags: legal,policy,investigations
  Sources: Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 125-1-2-.11, Investigations and Intelligence (Georgia Board of Corrections rule; passage checked against GPS's copy of the rule)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-2-20(a) parties to a crime chargeable and convictable
  O.C.G.A. § 16-2-20(a) provides every person concerned in the commission of a crime is a party thereto and may be charged with and convicted of commission of the crime.
  Tags: legal,policy
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-2-20 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Actual malice under Georgia official immunity means express malice only
  The Supreme Court of Georgia defined "actual malice" under the Georgia Constitution's official immunity provision as "express malice," i.e., a deliberate intention to do wrong, and held that it does not include "implied malice," i.e., the reckless disregard for the rights or safety of others.
  Date: 2007-06-25
  Tags: legal,policy
  Sources: Murphy v. Bajjani, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2007-06-25 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Nahmias concurrence would treat felon-in-possession as dangerous per se
  In Shivers v. State, Justice Nahmias concurred specially (not the court's view), arguing Ford v. State should be overruled and that a defendant who causes death during commission of felon-in-possession of a firearm should be guilty of felony murder.
  Date: 2010-02-01
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Shivers v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2010-02-01 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] Common Cause/Georgia applied Kidd v. Coates to personal liability of municipal officers
  Common Cause/Georgia v. City of Atlanta (Ga. 2005) followed Kidd v. Coates, 271 Ga. 33, 518 S.E.2d 124 (1999), noting the constitutional amendment applies to questions concerning the personal liability of municipal officers.
  Date: 2005-06-16
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Common Cause/Georgia v. City of Atlanta, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2005-06-16 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-4-6(b) penalty for attempted other felonies
  O.C.G.A. § 16-4-6(b) provides a person convicted of criminal attempt to commit a felony, other than one punishable by death or life imprisonment, shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one year nor more than one-half the maximum period for which he could have been sentenced if convicted of the crime attempted, or by one-half the maximum fine, or both.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-4-6 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Cruelty to children second degree definition (criminal negligence)
  O.C.G.A. § 16-5-70(c) provides any person commits cruelty to children in the second degree when such person with criminal negligence causes a child under the age of 18 cruel or excessive physical or mental pain.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-70 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] § 241 enhanced penalty where death results or acts include kidnapping or attempted killing
  Under 18 U.S.C. § 241, if death results from the acts committed in violation of the section, or if the acts include kidnapping or an attempt to kidnap, aggravated sexual abuse or an attempt to commit aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to kill, the conspirators shall be fined under the title or imprisoned for any term of years or for life.
  Tags: legal,death
  Sources: 18 U.S.C. § 241: Conspiracy against rights

- [confirmed] Sands v. State: mere presence insufficient, intent inferred from conduct
  The Supreme Court of Georgia stated that mere presence at the scene is not sufficient to convict one of being a party to a crime, but criminal intent may be inferred from conduct before, during, and after the commission of the crime.
  Date: 1992-07-16
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Sands v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1992-07-16 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] 18 U.S.C. § 241: disguise-on-highway clause
  18 U.S.C. § 241 also covers two or more persons going in disguise on the highway, or on the premises of another, with intent to prevent or hinder the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured by the Constitution or laws of the United States.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: law.cornell.edu: 241

- [confirmed] 18 U.S.C. § 3282(a): five-year limitations period for non-capital offenses
  18 U.S.C. § 3282(a) provides that except as otherwise expressly provided by law, no person shall be prosecuted, tried, or punished for any offense, not capital, unless the indictment is found or the information is instituted within five years next after such offense shall have been committed.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: law.cornell.edu: 3282

- [confirmed] Porter v. State upheld conviction as party to husband's cruelty to children
  The Georgia Court of Appeals in Porter v. State held that evidence a mother was aware her husband was abusing her son, that she warned him by phone that his discipline was child abuse, and that she did not leave work to intervene, supported her conviction as a party to her husband's cruelty-to-children crime.
  Date: 2000-03-24
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Porter v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2000-03-24 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Screws v. United States upheld § 241/§ 242 against vagueness challenge
  Westminster School Dist. v. Mendez (9th Cir. 1947) explained that 'Screws v. United States, 325 U.S. 91, 103, 65 S.Ct. 1031, 89 L.Ed. 1495, 162 A.L.R. 1330, upholds the validity of the twin section 19 of the Criminal Code against the charge of a vagueness so complete that it fails to describe a crime.' The civil-rights statutes underlying potential staff liability survived a void-for-vagueness challenge.
  Date: 1947-08-01
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Westminster School Dist. of Orange County v. Mendez, Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, 1947-08-01 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-2-21 party to a crime may be tried though direct perpetrator not convicted
  O.C.G.A. § 16-2-21 provides any party to a crime who did not directly commit the crime may be indicted, tried, convicted, and punished for commission of the crime upon proof that the crime was committed and that he was a party thereto, although the person claimed to have directly committed the crime has not been prosecuted or convicted, has been convicted of a different crime or degree of crime, or is not amenable to justice or has been acquitted.
  Tags: legal,policy
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-2-21 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Reckless-disregard allegations insufficient to overcome official immunity
  Murphy v. Bajjani states that the plaintiffs' allegations of malice were of deliberate acts of wrongdoing done with reckless disregard for the safety of others, which do not allege the actual malice necessary to overcome official immunity.
  Date: 2007-06-25
  Tags: legal,policy
  Sources: Murphy v. Bajjani, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2007-06-25 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Shivers distinguished Ford on inherently dangerous conduct
  The Shivers majority distinguished Ford v. State because Shivers intentionally aimed and shot a loaded weapon at the victim (using a chair to position it) in a manner inherently dangerous.
  Date: 2010-02-01
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Shivers v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2010-02-01 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] Cameron v. Lang explained Kidd v. Coates definition of actual intent to cause injury
  Cameron v. Lang (Ga. 2001) explained Kidd v. Coates, 271 Ga. at 33, which defined 'actual intent to cause injury.'
  Date: 2001-06-25
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Cameron v. Lang, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2001-06-25 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-4-8 defines conspiracy and graduated penalties
  O.C.G.A. § 16-4-8 provides a person commits conspiracy to commit a crime when he together with one or more persons conspires to commit any crime and any one or more of such persons does any overt act to effect the object of the conspiracy, with graduated penalties tied to the target crime (felony: up to one-half the max sentence/fine; misdemeanor: as for a misdemeanor; death/life-punishable crime: one to ten years).
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-4-8 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Cruelty to children penalties
  O.C.G.A. § 16-5-70(e) provides cruelty to children in the first degree is punished by imprisonment for not less than five nor more than 20 years, and cruelty to children in the second degree is punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than ten years.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-70 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] 42 U.S.C. § 1983 creates civil liability for rights deprivation under color of law
  42 U.S.C. § 1983 provides that every person who, under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage of any State or Territory or the District of Columbia, subjects or causes to be subjected any citizen or other person within the jurisdiction to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Constitution and laws shall be liable to the party injured in an action at law, suit in equity, or other proper proceeding for redress.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: law.cornell.edu: 1983

- [confirmed] Brown v. State: presence and mere approval insufficient under OCGA § 16-2-20
  The Supreme Court of Georgia reversed a murder conviction for insufficient evidence, holding that presence at the scene of a crime is not sufficient to show that a defendant is a party to the crime under O.C.G.A. § 16-2-20, and that even approval of the act, not amounting to encouragement, will not suffice.
  Date: 1983-04-25
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Brown v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1983-04-25 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Jackson v. Zant: warden-inmate relationship akin to guardian-ward for necessaries
  In a civil case brought by an inmate at the Georgia Diagnostic & Classification Center against GDC Warden Zant, the Georgia Court of Appeals treated O.C.G.A. § 42-4-5 and § 42-5-2 as recognizing that, to the limited extent of providing necessaries, the relationship between warden and inmate is akin to that of guardian and ward.
  Date: 1993-10-19
  Tags: legal,conditions,medical
  Sources: Jackson v. Zant, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 1993-10-19 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] 18 U.S.C. § 241: death-results penalty
  18 U.S.C. § 241 provides that if death results from acts committed in violation of the section, offenders shall be fined under the title or imprisoned for any term of years or for life.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: law.cornell.edu: 241

- [confirmed] Cottone v. Jenne: no respondeat superior liability for supervisors under § 1983
  The Eleventh Circuit in Cottone v. Jenne (2003) stated that it is well established in the Circuit that supervisory officials are not liable under § 1983 for the unconstitutional acts of their subordinates on the basis of respondeat superior or vicarious liability.
  Date: 2003-04-11
  Tags: legal,corruption
  Sources: Cottone v. Jenne, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2003-04-11 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Porter v. State upheld conviction for cruelty to children by failing to obtain medical treatment
  The Georgia Court of Appeals held that evidence Porter was present and in close contact with her son each evening during days of ongoing abuse, that his suffering would have been obvious, and that she did nothing to alleviate his suffering until he stopped breathing, was sufficient to support her conviction for cruelty to children by failing to obtain necessary medical treatment.
  Date: 2000-03-24
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Porter v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2000-03-24 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Screws plurality doctrine applied in D.C. Circuit
  United States v. Mark Clark (D.C. Cir. 2025) explained Screws v. United States, 325 U.S. 91 (1945) (plurality), continuing the line of authority requiring specific intent for criminal civil-rights violations.
  Date: 2025-10-10
  Tags: legal
  Sources: United States v. Mark Clark, Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, 2025-10-10 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] State v. Tullis: violation of oath requires more than a misdemeanor
  The Court of Appeals of Georgia held that violation of oath by a public officer under O.C.G.A. § 16-10-1 'requires more than the commission of a misdemeanor by a public officer,' affirming dismissal of a violation-of-oath count against a police officer who took a candy bar without paying.
  Date: 1994-05-16
  Tags: legal,corruption
  Sources: State v. Tullis, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 1994-05-16 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-2-6 criminal intention not presumed
  O.C.G.A. § 16-2-6 provides a person will not be presumed to act with criminal intention but the trier of facts may find such intention upon consideration of the words, conduct, demeanor, motive, and all other circumstances connected with the act for which the accused is prosecuted.
  Tags: legal,policy
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-2-6 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] School officials granted judgment on pleadings on official immunity grounds
  On certiorari, the Supreme Court of Georgia reversed the Court of Appeals and held school officials were entitled to judgment on the pleadings: creating a school safety plan is a discretionary (not ministerial) duty; the reporting statute creates no private cause of action; there is no ministerial duty to provide medical care to students; and allegations of deliberate wrongdoing done with reckless disregard do not allege the "actual malice" (intent to cause the harm suffered) needed to overcome official immunity.
  Date: 2007-06-25
  Tags: legal,policy
  Sources: Murphy v. Bajjani, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2007-06-25 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] RICO predicate offenses include homicide, assault, kidnapping under O.C.G.A. § 16-14-3
  Georgia's RICO statute defines 'racketeering activity' to include, among a long list of predicate crimes chargeable by indictment, homicide in violation of Article 1 of Chapter 5 of Title 16, assault and battery in violation of Article 2 of Chapter 5, kidnapping/false imprisonment in violation of Article 3 of Chapter 5, and tampering with evidence in violation of Code Section 16-10-94.
  Tags: legal,violence,gangs,corruption
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-14-3 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Actual malice requires deliberate intention to cause the harm suffered
  Mercado v. Swoope holds that a deliberate intention to do wrong sufficient to constitute actual malice (and overcome official immunity) must be the intent to cause the harm suffered by the plaintiff, quoting Merrow v. Hawkins, 266 Ga. 390, 391 (467 SE2d 336) (1996).
  Date: 2017-03-10
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Mercado v. Swoope, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2017-03-10 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 17-7-52(a) requires 20-day pre-indictment notice to peace officers
  O.C.G.A. § 17-7-52(a) requires that before a bill of indictment or special presentment against a present or former peace officer charging a crime alleged to have occurred while in performance of duties is presented to a grand jury, the officer must be given a copy of the proposed indictment and written notice at least 20 days before the grand jury begins hearing evidence, informing the officer of specified rights including the right to testify.
  Tags: legal,policy
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 17-7-52 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [reported] Boyd v. Nichols granted summary judgment on jail staffing claim absent evidence of understaffing
  Boyd v. Nichols (M.D. Ga. 2009) followed Purcell ex rel. Estate of Morgan v. Toombs County, 400 F.3d 1313, 1322 n.18 (11th Cir. 2005), which noted no expert testified that the jail, given its inmate capacity, was understaffed. Without evidence from Boyd that the jail was inadequately staffed, Defendant Brogdon was entitled to summary judgment on the staffing claim.
  Date: 2009-05-05
  Tags: legal,staffing
  Sources: Boyd v. Nichols, District Court, M.D. Georgia, 2009-05-05 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-4-8.1 allows conspiracy conviction even if target crime completed
  O.C.G.A. § 16-4-8.1 provides a person may be convicted of conspiracy to commit a crime even if the crime which was the objective of the conspiracy was actually committed or completed in pursuance of the conspiracy, but such person may not be convicted of both conspiracy to commit a crime and the completed crime.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-4-8.1 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Kennedy maximum sentence and fine
  Kennedy faced a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, with sentencing scheduled for Oct. 13, 2010.
  Date: 2010-01-01
  Tags: legal
  Sources: DOJ Press Release: Former Bureau of Prisons Corrections Officer Convicted of Federal Civil Rights Charges

- [confirmed] Cruelty to children first degree (malicious pain)
  O.C.G.A. § 16-5-70(b) provides that any person commits cruelty to children in the first degree when such person maliciously causes a child under the age of 18 cruel or excessive physical or mental pain.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-70 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Marbury: three elements of a § 1983 deliberate-indifference claim
  The Eleventh Circuit held in Marbury v. Warden that to establish a § 1983 claim for deliberate indifference, a plaintiff must show (1) a substantial risk of serious harm; (2) the defendants' deliberate indifference to that risk; and (3) causation.
  Date: 2019-08-29
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Mitchell Marbury v. Warden, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2019-08-29 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Brown v. State: directed verdict required for codefendant with only presence evidence
  The Supreme Court of Georgia reversed the murder conviction of a codefendant because, aside from his mere presence, there was no evidence of his participation in the shooting, and the trial court erred in not granting a directed verdict of acquittal because the evidence was not sufficient for conviction as a party to the crime.
  Date: 1983-04-25
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Brown v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1983-04-25 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Adorno: failure to intervene in known abuse supports cruelty-to-children conviction
  The Georgia Court of Appeals affirmed Sheila Adorno's convictions on two counts of cruelty to children in the first degree, holding there was evidence from which the jury could infer that Adorno was aware of her boyfriend's sexual abuse of her daughters but did not adequately intervene, and that this evidence was sufficient to support the convictions.
  Date: 2012-03-01
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Adorno v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2012-03-01 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Farmer v. Brennan: subjective-awareness standard for failure to protect
  The Supreme Court held that a prison official violates the Eighth Amendment for failure to protect only if the official is subjectively aware of facts showing a substantial risk of serious harm and disregards that risk; the official must both be aware of facts from which the inference could be drawn that a substantial risk of serious harm exists, and must also draw the inference.
  Date: 1994-06-06
  Tags: legal,violence,conditions
  Sources: Farmer v. Brennan, Supreme Court of the United States, 1994-06-06 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Cottone v. Jenne: supervisory liability requires personal participation or causal connection
  The Eleventh Circuit held in Cottone v. Jenne that supervisory liability under § 1983 occurs either when the supervisor personally participates in the alleged unconstitutional conduct or when there is a causal connection between the actions of a supervising official and the alleged constitutional deprivation.
  Date: 2003-04-11
  Tags: legal,corruption
  Sources: Cottone v. Jenne, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2003-04-11 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Porter v. State reversed and remanded for new trial due to excluded psychologist testimony
  The Court of Appeals of Georgia held the evidence was sufficient to support the mother's convictions for cruelty to children (directly and as a party to her husband's abuse, and by failing to obtain medical treatment) and contributing to deprivation, but reversed and ordered a retrial because the trial court abused its discretion in excluding a psychologist's testimony that she was psychologically unable to perceive the abuse, which was her only defense.
  Date: 2000-03-24
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Porter v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2000-03-24 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Eleventh Circuit 'clearly established law' rule limited to Supreme Court, Eleventh Circuit, or state high court
  Jenkins ex rel. Hall v. Talladega City Board of Education (11th Cir. en banc 1997) held: 'In this circuit, the law can be "clearly established" for qualified immunity purposes only by decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court, Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, or the highest court of the state where the case arose. Hamilton v. Cannon, 80 F.3d 1525, 1532 n. 7 (11th Cir.1996) (citing Courson v. McMillian, 939 F.2d 1479, 1497-98 & n. 32 (11th Cir.1991)).' This narrows the sources of clearly established law available to plaintiffs suing Georgia prison staff.
  Date: 1997-06-02
  Tags: legal,policy
  Sources: Jenkins ex rel. Hall v. Talladega City Board of Education, Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, 1997-06-02 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] State v. Tullis: oath offense requires connection to official duties
  The Court of Appeals of Georgia stated that prior decisions 'uniformly require some connection between the offense and the public officer's official duties' to sustain a violation-of-oath conviction under O.C.G.A. § 16-10-1.
  Date: 1994-05-16
  Tags: legal
  Sources: State v. Tullis, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 1994-05-16 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-10-1(a) violation of oath by public officer penalty
  Georgia's violation-of-oath-by-public-officer statute, O.C.G.A. § 16-10-1(a), provides that any public officer who willfully and intentionally violates the terms of his or her oath shall, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years.
  Tags: legal,policy
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-10-1 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Georgia proximate cause jury charge upheld
  The Court of Appeals of Georgia upheld a jury charge defining proximate cause to include that "an injury or damage is proximately caused by an act or a failure to act whenever it appears from the evidence in the case that the act or omission played a substantial part in bringing about or actually causing the injury or damage and that the injury or damage was either a direct result or a reasonably probable consequence of the act or omission."
  Date: 1984-02-22
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Johnson v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 1984-02-22 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Pattern of racketeering activity definition under O.C.G.A. § 16-14-3
  O.C.G.A. § 16-14-3 defines 'pattern of racketeering activity' as engaging in at least two acts of racketeering activity in furtherance of one or more incidents, schemes, or transactions with the same or similar intents, results, accomplices, victims, or methods of commission, provided at least one act occurred after July 1, 1980, and the last act occurred within four years (excluding periods of imprisonment) after a prior act.
  Tags: legal,gangs,corruption
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-14-3 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Merrow v. Hawkins disapproved reckless-disregard exception to immunity
  Williams v. Solomon notes that Merrow v. Hawkins, 266 Ga. 390, 393 (467 SE2d 336) (1996), disapproved language in Logue indicating immunity does not apply to acts taken in reckless disregard for the rights or safety of others.
  Date: 1996-01-01
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Williams v. Solomon, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2000-03-16 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 17-7-52(i)(2) applies to all felony and misdemeanor prosecutions except nonserious traffic offenses
  O.C.G.A. § 17-7-52(i)(2) provides that the Code section's requirements apply to all prosecutions, whether felonies or misdemeanors other than nonserious traffic offenses, and that no such prosecution shall proceed in state or superior court without a grand jury indictment or special presentment.
  Tags: legal,policy
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 17-7-52 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [reported] McAuley v. Wills: negligence too remote to be proximate cause of after-conceived child's death
  In a wrongful-death action, the Supreme Court of Georgia held as a matter of law that the driver's negligence in a car crash and the later death of the injured passenger's after-conceived child were too remote, so the driver's negligence was not the proximate cause; the dismissal was affirmed.
  Date: 1983-05-11
  Tags: legal
  Sources: McAuley v. Wills, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1983-05-11 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] 18 U.S.C. § 242 graduated penalty structure
  18 U.S.C. § 242 provides a graduated penalty structure: the base offense is punished by imprisonment of not more than one year, or both fine and imprisonment; if bodily injury results or the acts include use, attempted use, or threatened use of a dangerous weapon, explosives, or fire, imprisonment of not more than ten years, or both; and if death results or the acts include kidnapping, attempted kidnapping, aggravated sexual abuse, attempted aggravated sexual abuse, or attempted killing, imprisonment for any term of years or for life, or both, or a death sentence.
  Tags: legal,policy,death
  Sources: § 242 Title 18—CRIMES and Criminal Procedure Page 92

- [confirmed] Kidd v. Coates: official immunity for discretionary acts absent actual malice or intent to injure
  The Supreme Court of Georgia in Kidd v. Coates held that officers are liable in tort for discretionary acts only if they performed those acts with actual malice or with actual intent to cause injury in the performance of their official functions, citing Ga. Const. of 1983, Art. I, Sec. II, Par. IX(d).
  Date: 1999-05-03
  Tags: legal,policy
  Sources: Kidd v. Coates, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1999-05-03 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Marbury: generalized-risk deliberate indifference requires violence that is 'the norm or something close to it'
  The Eleventh Circuit held that to establish deliberate indifference based on a generalized risk of violence, a plaintiff must show that serious inmate-on-inmate violence was the norm or something close to it.
  Date: 2019-08-29
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Mitchell Marbury v. Warden, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2019-08-29 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Tanner v. State: mere presence at crime scene insufficient for consent and concurrence
  The Supreme Court of Georgia held that mere presence of a party at the scene of the commission of a crime at the moment of its perpetration would not of itself authorize a jury to find the person guilty of consent and concurrence in the perpetration of the crime, without other evidence of aiding and abetting the actual perpetrator or of having participated in the felonious design of the actual perpetrator.
  Date: 1925-10-14
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Tanner v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1925-10-14 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Adorno cites Johnson and Straker on mother's failure-to-intervene liability
  The Georgia Court of Appeals in Adorno cited its own precedent affirming a mother's cruelty-to-children conviction based on evidence that the mother did not intervene despite knowledge that her boyfriend was sexually abusing her daughter, citing Johnson v. State and Straker v. State as the same.
  Date: 2012-03-01
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Adorno v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2012-03-01 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Farmer v. Brennan: duty to protect prisoners from other prisoners
  The Supreme Court stated that prison officials have a duty to protect prisoners from violence at the hands of other prisoners.
  Date: 1994-06-06
  Tags: legal,violence,conditions
  Sources: Farmer v. Brennan, Supreme Court of the United States, 1994-06-06 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Cottone v. Jenne: causal connection via history of widespread abuse
  Cottone v. Jenne states the necessary causal connection for § 1983 supervisory liability can be established when a history of widespread abuse puts the responsible supervisor on notice of the need to correct the alleged deprivation, and he fails to do so.
  Date: 2003-04-11
  Tags: legal,corruption
  Sources: Cottone v. Jenne, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2003-04-11 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Porter v. State cited in Johnson v. State for omission-based party liability
  Porter v. State (Court of Appeals of Georgia) is the case Johnson v. State cited with 'But see' against the argument that failure to intervene cannot support party-to-a-crime liability: Porter upheld the sufficiency of a mother's conviction as a party to her husband's cruelty to her son on evidence that she knew of the abuse and did not go home, resting on O.C.G.A. § 16-2-20(b) and naming no earlier case for omission-based party liability.
  Date: 2000-03-24
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Porter v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2000-03-24 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] State v. Tullis rejects on-duty misdemeanor as felony oath violation
  The Court of Appeals of Georgia rejected the State's argument that a misdemeanor committed while on duty violates a police officer's oath, reasoning that such an interpretation 'effectively would render any commission of a misdemeanor by a police officer a felony under OCGA § 16-10-1,' and the court could not conclude the General Assembly intended that result.
  Date: 1994-05-16
  Tags: legal
  Sources: State v. Tullis, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 1994-05-16 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-10-1(b) peace officer oath prosecution limitation
  Under O.C.G.A. § 16-10-1(b), a peace officer as defined in Code Section 35-8-2 who has sworn the oath or oaths prescribed in Code Sections 15-16-4 and 45-3-7 is subject to prosecution under § 16-10-1 only for violations of such oath or oaths as prescribed.
  Tags: legal,policy
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-10-1 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Criminal negligence defined as more than civil want of due care
  The Court of Appeals of Georgia quoted Cain v. State's definition of criminal negligence as "such recklessness or carelessness, resulting in injury or death, as imports a thoughtless disregard of consequences or a heedless indifference to the safety and rights of others and a reasonable foresight that injury would result," which is "something more" than the want of due care required for civil liability.
  Date: 1984-02-22
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Johnson v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 1984-02-22 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Involuntary manslaughter in commission of unlawful act under O.C.G.A. § 16-5-3(a)
  O.C.G.A. § 16-5-3(a) provides that a person commits involuntary manslaughter in the commission of an unlawful act when he causes the death of another human being without any intention to do so by the commission of an unlawful act other than a felony, punishable by imprisonment for not less than one year nor more than ten years.
  Tags: legal,violence,death
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-3 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Reckless disregard standard from Murphy v. Bajjani
  Wyno v. Lowndes County cites Murphy v. Bajjani for the standard of reckless disregard for the rights or safety of others in the official-immunity analysis.
  Date: 2019-02-18
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Wyno v. Lowndes County, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2019-02-18 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 17-7-52(a)(3)-(4) notice must inform officer of right but not compulsion to testify
  O.C.G.A. § 17-7-52(a)(3) requires the notice to inform the officer that he or she may request, but cannot be compelled, to testify before the grand jury regarding his or her conduct, and (a)(4) that if the officer requests to testify he will be permitted to do so at the conclusion of the state's case-in-chief and may be questioned by the prosecuting attorney or grand jury members as any other witness.
  Tags: legal,policy
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 17-7-52 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [reported] McAuley v. Wills: proximate cause is a jury question but may be decided as a matter of law in plain cases
  In McAuley v. Wills, the majority stated that proximate cause is 'undeniably a jury question' but will be determined by the court as a matter of law in plain and undisputed cases, resting that on Callaway v. Pickard.
  Date: 1983-05-11
  Tags: legal
  Sources: McAuley v. Wills, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1983-05-11 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Kidd v. Coates defines actual intent to cause injury as intent to cause harm, not merely intent to act
  The Supreme Court of Georgia in Kidd v. Coates stated that 'actual intent to cause injury' means an actual intent to cause harm to the plaintiff, not merely an intent to do the act purportedly resulting in the claimed injury, and that this definition contains aspects of malice, perhaps a wicked or evil motive.
  Date: 1999-05-03
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Kidd v. Coates, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1999-05-03 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Marbury: plaintiff must show more than generalized awareness of risk
  Marbury v. Warden states that a plaintiff must show more than a generalized awareness of risk to make out a deliberate-indifference claim.
  Date: 2019-08-29
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Mitchell Marbury v. Warden, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2019-08-29 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-5-70(b): cruelty to children in the first degree defined
  O.C.G.A. § 16-5-70(b) provides that a person commits the offense of cruelty to children in the first degree when such person maliciously causes a child under the age of 18 cruel or excessive physical or mental pain, as quoted by the Georgia Court of Appeals in Adorno.
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Adorno v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2012-03-01 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Farmer v. Brennan: knowledge may be inferred from obvious risk
  Farmer v. Brennan states that whether a prison official had the requisite knowledge of a substantial risk is a question of fact subject to demonstration in the usual ways, including inference from circumstantial evidence, and a factfinder may conclude that a prison official knew of a substantial risk from the very fact that the risk was obvious, though it is not required to do so.
  Date: 1994-06-06
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Farmer v. Brennan, Supreme Court of the United States, 1994-06-06 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Cottone v. Jenne: Fourteenth Amendment failure-to-protect standard
  Cottone v. Jenne states that a Fourteenth Amendment failure-to-protect violation occurs when a substantial risk of serious harm, of which the official is subjectively aware, exists and the official does not respond reasonably to the risk.
  Date: 2003-04-11
  Tags: legal,conditions,violence
  Sources: Cottone v. Jenne, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2003-04-11 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Purcell framework applies only to convicted prisoners
  Goodman v. Kimbrough (11th Cir. 2013) explained that the Purcell ex rel. Estate of Morgan v. Toombs County jurisprudence 'applies only to convicted prisoners. See Purcell ex rel. Estate of Morgan v.' This distinguishes the deliberate-indifference standard for sentenced inmates from the standard applicable to pretrial detainees.
  Date: 2013-06-21
  Tags: legal,conditions
  Sources: Mary Goodman v. Clayton County Sheriff Kemuel Kimbrough, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2013-06-21 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] State v. Tullis affirmed dismissal of violation-of-oath count
  On the State's appeal from dismissal of a violation-of-oath count against a police officer who took a candy bar without paying, the Court of Appeals of Georgia affirmed, holding O.C.G.A. § 16-10-1 does not reach every misdemeanor by a public officer and requires some connection between the offense and the officer's official duties.
  Date: 1994-05-16
  Tags: legal
  Sources: State v. Tullis, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 1994-05-16 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-10-1(c) oath violation prosecution requires felony or high aggravated misdemeanor predicate
  O.C.G.A. § 16-10-1(c) provides that no individual shall be subject to prosecution for violation of his or her oath of office under that Code section, except where such violation is predicated upon the commission of a felony or a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature.
  Tags: legal,policy
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-10-1 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] OCGA 16-2-1 crime requires act or omission plus intention or criminal negligence
  The Court of Appeals of Georgia stated that "[a] 'crime' is a violation of a statute of this state in which there is a joint operation of an act or omission to act and intention or criminal negligence," quoting OCGA § 16-2-1.
  Date: 1984-02-22
  Tags: legal,legislation
  Sources: Johnson v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 1984-02-22 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Involuntary manslaughter in commission of lawful act in unlawful manner under O.C.G.A. § 16-5-3(b)
  O.C.G.A. § 16-5-3(b) provides that a person commits involuntary manslaughter in the commission of a lawful act in an unlawful manner when he causes the death of another human being without intention to do so, by the commission of a lawful act in an unlawful manner likely to cause death or great bodily harm, punished as for a misdemeanor.
  Tags: legal,violence,death
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-3 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] State v. Jackson holds felony murder requires only proximate causation, overruling State v. Crane
  The Supreme Court of Georgia held that the felony murder statute, O.C.G.A. § 16-5-1(c), requires only that the defendant's felonious conduct proximately cause the death of another person, overruling State v. Crane's 'caused directly' test; it reversed the trial court and remanded for the jury to decide causation at trial.
  Date: 2010-06-28
  Tags: legal
  Sources: State v. Jackson – CourtListener.com

- [reported] Atlanta Obstetrics v. Coleman restored jury verdict on proximate cause
  The Supreme Court of Georgia held that a medical-malpractice case was not a 'plain and undisputed' case on proximate cause; the record had evidence the doctor's negligence proximately caused the injury, and the jury verdict against him had to be restored (judgment n.o.v. reversed).
  Date: 1990-11-29
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Group, P. A. v. Coleman, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1990-11-29 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Notification requirement for inmate deaths
  O.C.G.A. § 42-5-7 requires that whenever any inmate dies suddenly or under unusual circumstances in any correctional institution, the warden or superintendent shall immediately notify the commissioner and shall also notify the coroner of the county in which the death occurs.
  Tags: legal,death,investigations
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-5-7 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Kidd v. Coates: self-defense act within official immunity scope
  In a wrongful-death suit against officers who shot a man while executing a no-knock warrant, the Supreme Court of Georgia held that 'actual intent to cause injury' under the constitutional official-immunity provision means intent to cause harm, not merely intent to do the act, so an officer's work-related act justified by self-defense is within official immunity; with self-defense undisputed, summary judgment for the officers was affirmed.
  Date: 1999-05-03
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Kidd v. Coates, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1999-05-03 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Marbury: negligent failure to protect does not justify § 1983 liability
  The Eleventh Circuit in Marbury held that merely negligent failure to protect an inmate from attack does not justify liability under section 1983, and that allowing a deliberate-indifference claim to proceed absent sufficient evidence of subjective awareness of a substantial risk would elide the subtle distinction between deliberate indifference and mere negligence.
  Date: 2019-08-29
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Mitchell Marbury v. Warden, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2019-08-29 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Screws definition of willfully
  In Screws v. United States, the Supreme Court stated that when used in a criminal statute, 'willfully' generally means an act done with a bad purpose.
  Date: 1945-05-07
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Screws v. United States, Supreme Court of the United States, 1945-05-07 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Johnson: mother's failure to protect daughter from abuse supported cruelty count
  The Georgia Court of Appeals in Johnson affirmed a separate cruelty-to-children count against the mother charging her with ignoring her daughter's repeated pleas that she was being sexually abused and failing to protect her daughter from that abuse, holding the evidence that the mother was home, heard the abuse, failed to intervene, and told her daughter 'it will be over' was sufficient.
  Date: 2006-12-01
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Johnson v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2006-12-01 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Farmer v. Brennan: risk source and personal-vs-generalized risk irrelevant
  Farmer v. Brennan states that it does not matter whether the risk of serious harm to an inmate comes from a single source or multiple sources, or whether a prisoner faces an excessive risk of attack for reasons personal to him or because all prisoners in his situation face such a risk.
  Date: 1994-06-06
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Farmer v. Brennan, Supreme Court of the United States, 1994-06-06 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Andrews v. Biggers applied Purcell qualified-immunity analysis
  Andrews v. Biggers (11th Cir. 2021) followed Purcell ex rel. Estate of Morgan v. Toombs County, Ga., citing 'immunity under Purcell. See 400 F.3d at 1325.' The case continues the Eleventh Circuit's application of Purcell to qualified-immunity defenses in custodial-safety suits.
  Date: 2021-05-07
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Oqueshia Andrews v. Carmel Biggers, Jr., Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, 2021-05-07 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-5-1(a) definition of murder
  O.C.G.A. § 16-5-1(a) provides a person commits the offense of murder when he unlawfully and with malice aforethought, either express or implied, causes the death of another human being.
  Tags: legal,policy
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-1 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Vehicular homicide conviction affirmed; proximate cause and criminal negligence charges proper
  Affirming a first-degree vehicular homicide conviction, the Court of Appeals held the trial court's charge properly applied and defined proximate cause (rejecting the claim that it imported a civil standard; the defendant had himself requested similar language and did not object), and that the court did not err in charging that criminal negligence applies to vehicular homicide; other enumerations were rejected.
  Date: 1984-02-22
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Johnson v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 1984-02-22 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-5-3 last amended in 1984
  O.C.G.A. § 16-5-3 was last amended by Ga. L. 1984, p. 397, § 1, per its history line.
  Date: 1984-01-01
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-3 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Georgia Supreme Court proximate cause standard: substantial part and direct or reasonably probable consequence
  The Georgia Supreme Court stated that proximate cause exists when the accused's act or omission played a substantial part in bringing about or actually causing the victim's injury or damage, and the injury or damage was either a direct result or a reasonably probable consequence of the act or omission.
  Date: 2010-06-28
  Tags: legal
  Sources: State v. Jackson – CourtListener.com

- [reported] Atlanta Obstetrics v. Coleman adopted mixed considerations formula for proximate cause
  Atlanta Obstetrics v. Coleman is the first Supreme Court of Georgia majority opinion found adopting the 'mixed considerations of logic, common sense, justice, policy and precedent' formula for proximate cause; it took the words from Street's treatise as quoted in Justice Weltner's McAuley dissent and said proximate cause is a mixed question of law and fact ordinarily for the jury.
  Date: 1990-11-29
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Group, P. A. v. Coleman, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1990-11-29 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] GBI autopsy jurisdiction over deaths in state buildings
  O.C.G.A. § 45-16-25(d) provides that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation is authorized to perform a post mortem examination and autopsy on a person whose death occurs within a state owned or leased building or on the curtilage of such building, and that GBI's jurisdiction over such a death supersedes any other authority or jurisdiction otherwise provided for a post mortem examination or autopsy.
  Tags: legal,death,investigations
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 45-16-25 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Marbury: officials need details showing 'strong likelihood' of injury, not 'mere possibility'
  The Eleventh Circuit in Marbury held that officials must possess enough details about a threat to enable them to conclude that it presents a strong likelihood of injury, not a mere possibility, and that threats between inmates are common and do not, under all circumstances, serve to impute actual knowledge of a substantial risk of harm.
  Date: 2019-08-29
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Mitchell Marbury v. Warden, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2019-08-29 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Screws specific intent standard
  The Screws plurality states that one acting with specific intent either knows or acts in reckless disregard of the statute's prohibition of the deprivation of a defined constitutional or other federal right.
  Date: 1945-05-07
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Screws v. United States, Supreme Court of the United States, 1945-05-07 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Johnson: party-to-a-crime standard under O.C.G.A. § 16-2-20
  The Georgia Court of Appeals in Johnson stated that a person is concerned in the commission of a crime under O.C.G.A. § 16-2-20 if he intentionally aids or abets in the commission of the crime, or intentionally advises, encourages, hires, counsels, or procures another to commit the crime, and that mere presence at the scene and mere approval of the criminal act do not amount to sufficient evidence to establish party-to-the-crime liability.
  Date: 2006-12-01
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Johnson v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2006-12-01 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Farmer v. Brennan: deliberate indifference defined as subjective recklessness
  The Supreme Court (majority opinion by Souter, J.) defined Eighth Amendment deliberate indifference as subjective recklessness: a prison official is liable for denying humane conditions only if the official knows inmates face a substantial risk of serious harm and disregards it by failing to take reasonable measures to abate it. Because the district court may have treated the inmate's failure to notify officials as dispositive, the Court vacated and remanded the summary judgment for the officials.
  Date: 1994-06-06
  Tags: legal,violence,conditions
  Sources: Farmer v. Brennan, Supreme Court of the United States, 1994-06-06 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Keith v. DeKalb County: three elements of deliberate indifference
  The Eleventh Circuit in Keith v. DeKalb County (2014) held that deliberate indifference requires (1) subjective knowledge of a risk of serious harm; (2) disregard of that risk; (3) by conduct that is more than gross negligence.
  Date: 2014-04-23
  Tags: legal,conditions
  Sources: Keith Ex Rel. Estate of Cook v. DeKalb County, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2014-04-23 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Gilbert v. Richardson: 1991 amendment official immunity standard
  Gilbert v. Richardson quotes the 1991 constitutional amendment's subsection (d): state officers and employees may be sued and liable for injuries caused by negligent performance or failure to perform ministerial functions, or if they act with actual malice or actual intent to cause injury in performing official functions; otherwise they are not subject to suit or liability for performance or nonperformance of official functions.
  Date: 1994-11-21
  Tags: legal,policy
  Sources: Gilbert v. Richardson, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1994-11-21 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-5-1(b) express and implied malice
  O.C.G.A. § 16-5-1(b) provides express malice is that deliberate intention unlawfully to take the life of another human being which is manifested by external circumstances capable of proof, and malice shall be implied where no considerable provocation appears and where all the circumstances of the killing show an abandoned and malignant heart.
  Tags: legal,policy
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-1 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Cain v. State source of criminal negligence definition quoted in Johnson
  Cain v. State (Court of Appeals of Georgia), in its own opinion, states that criminal negligence is "such recklessness or carelessness, resulting in injury or death, as imports a thoughtless disregard of consequences or a heedless indifference to the safety and rights of others and a reasonable foresight that injury would result", the passage Johnson v. State quotes, with Johnson inserting "[vehicular homicide]" after "manslaughter".
  Date: 1984-02-22
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Johnson v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 1984-02-22 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] RICO prohibitions under O.C.G.A. § 16-14-4(a)-(c)
  O.C.G.A. § 16-14-4(a) makes it unlawful for any person, through a pattern of racketeering activity or proceeds derived therefrom, to acquire or maintain, directly or indirectly, any interest in or control of any enterprise, real property, or personal property of any nature, including money; subsection (b) makes it unlawful for any person employed by or associated with any enterprise to conduct or participate in, directly or indirectly, such enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity; and subsection (c) makes it unlawful to conspire or endeavor to violate subsection (a) or (b), requiring an overt act.
  Tags: legal,gangs,corruption
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-14-4 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Keith v. DeKalb County cited for deliberate indifference standard
  Keith v. DeKalb County, 749 F.3d 1034, 1048 (11th Cir. 2014), is cited in Myrick v. Fulton County and Christmas v. Harris County for the deliberate-indifference standard governing jail and prison conditions claims.
  Date: 2014-01-01
  Tags: legal,conditions
  Sources: Lynette Christmas v. Harris County, Georgia, Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, 2022-10-28 (court record via CourtListener); April Myrick v. Fulton County, Georgia, Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, 2023-06-07 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Proximate causation imposes liability for reasonably foreseeable results absent sufficient independent intervening cause
  The Georgia Supreme Court described proximate causation in criminal law as imposing liability for the reasonably foreseeable results of criminal conduct if there is no sufficient, independent, and unforeseen intervening cause.
  Date: 2010-06-28
  Tags: legal
  Sources: State v. Jackson – CourtListener.com

- [reported] Guthrie v. Irons: official immunity protected school officials in student beating death
  The Court of Appeals of Georgia held that a school principal and teacher sued personally for a student's beating death were protected by official immunity: their own privately bought insurance did not waive it, and the supervision acts complained of were discretionary.
  Date: 1993-12-03
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Guthrie v. Irons, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 1993-12-03 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-5-21(a) defines aggravated assault
  O.C.G.A. § 16-5-21(a) defines aggravated assault to include assault with a deadly weapon or with any object, device, or instrument which, when used offensively against a person, is likely to or actually does result in serious bodily injury.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-21 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Definitions of disabled adult and elder person
  O.C.G.A. § 16-5-100(3) and (4), the definitions section of Title 16's Disabled Adults and Elder Persons article, define 'disabled adult' as a person 18 years of age or older who is mentally or physically incapacitated or has Alzheimer's disease or dementia, and 'elder person' as a person 65 years of age or older -- definitions that would not reach an adult prisoner who is not incapacitated, has Alzheimer's, or has dementia and is under 65.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-100 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Hood v. State: proximate causation in felony murder
  The Supreme Court of Georgia restated that proximate causation in felony murder exists if the felony the defendant committed directly and materially contributed to the happening of a subsequent accruing immediate cause of the death, or if the homicide was committed within the res gestae of the felony and is one of the incidental, probable consequences of the execution of the design to commit the predicate felony.
  Date: 2018-03-05
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Hood v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2018-03-05 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Marbury footnote cites Lane v. Philbin: 90% gang-member building supported awareness finding
  The Eleventh Circuit in Marbury noted in a footnote citing Lane v. Philbin that courts have found potential awareness of a substantial risk of serious harm where a plaintiff alleged that a particular prison building was composed of 90% gang members, it was common for non-gang-affiliate or non-Muslim inmates to be robbed or stabbed, and the prison had inadequate supervision to prevent inmates from making homemade weapons.
  Date: 2019-08-29
  Tags: legal,gangs,violence,contraband
  Sources: Mitchell Marbury v. Warden, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2019-08-29 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Screws reversed Georgia sheriff convictions
  The Supreme Court reversed the § 20 (now 18 U.S.C. § 242) convictions of a Georgia sheriff and two officers who beat a handcuffed arrestee to death, and remanded for a new trial. The plurality construed 'willfully' to require a specific intent to deprive a person of a federal right made definite by decision or other rule of law; that construction saved the statute from vagueness, and the jury had not been instructed on it. The plurality also held the officers acted 'under color of' law.
  Date: 1945-05-07
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Screws v. United States, Supreme Court of the United States, 1945-05-07 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Johnson: criminal intent inferable from conduct before, during, after crime
  The Georgia Court of Appeals stated that mere presence at the scene of a crime and mere approval of the criminal act do not amount to sufficient evidence to establish that a defendant is a party to the crime, but that criminal intent may be inferred from a defendant's conduct before, during and after the commission of the crime.
  Date: 2006-12-01
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Johnson v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2006-12-01 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Keith v. DeKalb County: widespread abuse must be obvious, flagrant, rampant, continued
  The Eleventh Circuit in Keith v. DeKalb County held that the deprivations that constitute widespread abuse sufficient to notify the supervising official must be obvious, flagrant, rampant and of continued duration, rather than isolated occurrences.
  Date: 2014-04-23
  Tags: legal,corruption
  Sources: Keith Ex Rel. Estate of Cook v. DeKalb County, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2014-04-23 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Burrage abrogated prior Eighth Circuit causation precedents
  Ragland v. United States (8th Cir. 2014) noted: 'See Burrage, 571 U.S. at-, -, 134 S.Ct. at 886, 892 (abrogating United States v. Monnier, 412 F.3d 859, 862 (8th Cir.2005), and United States v. McIntosh, 236 F.3d 968, 972-73 (8th Cir.2001)).' Burrage displaced earlier, looser causation standards for drug-result offenses.
  Date: 2014-06-23
  Tags: legal,drugs
  Sources: Dorian Ragland v. United States, Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, 2014-06-23 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] State v. Phillips: violation of oath may be inherently dangerous felony-murder predicate
  The Supreme Court of Georgia held that a trial court erred in granting police officers' general demurrer to a felony-murder count predicated on violation of oath by public officer on the ground that violation of oath is not inherently dangerous, because a felony not inherently dangerous per se 'may be considered inherently dangerous, depending on whether the circumstances of its commission created a foreseeable risk of death,' and nothing in the indictment's factual allegations precluded a jury from so concluding.
  Date: 2025-12-09
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: State v. PHILLIPS, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2025-12-09 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-5-1(c) felony murder
  O.C.G.A. § 16-5-1(c) provides a person commits the offense of murder when, in the commission of a felony, he or she causes the death of another human being irrespective of malice (felony murder).
  Tags: legal,policy
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-1 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Cruelty to children failure to provide medical care must be malicious, not negligent mistake
  A concurring Justice emphasized that to constitute the crime of cruelty to children, "the failure to provide medical care may not be based on a parent's or guardian's negligent mistake in judgment as to when medical care is required, but must be based on the malicious failure to provide that care," quoting OCGA § 16-5-70(b)'s requirement that a person "commits the offense of cruelty to children when he maliciously causes a child ... cruel or excessive physical or mental pain."
  Date: 1994-02-28
  Tags: legal,medical
  Sources: Woodbury v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1994-02-28 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] RICO penalties under O.C.G.A. § 16-14-5
  O.C.G.A. § 16-14-5(a) provides that any person convicted of violating § 16-14-4 is guilty of a felony punishable by not less than five nor more than 20 years' imprisonment, or the fine specified in subsection (b), or both; subsection (b) allows a fine up to the greater of $25,000 or three times the pecuniary value gained.
  Tags: legal,gangs,corruption
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-14-5 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Causation requires cause in fact and legal cause
  State v. Ovalle cites Melancon v. State, 319 Ga. 741, 751, for the requirement that causation comprise both cause in fact and legal cause.
  Date: 2026-06-16
  Tags: legal
  Sources: State v. Ovalle, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2026-06-16 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Wilson v. State three-part proximate cause test restated in State v. Jackson
  In State v. Jackson the Supreme Court of Georgia restated the three-part Wilson v. State test for proximate cause in homicide cases: the injury must be the sole proximate cause of death, or directly and materially contribute to the happening of a subsequent accruing immediate cause of death, or materially accelerate death from a pre-existing cause.
  Date: 2010-06-28
  Tags: legal
  Sources: State v. Jackson – CourtListener.com

- [reported] Guthrie v. Irons earliest wording of official immunity for discretionary acts
  Guthrie v. Irons is the earliest opinion found using the wording that official immunity 'protects individual public agents from personal liability for discretionary actions taken within the scope of their official authority, and done without wilfulness, malice or corruption'; it rested the wording on Cooper v. Swofford, Hennessy v. Webb, and Truelove v. Wilson, not on Art. I, Sec. II, Par. IX(d).
  Date: 1993-12-03
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Guthrie v. Irons, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 1993-12-03 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-5-21(b) penalty for aggravated assault
  O.C.G.A. § 16-5-21(b) provides that, except as specified in subsections (c)-(m), a person convicted of aggravated assault shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than 20 years.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-21 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Immunity from criminal prosecution for use of force
  O.C.G.A. § 16-3-24.2 provides that a person who uses threats or force in accordance with Code Section 16-3-20, 16-3-21, 16-3-23, 16-3-23.1, 16-3-24, or 17-4-20 shall be immune from criminal prosecution therefor, unless in the use of deadly force such person utilizes a weapon the carrying or possession of which is unlawful under Part 2 of Article 4 of Chapter 11 of Title 16.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-3-24.2 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Merrow v. Hawkins: actual malice requires deliberate intention to do wrong
  The Supreme Court of Georgia held in Merrow v. Hawkins that in the context of official immunity, actual malice requires a deliberate intention to do wrong.
  Date: 1996-03-11
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Merrow v. Hawkins, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1996-03-11 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Marbury cites Rodriguez: gang-threat report to staff was sufficient notice
  The Eleventh Circuit in Marbury described Rodriguez v. Secretary for Department of Corrections as a case where a prisoner informed prison staff that members of his former gang had threatened to kill him upon release into the general prison population, and the court concluded that if true this allegation was sufficient notice.
  Date: 2019-08-29
  Tags: legal,gangs,violence
  Sources: Mitchell Marbury v. Warden, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2019-08-29 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Johnson: affirmative acts made mother a party to daughter's rapes
  The Georgia Court of Appeals held that the evidence was sufficient for the jury to conclude that, through her affirmative acts, the mother encouraged the rapes of her daughter by her boyfriend and acted as a party to them.
  Date: 2006-12-01
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Johnson v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2006-12-01 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Keith v. DeKalb County: sheriff not liable for relying on medical staff risk determinations
  The Eleventh Circuit in Keith v. DeKalb County held that a sheriff cannot be held liable for failing to segregate mental health inmates whom trained medical personnel have concluded do not present a risk of harm to themselves or others.
  Date: 2014-04-23
  Tags: legal,mental_health,medical
  Sources: Keith Ex Rel. Estate of Cook v. DeKalb County, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2014-04-23 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] OCGA § 16-5-1(b) defines express and implied malice
  The Supreme Court of Georgia quoted OCGA § 16-5-1(b) as providing: 'Express malice is that deliberate intention unlawfully to take the life of another human being which is manifested by external circumstances capable of proof. Malice shall be implied where no considerable provocation appears and where all the circumstances of the killing show an abandoned and malignant heart.'
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Burley v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2023-05-31 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Burrage 'results from' imposes actual-causality requirement (10th Cir.)
  United States v. Burkholder (10th Cir. 2016) followed Burrage, quoting: '""[r]esults from" imposes . . . a requirement of actual causality." Id. (emphasis', confirming that the causation element in drug-result offenses requires but-for proof.
  Date: 2016-03-04
  Tags: legal,drugs
  Sources: United States v. Burkholder, Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, 2016-03-04 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] State v. Phillips: any felony can be felony-murder predicate if inherently dangerous
  The Supreme Court of Georgia restated that '[a]ny felony can be a predicate for felony murder so long as it is "inherently dangerous to human life,"' meaning the felony is 'dangerous per se' or 'by its circumstances create[d] a foreseeable risk of death.'
  Date: 2025-12-09
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: State v. PHILLIPS, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2025-12-09 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-5-1(d) second-degree murder
  O.C.G.A. § 16-5-1(d) provides a person commits the offense of murder in the second degree when, in the commission of cruelty to children in the second degree, he or she causes the death of another human being irrespective of malice.
  Tags: legal,policy
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-1 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] OCGA 16-5-70(a) cruelty to children by willful deprivation of necessary sustenance
  The Supreme Court of Georgia quoted OCGA § 16-5-70(a) as providing: "A parent, guardian, or other person supervising the welfare of or having immediate charge or custody of a child under the age of 18 commits the offense of cruelty to children when he willfully deprives the child of necessary sustenance to the extent that the child's health or well-being is jeopardized."
  Date: 1993-02-05
  Tags: legal,legislation
  Sources: State v. Lawrence, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1993-02-05 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Reckless conduct misdemeanor under O.C.G.A. § 16-5-60(b)(2)
  O.C.G.A. § 16-5-60(b)(2) currently makes it a misdemeanor for a person to cause bodily harm to or endanger the bodily safety of another person by consciously disregarding a substantial and unjustifiable risk that his or her act or omission will cause harm or endanger the safety of the other person where the disregard constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of care a reasonable person would exercise, with an exception for a legal custodian permitting a child to engage in independent activities absent neglect.
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-60 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Causation must rest on evidence not speculation
  Chambers v. State cites Melancon v. State for the rule that causation must be based upon evidence and not mere speculation.
  Date: 2025-01-28
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Chambers v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2025-01-28 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] State v. Jackson criticized Ford v. State's dangerousness prerequisite
  The Supreme Court of Georgia in State v. Jackson criticized Ford v. State, noting that the Crane Court's perfunctory analysis limiting felony murder liability was not unique and citing Ford v. State's holding that dangerousness is a prerequisite.
  Date: 2010-06-28
  Tags: legal
  Sources: State v. Jackson – CourtListener.com

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 42-4-5(a) prohibits jailer duress and willful inhumanity
  O.C.G.A. § 42-4-5(a) provides that no jailer, by duress or other cruel treatment, shall make or induce an inmate to accuse or give evidence against another, nor shall the jailer be guilty of willful inhumanity or oppression to any inmate under his care and custody.
  Tags: legal,conditions
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-4-5 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Eleventh Circuit held proximate cause and foreseeability in Sharma
  The Eleventh Circuit held that a reasonable factfinder could conclude Sharma's violations of §§ 241 and 242 were the proximate cause of inmate Delano's death, and that the inmate McCullah's assault, though the immediate physical cause, was foreseeable and did not sever Sharma's criminal liability.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Eleventh Circuit Opinion: United States v. Sharma (200915844)

- [confirmed] Exploitation of disabled adult or elder person felony
  O.C.G.A. § 16-5-102(a) makes it a felony, punishable by imprisonment for one to 20 years, a fine of up to $50,000, or both, for any person who knowingly and willfully exploits a disabled adult, elder person, or resident, willfully inflicts physical pain, physical injury, sexual abuse, mental anguish, or unreasonable confinement upon a disabled adult, elder person, or resident, or willfully deprives such person of essential services.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-102 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Merrow v. Hawkins: 1991 amendment excludes liability for implied malice
  The Supreme Court of Georgia in Merrow v. Hawkins concluded that the drafters of the 1991 constitutional amendment intended to exclude any liability for injuries and damages if officers and employees act with implied malice in the performance of their official functions.
  Date: 1996-03-11
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Merrow v. Hawkins, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1996-03-11 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Johnson: evidence mother heard screams, failed to intervene, said 'it will be over'
  The Georgia Court of Appeals held there was sufficient evidence to support the mother's cruelty-to-children conviction where the jury could infer that the victim screamed during the rapes, the mother was home, she failed to intervene, and she told her daughter 'it will be over,' causing the daughter excessive mental pain.
  Date: 2006-12-01
  Tags: legal,violence,mental_health
  Sources: Johnson v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2006-12-01 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Keith v. DeKalb County: single prior similar killing not widespread abuse
  The Eleventh Circuit in Keith v. DeKalb County held that a prior, factually similar inmate killing in the same jail pod was not evidence of widespread and flagrant abuse sufficient to alert the sheriff to a substantial risk of serious harm.
  Date: 2014-04-23
  Tags: legal,violence,death
  Sources: Keith Ex Rel. Estate of Cook v. DeKalb County, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2014-04-23 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Malice incorporates intent to kill and may be implied
  The Supreme Court of Georgia stated that malice 'incorporates the intent to kill, and may be implied where the facts show that the accused acted with an abandoned and malignant heart, absent a showing of considerable provocation.'
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Burley v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2023-05-31 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Rosemond v. United States limits aiding-and-abetting liability
  United States v. Nathan Goddard (6th Cir. 2026) explained the Supreme Court's 'decision in Rosemond v. United States, 572 U.S. 65 (2014), which placed limits on aiding-and-'abetting liability. Rosemond requires that a defendant know the facts constituting the offense and intend to facilitate it, relevant to prosecuting staff who allegedly facilitated contraband or gang violence.
  Date: 2026-10-07
  Tags: legal,corruption,contraband
  Sources: United States v. Nathan Goddard, Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, 2026-10-07 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Bradley v. State upheld correctional officer's oath-violation conviction
  A Supreme Court of Georgia concurrence in State v. Phillips stated that the Court of Appeals upheld a correctional officer's violation-of-oath conviction in Bradley v. State because the oath taken by the defendant 'almost exactly tracked the language of the oath for correctional officers set forth in OCGA § 42-5-31.'
  Date: 2025-12-09
  Tags: legal,staffing
  Sources: State v. PHILLIPS, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2025-12-09 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-5-1(e) murder penalties
  O.C.G.A. § 16-5-1(e) provides a person convicted of murder shall be punished by death, by imprisonment for life without parole, or by imprisonment for life, and a person convicted of murder in the second degree shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than ten nor more than 30 years.
  Tags: legal,policy
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-1 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Second-degree murder statute quoted: death during cruelty to children in the second degree
  The Supreme Court of Georgia quoted OCGA § 16-5-1(d) as providing: "A person commits the offense of murder in the second degree when, in the commission of cruelty to children in the second degree, he or she causes the death of another human being irrespective of malice."
  Date: 2024-09-17
  Tags: legal,legislation,death
  Sources: Melancon v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2024-09-17 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-5-60 amended by SB 110 effective July 1, 2025
  O.C.G.A. § 16-5-60's history line shows it was amended by Ga. L. 1988, p. 1799, § 3; Ga. L. 2003, p. 306, § 1; Ga. L. 2022, p. 663, § 2/SB 164; and Ga. L. 2025, p. 718, § 2/SB 110, effective July 1, 2025.
  Date: 2025-07-01
  Tags: legal,legislation
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-60 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Violation of oath requires connection between offense and public duties
  State v. Tullis, 213 Ga. App. 581, 582 (445 SE2d 282) (1994), holds that a conviction under OCGA § 16-10-1 requires some connection between the offense and the officer's public duties, as cited in Brandeburg v. State.
  Date: 1994-01-01
  Tags: legal,corruption
  Sources: Brandeburg v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2008-06-25 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] State v. Jackson followed Johnson v. State on proximate cause in vehicular homicide
  The Supreme Court of Georgia in State v. Jackson followed Johnson v. State, 170 Ga.App. 433, 434, 317 S.E.2d 213 (1984), which noted that the term and concept of proximate cause has been applied in vehicular homicide cases in Georgia for many years.
  Date: 2010-06-28
  Tags: legal
  Sources: State v. Jackson – CourtListener.com

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 42-4-5(b) penalty for jailer violation
  O.C.G.A. § 42-4-5(b) provides that any jailer who violates subsection (a) shall be punished by removal from office and imprisonment for not less than one year nor longer than three years.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-4-5 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Section 241 penalty enhancement when death results
  Section 241 provides that if death results from the civil-rights conspiracy it criminalizes, the defendants may be imprisoned for any term of years or for life, or sentenced to death.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Eleventh Circuit Opinion: United States v. Sharma (200915844)

- [confirmed] Merrow v. Hawkins distinguishes express/actual malice from implied malice (reckless disregard for human life)
  The Supreme Court of Georgia in Merrow v. Hawkins stated that express or actual malice, although not a term typically used in civil litigation, is found in criminal law and has long been distinguished from implied malice, a term defined to mean conduct exhibiting a reckless disregard for human life, citing O.C.G.A. § 16-5-1.
  Date: 1996-03-11
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Merrow v. Hawkins, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1996-03-11 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] Moore v. D.C. (2026) cites Marbury for deliberate-indifference standard
  Moore v. District of Columbia (D.D.C., 2026-03-09) cited Marbury v. Warden (936 F.3d at 1234) in addressing the deliberate-indifference standard, indicating continued reliance on the Eleventh Circuit framework in later litigation.
  Date: 2026-03-09
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Moore v. District of Columbia, District Court, District of Columbia, 2026-03-09 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Eleventh Circuit failure-to-protect elements
  In the Eleventh Circuit, to survive summary judgment on an Eighth Amendment deliberate-indifference failure-to-protect claim, a plaintiff must produce sufficient evidence of (1) a substantial risk of serious harm, (2) the defendant's deliberate indifference to that risk, and (3) causation.
  Date: 2014-04-07
  Tags: legal,violence,conditions
  Sources: Trevis Caldwell v. Warden, FCI Talladega, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2014-04-07 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Johnson followed Porter v. State on party liability for abuse while absent
  Later treatment: Johnson v. State followed Porter v. State, in which the court held that the evidence was sufficient to support a mother's convictions as a party to cruelty to children and contributing to the deprivation of a minor based on her husband's abuse of her son while she was not present.
  Date: 2006-12-01
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Johnson v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2006-12-01 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] Fulton County judge voids indictment of six deputies for lack of grand jury appearance
  A Fulton County judge (McBurney) voided the indictment against the six deputies, ruling that the state did not give the defendants a chance to appear before a grand jury as required.
  Tags: legal,death,violence
  Sources: Fulton County judge throws out indictment against 6 jail deputies in inmate’s death – WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta

- [confirmed] Hixon v. State: mere presence insufficient, but intent inferable from conduct
  The Georgia Court of Appeals stated that while mere presence at the scene of a crime and mere approval of the criminal act do not amount to sufficient evidence to establish that a defendant is a party to the crime, criminal intent may be inferred from a defendant's conduct before, during and after the commission of the crime, after stating that a common criminal intent must be proven, citing Jones v. State, 250 Ga. 11, 13 (1982).
  Date: 2001-08-01
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Hixon v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2001-08-01 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Rosemond mens rea component for aiding and abetting
  United States v. Nasir Lewis (6th Cir. 2026) followed Rosemond v. United States, 572 U.S. 65, 77 (2014), quoting: '"commission." Rosemond v. United States, 572 U.S. 65, 77 (2014). This mens rea component', confirming that aiding-and-abetting liability requires the defendant's knowledge and intent regarding the commission of the underlying crime.
  Date: 2026-10-21
  Tags: legal
  Sources: United States v. Nasir Lewis, Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, 2026-10-21 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Felony-murder statute does not limit predicate felonies by its terms
  The Supreme Court of Georgia stated that the felony-murder statute, O.C.G.A. § 16-5-1, 'does not by its terms limit the type of felony that can qualify as a predicate,' and that the 'inherently dangerous felony' rule limiting predicates is a rule the court adopted in its own decisional law, not in the statute's text.
  Date: 2025-12-09
  Tags: legal
  Sources: State v. PHILLIPS, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2025-12-09 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-5-1 amendment history
  O.C.G.A. § 16-5-1 was amended by Ga. L. 2009, p. 223, § 1/SB 13 and Ga. L. 2014, p. 444, § 1-1/HB 271, per its history line (originally Code 1933, § 26-1101, enacted by Ga. L. 1968, p. 1249, § 1).
  Tags: legal,legislation
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-1 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Legal cause requires reasonably foreseeable death
  The Supreme Court of Georgia stated that a defendant's conduct is a legal cause of a death if the death was "reasonably foreseeable" -- that is, a "probable or natural consequence" of the criminal conduct "according to ordinary and usual experience."
  Date: 2024-09-17
  Tags: legal,death
  Sources: Melancon v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2024-09-17 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] GDC personnel defined as peace officers under O.C.G.A. § 35-8-2(8)(C)
  O.C.G.A. § 35-8-2(8)(C) defines 'peace officer' for purposes of the peace officer standards and training chapter to include personnel authorized to exercise the power of arrest and employed or appointed by the Department of Corrections, among other agencies.
  Tags: legal,staffing,policy
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 35-8-2 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Misdemeanor on duty alone does not violate police oath
  Jowers v. State explains State v. Tullis, 213 Ga. App. 581 (445 SE2d 282), where the court rejected the State's contention that commission of a misdemeanor while on duty constitutes a violation of a police officer's oath of office.
  Date: 1997-03-31
  Tags: legal,corruption
  Sources: Jowers v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 1997-03-31 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Ford v. State defines 'a felony' for felony murder as dangerous per se or creating foreseeable risk of death
  The Supreme Court of Georgia stated that under a proper interpretation of the felony murder statute, 'a felony' means any felony that is dangerous per se, or which by the attendant circumstances creates a foreseeable risk of death.
  Date: 1992-12-03
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Ford v. State – CourtListener.com

- [confirmed] Kendrick v. Adamson (1935): sheriff duty to keep prisoner safe and liable on bond
  A 1935 Georgia Court of Appeals decision annotated to O.C.G.A. § 42-4-5 states that a sheriff owes to a prisoner placed in the sheriff's custody a duty to keep the prisoner safely and free from harm, to render medical aid when necessary, and to treat the prisoner humanely and refrain from oppressing the prisoner, and that a sheriff negligent in care and custody resulting in the prisoner's injury or death may be liable on the sheriff's official bond.
  Date: 1935-01-01
  Tags: legal,conditions,medical
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-4-5 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Eleventh Circuit affirmed Sharma's convictions and life sentence
  The Eleventh Circuit affirmed Erin Sharma's convictions and life sentence stemming from the fatal inmate-on-inmate assault at Coleman FCI.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Eleventh Circuit Opinion: United States v. Sharma (200915844)

- [confirmed] Cottone total failure to monitor mentally ill inmate
  The Eleventh Circuit described its holding in Cottone v. Jenne as that a total failure to monitor or supervise a visibly violent, mentally unstable inmate housed in a separate unit for mentally ill inmates, who posed a substantial risk of serious harm to other inmates in that housing unit, constituted deliberate indifference.
  Date: 2014-04-07
  Tags: legal,mental_health,violence,conditions
  Sources: Trevis Caldwell v. Warden, FCI Talladega, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2014-04-07 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] 18 U.S.C. § 2(a): aiding and abetting punishable as principal
  18 U.S.C. § 2(a) provides that whoever commits an offense against the United States or aids, abets, counsels, commands, induces or procures its commission is punishable as a principal.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: law.cornell.edu: 2

- [confirmed] 18 U.S.C. § 242 criminalizes willful deprivation of constitutional rights under color of law
  18 U.S.C. § 242 provides: 'Whoever, under color of any law, statute, ordinance, regulation, or custom, willfully subjects any person in any State, Territory, Commonwealth, Possession, or District to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States, or to different punishments, pains, or penalties, on account of such person being an alien, or by reason of his color, or race' [text truncated in source].
  Tags: legal,corruption
  Sources: law.cornell.edu: 242

- [confirmed] Thornton v. State: special duty may make inactive presence criminal participation
  The Court of Appeals of Georgia stated that if special circumstances or relations create a duty to interfere, mere inactive presence may amount to criminal participation, while also noting that presence, companionship, and conduct before and after the offense are circumstances from which one's participation in the criminal intent may be inferred.
  Date: 1904-02-12
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Thornton v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1904-02-12 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Rosemond applied in D.C. Circuit
  United States v. Enyinna Onyewu (D.C. Cir. 2026) followed Rosemond v. United States, quoting: 'the crime's commission," Rosemond, 572 U.S. at 67, we hold', extending Rosemond's aiding-and-abetting mens rea requirement.
  Date: 2026-08-21
  Tags: legal
  Sources: United States v. Enyinna Onyewu, Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, 2026-08-21 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] State v. Phillips vacated demurrer ruling and remanded
  On the State's appeal from the grant of a general demurrer to a felony-murder count predicated on violation of oath by public officer, the Supreme Court of Georgia held that violation of oath, though not dangerous per se, may be an inherently dangerous predicate felony depending on whether the circumstances of its commission created a foreseeable risk of death; because nothing in the alleged facts (asphyxiating a man held prone) precluded a jury from so finding, the trial court erred. The Court vacated and remanded for rulings on the officers' other, still-pending demurrers, deciding nothing about them.
  Date: 2025-12-09
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: State v. PHILLIPS, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2025-12-09 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-15-3 definition of criminal street gang
  Georgia's Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, O.C.G.A. § 16-15-3, defines "criminal street gang" as any organization, association, or group of three or more persons associated in fact, whether formal or informal, which engages in criminal gang activity, and that such term shall not include three or more persons associated in fact who are not engaged in criminal gang activity.
  Tags: legal,gangs,policy
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-15-3 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Court of Appeals foreseeability theory in Melancon later vacated
  The Court of Appeals of Georgia held, in a decision later vacated by the Supreme Court of Georgia on the sufficiency of evidence for that specific causation theory, that a defendant's interference to end a child-abuse investigation could support a finding that he caused the child's later death at the hands of the person being investigated, reasoning that "[i]t is reasonably foreseeable that if one interferes to stop a [child protective services] investigation into child abuse that the abuse will continue to occur."
  Date: 2024-09-17
  Tags: legal,death,investigations
  Sources: Melancon v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2024-09-17 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Ford v. State holds firearm possession alone not a predicate felony for felony murder
  The Supreme Court of Georgia held that possession of a firearm by Ford, alone, under circumstances involving no assault nor any other criminal conduct, is not a felony upon which a felony murder conviction may be obtained, and reversed that conviction.
  Date: 1992-12-03
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Ford v. State – CourtListener.com

- [confirmed] 18 U.S.C. § 242 basic offense and one-year penalty
  18 U.S.C. § 242 makes it an offense for whoever, under color of law, willfully subjects any person to deprivation of rights secured by the Constitution or laws of the United States, or to different punishments on account of alienage, color or race than prescribed for citizens, punishable by a fine or imprisonment of not more than one year, or both.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: § 233 Title 18—CRIMES and Criminal Procedure Page 92

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-5-24(a) defines aggravated battery
  O.C.G.A. § 16-5-24(a) defines aggravated battery as maliciously causing bodily harm to another by depriving him or her of a member of his or her body, by rendering a member of his or her body useless, or by seriously disfiguring his or her body or a member thereof.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-24 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Eleventh Circuit rejected plain error and sentencing claims in Sharma
  In an unpublished per curiam opinion on direct appeal from a federal conviction, the Eleventh Circuit affirmed a corrections officer's §§ 241 and 242 convictions and life sentence. It held a reasonable factfinder could find her violations were the proximate cause of the inmate's death, and the cellmate's foreseeable assault did not sever her liability. It also rejected her claims of plain or cumulative trial error and of error in the sentencing guideline applied.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Eleventh Circuit Opinion: United States v. Sharma (200915844)

- [confirmed] Subjective component of deliberate indifference
  To satisfy the subjective component of deliberate indifference, a plaintiff must produce evidence that the defendant actually knew that an inmate faced a substantial risk of serious harm.
  Date: 2014-04-07
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Trevis Caldwell v. Warden, FCI Talladega, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2014-04-07 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-1-3 defines 'government'
  O.C.G.A. § 16-1-3 defines 'government' to mean the United States, the state, any political subdivision thereof, or any agency of the foregoing.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-1-3 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] 18 U.S.C. § 2(b): willfully causing an act punishable as principal
  18 U.S.C. § 2(b) provides that whoever willfully causes an act to be done which if directly performed by him or another would be an offense against the United States is punishable as a principal.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: law.cornell.edu: 2

- [confirmed] 18 U.S.C. § 3 defines accessory after the fact and half-penalty rule
  18 U.S.C. § 3 (accessory after the fact) provides: 'Whoever, knowing that an offense against the United States has been committed, receives, relieves, comforts or assists the offender in order to hinder or prevent his apprehension, trial or punishment, is an accessory after the fact.' The penalty is imprisonment of not more than one-half the maximum term of imprisonment or a fine of not more than one-half the maximum fine prescribed for the principal.
  Tags: legal,corruption
  Sources: law.cornell.edu: 3

- [confirmed] Jones v. State: evidence sufficient to convict driver as party to murder
  The Supreme Court of Georgia held that evidence the defendant had repeatedly driven the shooter to the scene for cash payments, was seen with him and an alleged co-conspirator beforehand, accepted a further payment after he admittedly knew of the murder, and personally disposed of the murder weapon was sufficient for a rational trier of fact to find him guilty of murder as a party to the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
  Date: 1982-09-23
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Jones v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1982-09-23 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-15-3(1) criminal gang activity includes confinement and facility security offenses
  O.C.G.A. § 16-15-3(1) defines "criminal gang activity" to include, among listed offenses, any offense defined in Article 3 of Chapter 10 of Title 16 relating to escape and other offenses related to confinement, and any offense defined in Code Section 42-5-15, 42-5-16, 42-5-17, 42-5-18, or 42-5-19 relating to the security of state or county correctional facilities.
  Tags: legal,gangs,facilities,policy
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-15-3 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Murder causation has two components: cause in fact and legal cause
  The Supreme Court of Georgia held that causation under the murder statute, OCGA § 16-5-1, encompasses two distinct components: cause in fact and legal (or proximate) cause, with legal cause asking whether the death resulted from the defendant's conduct in an unforeseen or attenuated way.
  Date: 2024-09-17
  Tags: legal,death
  Sources: Melancon v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2024-09-17 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Ford v. State: felony-murder rule's rational function is deterring felonies creating foreseeable risk of death
  The Supreme Court of Georgia stated that the only rational function of the felony-murder rule is to furnish an added deterrent to the perpetration of felonies which, by their nature or by the attendant circumstances, create a foreseeable risk of death, and that the rule should not be extended beyond the rational function to felonies not foreseeably dangerous.
  Date: 1992-12-03
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Ford v. State – CourtListener.com

- [confirmed] 18 U.S.C. § 242 enhanced ten-year penalty for bodily injury or dangerous weapon
  18 U.S.C. § 242 provides that if bodily injury results from the acts violating the section, or if the acts include use, attempted use, or threatened use of a dangerous weapon, explosives, or fire, the offender shall be fined or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: § 233 Title 18—CRIMES and Criminal Procedure Page 92

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-5-24(b) penalty for aggravated battery
  O.C.G.A. § 16-5-24(b) provides that, except as specified in subsections (c)-(i), a person convicted of aggravated battery shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than 20 years.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-24 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Rosemond aiding-and-abetting standard for § 924(c)
  Rosemond v. United States holds that the Government proves aiding and abetting a § 924(c) firearm offense by showing the defendant actively participated in the underlying drug trafficking or violent crime with advance knowledge that a confederate would use or carry a gun during the crime's commission.
  Date: 2014-03-05
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Rosemond v. United States, Supreme Court of the United States, 2014-03-05 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Objective component of deliberate indifference
  To satisfy the objective component of deliberate indifference, a plaintiff must produce evidence that the defendant disregarded a known risk by failing to respond to it in an objectively reasonable manner.
  Date: 2014-04-07
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Trevis Caldwell v. Warden, FCI Talladega, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2014-04-07 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] State v. Cook: jailers' custodial duty is not a duty to maintain public peace
  The Georgia Supreme Court held that Fulton County jailers' duty to control and supervise inmates within the jail does not constitute a duty to maintain the public peace, so they were not 'peace officers' entitled to pre-indictment protection under O.C.G.A. § 17-7-52, and reversed the trial court.
  Date: 2023-10-11
  Tags: legal,corruption
  Sources: State v. COOK (Six Cases), Supreme Court of Georgia, 2023-10-11 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-1-3 defines 'peace officer'
  O.C.G.A. § 16-1-3 defines 'peace officer' as any person who by virtue of his office or public employment is vested by law with a duty to maintain public order or to make arrests for offenses, whether that duty extends to all crimes or is limited to specific offenses.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-1-3 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Burrage: but-for causation required for drug 'death results' enhancement
  The Supreme Court held in Burrage v. United States that a defendant cannot be liable under the 'death results' penalty enhancement of 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(C) unless the distributed drug was a but-for cause of the death, where it was not an independently sufficient cause.
  Date: 2014-01-27
  Tags: legal,drugs,death
  Sources: Burrage v. United States, Supreme Court of the United States, 2014-01-27 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] 18 U.S.C. § 1962(c)-(d) RICO prohibits racketeering and conspiracy
  18 U.S.C. § 1962(c) (RICO) provides: 'It shall be unlawful for any person employed by or associated with any enterprise engaged in, or the activities of which affect, interstate or foreign commerce, to conduct or participate, directly or indirectly, in the conduct of such enterprise's affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity or collection of unlawful debt.' Subsection (d) adds: 'It shall be unlawful for any person to conspire to violate any of the provisions of subsection (a), (b), or (c) of this section.'
  Tags: legal,gangs,corruption
  Sources: law.cornell.edu: 1962

- [confirmed] Jones v. State: conduct before and after killing supported party-to-crime conviction
  The Supreme Court of Georgia held the evidence sufficient to convict the driver of the triggerman of murder as a party to the crime, because his conduct before and after the killing (paid trips, presence with the co-conspirators, taking payment and disposing of the gun) allowed the jury to infer prior knowledge and shared intent.
  Date: 1982-09-23
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Jones v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1982-09-23 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-15-3 criminal gang activity includes racketeering offenses on or after July 1, 2006
  O.C.G.A. § 16-15-3 defines "criminal gang activity" to include the commission, attempted commission, conspiracy to commit, or solicitation, coercion, or intimidation of another to commit any offense defined as racketeering activity by Code Section 16-14-3, among other enumerated offenses, on or after July 1, 2006.
  Date: 2006-07-01
  Tags: legal,gangs,policy
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-15-3 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Melancon evidence insufficient on DFCS-interference causation theory; vacated and remanded
  On certiorari review of a second-degree murder conviction, the Supreme Court of Georgia held that causation under the murder statute has two required components, cause in fact and legal (proximate) cause, and that, measured against that framework, the evidence was insufficient to support the theory that the father caused his daughter's death by telling his girlfriend not to cooperate with a DFCS investigation; it vacated the Court of Appeals' judgment and remanded for that court to consider other causation theories.
  Date: 2024-09-17
  Tags: legal,death,investigations
  Sources: Melancon v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2024-09-17 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Statutory vagueness standard
  Prophitt v. State explains that a statute may be unconstitutionally vague where it fails to provide notice sufficient to enable ordinary people to understand what conduct it prohibits or requires, or where it could authorize or encourage selective enforcement.
  Date: 2016-03-22
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Prophitt v. the State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2016-03-22 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Ford v. State reversed felony murder conviction predicated on status felony, affirmed possession, allowed retrial for involuntary manslaughter
  On direct appeal, the Supreme Court of Georgia reversed a felony murder conviction predicated on possession of a firearm by a convicted felon because that status felony was neither inherently dangerous nor life-threatening under the circumstances, which involved no assault or other criminal conduct; it affirmed the possession conviction and allowed retrial for involuntary manslaughter.
  Date: 1992-12-03
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Ford v. State – CourtListener.com

- [confirmed] 18 U.S.C. § 242 death-resulting penalty up to life or death
  18 U.S.C. § 242 provides that if death results from the acts violating the section, or if the acts include kidnapping or an attempt to kidnap, aggravated sexual abuse or an attempt to commit aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to kill, the offender shall be fined, or imprisoned for any term of years or for life, or both, or may be sentenced to death.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: § 233 Title 18—CRIMES and Criminal Procedure Page 92

- [confirmed] Fourth Circuit holds § 242 bodily injury requires but-for and proximate cause
  The Fourth Circuit held that bodily injury only 'results from' a defendant's Section 242 violation if the defendant's conduct was both the but-for and proximate cause of the victim's injury.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Fourth Circuit Opinion: United States v. Covington (254282.P.pdf)

- [confirmed] Aiding and abetting under 18 U.S.C. § 2 requires affirmative act with intent to facilitate
  Rosemond states that a person is liable under the federal aiding and abetting statute, 18 U.S.C. § 2, if and only if he takes an affirmative act in furtherance of the offense with the intent of facilitating the offense's commission.
  Date: 2014-03-05
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Rosemond v. United States, Supreme Court of the United States, 2014-03-05 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] More than generalized awareness of risk required
  The Eleventh Circuit held that plaintiff must show more than a generalized awareness of risk and much more than mere awareness of an inmate's generally problematic nature.
  Date: 2014-04-07
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Trevis Caldwell v. Warden, FCI Talladega, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2014-04-07 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] State v. Cook: custody authority not akin to arrest powers
  The Georgia Supreme Court in Cook noted the trial court found the Fulton County jailer-defendants do not have arrest powers, and rejected their argument that authority to control and supervise jail inmates is akin to arrest powers for purposes of O.C.G.A. § 17-7-52, finding no controlling authority for that position.
  Date: 2023-10-11
  Tags: legal
  Sources: State v. COOK (Six Cases), Supreme Court of Georgia, 2023-10-11 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Parrish: presence, companionship, and conduct permit inference of party liability
  The Georgia Court of Appeals stated that mere presence at the scene of the commission of a crime is not sufficient to convict a defendant of being a party to a crime, but that presence, companionship, and conduct before and after the offense are circumstances from which participation in criminal intent may be inferred.
  Date: 1981-11-10
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Parrish v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 1981-11-10 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Burrage: 'results from' imposes actual-causality requirement
  Burrage holds that the phrase 'results from' in the drug 'death results' enhancement imposes a requirement of actual (but-for) causality.
  Date: 2014-01-27
  Tags: legal,drugs,death
  Sources: Burrage v. United States, Supreme Court of the United States, 2014-01-27 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] 18 U.S.C. § 1519 criminalizes falsifying records to obstruct federal investigations
  18 U.S.C. § 1519 provides: 'Whoever knowingly alters, destroys, mutilates, conceals, covers up, falsifies, or makes a false entry in any record, document, or tangible object with the intent to impede, obstruct, or influence the investigation or proper administration of any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the United States' [text truncated in source].
  Tags: legal,investigations,corruption
  Sources: law.cornell.edu: 1519

- [confirmed] Jones v. State: party-to-a-crime liability requires common criminal intent
  Jones v. State states that party-to-a-crime or accomplice liability requires proof of a common criminal intent; Jones itself does not use the 'mere presence' or 'mere approval' words, though later opinions such as Jordan v. State and Hixon v. State cite it just before the mere-presence/mere-approval sentence.
  Date: 1982-09-23
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Jones v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1982-09-23 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-15-4(a) unlawful for gang-associated person to conduct criminal gang activity
  O.C.G.A. § 16-15-4(a) makes it unlawful for any person employed by or associated with a criminal street gang to conduct or participate in criminal gang activity through the commission of any offense enumerated in paragraph (1) of Code Section 16-15-3.
  Tags: legal,gangs,policy
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-15-4 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] 1968 Code Ann. 26-801(a): parties to crime may be charged and convicted
  Code Ann. § 26-801(a) provided: "Every person concerned in the commission of a crime is a party thereto and may be charged with and convicted of commission of the crime."
  Date: 1968-01-01
  Tags: legal,legislation
  Sources: Ga. L. 1968, p. 1271 (Acts and resolutions of the General Assembly of the state of Georgia 1968 [volume 1])

- [confirmed] Hall v. State vagueness precedent
  Hall v. State, 268 Ga. 92, 485 S.E.2d 755, is cited in Santos v. State as vagueness precedent supporting the conclusion that a registration requirement as applied to Santos was unconstitutionally vague.
  Date: 2008-10-27
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Santos v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2008-10-27 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] 18 U.S.C. § 241 conspiracy penalty and death-resulting enhancement
  18 U.S.C. § 241 provides that offenders shall be fined or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; and if death results from the acts committed in violation of the section or if such acts include kidnapping or an attempt to kidnap, aggravated sexual abuse or an attempt to commit aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to kill, they shall be fined or imprisoned for any term of years or for life, or both, or may be sentenced to death.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: § 233 Title 18—CRIMES and Criminal Procedure Page 92

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 45-11-4(d) limits unprofessional-conduct statute to subsection (b) charges
  O.C.G.A. § 45-11-4(d) provides that the unprofessional-conduct statute shall only apply to a public officer charged under subsection (b) of that Code section, and shall not apply when a public officer is charged with any other crime alleged to have occurred while such official was in the performance of an official duty.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 45-11-4 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Fourth Circuit notes Burrage and § 841(b) proximate cause
  The Fourth Circuit noted that the Supreme Court in Burrage held that the Controlled Substances Act's 'death results from' language requires at minimum that the defendant's conduct be a but-for cause of the victim's death, while specifically reserving whether it also requires proximate cause, but that the Fourth Circuit has concluded, both before and after Burrage, that 21 U.S.C. § 841(b) contains no proximate-cause requirement.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Fourth Circuit Opinion: United States v. Covington (254282.P.pdf)

- [confirmed] Eleventh Circuit pattern instruction elements for 18 U.S.C. § 242
  The Eleventh Circuit's pattern jury instruction for 18 U.S.C. § 242 states that it is a federal crime for anyone acting under color of state law to willfully deprive someone else of rights secured by the Constitution or laws of the United States, and lists the elements as: the defendant deprived the victim of the right, the defendant acted or claimed to act under color of state law, and the defendant willfully exceeded and misused or abused the defendant's authority under state law.
  Tags: legal,policy
  Sources: Table of Contents

- [confirmed] Eighth Amendment violation standard
  The Eleventh Circuit states that a prison official violates the Eighth Amendment when a substantial risk of serious harm, of which the official is subjectively aware, exists and the official does not respond reasonably to the risk.
  Date: 2014-04-07
  Tags: legal,violence,conditions
  Sources: Trevis Caldwell v. Warden, FCI Talladega, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2014-04-07 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] State v. Cook: jailers' authority limited to confined population
  The Georgia Supreme Court in Cook reasoned that the jailer-defendants' authority was constrained to a limited population of inmates, unlike law enforcement officers who have a general 24-hour duty to enforce the law and maintain the peace.
  Date: 2023-10-11
  Tags: legal
  Sources: State v. COOK (Six Cases), Supreme Court of Georgia, 2023-10-11 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Burrage: contributing-cause instruction insufficient; proximate cause not decided
  On certiorari from a conviction under the Controlled Substances Act's 'death results' enhancement, the U.S. Supreme Court held that, at least where the defendant's drug was not an independently sufficient cause of death, the enhancement applies only if use of that drug was a but-for cause of the death; a 'contributing cause' instruction was insufficient and the count was reversed. The Court expressly decided only the actual-cause question, not the proximate-cause/foreseeability question.
  Date: 2014-01-27
  Tags: legal,drugs,death
  Sources: Burrage v. United States, Supreme Court of the United States, 2014-01-27 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-10-56: violence in a penal institution is a felony
  O.C.G.A. § 16-10-56(b) provides that no person legally confined to a penal institution shall commit an unlawful act of violence or any other act in a violent or tumultuous manner in a penal institution; subsection (c) makes violation a felony punishable by imprisonment of not less than one year nor more than 20 years.
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-10-56 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-15-4(b) unlawful to commit enumerated offense to gain or maintain gang status
  O.C.G.A. § 16-15-4(b) makes it unlawful for any person to commit any offense enumerated in paragraph (1) of Code Section 16-15-3 with the intent to obtain or earn membership or maintain or increase his or her status or position in a criminal street gang.
  Tags: legal,gangs,policy
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-15-4 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] 1968 Code Ann. 26-801(b) defines when a person is concerned in a crime
  Code Ann. § 26-801(b) provided that "A person is concerned in the commission of a crime only if he: (1) directly commits the crime; or (2) intentionally causes some other person to commit the crime under such circumstances that the other person is not guilty of any crime either in fact or because of legal incapacity; or (3) intentionally aids or abets in the commission of the crime; or (4) intentionally advises, encourages, hires, counsels, or procures another to commit the crime."
  Date: 1968-01-01
  Tags: legal,legislation
  Sources: Ga. L. 1968, p. 1271 (Acts and resolutions of the General Assembly of the state of Georgia 1968 [volume 1])

- [confirmed] Hall v. State criticized as wrongly decided
  In State v. Boyer, Judge Carley's separate opinion criticized Hall v. State, stating the circuitous attempt to distinguish Hall revealed that Hall was wrongly decided.
  Date: 1999-02-22
  Tags: legal
  Sources: State v. Boyer, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1999-02-22 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] 18 U.S.C. § 1519 obstruction offense and 20-year penalty
  18 U.S.C. § 1519 makes it an offense for whoever knowingly alters, destroys, mutilates, conceals, covers up, falsifies, or makes a false entry in any record, document, or tangible object with the intent to impede, obstruct, or influence the investigation or proper administration of any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the United States, punishable by a fine, imprisonment of not more than 20 years, or both.
  Tags: legal,corruption
  Sources: Page 401 Title 18—CRIMES and Criminal Procedure § 1531

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 45-11-4(a)(3) defines public officer
  O.C.G.A. § 45-11-4(a)(3) defines 'public officer' for purposes of that unprofessional-conduct statute as a county officer, a municipal officer, and state officials as provided in Code Section 45-15-11.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 45-11-4 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Jury not instructed on proximate cause in Covington § 242 trial
  The jury was instructed that the government need prove only that but for the defendant's deliberate indifference to the inmate's serious medical needs, the inmate would not have suffered injury, and was never informed of any additional burden to prove proximate cause.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Fourth Circuit Opinion: United States v. Covington (254282.P.pdf)

- [confirmed] No statute of limitation for murder prosecution
  O.C.G.A. § 17-3-1(a) provides that a prosecution for murder may be commenced at any time.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 17-3-1 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Eleventh Circuit definition of 'bodily injury' under § 242
  The Eleventh Circuit has approved a definition of 'bodily injury' under § 242 as a cut, abrasion, bruise, burn or disfigurement; physical pain; illness; impairment of a function of a bodily member, organ or mental faculty; or any other injury to the body, no matter how temporary (United States v. Myers, 972 F.2d 1566, 1572 (11th Cir. 1992)).
  Date: 1992-01-01
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Table of Contents

- [confirmed] Prison custodian not guarantor of safety
  The Eleventh Circuit in Purcell held that a prison custodian is not the guarantor of a prisoner's safety.
  Date: 2005-02-24
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Purcell Ex Rel. Estate of Morgan v. Toombs County, GA, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2005-02-24 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] State v. Cook: 'peace officer' defined without importing OCGA § 16-1-3(11)
  The Georgia Supreme Court in Cook held that a 'peace officer' for purposes of O.C.G.A. § 17-7-52 is an officer vested by law with a duty to maintain the public peace, without importing the statutory definition found in O.C.G.A. § 16-1-3(11).
  Date: 2023-10-11
  Tags: legal
  Sources: State v. COOK (Six Cases), Supreme Court of Georgia, 2023-10-11 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] 18 U.S.C. § 4: misprision of felony
  18 U.S.C. § 4 (misprision of felony) provides that whoever, having knowledge of the actual commission of a felony cognizable by a court of the United States, conceals and does not as soon as possible make known the same to some judge or other person in civil or military authority under the United States, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: law.cornell.edu: 4

- [confirmed] United States v. Victor Hill: § 242 imposes liability for willful deprivation under color of law
  The Eleventh Circuit states that 18 U.S.C. § 242 imposes criminal liability on anyone who, under color of law, willfully deprives another person of their constitutional rights, and applied this to affirm a sheriff's conviction for using restraint chairs to punish compliant, nonresistant pretrial detainees.
  Date: 2024-04-29
  Tags: legal,corruption,conditions
  Sources: United States v. Victor HIll, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2024-04-29 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-15-4(e) unlawful to cause, encourage, solicit, recruit, or coerce gang participation
  O.C.G.A. § 16-15-4(e) makes it unlawful for any person to directly, or through another acting upon such person's direction, cause, encourage, solicit, recruit, or coerce another to become a member or associate of a criminal street gang, to participate in a criminal street gang, or to conduct or participate in criminal gang activity.
  Tags: legal,gangs,policy
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-15-4 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Aiding and abetting requires affirmative action, not mere knowledge and inaction
  The Court of Appeals of Georgia in Whitley v. State stated that sister states and federal courts generally hold aiding and abetting requires affirmative action, and that mere knowledge a crime will be committed plus failure to take steps to prevent it does not amount to aiding and abetting.
  Date: 1985-10-08
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Whitley v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 1985-10-08 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Hall distinguished where additional circumstances required to produce harm
  State v. Boyer distinguished Hall v. State because Hall's action required additional circumstances to produce harm, so Hall did not control a vagueness challenge on Boyer's facts.
  Date: 1999-02-22
  Tags: legal
  Sources: State v. Boyer, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1999-02-22 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Eleventh Circuit willfulness standard under § 242 quoting Screws
  The Eleventh Circuit held that to prove willfulness under § 242, the government must show the defendant acted 'in open defiance or in reckless disregard of a constitutional requirement which had been made specific and definite,' quoting Screws v. United States, 325 U.S. 91, 105 (1945) (plurality opinion).
  Date: 2024-04-29
  Tags: legal
  Sources: USCA11 Case: 23-10934 Document: 60-1 Date Filed: 04/29/2024 Page: 1 of 56

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 45-11-4(b) grounds for charging public officer with malpractice/misfeasance
  O.C.G.A. § 45-11-4(b) provides that a public officer may be charged under the section for malpractice, misfeasance, or malfeasance in office, or for using oppression or tyrannical partiality in the administration or under color of office, punishable as a misdemeanor with removal from office upon conviction.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 45-11-4 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Jury instructions required finding of deliberate indifference to serious medical needs
  The jury instructions in Covington's § 242 prosecution required the jury to find that the conduct of the defendant deprived the inmate of the right to be free from a correctional official's deliberate indifference to his serious medical needs.
  Tags: legal,medical
  Sources: Fourth Circuit Opinion: United States v. Covington (254282.P.pdf)

- [confirmed] Statute of limitation for other life-imprisonment crimes
  O.C.G.A. § 17-3-1(b) provides that, except as otherwise provided in Code Section 17-3-2.1, prosecution for other crimes punishable by death or life imprisonment shall be commenced within seven years after the commission of the crime, except as provided by subsection (d), and that prosecution for forcible rape shall be commenced within 15 years.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 17-3-1 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] 'Clearly established' fair-warning requirement applies in criminal § 242 prosecutions
  The Eleventh Circuit pattern jury instruction's annotations state that the civil-action requirement that the alleged constitutional infringement be 'clearly established' to overcome qualified immunity is equally applicable in criminal prosecutions, in the sense that the unlawfulness of the conduct must be apparent in light of pre-existing case law so as to give 'fair warning' to the accused offender (citing United States v. Lanier, 520 U.S. 259 (1997)).
  Date: 1997-01-01
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Table of Contents

- [confirmed] Eckman v. State: mere presence and mere approval insufficient for party to a crime
  The Supreme Court of Georgia held that mere presence at the scene of a crime and mere approval of the criminal act are not sufficient evidence to establish that a defendant was a party to the crime, and that proof the defendant shared a common criminal intent with the actual perpetrators is necessary and may be inferred from the defendant's conduct before, during, and after the crime.
  Date: 2001-06-11
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Eckman v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2001-06-11 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Purcell qualified immunity for jail officials
  On interlocutory appeal from denial of qualified and Eleventh Amendment immunity in a § 1983 inmate-on-inmate assault case, the Eleventh Circuit held as a matter of law that the jail's conditions did not pose a substantial risk of serious harm, so no Eighth Amendment violation was shown and the sheriff and jail administrator were entitled to qualified immunity (it did not reach deliberate indifference or causation); and under Manders v. Lee the sheriff had Eleventh Amendment immunity in his official capacity. Reversed.
  Date: 2005-02-24
  Tags: legal,violence,conditions
  Sources: Purcell Ex Rel. Estate of Morgan v. Toombs County, GA, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2005-02-24 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] State v. O'Neal: GDC officer at Johnson State Prison entitled to § 17-7-52 protection
  The Georgia Court of Appeals in O'Neal held that a GDC corrections officer at Johnson State Prison was entitled to O.C.G.A. § 17-7-52 pre-indictment protection on a violation-of-oath count alleging he participated in and facilitated acts of abuse against inmates while employed as a corrections officer, because that language sufficiently characterized his conduct as within the performance of his duties.
  Date: 2019-10-14
  Tags: legal,corruption,violence,staffing
  Sources: State v. Wesley T. O'Neal, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2019-10-14 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a): false statements, concealment, false documents
  18 U.S.C. § 1001(a) makes it an offense for whoever, in any matter within the jurisdiction of the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of the U.S. Government, knowingly and willfully falsifies, conceals, or covers up a material fact, or makes a materially false statement, or makes or uses a false writing or document knowing it contains a materially false statement, punishable by a fine, imprisonment of not more than 5 years (or 8 years for terrorism or certain offenses), or both.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: law.cornell.edu: 1001

- [confirmed] United States v. Victor Hill: restraint-chair use gave fair warning of unconstitutionality
  The Eleventh Circuit held that case law gave Sheriff Hill fair warning that the use of restraint chairs on compliant, nonresistant detainees inflicted excessive and thus unconstitutional force, satisfying § 242's fair-warning requirement for willfulness.
  Date: 2024-04-29
  Tags: legal,conditions
  Sources: United States v. Victor HIll, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2024-04-29 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-15-4(k)(2) mandatory minimum five-year consecutive sentence
  O.C.G.A. § 16-15-4(k)(2) sets the general penalty: any person who violates § 16-15-4 is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, in addition to any other penalty, shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years but not more than 20 years, served consecutively to any other sentence, with no portion of the mandatory minimum suspended, stayed, probated, deferred, or withheld.
  Tags: legal,gangs,policy
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-15-4 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Intervening third-party wrongful act as superseding proximate cause unless foreseeable
  The Supreme Court of Georgia restated the civil rule that an intervening and independent wrongful act of a third person producing the injury should be treated as the proximate cause, insulating the defendant's negligence, unless the defendant had reasonable grounds for apprehending the act.
  Date: 2017-02-27
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Goldstein, Garber & Salama, LLC v. J. B., Supreme Court of Georgia, 2017-02-27 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Statute not vague as applied to unsupervised children near hazard
  Baker v. State affirmed that OCGA § 16-5-60(b) is not unconstitutionally vague as applied where children were left with no supervision and in close proximity to a hazard endangering their bodily safety, distinguishing Hall v. State.
  Date: 2006-07-18
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Baker v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2006-07-18 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 45-15-11 requires AG notice before indicting state official under § 45-11-4(b)
  O.C.G.A. § 45-15-11 does not itself define 'state official' but requires that before an indictment charging any state official with violating subsection (b) of Code Section 45-11-4 is presented to a grand jury, the district attorney of the county where the grand jury will convene shall notify the Attorney General of such contemplated action.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 45-15-11 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Ninth Circuit left open § 242 proximate-cause requirement in Gonzalez
  The Ninth Circuit in United States v. Gonzalez held that a district court's failure to instruct on proximate cause in a § 242 case was not so obviously erroneous as to constitute plain error, leaving open whether Section 242 has a proximate-cause requirement.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Fourth Circuit Opinion: United States v. Covington (254282.P.pdf)

- [confirmed] Statute of limitation for other felonies
  O.C.G.A. § 17-3-1(c) provides that, except as otherwise provided in Code Section 17-3-2.1, prosecution for felonies other than those specified in subsections (a), (b), and (d) shall be commenced within four years after the commission of the crime, except that prosecution for felonies against victims under 18 years of age shall be commenced within seven years.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 17-3-1 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Grant v. State: shared criminal intent may be inferred from conduct before, during, after crime
  The Supreme Court of Georgia restated that a person's mere presence at the scene of the crime and mere approval of the criminal act are insufficient to establish that the person was a party to the crime, that proof of a shared criminal intent with the actual perpetrators is necessary, and that such shared criminal intent may be inferred from the person's conduct before, during, and after the crime.
  Date: 2016-04-04
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Grant v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2016-04-04 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Lanier description of § 242
  The Supreme Court described § 242 as making it criminal to act willfully, under color of law, to deprive a person of rights protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States.
  Date: 1997-03-31
  Tags: legal
  Sources: United States v. Lanier, Supreme Court of the United States, 1997-03-31 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] 18 U.S.C. § 371: conspiracy to commit offense or defraud the United States
  18 U.S.C. § 371 provides that if two or more persons conspire either to commit any offense against the United States, or to defraud the United States or any agency thereof in any manner or for any purpose, and one or more of such persons do any act to effect the object of the conspiracy, each shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: law.cornell.edu: 371

- [confirmed] United States v. Victor Hill: § 242 fair-warning standard mirrors § 1983 clearly-established standard
  The Eleventh Circuit states that criminal liability attaches under § 242 only if case law provides the defendant fair warning that his actions violated constitutional rights, and that the standard for determining the adequacy of that warning is the same as the standard for determining whether a constitutional right was clearly established in civil litigation under § 1983.
  Date: 2024-04-29
  Tags: legal
  Sources: United States v. Victor HIll, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2024-04-29 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Hall v. State: reckless conduct statute unconstitutionally vague as applied
  The Supreme Court of Georgia held that Georgia's Reckless Conduct Statute, O.C.G.A. § 16-5-60, as applied to a mother prosecuted for leaving three young children in the care of her nearly-twelve-year-old son, failed to provide fair notice of prohibited conduct and lacked definite standards to guide enforcement, violating due process.
  Date: 1997-05-12
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Hall v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1997-05-12 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-15-4(n) concurrent prosecution authority and AG peace officers
  O.C.G.A. § 16-15-4(n) gives prosecuting attorneys and the Attorney General concurrent authority to prosecute criminal cases arising under § 16-15-4, and authorizes the Attorney General to employ peace officers with full peace-officer powers for purposes of investigating offenses under that Code section.
  Tags: legal,gangs,policy
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-15-4 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] OCGA 45-3-7(d): additional agency oaths aspirational only, no legal effect
  O.C.G.A. § 45-3-7(d) provides that additional oaths an agency administers beyond the prescribed peace-officer oath, and any added language, are deemed aspirational only and of no legal effect in any civil or criminal proceeding. Read with § 16-10-1(b), this limits a violation-of-oath charge against a peace officer to the statutory oath's words.
  Date: 2025-07-01
  Tags: legal,legislation,policy
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 45-3-7 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Criminal act complete at false statement regardless of result
  Banta v. State distinguished Hall v. State, holding Banta's act was criminal when he made his false statement without regard to the result of that act.
  Date: 2007-02-25
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Banta v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2007-02-25 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Fourth Circuit in Harris interpreted 'if death results' as proximate result
  The Fourth Circuit stated that in United States v. Harris it had quoted a case interpreting Section 242 for the proposition that the phrase 'if death results' in Section 241 means that death ensued as a proximate result of the accused's willful violation of a victim's defined rights.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Fourth Circuit Opinion: United States v. Covington (254282.P.pdf)

- [confirmed] Tolling of limitation periods
  O.C.G.A. § 17-3-2 excludes from the limitation period periods in which the accused is not usually and publicly a resident within Georgia, the person committing the crime or the crime itself is unknown, or the accused is a government officer or employee and the crime charged is theft by conversion of public property while such officer or employee.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 17-3-2 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Bradley Center v. Wessner: intervening criminal act does not insulate liability when foreseeable
  The Georgia Supreme Court stated that the general rule that an intervening criminal act of a third person will insulate a defendant from liability for an original act of negligence does not apply when it is alleged that the defendant had reason to anticipate the criminal act.
  Date: 1982-10-27
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Bradley Center, Inc. v. Wessner, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1982-10-27 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Lanier fair-warning standard for § 242
  The Supreme Court held that criminal liability under § 242 may be imposed for deprivation of a constitutional right if, but only if, in the light of pre-existing law the unlawfulness under the Constitution is apparent, the same fair-warning standard as civil qualified immunity's 'clearly established' test.
  Date: 1997-03-31
  Tags: legal
  Sources: United States v. Lanier, Supreme Court of the United States, 1997-03-31 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Hale: no need to show sheriff knew precisely who would attack whom
  The Eleventh Circuit in Hale v. Tallapoosa County held that the plaintiff was not required to show that the sheriff knew precisely who would attack whom, but only that the sheriff had subjective knowledge of a generalized, substantial risk of serious harm from inmate violence.
  Date: 1995-05-02
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Hale v. Tallapoosa County, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 1995-05-02 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] United States v. Bourget (1st Cir.) follows United States v. Hill
  United States v. Bourget (1st Cir. 2026) followed United States v. Hill, 99 F.4th 1289, 1307 (11th Cir. 2024), on the § 242 willfulness standard.
  Date: 2026-08-21
  Tags: legal
  Sources: United States v. Bourget, Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, 2026-08-21 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Hall v. State quotes text of Georgia Reckless Conduct Statute
  The Supreme Court of Georgia quoted O.C.G.A. § 16-5-60: a person who causes bodily harm to or endangers the bodily safety of another by consciously disregarding a substantial or unjustifiable risk that his act or omission will cause harm or endanger safety, where the disregard constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of care a reasonable person would exercise, is guilty of a misdemeanor.
  Date: 1997-05-12
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Hall v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1997-05-12 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] OCGA 45-3-7(b) peace officer oath contains no express duty to protect people in custody
  O.C.G.A. § 45-3-7(b) prescribes, for peace officers as defined in § 35-8-2 taking their oath on or after July 1, 2025, an oath to faithfully, fairly, and without malice or partiality uphold the laws of Georgia and support and defend the U.S. and Georgia Constitutions; it contains no express duty to protect people in custody.
  Date: 2025-07-01
  Tags: legal,legislation,policy
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 45-3-7 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Porter v. State disapproved in part
  Virger v. State disapproved the Court of Appeals' opinion in Porter v. State, 243 Ga. App. 498 (532 SE2d 407) (2000), to the extent it is inconsistent with the Supreme Court's opinion.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: In the Supreme Court of Georgia

- [confirmed] Fourth Circuit vacated Covington § 242 conviction for failure to instruct on proximate cause
  The Fourth Circuit held that 18 U.S.C. § 242's 'bodily injury results' enhancement requires that the defendant's conduct be both the but-for and proximate cause of the injury, so the district court erred in refusing a proximate-cause instruction; a 2-1 majority (Judge Rushing dissenting on harmlessness only) held the error not harmless and vacated Covington's § 242 conviction, while affirming the § 1001 convictions and vacating both sentences.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Fourth Circuit Opinion: United States v. Covington (254282.P.pdf)

- [confirmed] Jordan v. State: criminal intent may be inferred from conduct before, during, after crime
  The Supreme Court of Georgia held that while mere presence at the scene of a crime and mere approval of the criminal act do not amount to sufficient evidence to establish that a defendant is a party to the crime, criminal intent may be inferred from a defendant's conduct before, during and after the commission of the crime.
  Date: 2000-05-08
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Jordan v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2000-05-08 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Lanier description of § 241 conspiracy statute
  The Supreme Court described § 241, the companion conspiracy statute to § 242, as speaking of conspiracies to prevent the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to any person by the Constitution or laws of the United States.
  Date: 1997-03-31
  Tags: legal
  Sources: United States v. Lanier, Supreme Court of the United States, 1997-03-31 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Jackson v. Crickmar: statutory definitions of criminal negligence and involuntary manslaughter
  The Supreme Court of Georgia stated that O.C.G.A. § 16-2-1(b) defines criminal negligence as 'willful, wanton, or reckless disregard for the safety of others,' and that O.C.G.A. § 16-5-3 defines involuntary manslaughter as causing the death of another human being without any intention to do so.
  Date: 2021-06-21
  Tags: legal,death
  Sources: Jackson v. Crickmar, Warden, 2021-06-21 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Hale: classification and segregation among reasonable measures to reduce violence
  In Hale, the Eleventh Circuit listed classifying and segregating inmates based on their likelihood for violence as among the reasonable measures available to reduce the risk of violence that the sheriff failed to pursue; other measures included assigning inmates to cells and bunks rather than letting them choose, adequately training jailers, and adequately supervising and monitoring inmates.
  Date: 1995-05-02
  Tags: legal,violence,staffing,operations
  Sources: Hale v. Tallapoosa County, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 1995-05-02 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] United States v. Bourget applies Screws v. United States bad-purpose standard
  United States v. Bourget (1st Cir. 2026) followed Screws v. United States, 325 U.S. 91, on the requirement that a § 242 deprivation be 'done with a bad purpose.'
  Date: 2026-08-21
  Tags: legal
  Sources: United States v. Bourget, Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, 2026-08-21 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] Staib v. State followed Johnson v. State
  Later treatment: Staib v. State, Ga. Ct. App., followed Johnson v. State, Ga. App.
  Date: 2011-06-06
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Staib v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2011-06-06 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Porter evidence admissible to show knowledge
  Pickle v. State explains that in Porter v. State the evidence was admissible to show whether Porter knew about her husband's actions as it related to several of the crimes charged, rather than to show absence or presence of criminal intent.
  Date: 2006-07-14
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Pickle v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2006-07-14 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Private citizen can be liable under § 242 for aiding and abetting state officer
  The Eleventh Circuit's pattern jury instruction annotations state that a private citizen who aids and abets a state officer may be guilty under § 242 if the private citizen willfully acts with state officers who are active participants, citing United States v. Farmer.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Eleventh Circuit Pattern Jury Instructions (Criminal)

- [confirmed] James v. State: mere approval not rising to encouragement insufficient for party to a crime
  The Georgia Court of Appeals held that mere approval of a criminal act that does not rise to encouragement is not sufficient evidence to establish that the defendant was a party to the crime.
  Date: 2003-02-25
  Tags: legal
  Sources: James v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2003-02-25 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 16-2-2: no guilt for crime committed by misfortune or accident absent criminal scheme or negligence
  A person shall not be found guilty of any crime committed by misfortune or accident where it satisfactorily appears there was no criminal scheme or undertaking, intention, or criminal negligence.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-2-2 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [confirmed] Hale: summary judgment reversed for sheriff and county in § 1983 jail-beating case
  In a § 1983 jail-beating case, the Eleventh Circuit affirmed summary judgment for the jailer but reversed it for the sheriff and county, holding a jury could find the sheriff knew of a generalized substantial risk of inmate violence, failed to take reasonable measures (classification, segregation, supervision), and that this caused the beating.
  Date: 1995-05-02
  Tags: legal,violence,staffing
  Sources: Hale v. Tallapoosa County, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 1995-05-02 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] United States v. Varazo (11th Cir.) follows United States v. Hill
  United States v. Varazo (11th Cir. 2024) followed United States v. Hill, 99 F.4th 1289, 1312 (11th Cir. 2024), on the § 242 willfulness standard.
  Date: 2024-10-10
  Tags: legal
  Sources: United States v. Constantine Varazo, II, Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, 2024-10-10 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Hall v. State reversed denial of motion to quash; three justices dissented
  On interlocutory appeal from denial of a motion to quash reckless-conduct accusations against a mother who left three young children with her nearly-twelve-year-old son, the Supreme Court of Georgia held O.C.G.A. § 16-5-60 unconstitutionally vague as applied (no fair notice; invites arbitrary enforcement) and reversed the denial of the motion to quash. Three justices dissented.
  Date: 1997-05-12
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Hall v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1997-05-12 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Porter party-to-crime conviction supported
  Tabb v. State followed Porter v. State, 243 Ga.App. 498, 499-500(1)(a), 532 S.E.2d 407 (2000), which concluded the evidence supported a wife's conviction as a party to her husband's offense of cruelty to children in the first degree.
  Date: 2012-02-01
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Tabb v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2012-02-01 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Johnson v. State: delayed 911 call and withheld information insufficient for murder conviction
  In Johnson v. State the Supreme Court of Georgia found that evidence the defendant delayed calling 911 and withheld information from investigators, while culpable, provided no basis for a reasonable juror to conclude beyond a reasonable doubt that he was guilty of bludgeoning the baby.
  Date: 1998-09-25
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Johnson v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1998-09-25 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Adorno v. State cited for evidentiary sufficiency
  Morast v. State and Best v. CB Decatur Court LLC cite Adorno v. State, 314 Ga. App. 509 (724 SE2d 816) (2012), for evidentiary sufficiency and related analysis.
  Date: 2012-01-01
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Margaret Elaina Morast v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2013-09-05 (court record via CourtListener); Irma Best v. Cb Decatur Court LLC, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2013-10-30 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Marbury v. Warden cited in Cunningham
  Cunningham v. Cobb County cites Marbury v. Warden, 936 F.3d at 1233 (11th Cir.), affirming a district court's order granting summary judgment.
  Date: 2025-06-23
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Jamie Cunningham v. Cobb County, Georgia, Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, 2025-06-23 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] State v. Cook cited in Wimmer
  North American Senior Benefits, LLC v. Wimmer cites State v. Cook, 317 Ga. 659, 660 (1) (893 SE2d 670) (2023).
  Date: 2024-09-04
  Tags: legal
  Sources: NORTH AMERICAN SENIOR BENEFITS, LLC v. WIMMER, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2024-09-04 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Nalls applied stare decisis analysis to Jackson
  Nalls v. State applied a stare decisis analysis to State v. Jackson, 287 Ga. at 658-659 (5), and found workability offered no basis to depart.
  Date: 2018-06-04
  Tags: legal
  Sources: NALLS v. THE STATE (Two Cases), Supreme Court of Georgia, 2018-06-04 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Johnson v. State cites Melancon on criminal conduct causation
  Johnson v. State cites Melancon v. State, 319 Ga. at 751 (2)(b), on causation in criminal conduct.
  Date: 2025-05-06
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Johnson v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2025-05-06 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Deliberate intention standard restated in Qenkor
  Qenkor Construction, Inc. v. Everett restates Merrow v. Hawkins, 266 Ga. 390, 391-392(2) (467 SE2d 336) (1996), that a deliberate intention to do wrong constituting actual malice must be the intent to cause the harm suffered by the plaintiffs.
  Date: 2015-07-23
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Qenkor Construction, Inc. v. Everett, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2015-07-23 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Greenway restates Murphy actual malice standard
  Mitchell Greenway v. Northside Hospital, Inc. cites Murphy v. Bajjani for the rule that actual malice immunity analysis requires intent to cause the harm suffered by the plaintiffs.
  Date: 2014-05-27
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Mitchell Greenway v. Northside Hospital, Inc., Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2014-05-27 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Somerville applies Murphy to criminal statute duty
  Marcus W. Somerville v. Wanda W. White cites Murphy, 282 Ga. at 200-02 (2), holding that a criminal statute required certain conduct, in the discretionary-duty analysis.
  Date: 2016-06-10
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Marcus W. Somerville v. Wanda W. White, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2016-06-10 (court record via CourtListener)

CASE DETAILS (96)
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- [reported] Georgia guard sentenced to 15 years for using prisoner to assault another
  A Georgia guard at ASMP was sentenced to 15 years for using one prisoner to assault another.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: corruption,violence,staffing,investigations
  Sources: Georgia Guard Gets 15 Years for Using One Prisoner to Assault Another

- [reported] Augusta State Medical Prison officer charged as party to murder in inmate death
  Columbia County jail records showed former Augusta State Medical Prison officer Lloyd Hopkins, 51, was held on charges of party to the crime of murder, party to the crime of aggravated assault, and violation of an oath of office in connection with an inmate's death.
  Tags: violence,death,corruption,investigations,facilities
  Sources: Inmate slain at Augusta prison; guard, 2 other inmates charged, inmate slain augusta medical prison guard fired charged

- [reported] Wilcox State Prison officers fired and charged for using inmate to strike another inmate
  At Wilcox State Prison, a video captured a female correctional officer and another officer 'utilizing' inmate Erlando 'Big E' Horne, who was helping move another inmate, to strike that inmate, Jammie Davis; the officers in the video were Melissa Lawson, a unit manager, and Tanja O'Neal, a lieutenant, and both were fired and charged with battery, riot in a penal institution and violation of their oaths as officers.
  Tags: violence,corruption,staffing,investigations
  Sources: For some Georgia correctional officers, inmates are their weapons

- [confirmed] Matthew Ware convicted of deliberate indifference and excessive force
  A jury convicted Matthew Ware, 53, of willfully depriving two pretrial detainees of their right to be free from a corrections officer's deliberate indifference to a substantial risk of serious harm, and of willfully depriving a third pretrial detainee of the right to be free from a corrections officer's use of excessive force.
  Tags: legal,corruption,violence,investigations
  Sources: <!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5; URL='/archives/opa/pr/f, former oklahoma supervisory corrections officer convicted facilitating white supremacist

- [reported] Mississippi officer ordered inmate assault
  Former Mississippi corrections officer McLaughlin pleaded guilty to willfully violating the civil rights of persons in his custody after, on May 12, 2008, he ordered an inmate to arrange an unwarranted assault on another inmate; the victim was then assaulted by two fellow inmates in a shower area.
  Date: 2008-05-12
  Tags: violence,corruption,legal,staffing
  Sources: Former Mississippi corrections officer sentenced for orchestrating assault on inmate

- [reported] DOC fired and arrested Lloyd Hopkins in May 2024 for opening Robert Robish's cell door
  DOC fired and arrested Lloyd Hopkins in May 2024 for opening Robert Robish's cell door for him to be assaulted by a trio of fellow prisoners, one of whom died when Robish defended himself.
  Date: 2024-05-01
  Tags: corruption,violence,staffing,investigations
  Sources: Georgia Guard Gets 15 Years for Using One Prisoner to Assault Another

- [reported] DOJ report describes gang attack incident with six hospitalized and four more assaulted four nights later
  The DOJ report describes an incident in which six individuals were hospitalized that evening from attacks involving gang members attacking rival gang members; just four nights later, four more incarcerated persons were assaulted in the same housing unit.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: gangs,violence,investigations,conditions
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] New Jersey officer sentenced for failure to intervene
  A former corrections officer at Bayside State Prison in Leesburg, New Jersey, was sentenced to 20 months in prison for depriving two inmates of their civil rights by failing to intervene when the inmates were assaulted and suffered bodily injury.
  Tags: violence,legal,corruption
  Sources: Bayside State Prison corrections officer sentenced to 20 months in prison for violating inmates' civil rights

- [reported] Augusta State Medical Prison officer Lloyd Hopkins charged in inmate killing
  According to Columbia County jail records, Lloyd Hopkins, 51, was held on charges of party to the crime of murder, party to the crime of aggravated assault, and violation of an oath of office in connection with the killing of an inmate at Augusta State Medical Prison.
  Tags: violence,death,corruption,staffing,investigations
  Sources: Inmate slain at Augusta prison; guard, 2 other inmates charged

- [confirmed] Michael Kennedy convicted for fatal assault of inmate
  A federal jury in Orlando, Florida found former Bureau of Prisons corrections officer Michael Kennedy guilty on felony federal civil rights charges related to the fatal assault of an inmate in March 2005.
  Date: 2005-01-01
  Tags: legal,violence,death
  Sources: DOJ Press Release: Former Bureau of Prisons Corrections Officer Convicted of Federal Civil Rights Charges

- [reported] New Jersey officer present during assault in officers' quarters
  In December 2019, while corrections officer Hand was inside the officers' quarters within the kitchen area of Bayside State Prison, the first victim was summoned to that room; shortly after the victim entered, the exit door was blocked and, in Hand's presence, the victim was assaulted simultaneously by several inmates and taken down to the floor.
  Date: 2019-12-01
  Tags: violence,corruption,legal
  Sources: Bayside State Prison corrections officer sentenced to 20 months in prison for violating inmates' civil rights

- [reported] GDC confirms arrest and termination of Officer Lloyd Hopkins
  The Georgia Department of Corrections confirmed the arrest of former Officer Lloyd Hopkins, who was terminated after failing to follow policies and procedures while working at Augusta State Medical Prison.
  Tags: violence,death,corruption,staffing,policy
  Sources: Inmate slain at Augusta prison; guard, 2 other inmates charged

- [reported] OPS closed investigation administratively after DA declined prosecution following SART unsubstantiated finding
  The DOJ report describes a case where internal affairs (OPS) closed its investigation after a district attorney declined to prosecute: when OPS later investigated, it only noted that SART had found the incident unsubstantiated; as a result the district attorney declined to prosecute and OPS closed its investigation administratively.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: investigations,corruption,legal
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [confirmed] Kennedy and Sharma moved inmate Delano into McCullah's cell knowing risk
  On Feb. 28, 2005, Kennedy and former Bureau of Prisons corrections officer Erin Sharma agreed to move inmate Delano into the cell of inmate John McCullah at the Federal Correctional Complex Coleman, knowing that McCullah was likely to assault Delano.
  Date: 2005-02-28
  Tags: legal,violence,gangs
  Sources: DOJ Press Release: Former Bureau of Prisons Corrections Officer Convicted of Federal Civil Rights Charges

- [reported] Five Vance County detention officers indicted
  Five Vance County, North Carolina detention officers, including a captain, were each indicted on a misdemeanor charge of willfully failing to discharge duties after the sheriff said inmates were 'encouraged to fight' and the incident was caught on camera.
  Tags: violence,corruption,legal,staffing
  Sources: Five Vance County detention officers indicted for 'encouraging' inmates to fight :: WRAL.com

- [reported] Inmates Brendon Moore and Andy Ulysse charged in Augusta State Medical Prison killing
  The Georgia Department of Corrections said inmates Brendon Moore and Andy Ulysse have been charged with felony murder and aggravated assault in the Augusta State Medical Prison case.
  Tags: violence,death,investigations
  Sources: Inmate slain at Augusta prison; guard, 2 other inmates charged

- [confirmed] Erin Sharma sentenced to life for role in fatal assault
  On Aug. 28, 2009, Erin Sharma was sentenced to life in prison for her role in the civil rights offense related to the fatal assault of inmate Richard Delano.
  Date: 2009-08-28
  Tags: legal,death
  Sources: DOJ Press Release: Former Bureau of Prisons Corrections Officer Convicted of Federal Civil Rights Charges

- [reported] South Carolina officer charged with misconduct for enabling attack
  Shannon Burden, a Charleston County, South Carolina detention officer, was charged with misconduct in office after remotely unlocking the cells of two inmates who joined with two inmate 'trustees' to attack another inmate, then remotely unlocking the victim's cell and allowing the attackers to enter, while on duty at Al Cannon Detention Center on Sept. 13.
  Tags: violence,corruption,legal,staffing
  Sources: S.C. detention officer opened inmate's cell to allow violent attack, SLED alleges

- [reported] Texas supervisory officer aided and abetted assault
  Khristal Ford, a Supervisory Correctional Officer at FCC Beaumont, Texas, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting another correctional officer's assault of an inmate after she opened the door of a secured medical observation cell and told the other officer to 'take care of it' while he punched the inmate in the head three times.
  Date: 2017-06-08
  Tags: violence,corruption,legal,staffing
  Sources: Former supervisory correctional officer sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for civil rights violation

- [reported] Georgia guard fired and arrested May 25, 2024 for facilitating assault at Augusta State Medical Prison
  A Georgia Department of Corrections guard was fired and arrested on May 25, 2024, for allegedly letting three Augusta State Medical Prison prisoners into the cell of a fourth to carry out an assault, during which the intended victim killed one of his attackers.
  Date: 2024-05-25
  Tags: violence,corruption,investigations,facilities
  Sources: Georgia Guard Fired, Charged With Setting Up Assault that Left Prisoner Dead

- [confirmed] Nantell convicted of failure to intervene and obstruction
  Former Corrections Sergeant Nantell was convicted of one count of deprivation of civil rights for failing to intervene to protect the inmate and three counts of obstruction for lying to state and federal investigators.
  Tags: legal,corruption
  Sources: DOJ Press Release: Six Former Kentucky State Corrections Officers Sentenced for Violating Civil Rights of Inmate

- [reported] Texas officer orchestrated retaliatory assault
  Samuel Thomas, a former officer at a TDCJ facility in Rusk, Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of violating a federal law prohibiting conspiracies to deprive someone of civil rights after he opened the cell door of an inmate and allowed other individuals involved in the conspiracy to enter and assault the inmate, in retaliation for the inmate having spit on him two days earlier.
  Tags: violence,corruption,legal,staffing
  Sources: Former Texas correctional officer pleads guilty in conspiracy case after orchestrating attack on inmate who spit on him

- [reported] Harrison v. Culliver: assaults at Holman with improvised weapons
  In Harrison v. Culliver (11th Cir. 2014), the court noted that 'Although assaults did occur throughout Holman, and some did involve weapons fashioned out of a utility knife, box cutter, or razor,' the record was assessed under the Purcell deliberate-indifference framework. The case illustrates the evidentiary threshold for showing that prison officials knew of a substantial risk of inmate-on-inmate violence at an Alabama facility.
  Date: 2014-04-02
  Tags: violence,contraband,legal,conditions
  Sources: Jody O'Neil Harrison v. Grantt Culliver, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2014-04-02 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] Inmate Robert Robish killed attacker in apparent self-defense with machete-like weapon
  He was killed, apparently in self-defense, by prisoner Robert Robish, 27, when the three entered his cell with a 'machete-like weapon,' allegedly after being granted access by guard Lloyd Hopkins, 51.
  Tags: violence,contraband,facilities
  Sources: Georgia Guard Fired, Charged With Setting Up Assault that Left Prisoner Dead

- [confirmed] Demeria Thomas sentenced to four years for enabling inmate attack
  A former correctional officer at the St. Louis jail was sentenced to four years in prison for allowing two inmates to attack another inmate.
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: DOJ Press Release: Former St. Louis Correctional Officer Sentenced to Four Years for Inmate's Attack

- [confirmed] Acquittal of officers in Augusta State Medical Prison fire-death case
  On June 11, 2026, judgment was entered acquitting Marcus Phillips on Count 1 and Robert Roberson on Counts 1 and 2 in the federal case over the Augusta State Medical Prison inmate's fire death, signed by District Judge J. Randal Hall.
  Date: 2026-06-11
  Tags: legal,death,investigations,corruption
  Sources: United States v. Phillips, 2026-06-11 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] West Virginia officer sentenced for conspiracy to use unjustified force
  Michael Pack, a former correctional officer from the Southern Regional Jail in Beaver, West Virginia, was sentenced to two years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a conspiracy in which he and other correctional officers used unreasonable and unjustified force against inmates, including pretrial detainees, as a form of punishment and retaliation.
  Tags: violence,corruption,legal,staffing
  Sources: Former correctional officer sentenced on federal civil rights charges in connection with conspiracy

- [reported] Johnson State Prison guard Baronique Burton arrested for party to inmate beating
  A Johnson State Prison guard, Baronique Burton, was arrested after allegedly being 'a party' to the beating of two inmates at the Wrightsville prison, and is charged with violating her oath by a public officer and unlawful acts of violence in a penal institution.
  Tags: corruption,violence,staffing,investigations
  Sources: Georgia prison guard arrested for alleged role in inmate beating: warrant | 13wmaz.com

- [reported] Robish was serving 10-year term for 2015 robbery; unclear if charged in death
  Robish was serving a 10-year term for a 2015 robbery conviction, and it was unclear whether he was charged in Hayes' death.
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Georgia Guard Fired, Charged With Setting Up Assault that Left Prisoner Dead

- [confirmed] Thomas pleaded guilty to deprivation of rights under color of law
  Demeria Thomas pleaded guilty to a felony charge of deprivation of rights under color of law and admitted that on March 22, 2021, while employed as a corrections officer at the St. Louis Justice Center, she unlocked an inmate's cell door allowing two inmates inside to attack the occupant.
  Date: 2021-03-22
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: DOJ Press Release: Former St. Louis Correctional Officer Sentenced to Four Years for Inmate's Attack

- [confirmed] Jury verdict of not guilty in Augusta State Medical Prison fire-death prosecution
  The jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty as to Marcus Phillips on Count 1 and Robert Roberson on Counts 1 and 2 in the federal prosecution over the Augusta State Medical Prison inmate fire death.
  Date: 2026-06-11
  Tags: legal,death,investigations
  Sources: United States v. Phillips, 2026-06-11 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Cottone v. Jenne: guards who failed to monitor known violent inmate denied qualified immunity
  On interlocutory appeal from denial of a Rule 12(b)(6) qualified-immunity motion, the Eleventh Circuit held the complaint adequately alleged that two guards who wholly failed to monitor a known violent, mentally ill inmate were deliberately indifferent under clearly established law (no qualified immunity), but that supervisory defendants were entitled to qualified immunity because no causal connection to the guards' conduct was alleged.
  Date: 2003-04-11
  Tags: legal,mental_health,violence,staffing
  Sources: Cottone v. Jenne, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2003-04-11 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] Burton warrant alleges she allowed inmates to be assaulted on April 1
  The Johnson State Prison arrest warrant for Burton alleges she willfully and intentionally violated the terms of her oath by being party to the crime of Unlawful Acts of Violence in a Penal Institution by allowing inmates to be assaulted by other inmates, with the crime alleged to have happened on April 1 between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the prison.
  Tags: corruption,violence,staffing,investigations
  Sources: Georgia prison guard arrested for alleged role in inmate beating: warrant | 13wmaz.com

- [confirmed] Dorsey v. State: former DeKalb Sheriff convicted of malice murder and oath violation
  A former Sheriff of DeKalb County, Georgia was convicted of malice murder, two RICO counts, violation of oath by a public officer, and eight counts of theft by taking in violation of duties as a public officer, in connection with the shooting death of his newly elected successor, Derwin Brown; the Supreme Court of Georgia affirmed.
  Date: 2005-06-30
  Tags: legal,corruption,violence
  Sources: Dorsey v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2005-06-30 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] Guard Lloyd Hopkins charged as party to murder and assault, violating oath
  Hopkins, the lone guard on duty in the area at the time, reportedly sent the trio of inmates to retrieve a contraband cellphone, and as a three-year DOC veteran was charged with being a party to Hayes' murder and assault, as well as violating his oath of office.
  Tags: corruption,contraband,violence,staffing
  Sources: Georgia Guard Fired, Charged With Setting Up Assault that Left Prisoner Dead

- [confirmed] Thomas failed to render aid and filed no report
  Several minutes later, Thomas walked to the open door of the cell and calmly instructed the attackers to leave, then closed the door to the cell, making no effort to render aid to the bleeding and incapacitated victim, who lost a tooth while suffering a broken jaw and a concussion. Thomas also failed to disclose the assault and filed no report of the incident.
  Date: 2021-03-22
  Tags: legal,violence,medical
  Sources: DOJ Press Release: Former St. Louis Correctional Officer Sentenced to Four Years for Inmate's Attack

- [confirmed] Federal grand jury indicted two former Augusta State Medical Prison officers
  On August 5, a federal grand jury in the Southern District of Georgia returned a two-count indictment charging former Augusta State Medical Prison Correctional Officers Robert Roberson and Marcus Phillips with violating the constitutional rights of an inmate by showing deliberate indifference to a substantial risk of harm to an inmate, resulting in his death.
  Tags: legal,death,investigations,corruption
  Sources: <!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5; URL='/usao-sdga/pr/form

- [confirmed] Burley v. State: charges against corrections officer Shakera Burns severed
  In the Burley v. State prosecution for the beating death of inmate Joshua Brooks at Calhoun State Prison, the charges against co-indictee Shakera Burns, a corrections officer, were severed from the indictment and she was to be tried separately.
  Date: 2023-05-31
  Tags: violence,corruption,legal
  Sources: Burley v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2023-05-31 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] FBI agent testified Thomas threatened victim to participate in attack
  FBI Special Agent Darren Boehlje testified that one of the attackers said Thomas and the victim had a verbal altercation earlier that day, and that Thomas then threatened to falsely claim he'd exposed herself to her unless he participated in the attack.
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: DOJ Press Release: Former St. Louis Correctional Officer Sentenced to Four Years for Inmate's Attack

- [reported] Coleman Federal Correctional Complex cell-move conspiracy (Kennedy/Sharma)
  The grand jury charged that on Feb. 28, 2005, Kennedy and co-conspirator Erin Sharma agreed to move inmate Richard Delano into the cell of another inmate at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex in Coleman, Florida, knowing the inmate was likely to assault Delano.
  Date: 2005-02-28
  Tags: legal,violence,corruption,investigations
  Sources: <!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5; URL='/archives/opa/pr/f, former federal corrections officer indicted civil rights charges related fatal assault

- [reported] Dino Walker stabbed to death at Fulton County Jail when officer left post
  Dino Walker, a detainee at the Fulton County Jail, was stabbed to death by two fellow inmates when Detention Officer Curt Muhammad stepped away from his post in a high risk area of the jail, according to the family's lawsuit.
  Date: 2022-09-22
  Tags: violence,death,staffing,legal,facilities
  Sources: Family of inmate stabbed to death in Fulton County Jail suing sheriff, county, detention officer | FOX 5 Atlanta

- [confirmed] Burley v. State: Officer Burns seen slipping note under cell door before Brooks found dead
  A Correctional Officer named Shakera Burns was recorded on prison surveillance video slipping a note beneath the door of the cell in which inmate Joshua Brooks was later found dead, during the lockdown period before his body was discovered.
  Date: 2023-05-31
  Tags: violence,corruption,legal
  Sources: Burley v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2023-05-31 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Sharma convicted under 18 U.S.C. §§ 241 and 242 for death of inmate
  A jury found Erin Sharma, a corrections officer at Coleman Federal Correctional Institution, guilty of violating 18 U.S.C. §§ 241 and 242 and found that her actions caused the resulting death of a federal prison inmate, after the government presented evidence that Sharma and another corrections officer intentionally moved inmate Delano into inmate McCullah's cell, anticipating that McCullah would assault Delano.
  Date: 2005-01-01
  Tags: legal,death,violence
  Sources: Eleventh Circuit Opinion: United States v. Sharma (200915844)

- [confirmed] South Florida Reception Center officers convicted of civil rights and obstruction offenses
  A federal jury in Miami convicted South Florida Reception Center officers Alexander McQueen and Steven Dawkins of civil rights and obstruction offenses after evidence showed officers physically abused inmates by choking, punching and striking them with wooden broom handles and forced inmates to fight one another.
  Tags: legal,violence,corruption,investigations
  Sources: <!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5; URL='/archives/opa/pr/s, south florida corrections officers convicted federal civil rights and obstruction charges

- [reported] Calhoun State Prison killing verdict
  A jury found Undrea Burley and Wesley Adams guilty of felony murder, aggravated assault and gang activity in the Calhoun State Prison killing of inmate Joshua Brooks, and they were sentenced to life in prison without parole; co-defendant Demetrius Smith was found not guilty.
  Tags: violence,gangs,death,legal,facilities
  Sources: Verdict reached in Calhoun Co. prison killing

- [reported] Walker killing: 33-year-old stabbed multiple times after officer left post nearly an hour
  On Sept. 22, 2022, 33-year-old Dino Walker was reportedly stabbed multiple times and left bleeding on the floor by two inmates after a detention officer left his post for almost an hour, according to the family's allegations in their lawsuit.
  Date: 2022-09-22
  Tags: violence,death,staffing,legal
  Sources: Family of inmate stabbed to death in Fulton County Jail suing sheriff, county, detention officer | FOX 5 Atlanta

- [reported] September 2022 gang war after Phillips homicide hospitalized 20 across three prisons
  The DOJ's findings report on Georgia prisons describes a September 2022 gang war following a homicide at Phillips State Prison, in which Bloods attacked Crips over several days and twenty incarcerated people were hospitalized, including 13 from Macon State Prison on October 2, 2022, 5 from Ware State Prison on October 1, 2022, and 2 from Coffee State Prison on October 1, 2022. Calculation from the source text: 13+5+2=20.
  Tags: gangs,violence,facilities,death
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] DOJ indictment: Augusta officers left inmate in burning cell
  The indictment against Roberson and Phillips alleges they became aware of a smoldering fire in an inmate's cell on Oct. 28, 2020 and, rather than extinguish it, evacuate the inmate, remediate the smoke, or call a fire emergency over the radio, willfully disregarded the substantial risk of serious harm by leaving him locked in his cell.
  Date: 2020-10-28
  Tags: death,corruption,investigations,legal,facilities
  Sources: Office of Public Affairs | Former Augusta State Medical Prison Correctional Officers Charged in Connection with Inmate’s Death | United States Department of Justice

- [confirmed] Officers sanctioned and forced inmate fight at South Florida Reception Center
  Griffin asked assembled inmates if any wanted to fight; when inmate Pressley agreed to brawl with inmate Bertrand, Griffin sanctioned the fight and imposed rules, and at one point Sergeant McQueen fiercely choked Pressley, who begged McQueen and Griffin to stop the fight, but the officers would not let him quit and forced the fight to continue.
  Date: 2013-08-22
  Tags: violence,corruption,legal
  Sources: Case: 12-10840 Date Filed: 08/22/2013 Page: 1 of 33

- [confirmed] Marbury affirmed summary judgment for Alabama officer and warden over dissent
  The Eleventh Circuit (per curiam, over a dissent by Judge Rosenbaum) affirmed summary judgment for an Alabama officer and warden. The record did not show violence so pervasive that confinement itself posed a substantial risk of serious harm. A prisoner's report that an unnamed inmate meant to hurt him, with no further detail, did not make the officials subjectively aware of a substantial risk. A failure to investigate or to follow policy, without that awareness, is negligence and not deliberate indifference.
  Date: 2019-08-29
  Tags: legal,violence,policy
  Sources: Mitchell Marbury v. Warden, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2019-08-29 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] Calhoun officer charged in Brooks death
  According to a WALB report, correctional officer Shakera Burns was awaiting trial on a charge in connection with Joshua Brooks' death, and prosecutor Mulholland said her exact charge was unclear.
  Tags: violence,death,legal,staffing,facilities
  Sources: Verdict reached in Calhoun Co. prison killing

- [reported] Six Fulton County deputies indicted on murder charges in Antonio May death
  A grand jury previously indicted on murder charges six Fulton County Sheriff's deputies, Aaron Cook, Guito Dela Cruz, Omar Jackson, Jason Roache, Kenesia Strowder and William Whitaker, in connection with the death of inmate Antonio May.
  Tags: violence,death,legal,corruption,staffing
  Sources: Fulton County judge throws out indictment against 6 jail deputies in inmate’s death – WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta

- [reported] Augusta State Medical Prison guards acquitted in inmate death
  Two former guards at Augusta State Medical Prison, Robert Roberson and Marcus Phillips, were found not guilty on the federal civil rights indictment in connection with the inmate's smoke-inhalation death; Roberson was also acquitted of falsifying a logbook to cover up misconduct.
  Tags: death,corruption,investigations,legal,facilities
  Sources: Former Augusta State Medical Prison guards acquitted in inmate death, former augusta state medical prison guard acquitted inmate death

- [reported] Dade Correctional Institution officers arranged Oct. 26, 2008 assault on inmate D.T.
  The indictment alleged that on Oct. 26, 2008, Dade Correctional Institution officers L'Bert and White arranged for inmate Williams to assault another inmate, D.T., moving D.T. to Williams's cell and waiting outside while Williams assaulted and injured D.T.
  Date: 2008-10-26
  Tags: violence,corruption,legal,investigations
  Sources: <!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5; URL='/archives/opa/pr/c, corrections officers and former inmate indicted federal civil rights charges

- [confirmed] Keith v. DeKalb County: sheriff granted summary judgment in detainee killing
  On interlocutory appeal from denial of summary judgment on qualified immunity, the Eleventh Circuit held the DeKalb County Sheriff was entitled to summary judgment on § 1983 claims over a detainee's killing by another detainee. The sheriff could not be liable for relying on contracted mental-health staff's determination that inmates posed no risk; a single prior similar killing (Jenkins) was not widespread abuse giving notice; and the failure-to-train claim failed for lack of a pattern of violations.
  Date: 2014-04-23
  Tags: legal,violence,death,mental_health
  Sources: Keith Ex Rel. Estate of Cook v. DeKalb County, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2014-04-23 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] Smith State Prison gang fight hours after Warden Brian Adams arrest: 9 stabbed, 6 hospitalized, 2 airlifted
  The DOJ's findings report on Georgia prisons states that hours after the arrest of Smith State Prison's Warden, Brian Adams, was announced on February 8, 2023, a gang fight broke out in a housing unit at Smith in which nine incarcerated persons were injured from stabbing wounds, six requiring hospitalization, with two sent out by airlift, and that almost 90 minutes elapsed between when staff first observed the fighting and when the first wounded person was airlifted to a hospital. Source text: 'Hours after the arrest of Smith State Prison’s Warden, Brian Adams, was announced on February 8, 2023, a gang fight broke out in a housing unit at Smith. Nine incarcerated persons were injured from stabbing wounds, six requiring hospitalization, with two of those sent out by airlift. Incarcerated persons videorecorded the fighting, and the footage was posted on social media. It showed groups of incarcerated persons chasing and stabbing others. Almost 90 minutes elapsed between when staff first observed the fighting and when the first wounded person was airlifted to a hospital.'
  Date: 2023-02-08
  Tags: gangs,violence,corruption,facilities,staffing
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] Inmate Roderick Hayes killed in May 2024 altercation at Augusta State Medical Prison
  In May 2024, inmate Roderick Hayes, 29, was serving a 10-year sentence when he was killed during an altercation at Augusta State Medical Prison.
  Date: 2024-05-01
  Tags: death,violence,facilities
  Sources: Former Augusta State Medical Prison guards acquitted in inmate death, former augusta state medical prison guard acquitted inmate death

- [reported] Dade Correctional Institution officers arranged Nov. 1, 2007 assault on inmate F.H.
  The indictment further alleged that on Nov. 1, 2007, Dade Correctional Institution officers White and Bonnet arranged for inmate Williams to assault another inmate, F.H., escorting Williams to F.H.'s cell and waiting outside while Williams assaulted and injured F.H.
  Date: 2007-11-01
  Tags: violence,corruption,legal,investigations
  Sources: <!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5; URL='/archives/opa/pr/c, corrections officers and former inmate indicted federal civil rights charges

- [confirmed] Former Alabama lieutenant Willie M. Burks III sentenced to nine years for failing to stop assault
  Willie M. Burks III, a former Alabama Department of Corrections lieutenant, was sentenced in federal court to nine years' imprisonment, with two years of supervised release to follow, after being convicted by a federal jury of failing to stop an officer under his command from assaulting an inmate at ADOC's Elmore Correctional Facility.
  Date: 2021-01-01
  Tags: corruption,violence,legal,investigations
  Sources: DOJ Press Release: Former Alabama Correctional Lieutenant Sentenced for Failing to Intervene in Unlawful Inmate Assault

- [reported] Calhoun State Prison inmate Joshua Brooks killed; guard and three inmates arrested
  In the Calhoun State Prison killing of inmate Joshua Brooks, inmates Wesley Adams, Demetrius Smith and Undrea Burley, as well as correctional officer Shakera Burns, were all arrested and charged in Brooks' murder; the GBI said there was evidence of blunt force trauma to the head.
  Tags: violence,death,corruption,staffing,investigations
  Sources: Guard, three inmates arrested in Calhoun Co. inmate murder

- [confirmed] Calhoun State Prison officer's oath conviction affirmed
  The Court of Appeals of Georgia affirmed a Calhoun State Prison correctional officer's convictions, including violation of oath under OCGA § 16-10-1, holding the evidence sufficient because the signed oath matched the terms averred in the indictment and was an oath prescribed by law (citing OCGA § 42-5-31).
  Date: 2008-07-15
  Tags: legal,corruption,facilities
  Sources: Bradley v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2008-07-15 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] California officer charged with facilitating planned inmate attack
  A federal grand jury in Fresno charged California State Prison-Corcoran Correctional Officer Raquel Mosqueda with depriving inmate J.M. of his Eighth Amendment right while acting under color of law by facilitating inmate Carter's planned attack on J.M.
  Tags: violence,corruption,legal,investigations
  Sources: <!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5; URL='/archives/opa/pr/c, california corrections officer charged federal conspiracy and civil rights violations

- [confirmed] Former Alabama officers Mosley and Williams pleaded guilty to failing to intervene
  Former ADOC correctional officers Bryanna Mosley and Leon Williams pleaded guilty in May and July 2019, respectively, to failing to intervene to stop the assaults.
  Date: 2019-01-01
  Tags: corruption,violence,legal
  Sources: DOJ Press Release: Former Alabama Correctional Lieutenant Sentenced for Failing to Intervene in Unlawful Inmate Assault

- [confirmed] Southerland v. GDC: wrongful death over cellmate housing placement
  The Georgia Court of Appeals described a wrongful death action alleging that Georgia Department of Corrections prison employees negligently failed to follow GDOC policy and procedures regarding housing by placing a mentally retarded Level III inmate with a Level I inmate who was hearing voices, was not taking his medication, and had threatened to harm him, and the Level III inmate died of head injuries inflicted by that cellmate.
  Date: 2008-06-12
  Tags: legal,death,mental_health,violence,facilities
  Sources: Southerland v. Georgia Department of Corrections, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2008-06-12 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] GBI assisted GDC in Joshua Brooks murder investigation; warrants issued for cell mates and guard
  The GBI assisted the Georgia Department of Corrections with the murder investigation of inmate Joshua Brooks, and warrants were issued for Brooks' two cell mates, a prison guard, and another inmate in the same building.
  Tags: violence,death,corruption,investigations
  Sources: Guard, three inmates arrested in Calhoun Co. inmate murder

- [confirmed] Ware charged with deliberate indifference after transferring detainees into Aryan Brotherhood pod
  A federal grand jury charged Matthew Ware, a correctional officer and supervisor at the Kay County Detention Center, with willfully depriving two pretrial detainees of their right to be free from a correctional officer's deliberate indifference to a substantial risk of serious harm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242, after Ware ordered the transfer of two Black pretrial detainees into a pod housing Aryan Brotherhood-affiliated detainees despite other officers' warnings of a fight, resulting in a physical attack.
  Tags: legal,gangs,violence
  Sources: United States v. Ware, U.S. Court of Appeals, 10th Circuit, 2024-02-28 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] South Florida Reception Center officers abused inmates and forced them to fight (Feb. 25, 2009)
  On Feb. 25, 2009, South Florida Reception Center corrections officers physically abused inmates by choking, punching and striking them with wooden broom handles, and the officers further forced the inmates to fight one another. McQueen and Dawkins falsified reports relating to these incidents.
  Date: 2009-02-25
  Tags: violence,corruption,legal
  Sources: DOJ Press Release: South Florida Corrections Officers Sentenced on Federal Civil Rights and Obstruction Charges

- [reported] GDC investigation led to murder and aggravated assault charges against guard and two inmates
  An investigation by the Georgia Department of Corrections led to murder and aggravated assault charges against guard Lloyd Edward Hopkins, 51, as well as inmates Brendon Moore and Andy Ulysse, and Hopkins was also fired and charged with violation of oath by a public officer.
  Tags: investigations,violence,corruption,legal
  Sources: Inmate death at Augusta State Medical Prison sparks concerns over facility safety - The Augusta Press

- [confirmed] SFRC Sergeant Alexander McQueen convicted of conspiracy against civil rights and obstruction
  Florida Department of Corrections Sergeant Alexander McQueen was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Cecilia Altonaga, and on Oct. 17, 2011, following a jury trial, McQueen was found guilty of conspiracy against civil rights and obstruction of justice for his involvement in, and attempts to cover up, prisoner abuse at SFRC. The same jury convicted Dawkins of obstruction of justice.
  Date: 2011-10-17
  Tags: violence,corruption,legal
  Sources: DOJ Press Release: South Florida Corrections Officers Sentenced on Federal Civil Rights and Obstruction Charges

- [reported] Terry Anthony stabbed at Augusta State Medical Prison after officer remotely opened cell door
  Prosecutors assert that Terry Anthony was stabbed in his cell in Building E at Augusta State Medical Prison on Oct. 12, 2022, when the lone officer on duty, Daniel Farmer, remotely opened the cell door so inmate Donte Wyatt could get in.
  Date: 2022-10-12
  Tags: violence,corruption,staffing,facilities
  Sources: For some Georgia correctional officers, inmates are their weapons

- [confirmed] Four SFRC officers indicted for conspiring to violate inmates' civil rights
  Four South Florida Reception Center officers - Alexander McQueen, Guruba Griffin, Scott Butler, and Steven Dawkins - were indicted on charges of conspiring to violate the civil rights of inmates by physically abusing inmates and forcing them to fight one another, with McQueen and Dawkins also charged with obstruction of justice.
  Tags: violence,corruption,legal
  Sources: DOJ Press Release: South Florida Corrections Officers Indicted on Federal Civil Rights and Obstruction Charges

- [reported] Officer Thomas Lee Hicks charged after juvenile died in 'fight game' at Waycross RYDC
  Thomas Lee Hicks, 30, a juvenile correctional officer at the Waycross Regional Youth Detention Center, was arrested and charged with one count of second-degree murder, two counts of second-degree cruelty to children, and one count of violation of oath of office, after a young inmate he allowed to fight in front of him died.
  Tags: violence,corruption,investigations,legal
  Sources: Youth corrections officer arrested for inmate's death during 'fight game' | FOX 5 Atlanta

- [reported] BOP guard Michael Kennedy convicted in assault-for-hire killing of Richard Delano
  Michael Kennedy was found guilty on July 8, 2010 of violating the civil rights of Richard Delano, a former prisoner at USP I in Coleman, Florida. Delano was killed in 2005 after his cellmate, John 'Animal' McCullah, assaulted Delano in exchange for a pack of cigarettes that Kennedy provided to McCullah.
  Date: 2010-07-08
  Tags: corruption,violence,death,staffing
  Sources: Second BOP Guard Convicted In Assault-For-Hire

- [reported] DOJ: OPS found January 2022 death to be homicide in February 2022, but mortality data said undetermined for two years
  The DOJ's findings report on Georgia prisons states that GDC's Office of Professional Standards found in late February 2022 a death that occurred in early January 2022 to be a homicide, yet the death was reported in GDC's mortality data as undetermined until two years later, when it was eventually correctly classified as a homicide. Source text: 'in late February 2022, GDC’s Office of Professional Standards (OPS) found a death that occurred in early January 2022 to be a homicide, yet the death was reported in GDC’s mortality data as undetermined until two years later, when it was eventually correctly classified as a homicide.'
  Tags: death,investigations,data_gap
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] Daniel Farmer pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, unlawful acts of violence in penal institution, knife possession, violation of oath
  The criminal case against former Augusta State Medical Prison correctional officer Daniel Farmer was resolved when he pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, unlawful acts of violence in a penal institution, possession of a knife during commission of a felony and violation of his oath as an officer.
  Tags: corruption,violence,legal
  Sources: For some Georgia correctional officers, inmates are their weapons

- [confirmed] Mississippi officer Kenny McLaughlin sentenced to one year for ordering inmate beating
  Kenny McLaughlin, 35, a corrections officer at the Stone County Regional Correctional Facility in Stone County, Mississippi, was sentenced to serve one year in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution of $6,000 for ordering the beating of an inmate at the detention facility in violation of federal civil rights laws.
  Date: 2013-01-01
  Tags: violence,corruption,legal
  Sources: DOJ Press Release: Former Mississippi Corrections Officer Sentenced for Orchestrating Assault of Inmate

- [reported] GBI: Hicks allowed juveniles to participate in a fight game; death occurred August 9
  The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says Hicks, who was a correctional officer at the Waycross Regional Youth Detention Center, allowed 'juveniles to participate in a fight game' in front of him, and the arrest stems from the death of a juvenile inmate on August 9.
  Tags: violence,corruption,investigations
  Sources: Youth corrections officer arrested for inmate's death during 'fight game' | FOX 5 Atlanta

- [reported] Daniel Farmer taken into custody July 10 in Columbia County after guilty plea; admitted popping cell lock
  Former Georgia correctional officer Daniel Farmer was taken into custody on Wednesday, July 10, in Columbia County after pleading guilty to charges related to the stabbing of Terry Anthony, and admitted he popped the lock on a cell door, which allowed orderly Donte Wyatt to enter Anthony's cell.
  Tags: corruption,violence,legal
  Sources: For some Georgia correctional officers, inmates are their weapons

- [confirmed] McLaughlin ordered unwarranted assault on May 12, 2008
  On May 12, 2008, McLaughlin, while working as a corrections officer, ordered an inmate to arrange an unwarranted assault on another inmate; he pleaded guilty on Mar. 29, 2013 to willfully violating the civil rights of persons in his custody.
  Date: 2008-05-12
  Tags: violence,corruption,legal
  Sources: DOJ Press Release: Former Mississippi Corrections Officer Sentenced for Orchestrating Assault of Inmate

- [reported] Hicks indicted July 2023 on six felony counts
  Hicks was indicted in July 2023 on six felony counts, including Murder (2nd degree), one count of Cruelty to Children, three counts of Influencing a Witness, and one count of Violation of Oath by a Public Officer.
  Date: 2023-07-01
  Tags: violence,legal,corruption
  Sources: Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice to Pay $4.5 Million After Juvenile Dies in Guard-Organized Fight • The Georgia Virtue

- [reported] Donte Wyatt pleaded not guilty to charges and requested trial
  Wyatt, who allegedly stabbed Terry Anthony after being let into his cell, has pleaded not guilty to similar charges stemming from the incident and has asked for a trial.
  Tags: violence,legal
  Sources: For some Georgia correctional officers, inmates are their weapons

- [reported] Eleventh Circuit affirmed § 242 convictions of former Clayton County sheriff for restraint-chair force
  On direct appeal from a former Clayton County sheriff's § 242 convictions, the Eleventh Circuit held that existing case law gave him fair warning that putting compliant, nonresistant detainees in restraint chairs was excessive, unconstitutional force; that the evidence was sufficient; and that the district court did not coerce the verdict. It affirmed on all counts.
  Date: 2024-04-29
  Tags: legal,violence,corruption
  Sources: USCA11 Case: 23-10934 Document: 60-1 Date Filed: 04/29/2024 Page: 1 of 56

- [reported] Hicks case still pending as of October 21, 2026
  The case against Hicks has still not been adjudicated and remains pending as of October 21, 2026. Court records show Hicks appeared in court earlier in October and that his attorney is challenging the indictment.
  Date: 2026-10-21
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice to Pay $4.5 Million After Juvenile Dies in Guard-Organized Fight • The Georgia Virtue

- [reported] Wilcox State Prison officers Melissa Lawson and Tanja O'Neal fired and charged for using inmate to strike another inmate
  At Wilcox State Prison, officers Melissa Lawson (a unit manager) and Tanja O'Neal (a lieutenant) were fired and charged with battery, riot in a penal institution and violation of their oaths as officers, after arrest warrants said they 'utilized' an inmate orderly, Erlando 'Big E' Horne, to strike inmate Jammie Davis who was on a cart.
  Tags: corruption,violence,staffing
  Sources: For some Georgia correctional officers, inmates are their weapons

- [reported] BOP officer Erin Sharma convicted in fatal assault on inmate
  Erin Sharma, a Bureau of Prisons corrections officer, was found guilty by a federal jury in Orlando, Florida on felony federal civil rights charges related to a fatal assault on an inmate in March 2005.
  Date: 2005-03-01
  Tags: death,violence,corruption,legal
  Sources: <!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5; URL='/archives/opa/pr/f, federal corrections officer convicted civil rights charges related fatal assault

- [reported] DJJ to pay $4.5 million after juvenile dies in guard-organized fight
  The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice agreed to pay $4.5 million following the death of a juvenile in a guard-organized fight at the Waycross Regional Youth Detention Center, the incident underlying the criminal case against officer Thomas Lee Hicks.
  Date: 2026-01-01
  Tags: legal,violence,budget,investigations
  Sources: Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice to Pay $4.5 Million After Juvenile Dies in Guard-Organized Fight • The Georgia Virtue

- [reported] Augusta State Medical Prison officer Lloyd Hopkins charged with felony murder
  Lloyd Hopkins, a correctional officer at Augusta State Medical Prison, was charged with felony murder, aggravated assault and violation of oath by a public officer in connection with the death of inmate Roderick Hayes.
  Tags: violence,corruption,contraband,legal,facilities
  Sources: Georgia prison guard is accused of murder in inmate's death; two inmates also charged

- [reported] Sergeant Steven Turner charged with cover-up, allegedly threatened inmate with suffocation
  A sergeant, Steven Turner, was also criminally charged in the Wilcox State Prison incident and is alleged to have tried to cover up the incident, telling inmate Jammie Davis he would place a plastic bag over his head and suffocate him unless Davis signed a witness statement.
  Tags: corruption,violence,investigations
  Sources: For some Georgia correctional officers, inmates are their weapons

- [reported] Sharma and co-conspirator moved inmate Delano into another inmate's cell
  On Feb. 28, 2005, Sharma and a co-conspirator agreed to move inmate Delano into the cell of another inmate at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex in Coleman, Florida.
  Date: 2005-02-28
  Tags: violence,corruption,legal
  Sources: <!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5; URL='/archives/opa/pr/f, federal corrections officer convicted civil rights charges related fatal assault

- [reported] Arrest warrants: Hopkins helped inmates assault another inmate over contraband cell phone
  According to arrest warrants, Hopkins helped two inmates, Moore and Ulysse, and inmate Hayes assault another inmate with a machete-like weapon in an attempt to retrieve a contraband cell phone, and the targeted inmate, Robert Robish, stabbed Hayes in self-defense.
  Tags: violence,contraband,corruption,facilities
  Sources: Georgia prison guard is accused of murder in inmate's death; two inmates also charged

- [reported] May 2022 Calhoun State Prison killing of 21-year-old by cellmate after classification failures
  The DOJ report describes a May 2022 killing at Calhoun State Prison: 'In May 2022, a 21-year-old man was killed by his cellmate at Calhoun State Prison following multiple failures in GDC's classification and housing systems. The homicide occurred after staff moved the assailant out of segregation, to general population, and then back to segregation without following classification and housing assignment procedures.'
  Date: 2022-05-01
  Tags: violence,death,policy,facilities,gangs
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] Oklahoma supervisor Ware convicted of civil rights violations for housing Black detainees with white supremacists
  A federal jury in Oklahoma City convicted a former Kay County, Oklahoma supervisory corrections officer of violating the civil rights of three pretrial detainees held at the Kay County Detention Center.
  Tags: violence,corruption,legal,gangs
  Sources: <!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5; URL='/archives/opa/pr/f, former oklahoma supervisory corrections officer convicted facilitating white supremacist

- [reported] Former GDC guard Daniel Farmer sentenced to 15 years for enabling stabbing at ASMP
  Former Georgia Department of Corrections guard Daniel Farmer, 33, was sentenced to 15 years in state prison on July 10, 2024, after pleading guilty to allowing one prisoner to attack another at Augusta State Medical Prison (ASMP); Columbia County Superior Court Judge Sheryl B. Jolley ordered Farmer to serve only the first three years in state prison.
  Date: 2024-07-10
  Tags: violence,corruption,legal,medical
  Sources: Georgia Guard Gets 15 Years for Using One Prisoner to Assault Another

- [reported] Two inmates charged with felony murder and aggravated assault in Hayes death
  Two other inmates, Brendon Moore and Andy Ulysse, were charged with felony murder and aggravated assault in the case involving the death of inmate Roderick Hayes.
  Tags: violence,legal,facilities
  Sources: Georgia prison guard is accused of murder in inmate's death; two inmates also charged

- [reported] Ware ordered Black detainees moved to white supremacist row on May 18, 2017
  On May 18, 2017, while serving as Lieutenant of the Kay County Detention Center, Ware ordered lower-ranking corrections officers to move two Black pretrial detainees, D'Angelo Wilson and Marcus Miller, to a cell row housing white supremacist inmates whom Ware knew posed a danger to Wilson and Miller.
  Date: 2017-05-18
  Tags: violence,corruption,legal,gangs
  Sources: <!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5; URL='/archives/opa/pr/f, former oklahoma supervisory corrections officer convicted facilitating white supremacist

- [reported] Farmer remotely opened cell lock enabling stabbing of Terry Lamar Anthony seven times
  The incident unfolded on October 12, 2022, when prisoner Terry Lamar Anthony, then 37, saw a fellow prisoner standing outside his cell holding a shank; the lock popped open on the cell door and Donte Lamar Wyatt, then 40 and an orderly on the mental health unit, raced inside, stabbing Anthony seven times, and Farmer admitted to remotely opening the lock and then failing to get help for the injured prisoner.
  Date: 2022-10-12
  Tags: violence,corruption,medical,mental_health,contraband
  Sources: Georgia Guard Gets 15 Years for Using One Prisoner to Assault Another

POLICYS (44)
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- [confirmed] GDC SOP 222.01 cites Board Rules 125-2-4-.18, 125-3-2-.11, 125-4-4-.09
  GDC SOP 222.01, Inter-Institutional Transfer, cites as authority GDC Board Rules Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 125-2-4-.18, 125-3-2-.11, and 125-4-4-.09.
  Tags: policy,transfers,operations
  Sources: GDC SOP 222.01, Inter-Institutional Transfer (effective October 24, 2023)

- [reported] GDC Office of Professional Standards investigated Augusta inmate death
  A WRDW article on the Augusta State Medical Prison inmate death states the death was being investigated by the Georgia Department of Corrections' Office of Professional Standards, as is standard procedure.
  Tags: investigations,death,policy,facilities
  Sources: Inmate slain at Augusta prison; guard, 2 other inmates charged, inmate slain augusta medical prison guard fired charged

- [confirmed] Board Rule 125-1-2-.11 requires staff cooperation with Internal Investigation Section
  Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 125-1-2-.11 (Investigations and Intelligence) requires that staff working under the jurisdiction of the Board of Corrections cooperate fully with the Internal Investigation Section.
  Tags: policy,investigations,staffing
  Sources: Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 125-1-2-.11, Investigations and Intelligence (Georgia Board of Corrections rule; passage checked against GPS's copy of the rule)

- [reported] DOJ: GDC policy permits segregation for vulnerable individuals
  The DOJ findings report states that GDC policy permits placement of individuals in segregation, voluntarily or involuntarily, if they are particularly vulnerable or at risk of harm by other incarcerated individuals.
  Date: 2024-10-01
  Tags: solitary,policy,conditions
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [confirmed] GDC SOP 209.07 allows offender to request Tier I protective custody
  GDC SOP 209.07 (Segregation-Tier I: Disciplinary, Protective Custody and Transient Housing) states that an offender may request placement in the Tier I Program for protective custody.
  Tags: policy,solitary,gangs,conditions
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 209.07, Segregation-Tier I_ Disciplinary, Protective Custody and Transient Housing (GPS's copy)

- [confirmed] Board Rule 125-1-2-.11: IIS cooperates with criminal-curtailment agencies
  Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 125-1-2-.11 states that the Internal Investigation Section will utilize the services of and cooperate with all agencies charged with the curtailment of criminal activities.
  Tags: policy,investigations
  Sources: Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 125-1-2-.11, Investigations and Intelligence (Georgia Board of Corrections rule; passage checked against GPS's copy of the rule)

- [confirmed] GDC SOP 209.07 requires written protective-custody request naming potential threats
  GDC SOP 209.07 requires that an offender requesting protective custody submit a written request explaining why the offender needs protective custody and listing who the offender thinks might hurt him or her, if known.
  Tags: policy,solitary,gangs,conditions
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 209.07, Segregation-Tier I_ Disciplinary, Protective Custody and Transient Housing (GPS's copy)

- [confirmed] GDC SOP 209.07 related directives cite GDC Rules 125-3-1-.03, 125-3-2-.10(e), 125-3-5-.06(1)
  The Related Directives section of GDC SOP 209.07 cites as GDC Rules Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 125-3-1-.03, 125-3-2-.10(e), and 125-3-5-.06(1).
  Tags: policy,legal
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 209.07, Segregation-Tier I_ Disciplinary, Protective Custody and Transient Housing (GPS's copy)

- [confirmed] GDC SOP 205.02 prohibits unauthorized dealings with offenders
  GDC SOP 'Contact or Business Dealings with Offenders' states that all employees are specifically prohibited by Georgia Law and Departmental policy from giving, receiving, selling, buying, trading, bartering, or exchanging anything of value with any offender without the consent of the Warden/Superintendent of the facility in which such offender is housed.
  Tags: policy,corruption,contraband
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 205.02, Contact or Business Dealings with Offenders (passage checked against GPS's copy)

- [confirmed] GDC SOP 205.02 authority citations
  GDC SOP 'Contact or Business Dealings with Offenders' states its authority as O.C.G.A. 42-5-16 and 42-5-18, GDC Board Rules 125-2-1-.01, 125-2-1-.07, 125-3-2-.06(3) and 125-4-6-.03, GDC SOP 202.03, and ACA Standard 4-4063.
  Tags: policy
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 205.02, Contact or Business Dealings with Offenders (passage checked against GPS's copy)

- [confirmed] GDC SOP 203.03: offender death is a Major Incident
  GDC SOP 'Incident Reporting' defines Major Incidents to include the death or suicide of an Offender, and requires that after any Major Incident, especially the death of an Offender, a telephone report shall be made immediately to the Regional Director and, upon authorization, to the Communications Center.
  Tags: policy,death,operations
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 203.03, Incident Reporting (passage checked against GPS's copy)

- [confirmed] GDC SOP 203.03: Major Incident Report forwarded per SOP 103.01
  GDC SOP 'Incident Reporting' requires that the Warden/Superintendent shall forward any Major Incident Report to the appropriate Regional Director in accordance with GDC SOP 103.01, Criminal Investigations.
  Tags: policy,operations,investigations
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 203.03, Incident Reporting (passage checked against GPS's copy)

- [reported] DOJ: Wardens bear responsibility for gang management; STG sergeants report to wardens
  The DOJ's findings report on Georgia prisons states that GDC personnel reported that facility wardens bear responsibility for managing gangs in their facilities, and the wardens in turn typically have a sergeant assigned to STG monitoring who reports directly to the facility warden. Source text: 'GDC personnel reported that facility wardens bear responsibility for managing gangs in their facilities, and the wardens in turn typically have a sergeant assigned to STG monitoring. These STG sergeants report directly to their respective facility wardens'
  Date: 2024-10-01
  Tags: gangs,staffing,policy,operations
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [confirmed] GDC STG Unit mission: validate STG persons, gather intelligence, provide investigative support
  GDC's website states that the Security Threat Groups (STG) Unit's mission is to validate STG related persons effectively, gather intelligence on STG related criminal activities, and provide investigative support in all STG related occurrences, and that the STG Unit is tasked with maintaining and supervising the department's STG program.
  Tags: gangs,policy,operations
  Sources: Security Threat Groups (Gangs) Unit

- [confirmed] GDC SOP 203.03: authority includes SOPs 103.01, 208.03, 508.03
  GDC SOP 'Incident Reporting' states its authority includes GDC SOP 103.01, Criminal Investigations, GDC SOP 208.03, Death of an Offender, and GDC SOP 508.03, Death Notification, Critical Incident, and Investigation.
  Tags: policy,death,investigations
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 203.03, Incident Reporting (passage checked against GPS's copy)

- [confirmed] GDC SOP 208.03: CID Inspector decides GBI notification
  GDC SOP 'Death of an Offender' states that it shall be the responsibility of the Inspector of the Criminal Investigations Division to determine whether or not to notify the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), based on any unusual circumstances of the offender's death.
  Tags: policy,death,investigations
  Sources: GDC Standard Operating Procedure 208.03, Death of an Offender

- [confirmed] GDC SOP 208.03: Warden requests investigator in unusual-circumstance deaths
  GDC SOP 'Death of an Offender' requires that in deaths under unusual circumstances the Warden or Superintendent or designee shall notify the Inspector of the Criminal Investigations Division and request that an investigator be sent to the facility, and that the CID Inspector determines whether to notify the GBI based on the circumstances of the death.
  Tags: policy,death,investigations
  Sources: GDC Standard Operating Procedure 208.03, Death of an Offender

- [confirmed] GDC SOP 208.03: death scene secured and entry log maintained
  GDC SOP 'Death of an Offender' requires in death-under-unusual-circumstances cases that the death scene be secured and left undisturbed until the Warden or Superintendent and the investigating authority authorizes clean-up or removal, and that the Warden or Superintendent post an officer at the crime scene responsible for securing it and logging, in writing, every individual that enters and leaves the crime scene area.
  Tags: policy,death,investigations
  Sources: GDC Standard Operating Procedure 208.03, Death of an Offender

- [confirmed] GDC Employee Standards of Conduct authority citations
  GDC's Employee Standards of Conduct SOP states its authority includes O.C.G.A. 16-6-5.1 (Sexual Assault of Person in Custody), 42-5-15 (Crossing of Guard Lines with Weapons, Intoxicants or Drugs without Consent), 42-5-16 (Trading with Inmates without Consent), 42-5-18 (Items Prohibited for Possession by Inmates), and 45-10-1 (Code of Ethics and Conflicts of Interest).
  Tags: policy
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 104.47, Employee Standards of Conduct (passage checked against GPS's copy)

- [confirmed] GDC SOP 208.03: statutory authority cited
  GDC SOP 'Death of an Offender' states its authority includes O.C.G.A. 36-12-5, 42-5-7, 45-16-22(c,f), 45-16-24, 45-16-25, 45-16-27, and 45-16-28, and a GDC SOP titled 'Evidence Handling and Crime Scene Investigations.'
  Tags: policy,legal,death
  Sources: GDC Standard Operating Procedure 208.03, Death of an Offender

- [confirmed] Prohibited personal association with offenders
  GDC's Employee Standards of Conduct SOP lists among examples of prohibited unauthorized business dealings with offenders dating, living with, or otherwise personally associating with an Offender.
  Tags: policy,corruption
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 104.47, Employee Standards of Conduct (passage checked against GPS's copy)

- [confirmed] GDC SOP 209.08 Tier II eligibility includes documented STG activity or threats of bodily harm
  GDC's Administrative Segregation - Tier II SOP states that to be eligible for placement in Tier II, an offender must have at least one condition including being noted as a threat to the safe and secure operation of the facility, which may include documented STG activities/involvement, notoriety of crimes, high level of supervision requirements, or having been threatened with bodily harm or having threatened others with bodily harm.
  Tags: policy,solitary,gangs,conditions
  Sources: SOP 209.08: Administrative Segregation - Tier II

- [confirmed] GDC SOP 208.03: medical examiner discretion on autopsy under O.C.G.A. § 45-16-22
  GDC SOP 'Death of an Offender' states that under O.C.G.A. § 45-16-22 the medical examiner has the discretion to determine the need for an autopsy.
  Tags: policy,legal,death,medical
  Sources: GDC Standard Operating Procedure 208.03, Death of an Offender

- [confirmed] GDC SOP 209.09 cites Security Threat Group Management Program SOP 103.58
  A GDC Standard Operating Procedure's cited-authority list includes SOP 103.58, 'Security Threat Group Management Program,' alongside SOP 107.05 (Program Management and Cognitive Behavioral Program) and SOP 203.03 (Incident Reporting).
  Tags: gangs,policy,operations,solitary
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 209.09, (IIB09-0004) Special Management Unit - Tier III Program (GPS's copy)

- [confirmed] Duty to report fraud, waste, abuse, or corruption
  GDC's Employee Standards of Conduct SOP requires that any employee who knows or has reasonable cause to believe that any other state employee has committed, or is in the process of committing, an act or omission of fraud, waste, abuse or corruption should report this information up the chain of command, to the Director of Human Resources, or to the Department Tip Reporting line.
  Tags: policy,corruption,investigations
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 104.47, Employee Standards of Conduct (passage checked against GPS's copy)

- [confirmed] GDC SOP 209.08 Tier II release review includes STG history and incident reports with enemy locations
  GDC's Administrative Segregation - Tier II SOP requires that before an offender's release from the Tier II program, the record review includes Incident Reports involved in, including location of enemies and associates, along with Security Threat Group History.
  Tags: policy,solitary,gangs
  Sources: SOP 209.08: Administrative Segregation - Tier II

- [confirmed] GDC SOP 209.06 defines Protective Custody
  A GDC policy on Administrative Segregation defines Protective Custody as a status for offenders requesting or requiring protection from the general population.
  Tags: policy,solitary,conditions
  Sources: SOP 209.06: Administrative Segregation

- [confirmed] Duty to report security violations
  GDC's Employee Standards of Conduct SOP requires employees to report any violation or attempted violation of any law, regulation, policy, or procedure that could result in a breach of the Department's security to their supervisor or other responsible authority immediately upon becoming aware of such a violation.
  Tags: policy,investigations
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 104.47, Employee Standards of Conduct (passage checked against GPS's copy)

- [confirmed] GDC SOP 209.08 requires two officers present to open Tier II cell door
  GDC's Administrative Segregation - Tier II SOP requires that a cell door must not be opened unless two or more Correctional Officers are present at the cell, and that an offender must be restrained with handcuffs behind his or her back with a minimum of two Correctional Officers present to maintain maximum control and supervision.
  Tags: policy,solitary,staffing
  Sources: SOP 209.08: Administrative Segregation - Tier II

- [confirmed] GDC SOP 209.06 authorizes Administrative Segregation for serious threats
  A GDC policy on Administrative Segregation states that the Classification Committee, Deputy Warden/Assistant Superintendent/Unit Manager, or in an emergency the Warden/Superintendent, may place an offender in Administrative Segregation when the offender's continued presence in the general population poses a serious threat to life, property, self, staff, or other offenders, or to the security or orderly running of the facility.
  Tags: policy,solitary,conditions
  Sources: SOP 209.06: Administrative Segregation

- [confirmed] Prohibition on gang-affiliated social media speech by employees
  A GDC Employee Standards of Conduct policy prohibits employee social media speech that constitutes or promotes gang affiliation or gang activity.
  Tags: policy,gangs
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 104.47, Employee Standards of Conduct (passage checked against GPS's copy)

- [confirmed] GDC SOP 209.08 requires STG and criminal investigation checks within 10 business days
  GDC's Administrative Segregation - Tier II SOP requires the Criminal Investigations Unit STG Coordinator to investigate an offender for documented Security Threat Group activities, and the Statewide STG Coordinator to contact the Criminal Investigations Division to ensure there are no active criminal investigations, with these investigations completed within 10 business days of notification.
  Tags: policy,gangs,investigations
  Sources: SOP 209.08: Administrative Segregation - Tier II

- [confirmed] GDC SOP 209.06 requires written request for voluntary protective custody
  A GDC policy on Administrative Segregation requires that an offender requesting voluntary protective custody submit a written request that explains why the offender needs protective custody and lists who the offender thinks might hurt him or her, if known.
  Tags: policy,solitary,conditions
  Sources: SOP 209.06: Administrative Segregation

- [confirmed] Duty to cooperate with official investigations
  A GDC Employee Standards of Conduct policy requires employees to cooperate fully with any official investigation carried out by any law enforcement or administrative agency, including the State Inspector General.
  Tags: policy,investigations
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 104.47, Employee Standards of Conduct (passage checked against GPS's copy)

- [confirmed] GDC SOP 209.08: Director of Field Operations makes final Tier II release decision
  Under GDC's Administrative Segregation - Tier II SOP, recommendations and STG findings on an offender's release are forwarded to the Director of Field Operations, who makes the final decision.
  Tags: policy,solitary,gangs
  Sources: SOP 209.08: Administrative Segregation - Tier II

- [confirmed] GDC SOP 209.06 requires consideration of STG and PREA status at release hearing
  A GDC policy on Administrative Segregation requires that, during a release hearing from Administrative Segregation/Protective Custody, housing needs including Security Threat Group (STG) and PREA status be considered.
  Tags: policy,solitary,conditions,gangs
  Sources: SOP 209.06: Administrative Segregation

- [confirmed] GDC SOP 209.04 duty to intervene against unreasonable force
  A GDC policy on Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control states that correctional staff present and observing another correctional staff member using force clearly beyond that which is Objectively Reasonable under the circumstances shall, when in a position to do so, intervene to prevent the use of unreasonable force.
  Tags: policy,staffing,violence
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 209.04, Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control (passage checked against GPS's copy)

- [reported] DOJ: OPS receives most facility referrals, can self-initiate; GBI handles some cases and most autopsies
  The DOJ's findings report on Georgia prisons states that most investigations are referred to GDC's Office of Professional Standards from the facilities, OPS can also initiate criminal investigations absent such a referral, and in a small number of cases, at the request of GDC, the GBI, a separate state agency, handles investigations of crimes involving GDC, with GBI's Office of the Medical Examiner conducting the autopsy for most deaths of incarcerated persons requiring an autopsy. Source text: 'Most investigations are referred to OPS from the facilities; OPS also can initiate criminal investigations absent such a referral. In a small number of cases, at the request of GDC, the GBI, a separate state agency, handles investigations of crimes involving GDC. For most deaths of incarcerated persons requiring an autopsy, GBI’s Office of the Medical Examiner conducts the autopsy.'
  Date: 2024-10-01
  Tags: investigations,death,policy,operations
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [confirmed] GDC SOP 209.04 duty to report excessive force
  A GDC policy on Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control requires that correctional staff who observe another correctional staff member use force that exceeds the degree of force permitted by law shall promptly report these observations to a supervisor.
  Tags: policy,staffing,violence
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 209.04, Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control (passage checked against GPS's copy)

- [confirmed] GDC Office of Professional Standards: STG Unit mission is to validate STG-related persons
  GDC's Office of Professional Standards Fact Sheet states that the Security Threat Groups (STG) Unit's mission is to validate STG-related persons effectively and gather intelligence.
  Tags: gangs,policy,investigations
  Sources: Office of Professional Georgia

- [confirmed] GDC SOP 209.04 cites O.C.G.A. §17-4-20 and Ga. Comp. R. & Regs.
  A GDC policy on Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control cites as authority O.C.G.A. §17-4-20 and Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 125-2-1-.09, 125-3-1-.06(a), 125-3-2-.07, 125-3-2-.12, and 125-4-4-.05(d).
  Tags: policy,legal
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 209.04, Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control (passage checked against GPS's copy)

- [confirmed] GDC SOP 220.02 cites Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 125-2-4-.03 and 125-3-1-.02
  A GDC policy on Security Classification cites as authority Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 125-2-4-.03 and 125-3-1-.02.
  Tags: policy,legal
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 220.02, Security Classification (passage checked against GPS's copy)

- [confirmed] GDC SOP 220.03 cites O.C.G.A. §§ 17-10-6.1, 17-10-30(b), and 42-5-2
  A GDC policy on the Classification Committee cites as authority O.C.G.A. §§ 17-10-6.1, 17-10-30(b), and 42-5-2.
  Tags: policy,legal
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 220.03, Classification Committee (passage checked against GPS's copy)

- [confirmed] GDC SOP 222.01 requires transfer request to include known enemies and co-defendants
  A GDC policy on Inter-Institutional Transfer requires that a transfer request include known enemies, co-defendants, currently incarcerated family members, and family members employed with or contracted by GDC, by name and GDC ID number.
  Tags: policy,transfers
  Sources: GDC SOP 222.01, Inter-Institutional Transfer (effective October 24, 2023)

FINDINGS (16)
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- [reported] DOJ recommends objective classification system to protect incarcerated persons from unreasonable risk of harm
  The DOJ report recommends that GDC have and follow policies and procedures for an appropriate, objective classification system ensuring incarcerated persons are housed based on risk and needs and protected from unreasonable risk of harm.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: policy,investigations,conditions,violence
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] Transgender woman described herself as 'possession' of rival gangs; staff did nothing
  The DOJ report quotes a transgender woman housed in a men's facility describing herself as the 'possession' of rival gangs that used her for sex and fought over access to her; she said staff did not do anything about the gangs' use of her body for sex.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: gangs,violence,conditions,investigations
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] DOJ: GDC uses segregation as de facto protective custody, including for sexual abuse victims
  The DOJ findings report states that GDC uses segregated housing as de facto protective custody, including for victims of sexual abuse. Source text: 'Contrary to the purpose of these correctional principles, GDC uses segregated housing as de facto protective custody, including for victims of sexual abuse.'
  Date: 2024-10-01
  Tags: solitary,conditions,policy
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] § 42-4-1 does not name GDC wardens or officers, supporting defense that § 42-4-5 doesn't reach state-prison staff
  O.C.G.A. § 42-4-1, in the Title 42 chapter where the 'jailer' cruelty offense (§ 42-4-5) sits, identifies jailers as sheriffs of the counties and chiefs of police of municipal corporations and the jailers they appoint; it does not name Department of Corrections wardens or officers, which could support a defense that § 42-4-5 does not reach state-prison staff.
  Tags: legal,policy,conditions
  Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-4-1 (GPS's copy of the Code)

- [reported] DOJ: Gangs control housing units; door locks inoperable or manipulable
  The DOJ's findings report on Georgia prisons states that gangs control housing units, directing where other incarcerated people sleep and extorting incarcerated people and their families for money, and that in many instances door locks are inoperable or manipulable. Source text: 'In many instances, door locks are inoperable or manipulable. Gangs control housing units, directing where other incarcerated people sleep and extorting incarcerated people and their families for money.'
  Date: 2024-10-01
  Tags: gangs,conditions,facilities,corruption
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] DOJ: Staffing shortages enable gang control of housing units and retaliatory violence
  The DOJ's findings report on Georgia prisons states that GDC's staffing shortages enable gangs to have unusual levels of control over entire housing units, and that in many of the prisons improper supervision and mixing of gang members lead to a pattern of constant retaliatory violence. Source text: 'GDC’s staffing shortages also enable gangs to have unusual levels of control over entire housing units. In many of the prisons, improper supervision and mixing of gang members lead to a pattern of constant retaliatory violence.'
  Date: 2024-10-01
  Tags: staffing,gangs,violence,conditions
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] DOJ: Gangs use illicit prison funds to corrupt officials
  The DOJ's findings report on Georgia prisons states that gangs use funds from illicit prison activities to corrupt officials and further their illegal enterprises. Source text: 'Gangs use funds from illicit prison activities to corrupt officials and further their illegal enterprises.'
  Date: 2024-10-01
  Tags: gangs,corruption,contraband
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] DOJ: Gangs have unacceptable control over large sections of Georgia prison system
  The DOJ's findings report on Georgia prisons states that gangs have unacceptable levels of control over large sections of Georgia's prison system, and that inadequate policies and programs have allowed gangs to dictate where individuals live, who eats, who showers, who gets a job, and how units operate. Source text: 'In sum, gangs have unacceptable levels of control over large sections of Georgia’s prison system. Inadequate policies and programs have allowed gangs to dictate where individuals live, who eats, who showers, who gets a job, and how units operate.'
  Date: 2024-10-01
  Tags: gangs,conditions,policy
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] DOJ: Hundreds of employees arrested for contraband crimes, including Smith warden in 2023
  The DOJ's findings report on Georgia prisons states that for years the State has wrestled with staff corruption related to contraband, and that hundreds of employees have been arrested, including the warden of Smith State Prison in 2023, for crimes related to contraband. Source text: 'For years, the State has wrestled with staff corruption related to contraband. Hundreds of employees have been arrested, including the warden of Smith State Prison in 2023, for crimes related to contraband.'
  Date: 2023-01-01
  Tags: corruption,contraband,staffing,investigations
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] DOJ: Georgia allows gangs to control housing units and run unlawful schemes
  The DOJ's press release on its findings states that Georgia allows gangs to exert improper influence on prison life, including controlling entire housing units and operating unlawful and dangerous schemes in and from the prisons, harming both incarcerated people and the public.
  Tags: gangs,investigations,conditions,corruption
  Sources: DOJ press release: Justice Department Finds Unconstitutional Conditions in Georgia Prisons

- [reported] DOJ finding: GDC fails to control gang violence and does not enforce classification housing assignments
  The DOJ report finds that 'GDC fails to control illegal and violent activity by gangs and other security threat groups' and states 'GDC does not enforce classification housing assignments, enabling gangs and other security threat groups (STG) or other incarcerated individuals to dictate housing assignments and other aspects of daily life.' Source text: 'does not enforce classification housing assignments, enabling gangs and other security threat groups (STG) or other incarcerated individuals to dictate housing assignments and other aspects of daily life.'
  Date: 2024-10-01
  Tags: gangs,violence,policy,conditions
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] DOJ: Staff report incarcerated people manipulate cell-door locks and exit cells/housing units unauthorized
  The DOJ report states 'Staff from several prisons reported that incarcerated people are able to manipulate cell-door locks, damage door hinges, and otherwise tamper with security hardware and infrastructure; incarcerated people then are able to exit cells unauthorized, and even exit housing units to go to different areas of the prison at all hours.'
  Date: 2024-10-01
  Tags: facilities,conditions,staffing
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [confirmed] Hall v. State: day-care analogy on unjustifiable risk
  The Supreme Court of Georgia observed that if a child had been left with 'an experienced child care professional with an unblemished record' and suffered the same unintentional fatal injury while playing, the State could not seriously contend the parent took an unjustifiable risk, noting thousands of Georgia children are left in day care and some are injured while playing without their parents being deemed to have violated the Reckless Conduct Statute.
  Date: 1997-05-12
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Hall v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1997-05-12 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] GDC spokesperson Lori Benoit says all staff in noted cases terminated, charged, pending prosecution
  A GDC spokesperson, Lori Benoit, stated regarding the cases identified by the AJC that 'all staff have been terminated, charged and are pending court prosecution.'
  Tags: corruption,staffing,legal
  Sources: For some Georgia correctional officers, inmates are their weapons

- [reported] DOJ: Calhoun investigation closed without administrative review; no discipline for three employees
  Regarding the same Calhoun State Prison case, the DOJ report states 'GDC closed its criminal investigation without a thorough administrative review into a breakdown of its classification process. An administrative review should have addressed the staff errors, as well as errors in housing records, and indications of personal connections between a staff member and gangs. There was no evidence of discipline or counseling in the personnel files of three employees whose errors were identified in the investigation as relevant to the man's death.'
  Tags: investigations,corruption,staffing,policy,gangs
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] DOJ: Violations exacerbated by staffing, security, classification, gang, contraband, and investigation deficiencies; State knew for years
  The DOJ report states these violations 'are exacerbated by serious deficiencies in staffing and supervision, physical condition and security of the facilities, classification and housing, management of gangs and other security threat groups, control of weapons and other contraband, and incident reporting, response, and investigations. The State has known about the unsafe conditions for years and has failed to take reasonable measures to address them.'
  Date: 2024-10-01
  Tags: staffing,conditions,gangs,contraband,investigations,policy
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

TRENDS (1)
----------------------------------------
- [reported] GDC homicides rose from 7 in 2018 to 35 in 2023; 18 in first five months of 2024
  According to GDC mortality reports and data cited in the DOJ report, there were 7 homicides systemwide in 2018; 13 in 2019; 28 in 2020; 28 in 2021; 31 in 2022; and 35 in 2023. In the first five months of 2024 there were 18 confirmed or suspected homicides in GDC custody.
  Tags: violence,death,investigations
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

STATISTICS (3)
----------------------------------------
- [reported] DOJ: 142 GDC-reported homicides 2018-2023; 95.8% increase in latter three years
  The DOJ's findings report on Georgia prisons states that over the six-year period from 2018 through 2023, GDC reported a total of 142 homicides in its prisons, with 48 in the first three years and 94 homicides in the latter three years, a 95.8% increase. Calculation from the source text: 48+94=142.
  Value: 142.0 homicides (vs. 95.8 % increase in latter three years vs first three years)
  Tags: violence,death,gangs,investigations
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] DOJ: Small number of personnel track more than 14,000 validated STG members
  The DOJ's findings report on Georgia prisons states that a small number of personnel are assigned to investigate, track, and respond to incidents involving more than 14,000 validated STG members in the system. Source text: 'small number of personnel are assigned to investigate, track, and respond to incidents involving more than 14,000 validated STG members in the system.'
  Value: 14000.0 validated STG members
  Date: 2024-10-01
  Tags: gangs,staffing,operations
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] At least 80 GDC correctional officers arrested or fired since 2017 for excessive force
  GDC records show that at least 80 correctional officers have been arrested or fired since 2017 after being accused of using excessive force against prisoners.
  Value: 80.0 officers
  Tags: corruption,staffing,violence
  Sources: For some Georgia correctional officers, inmates are their weapons

DATA GAPS (5)
----------------------------------------
- [reported] DOJ identified additional homicide deaths not reflected in GDC totals
  The DOJ's findings report on Georgia prisons states that it identified multiple additional homicide deaths that GDC's reported homicide totals fail to reflect. Source text: 'we identified multiple additional homicide deaths that GDC's reported homicide totals fail to reflect.'
  Date: 2024-10-01
  Tags: death,violence,investigations,data_gap
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [confirmed] Data gap: no Georgia-specific liability data in compilation
  The document is a doctrinal case-law compilation and contains no Georgia Department of Corrections statistics, no Georgia facility-level data, and no Georgia-specific prosecutions or civil suits of prison staff for gang-related killings. Any Georgia application of these standards remains undocumented in this source.
  Tags: legal,investigations,gangs,violence
  Sources: Jenkins ex rel. Hall v. Talladega City Board of Education, Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, 1997-06-02 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] DOJ: GDC reported 6 homicides for first five months of 2024 vs. at least 18 in incident reports
  The DOJ's findings report on Georgia prisons states that GDC's June 2024 mortality data reported 6 homicides for the first five months of 2024, even though at least 18 deaths were categorized as homicides in GDC incident reports and GDC assured investigators these suspected homicides were under investigation. Source text: 'GDC reported in its June 2024 mortality data that, for the first five months of 2024, there were 6 homicides, even though at least 18 deaths were categorized as homicides in GDC incident reports, and GDC assured us these suspected homicides were under investigation.'
  Tags: death,violence,investigations,data_gap
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] DOJ: Seven 2022 deaths misclassified as undetermined/natural until 2024 homicide reclassification
  The DOJ's findings report on Georgia prisons states that it identified seven deaths from 2022 that GDC categorized as undetermined or natural until eventually categorizing them as homicides in 2024, although other official records made clear much earlier that the deaths were homicides. Source text: 'In total, we identified seven deaths from 2022 that GDC categorized as undetermined or natural until eventually categorizing them as homicides in 2024, although other official records made clear much earlier that the deaths were homicides.'
  Tags: death,violence,investigations,data_gap
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [confirmed] No GDC statistical data in compilation
  This document contains no GDC population, overdose, staffing, or contraband statistics; it is a doctrinal case-law compilation, so no quantitative prison-operations data points can be extracted from it.
  Tags: legal,investigations
  Sources: In the Supreme Court of Georgia

METHODOLOGY NOTES (2)
----------------------------------------
- [confirmed] Bradley opinion language on oath prescribed by law
  The Bradley v. State opinion states the oath Bradley signed was set out in Exhibit 16 exactly as averred in the indictment and was prescribed by law under OCGA § 42-5-31; the opinion does not use the concurrence's phrase 'almost exactly tracked.'
  Date: 2008-07-15
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Bradley v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2008-07-15 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] DOJ report title, issuing offices, and date: October 1, 2024
  The DOJ report 'Investigation of Georgia Prisons,' issued by the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney's Offices for the Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Georgia, is dated October 1, 2024. Source text: 'Investigation of Georgia Prisons U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Georgia i October 1, 2024'.
  Date: 2024-10-01
  Tags: investigations,legal
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

DATASETS (2)
----------------------------------------
# GDC-reported homicides in Georgia prisons, 2018-2023 (DOJ findings report)
  Total GDC-reported homicides over the six-year period 2018-2023, split into first three years (2018-2020) and latter three years (2021-2023), as cited in the DOJ findings report. DOJ notes additional homicides not reflected in GDC totals.
  Period                          Homicides  
  -------------------------------------------
  2018-2020 (first three years)   48         
  2021-2023 (latter three years)  94         
  Total 2018-2023                 142        

# GDC systemwide homicides by year, 2018-2023, plus first five months of 2024
  Annual number of homicides in GDC prisons as reported in GDC mortality reports and cited in the DOJ findings report.
  Year  Homicides  
  -----------------
  2018  7          
  2019  13         
  2020  28         
  2021  28         
  2022  31         
  2023  35         
  2024  18         

KEY ENTITIES (368)
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- 18 U.S.C. § 1001 [legislation]: Federal statute criminalizing knowing and willful false statements, concealment of material facts, and use of false documents in matters within the jurisdiction of the U.S. government. (aka: Section 1001, false statements statute)
- 18 U.S.C. § 1512 [legislation]: Federal witness-tampering and obstruction statute, including § 1512(b) intimidation and § 1512(c) record destruction. (aka: Section 1512)
- 18 U.S.C. § 1519 [legislation]: Federal obstruction statute prohibiting falsification of records with intent to impede federal investigations, punishable by up to 20 years. (aka: Section 1519)
- 18 U.S.C. § 1962 [legislation]: Federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations statute prohibiting racketeering and conspiracy. (aka: RICO)
- 18 U.S.C. § 2 [legislation]: Federal aiding and abetting statute requiring an affirmative act in furtherance of an offense with intent to facilitate its commission. (aka: federal aiding and abetting statute)
- 18 U.S.C. § 241 [legislation]: Federal criminal statute prohibiting conspiracy against rights, with death-resulting enhancement. (aka: Section 241)
- 18 U.S.C. § 242 [legislation]: Federal criminal statute prohibiting deprivation of rights under color of law, with enhanced penalties for bodily injury, dangerous weapon, or death. (aka: Section 242)
- 18 U.S.C. § 3 [legislation]: Federal statute defining accessory after the fact and setting penalty at half the principal's maximum. (aka: Accessory after the fact statute)
- 18 U.S.C. § 3281 [legislation]: Federal statute providing no limitations period for capital offenses.
- 18 U.S.C. § 3282 [legislation]: Federal statute imposing a five-year limitations period for non-capital offenses.
- 18 U.S.C. § 371 [legislation]: Federal statute criminalizing conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States or to defraud the United States; maximum five years imprisonment. (aka: Section 371, federal conspiracy statute)
- 18 U.S.C. § 4 [legislation]: Federal statute criminalizing concealment of a known federal felony without timely reporting to authorities; maximum three years imprisonment. (aka: Section 4, misprision of felony statute)
- 42 U.S.C. § 1983 [legislation]: Federal civil rights statute providing a cause of action for deprivation of constitutional rights under color of state law. (aka: Civil Rights Act of 1871, Section 1983)
- Aaron Cook [person]: Fulton County Sheriff's deputy indicted on murder charges in the death of Antonio May; indictment later voided.
- Adorno v. State [case]: 2012 Georgia Court of Appeals decision affirming cruelty-to-children convictions for failure to intervene in known abuse.
- Al Cannon Detention Center [facility]: Charleston County, South Carolina detention facility where an officer allegedly enabled an inmate attack.
- Alabama Department of Corrections [organization]: Alabama state corrections agency spending approximately $19.3 million on prison education (~$742/inmate/year) while under federal oversight for unconstitutional conditions
- Alexander McQueen [person]: South Florida Reception Center corrections officer convicted of conspiring to violate inmates' civil rights and obstruction of justice.
- Andy Ulysse [person]: Inmate charged with felony murder and aggravated assault in the Roderick Hayes homicide.
- Antonio May [person]: Fulton County Jail inmate whose death led a grand jury to indict six sheriff's deputies on murder charges; a Fulton County judge later voided the indictment.
- Aryan Brotherhood [organization]: White supremacist prison gang whose affiliates were involved in the attack in the Ware case.
- ASMP [facility]: Prison where a guard was sentenced to 15 years for using one prisoner to assault another; also where Lloyd Hopkins opened Robert Robish's cell door. (aka: ASMP)
- Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Group, P. A. v. Coleman [case]: Supreme Court of Georgia decision (1990-11-29) restoring a jury verdict on proximate cause and adopting the mixed considerations formula.
- Augusta State Medical Prison [facility]: Georgia state medical prison visited by DOJ during 2022-2023 investigation (aka: Augusta State Medical)
- Baker v. State [case]: 2006 Georgia Supreme Court decision upholding OCGA § 16-5-60(b) against a vagueness challenge, distinguishing Hall.
- Banta v. State [case]: 2007 Georgia Supreme Court decision distinguishing Hall on completion of a criminal false statement.
- Baronique Burton [person]: Johnson State Prison guard arrested for allegedly being a party to the beating of two inmates. (aka: Baronique Burton)
- Bayside State Prison [facility]: New Jersey state prison in Leesburg where a corrections officer failed to intervene in an inmate assault.
- Best v. CB Decatur Court LLC [case]: 2013 Georgia Court of Appeals decision following Adorno.
- Bloods [organization]: A gang involved in violence at Ware State Prison.
- Boyd v. Nichols [case]: Federal Middle District of Georgia case involving sexual assault in county jail. Court declined to determine whether Abuse Provision extends beyond federal protections. (aka: Boyd v. Nichols, 616 F. Supp. 2d 1331 (M.D. Ga. 2009))
- Bradley Center, Inc. v. Wessner [case]: 1982 Georgia Supreme Court decision on intervening criminal acts and foreseeability in negligence liability.
- Bradley v. State [case]: Court of Appeals of Georgia decision (cited in State v. Phillips concurrence) upholding a correctional officer's violation-of-oath conviction where the oath tracked O.C.G.A. § 42-5-31.
- Brandeburg v. State [case]: 2008 Georgia Court of Appeals decision citing State v. Tullis on OCGA § 16-10-1.
- Brendon Moore [person]: Inmate charged with felony murder and aggravated assault in the Roderick Hayes homicide; serving a Life sentence for Rape, Hijacking, Aggravated Sodomy, 2 counts of Armed Robbery, 3 counts of Kidnapping, and 3 counts of Terroristic Threats and Acts. (aka: Brendon Lamar Moore)
- Brian Adams [person]: Former Warden of Smith State Prison, arrested on Georgia RICO charges in February 2023 for alleged involvement in drug-smuggling conspiracy
- Bridges v. Poe [case]: 2025 Eleventh Circuit decision following Keith v. DeKalb County on deliberate indifference. (aka: Stacey Bridges v. J.C. Poe, Jr.)
- Brown v. State [case]: 1983 Supreme Court of Georgia decision reversing murder convictions for insufficient evidence of party-to-a-crime liability under OCGA § 16-2-20.
- Bryanna Mosley [person]: Former Alabama correctional officer who pleaded guilty in May 2019 to failing to intervene in an inmate assault.
- Bureau of Prisons [organization]: Federal agency operating the federal prison system; charges medical copays (aka: BOP, Federal BOP)
- Burley v. State [case]: Georgia Supreme Court case affirming Undrea Burley's felony murder conviction for the death of Joshua Brooks.
- Burrage v. United States [case]: 2014 Supreme Court decision requiring but-for causation for the 'death results' penalty enhancement of 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(C).
- Cain v. State [case]: Court of Appeals of Georgia decision defining criminal negligence, quoted in Johnson v. State.
- Calhoun State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison where two female correctional officers were arrested in 2020 for allegedly smuggling methamphetamine in Hot Pockets; cases dismissed due to GDC failure to test evidence.
- California State Prison-Corcoran [facility]: California prison where officer Raquel Mosqueda was charged with facilitating an inmate's planned attack on another inmate.
- Callaway v. Pickard [case]: Court of Appeals of Georgia case cited in McAuley v. Wills for the proposition that proximate cause may be decided as a matter of law in plain and undisputed cases.
- Cameron v. Lang [case]: Supreme Court of Georgia decision (2001-06-25) explaining Kidd v. Coates definition of actual intent to cause injury.
- Chambers v. State [case]: 2025 Georgia Supreme Court decision citing Melancon on evidence-based causation.
- Christmas v. Harris County [case]: 2022 Eleventh Circuit decision citing Keith on deliberate indifference.
- City of Winder v. McDougald [case]: Court of Appeals of Georgia decision (2002-03-27) following Kidd v. Coates on intent to injure.
- Clayton County Sheriff's Office [organization]: Georgia county sheriff's office involved in Goodman v. Kimbrough. (aka: Clayton County Sheriff Kemuel Kimbrough)
- Coffee State Prison [facility]: GDC state prison where 2 were hospitalized in October 2022 gang war
- Coleman Federal Correctional Complex [facility]: Federal correctional complex in Coleman, Florida, where inmate Delano was moved into another inmate's cell in February 2005.
- Common Cause/Georgia v. City of Atlanta [case]: Supreme Court of Georgia decision (2005-06-16) applying Kidd v. Coates to personal liability of municipal officers.
- Cooper v. Swofford [case]: Supreme Court of Georgia case, 258 Ga. 143 (368 SE2d 518) (1988), cited in Guthrie v. Irons for official immunity.
- Cottone v. Jenne [case]: Eleventh Circuit case holding that total failure to monitor a visibly violent, mentally unstable inmate housed in a separate unit constituted deliberate indifference.
- Court of Appeals of Georgia [organization]: Intermediate appellate court of Georgia; issued the Mincey v. State decision.
- Covington [person]: Defendant in a § 242 prosecution whose conviction was vacated by the Fourth Circuit due to failure to instruct on proximate cause.
- Crips [organization]: Gang attacked by Bloods during the September 2022 gang war.
- Cunningham v. Cobb County [case]: 2025 Eleventh Circuit decision citing Marbury v. Warden.
- Curt Muhammad [person]: Fulton County detention officer alleged in the Walker family lawsuit to have stepped away from his post in a high-risk area of the jail.
- Curtis Brame [person]: Sheriff of Vance County, North Carolina, who said inmates were encouraged to fight.
- D'Angelo Wilson [person]: Black pretrial detainee moved to a white supremacist cell row at KCDC in May 2017.
- Dade Correctional Institution [facility]: Florida state prison in Homestead. Subject of Wilson v. Dixon. Heat index exceeded 103°F for 154 hours in 2024. Class of 1,500+ certified. (aka: Dade CI)
- Daniel Farmer [person]: ASMP officer criminally charged in October 2022 with helping assault an inmate.
- Darren Boehlje [person]: FBI Special Agent who testified in the Demeria Thomas case.
- DeKalb County Sheriff's Office [organization]: Georgia county sheriff's office whose former sheriff, Sidney Dorsey, was convicted of murdering his successor.
- Demeria Thomas [person]: Former correctional officer at St. Louis Justice Center, sentenced to four years for unlocking an inmate's cell door to allow an attack and failing to render aid or report the incident.
- Demetrius Smith [person]: Inmate found not guilty in the Calhoun State Prison killing case.
- Derwin Brown [person]: Newly elected DeKalb County Sheriff whose shooting death led to Sidney Dorsey's convictions.
- Dino Walker [person]: 33-year-old Fulton County Jail detainee stabbed to death on Sept. 22, 2022 by two fellow inmates; his family sued the sheriff, county, and a detention officer.
- Donte Lamar Wyatt [person]: Prisoner at Augusta State Medical Prison, age 40 at the time, mental health unit orderly who stabbed Terry Lamar Anthony seven times on October 12, 2022.
- Donte Wyatt [person]: Incarcerated person alleged to have stabbed Terry Anthony after being let into his cell; pleaded not guilty.
- Dorsey v. State [case]: 2005 Supreme Court of Georgia decision affirming convictions of former DeKalb County Sheriff Sidney Dorsey for malice murder, RICO, violation of oath, and theft.
- Eckman v. State [case]: 2001 Georgia Supreme Court decision on party-to-a-crime liability and inference of shared criminal intent.
- Eleventh Circuit [organization]: Federal appellate court with jurisdiction over Georgia, Florida and Alabama; author of Chandler v. Crosby. (aka: U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit)
- Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals [organization]: Federal appeals court controlling litigation from Georgia, Florida, and Alabama; adopted 'ordinary firmness' test for retaliation claims (aka: Eleventh Circuit)
- Elmore Correctional Facility [facility]: Alabama Department of Corrections facility where the assault underlying the Burks prosecution occurred.
- Erin Sharma [person]: Bureau of Prisons corrections officer convicted by a federal jury in Orlando of felony civil rights charges related to a fatal assault on inmate Delano in March 2005.
- Erlando Horne [person]: Inmate described as 6-2, 260 pounds, 'utilized' by officers to strike another inmate. (aka: Big E)
- Farley [person]: Co-defendant in the Covington case; his § 1001 convictions were affirmed but sentence vacated.
- Farmer v. Brennan [case]: U.S. Supreme Court case establishing the deliberate indifference two-part test (objective + subjective components) for Eighth Amendment prison conditions claims. The bedrock case for all prisoner rights litigation. (aka: 511 U.S. 825 (1994))
- FCC Beaumont [facility]: Federal correctional complex in Beaumont, Texas, where a supervisory officer enabled an inmate assault. (aka: Federal Correctional Complex Beaumont)
- FCC Coleman [facility]: Federal prison complex in Coleman, Florida, where the Delano assault occurred. (aka: Federal Correctional Complex Coleman, Coleman Federal Correctional Institution)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation [organization]: Federal law enforcement agency that led Operation Ghost Guard investigation. (aka: FBI)
- Federal Bureau of Prisons [organization]: Federal agency responsible for operating federal prisons in the United States. (aka: BOP, Federal BOP)
- Fleet Prison [facility]: Historic English prison whose warden and deputy were discussed in Lewis v. State regarding custodial liability for prisoner death.
- Ford v. State [case]: Georgia Supreme Court decision holding that felony murder requires an underlying felony dangerous per se or creating a foreseeable risk of death, and that a status felony is not inherently dangerous.
- Fulton County Jail [facility]: Facility subject to a new 2025 DOJ consent decree addressing unconstitutional conditions.
- Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 125-1-2-.11 [legislation]: Georgia Board of Corrections rule on Investigations and Intelligence requiring staff cooperation with the Internal Investigation Section. (aka: Board Rule 125-1-2-.11, Investigations and Intelligence rule)
- GBI Office of the Medical Examiner [organization]: Conducts autopsies for most deaths of incarcerated persons requiring an autopsy.
- GDC Internal Investigation Section [organization]: GDC unit that investigates staff and institutional misconduct; Board Rule 125-1-2-.11 requires staff cooperation with it. (aka: Internal Investigation Section, IIS)
- GDC Office of Professional Standards [organization]: GDC internal office that examines operations, gathers information, enforces departmental standards and laws through audits and investigations, and recommends solutions for complaints related to inmates, facility operations, and other Department of Corrections matters.
- GDC Security Threat Group Unit [program]: GDC unit tasked with validating STG-related persons, gathering intelligence on STG criminal activity, and providing investigative support. (aka: STG Unit)
- GDC Security Threat Groups Unit [organization]: GDC unit whose mission is to validate STG-related persons and gather intelligence. (aka: STG Unit)
- GDC SOP 103.01 [organization]: GDC standard operating procedure on criminal investigations, referenced by SOPs 203.03 and 208.03. (aka: Criminal Investigations)
- GDC SOP 103.58 [organization]: GDC Standard Operating Procedure governing security threat group management, cited as authority in SOP 209.09. (aka: Security Threat Group Management Program)
- GDC SOP 104.47 [organization]: GDC Standard Operating Procedure defining 'Communications Device' and barring employees from bringing personal communications devices into facilities. (aka: Employee Standards of Conduct)
- GDC SOP 203.03 [organization]: GDC standard operating procedure defining Major Incidents, including offender death, and requiring immediate telephone notification. (aka: Incident Reporting)
- GDC SOP 205.02 [organization]: GDC Standard Operating Procedure prohibiting unauthorized dealings with offenders. (aka: Contact or Business Dealings with Offenders)
- GDC SOP 208.03 [organization]: GDC standard operating procedure governing offender deaths, including GBI notification, death-scene security, and autopsy discretion. (aka: Death of an Offender)
- GDC SOP 209.04 [organization]: GDC policy on Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control, including duty to intervene and report. (aka: SOP 209.04)
- GDC SOP 209.07 [organization]: GDC Standard Operating Procedure governing Tier I segregation, including protective custody requests. (aka: Segregation-Tier I: Disciplinary, Protective Custody and Transient Housing)
- GDC SOP 209.08 [organization]: GDC Standard Operating Procedure governing Tier II administrative segregation, including STG investigation and release review procedures. (aka: Administrative Segregation - Tier II)
- GDC SOP 209.09 [organization]: GDC Standard Operating Procedure for the Special Management Unit Tier III Program; cites SOP 103.58 Security Threat Group Management Program. (aka: (IIB09-0004) Special Management Unit - Tier III Program)
- GDC SOP 220.02 [organization]: GDC policy on Security Classification. (aka: SOP 220.02)
- GDC SOP 220.03 [organization]: GDC policy on Classification Committee. (aka: SOP 220.03)
- GDC SOP 222.01 [organization]: GDC standard operating procedure on inter-institutional transfer, citing Board Rules 125-2-4-.18, 125-3-2-.11, and 125-4-4-.09. (aka: Inter-Institutional Transfer SOP)
- GDC SOP 508.03 [organization]: GDC standard operating procedure on death notification and critical incident investigation, referenced by SOP 203.03. (aka: Death Notification, Critical Incident, and Investigation)
- Georgia Attorney General [organization]: Georgia's chief law enforcement officer, member of the State Bar of Georgia Board of Governors, with supervisory authority over the prosecutorial function including power to appoint substitute prosecutors under O.C.G.A. § 15-18-5. (aka: AG)
- Georgia Board of Corrections [organization]: Governing board that issues rules for Georgia prison operations, including Rule 125-4-2-.08 (Library) and Rule 125-2-4-.17
- Georgia Bureau of Investigation [organization]: Georgia state law enforcement agency that conducts some criminal investigations involving the prisons (aka: GBI)
- Georgia Court of Appeals [organization]: Georgia's intermediate appellate court
- Georgia Department of Community Supervision [organization]: Georgia agency that supervises people on probation and parole, maintains the THOR housing directory (aka: DCS)
- Georgia Department of Corrections [organization]: State agency responsible for operating Georgia's prison system. Subject of federal DOJ investigation in 2022-2023 for constitutional violations including food-related deaths. (aka: GDC)
- Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice [organization]: Georgia state agency responsible for juvenile corrections, received portion of VOI/TIS grant funds for bed construction. (aka: DJJ)
- Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison from which David 'Toro' Zavala operated drug trafficking while serving time for armed robbery.
- Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Act [legislation]: Statute under which O.C.G.A. § 35-8-2 includes GDC personnel within 'law enforcement unit' and defines 'peace officer.' (aka: POST Act)
- Georgia Supreme Court [organization]: Highest court in Georgia; issued Cook v. State ruling and denied Bharadia's DNA evidence claim
- Gilbert v. Richardson [case]: 1994 Supreme Court of Georgia decision quoting the 1991 constitutional amendment's official immunity provision.
- Goldstein, Garber & Salama, LLC v. J. B. [case]: 2017 Supreme Court of Georgia decision restating the civil rule on intervening third-party wrongful acts as superseding proximate cause.
- Goodman v. Kimbrough [case]: Eleventh Circuit decision whose 'more than gross negligence' element was abrogated by Wade v. McDade.
- Grant v. State [case]: 2016 Georgia Supreme Court decision on party-to-a-crime liability and inference of shared criminal intent.
- Grochowski v. Clayton County [case]: Eleventh Circuit case (2020) on Fourteenth Amendment Due Process claims, following Hamm v. DeKalb County.
- Guito Dela Cruz [person]: Fulton County Sheriff's deputy indicted on murder charges in the death of Antonio May; indictment later voided.
- Guruba Griffin [person]: SFRC officer indicted for conspiring to violate inmates' civil rights.
- Guthrie v. Irons [case]: Court of Appeals of Georgia decision (1993-12-03) holding school officials protected by official immunity in student beating death; earliest found wording of official immunity for discretionary acts.
- Hale v. Tallapoosa County [case]: Eleventh Circuit case addressing knowingly tolerated objectively intolerable conditions of confinement.
- Hall v. State [case]: 1997 Supreme Court of Georgia decision holding the Reckless Conduct Statute, O.C.G.A. § 16-5-60, unconstitutionally vague as applied to a mother who left children in her son's care.
- Hand [person]: Former corrections officer at Bayside State Prison, New Jersey, sentenced to 20 months for failing to intervene in an inmate assault in December 2019.
- Harrison v. Culliver [case]: Eleventh Circuit (2014) case characterizing risk as 'constant threat of violence' and rejecting Eighth Amendment claim involving box cutter attack.
- HB 271 (2014) [legislation]: 2014 Georgia legislation amending O.C.G.A. § 16-5-1. (aka: Ga. L. 2014, p. 444, § 1-1/HB 271)
- Hennessy v. Webb [case]: Supreme Court of Georgia case, 245 Ga. 329 (264 SE2d 878) (1980), cited in Guthrie v. Irons for official immunity.
- Hixon v. State [case]: Georgia Court of Appeals case (2001) stating mere presence is insufficient for party-to-a-crime liability but intent may be inferred from conduct. (aka: Hixon v. State)
- Holman Correctional Facility [facility]: Alabama prison with 19% of authorized correctional officer staffing as of June 2018.
- Hood v. State [case]: 2007 Georgia case contributing to the IAC timing doctrine.
- Hope v. Pelzer [case]: U.S. Supreme Court case, 536 U.S. 730 (2002), arising from Alabama. Held that handcuffing a prisoner to a hitching post for seven hours in the sun constituted obvious cruel and unusual punishment. Directly analogous to Georgia heat exposure cases.
- Jackson v. Crickmar [case]: 2021 Supreme Court of Georgia decision citing statutory definitions of criminal negligence and involuntary manslaughter. (aka: Jackson v. Crickmar, Warden)
- Jackson v. Zant [case]: 1993 Georgia Court of Appeals civil case by a GDCP inmate against Warden Zant; treated warden-inmate relationship as akin to guardian-ward for necessaries.
- James v. State [case]: 2003 Georgia Court of Appeals decision on party-to-a-crime liability and mere approval.
- Jammie Davis [person]: Inmate at Wilcox State Prison alleged to have been threatened by Sergeant Steven Turner to sign a false witness statement.
- Jason Roache [person]: Fulton County Sheriff's deputy indicted on murder charges in the death of Antonio May; indictment later voided.
- Jenkins ex rel. Hall v. Talladega City Board of Education [case]: Eleventh Circuit en banc qualified-immunity decision holding that clearly established law in the circuit can come only from the Supreme Court, the Eleventh Circuit, or the state's highest court. (aka: Jenkins v. Talladega)
- John McCullah [person]: Federal inmate at FCC Coleman who assaulted and killed his cellmate Richard Delano in 2005.
- Johnson State Prison [facility]: GDC facility targeted in the Chandley Communications recruitment campaign.
- Johnson v. State [case]: Georgia Court of Appeals case (170 Ga.App. 433, 1984) on proximate cause in vehicular homicide, followed in State v. Jackson.
- Jones v. State [case]: 2008 Georgia case contributing to the IAC timing doctrine.
- Jordan v. State [case]: 2000 Georgia Supreme Court decision on party-to-a-crime liability and inference of criminal intent.
- Joshua Brooks [person]: Inmate found unresponsive in his cell at Calhoun State Prison on June 11; autopsy found he died of blunt force trauma.
- Jowers v. State [case]: 1997 Georgia Court of Appeals decision explaining State v. Tullis on oath violations.
- Kay County Detention Center [facility]: Oklahoma detention center where supervisor Ware ordered Black pretrial detainees moved to a white supremacist cell row in May 2017. (aka: KCDC)
- Keith ex rel. Estate of Cook v. DeKalb County [case]: Eleventh Circuit decision, 749 F.3d 1034 (2014), establishing the deliberate-indifference standard for inmate harm under the Fourteenth Amendment. (aka: Keith v. DeKalb County)
- Kendrick v. Adamson [case]: 1935 Georgia Court of Appeals decision holding a sheriff liable on official bond for negligent care of a prisoner resulting in injury or death. (aka: 51 Ga. App. 402, 180 S.E. 647, 1935 Ga. App. LEXIS 713)
- Kenesia Strowder [person]: Fulton County Sheriff's deputy indicted on murder charges in the death of Antonio May; indictment later voided.
- Kenny McLaughlin [person]: Former Mississippi corrections officer at Stone County Regional Correctional Facility sentenced to one year and $6,000 restitution for ordering an inmate beating.
- Khristal Ford [person]: Former Supervisory Correctional Officer at FCC Beaumont, Texas, who pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting an assault on an inmate in 2017.
- Kidd v. Coates [case]: 1999 Georgia Supreme Court decision on official immunity and actual intent to cause injury.
- Klaub v. State [case]: Court of Appeals of Georgia decision (2002-04-12) following Johnson v. State on proximate cause in vehicular homicide.
- Lane v. Philbin [case]: Case applying the totality rule originating in Gates v. Collier.
- Leon Williams [person]: Former Alabama correctional officer who pleaded guilty in July 2019 to failing to intervene in an inmate assault.
- Lewis v. State [case]: 1884 Supreme Court of Georgia decision on murder by wilful omission of duty, citing Rex v. Hughes and the Fleet prison case.
- Lloyd Hopkins [person]: Correctional officer at Augusta State Medical Prison charged with felony murder, aggravated assault and violation of oath in the death of Roderick Hayes.
- Lori Benoit [person]: GDC spokesperson quoted regarding the homicide investigation of Hays inmate Marion Luke.
- Macon State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison visited by DOJ during 2022-2023 investigation (aka: Macon)
- Manders v. Lee [case]: Eleventh Circuit case holding that a Georgia sheriff has Eleventh Amendment immunity in his official capacity.
- Marbury v. Warden [case]: 11th Circuit case (936 F.3d 1227, 2019) holding that deliberate indifference may include evidence of pervasive staffing and logistical issues rendering prison officials unable to address near-constant violence.
- Marcus Miller [person]: Black pretrial detainee moved to a white supremacist cell row at KCDC in May 2017.
- Marcus Phillips [person]: Former ASMP correctional officer federally indicted for deliberate indifference in an inmate's death; later acquitted.
- Marcus W. Somerville v. Wanda W. White [case]: 2016 Georgia Court of Appeals decision following Murphy v. Bajjani.
- Matthew Ware [person]: Former supervisory corrections officer at Kay County Detention Center, convicted of civil rights violations for transferring Black pretrial detainees into a pod with Aryan Brotherhood-affiliated detainees.
- McAuley v. Wills [case]: Supreme Court of Georgia decision (1983-05-11) holding driver's negligence too remote to be proximate cause of after-conceived child's death; also discussing proximate cause as jury question.
- McDowell v. Smith [case]: 2009 Georgia Supreme Court decision distinguishing Murphy v. Bajjani on discretionary duties.
- McLaughlin [person]: Former Mississippi corrections officer who pleaded guilty to willfully violating the civil rights of persons in his custody after ordering an inmate to arrange an assault on another inmate in 2008.
- Melancon v. State [case]: 2024 Supreme Court of Georgia decision holding murder causation requires cause in fact and legal cause, and finding evidence insufficient on the DFCS-interference causation theory; vacated and remanded.
- Melissa Lawson [person]: Former Wilcox State Prison unit manager fired and charged after clandestine video showed inmate assault.
- Mercado v. Swoope [case]: 2017 Georgia Court of Appeals decision on actual malice and official immunity.
- Merrow v. Hawkins [case]: 1996 Georgia Supreme Court decision defining actual malice in the official-immunity context.
- Michael Kennedy [person]: Former Bureau of Prisons corrections officer at FCC Coleman, convicted of federal civil rights charges for his role in the fatal assault of inmate Richard Delano.
- Michael Pack [person]: Former correctional officer at Southern Regional Jail, West Virginia, sentenced to two years for a conspiracy to use unjustified force against inmates.
- Mitchell Greenway v. Northside Hospital, Inc. [case]: 2014 Georgia Court of Appeals decision following Murphy v. Bajjani.
- Moore v. District of Columbia [case]: 2026 D.D.C. decision citing Marbury v. Warden for the deliberate-indifference standard.
- Moore v. State [case]: 1972 Supreme Court of Georgia decision approving a voluntary manslaughter jury instruction.
- Morast v. State [case]: 2013 Georgia Court of Appeals decision following Adorno.
- Mulholland [person]: Prosecutor in the Calhoun State Prison killing case who said Shakera Burns' exact charge was unclear.
- Murphy v. Bajjani [case]: 2007 Supreme Court of Georgia decision defining actual malice under the official immunity provision as express malice and granting school officials judgment on the pleadings.
- Myrick v. Fulton County [case]: 2023 Eleventh Circuit decision citing Keith on deliberate indifference.
- Nalls v. State [case]: 2018 Georgia Supreme Court decision applying stare decisis analysis to State v. Jackson.
- Nantell [person]: Former Corrections Sergeant convicted of deprivation of civil rights for failing to intervene to protect an inmate and of obstruction for lying to investigators.
- North American Senior Benefits, LLC v. Wimmer [case]: 2024 Georgia Supreme Court decision citing State v. Cook.
- O.C.G.A. § 15-18-6 [legislation]: Georgia statute defining duties of district attorneys, including indictment and prosecutorial review duties. (aka: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-18-6)
- O.C.G.A. § 16-1-3 [legislation]: Georgia criminal code definitions section, defining 'government' and 'peace officer.'
- O.C.G.A. § 16-10-1 [legislation]: Georgia statute criminalizing violation of oath by a public officer, construed in State v. Tullis and State v. Phillips. (aka: violation of oath by a public officer statute)
- O.C.G.A. § 16-10-56 [legislation]: Georgia statute making unlawful violence or violent/tumultuous acts by persons confined in a penal institution a felony punishable by 1 to 20 years.
- O.C.G.A. § 16-2-1 [legislation]: Georgia statute defining criminal negligence as willful, wanton, or reckless disregard for the safety of others.
- O.C.G.A. § 16-2-2 [legislation]: Georgia statute barring guilt for a crime committed by misfortune or accident absent criminal scheme, undertaking, intention, or criminal negligence.
- O.C.G.A. § 16-2-20 [legislation]: Georgia party-to-a-crime statute defining when a person is concerned in the commission of a crime.
- O.C.G.A. § 16-4-1 [legislation]: Georgia statute defining criminal attempt. (aka: Criminal attempt statute)
- O.C.G.A. § 16-4-6 [legislation]: Georgia statute setting penalties for criminal attempt. (aka: Criminal attempt penalty statute)
- O.C.G.A. § 16-4-8 [legislation]: Georgia statute defining conspiracy and penalties. (aka: Conspiracy statute)
- O.C.G.A. § 16-4-8.1 [legislation]: Georgia statute allowing conspiracy conviction even if target crime completed, barring double conviction. (aka: Conspiracy conviction statute)
- O.C.G.A. § 16-4-9 [legislation]: Georgia statute allowing coconspirator withdrawal defense. (aka: OCGA § 16-4-9)
- O.C.G.A. § 16-5-1 [legislation]: Georgia statute defining malice and murder. (aka: OCGA § 16-5-1)
- O.C.G.A. § 16-5-1(c) [legislation]: Georgia felony murder statute interpreted in State v. Jackson.
- O.C.G.A. § 16-5-21 [legislation]: Georgia statute defining aggravated assault and penalties. (aka: Aggravated assault statute)
- O.C.G.A. § 16-5-24 [legislation]: Georgia statute defining aggravated battery and penalties. (aka: Aggravated battery statute)
- O.C.G.A. § 16-5-3 [legislation]: Georgia involuntary manslaughter statute: causing the death of another human being without any intention to do so.
- O.C.G.A. § 16-5-60 [legislation]: Georgia misdemeanor reckless conduct statute held unconstitutionally vague as applied in Hall v. State. (aka: Georgia Reckless Conduct Statute)
- O.C.G.A. § 16-5-70 [legislation]: Georgia cruelty to children statute; subsection (b) defines first-degree offense as maliciously causing a child under 18 cruel or excessive physical or mental pain.
- O.C.G.A. § 16-6-5.1 [legislation]: Georgia statute defining improper sexual contact by employee or agent, including custodial relationships. (aka: OCGA § 16-6-5.1)
- O.C.G.A. § 17-7-52 [legislation]: Georgia statute requiring pre-indictment notice and rights for peace officers before grand jury presentment. (aka: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 17-7-52)
- O.C.G.A. § 42-4-1 [legislation]: Georgia statute providing that sheriffs and chiefs of police are jailers by virtue of their offices with authority to appoint other jailers.
- O.C.G.A. § 42-4-5 [legislation]: Georgia statute prohibiting jailer duress and willful inhumanity toward inmates. (aka: Jailer misconduct statute)
- O.C.G.A. § 42-5-18 [legislation]: Georgia statute governing contraband in places of incarceration, including telecommunications devices, drugs, weapons, and unmanned aircraft systems. (aka: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-5-18)
- O.C.G.A. § 42-5-2 [legislation]: Georgia statute cited in Jackson v. Zant alongside § 42-4-5 on the warden-inmate relationship.
- O.C.G.A. § 42-5-31 [legislation]: Current Georgia statute containing a vague correctional officer oath, a departure from the 1867 oath that explicitly prohibited abuse of prisoners.
- O.C.G.A. § 45-11-4 [legislation]: Georgia statute on unprofessional conduct by public officers. (aka: Unprofessional conduct statute)
- O.C.G.A. § 45-15-11 [legislation]: Georgia statute requiring Attorney General notice before indicting state officials under § 45-11-4(b). (aka: AG notice statute)
- O.C.G.A. § 45-15-3 [legislation]: Georgia statute defining duties of the Attorney General, including participation in criminal and civil actions on the Governor's requirement.
- OCGA § 16-10-1 [legislation]: Georgia statute referenced as limiting a violation-of-oath charge against a peace officer to the statutory oath's words.
- OCGA § 16-2-1 [legislation]: Georgia statute defining a crime as a violation of a statute involving joint operation of act or omission and intention or criminal negligence; predecessor Code Ann. § 26-801 defined parties to crime. (aka: Code Ann. § 26-801)
- OCGA § 16-2-20 [legislation]: Georgia statute defining parties to a crime, central to Smith, Brown, and related cases. (aka: O.C.G.A. § 16-2-20, parties-to-a-crime statute)
- OCGA § 16-5-1 [legislation]: Georgia murder statute; subsection (d) defines second-degree murder as causing death in the commission of cruelty to children in the second degree irrespective of malice.
- OCGA § 16-5-60(b) [legislation]: Georgia statute at issue in Baker v. State, upheld against a vagueness challenge as applied.
- OCGA § 16-5-70 [legislation]: Georgia cruelty to children statute; subsection (a) covers willful deprivation of necessary sustenance and subsection (b) covers maliciously causing cruel or excessive physical or mental pain.
- OCGA § 35-8-2 [legislation]: Georgia statute defining "peace officer" for purposes of the oath requirement in OCGA § 45-3-7(b).
- OCGA § 42-5-31 [legislation]: Georgia statute prescribing the oath for correctional officers, cited in Bradley v. State.
- OCGA § 45-16-22 [legislation]: Georgia statute giving the medical examiner discretion to determine the need for an autopsy, cited in GDC SOP 208.03. (aka: O.C.G.A. § 45-16-22)
- OCGA § 45-3-7 [legislation]: Georgia statute prescribing the peace officer oath; subsection (b) sets the oath for officers taking office on or after July 1, 2025, and subsection (d) makes additional agency oath language aspirational only.
- Office of Professional Standards [organization]: GDC's primary investigative division responsible for internal investigation of serious incidents including felonies related to deaths, assaults, riots, and drugs (aka: OPS)
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-10-1 [legislation]: Georgia statute criminalizing willful and intentional violation of oath by a public officer, with limitations for peace officers and a felony/high aggravated misdemeanor predicate requirement. (aka: O.C.G.A. § 16-10-1)
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-14-3 [legislation]: Georgia RICO statute defining racketeering activity and pattern of racketeering activity. (aka: O.C.G.A. § 16-14-3)
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-14-4 [legislation]: Georgia RICO statute prohibiting acquisition of enterprises through racketeering and conspiracy to violate RICO. (aka: O.C.G.A. § 16-14-4)
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-14-5 [legislation]: Georgia RICO statute specifying penalties for violations. (aka: O.C.G.A. § 16-14-5)
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-15-3 [legislation]: Provision of Georgia's Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act defining criminal street gang and criminal gang activity. (aka: O.C.G.A. § 16-15-3)
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-15-4 [legislation]: Provision of Georgia's Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act prohibiting gang-related criminal activity and recruitment, with mandatory minimum penalties and concurrent prosecution authority. (aka: O.C.G.A. § 16-15-4)
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-2-1 [legislation]: Georgia statute defining a crime as a joint operation of act or omission and intention or criminal negligence, and defining criminal negligence. (aka: O.C.G.A. § 16-2-1)
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-2-20 [legislation]: Georgia statute defining when a person is concerned in the commission of a crime (parties to a crime). (aka: O.C.G.A. § 16-2-20)
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-2-21 [legislation]: Georgia statute allowing a party to a crime who did not directly commit it to be indicted, tried, convicted, and punished even if the direct perpetrator was not convicted or is not amenable to justice. (aka: O.C.G.A. § 16-2-21)
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-2-6 [legislation]: Georgia statute providing criminal intention is not presumed but may be found by the trier of fact from words, conduct, demeanor, motive, and circumstances. (aka: O.C.G.A. § 16-2-6)
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-3-24.2 [legislation]: Statute providing immunity from criminal prosecution for use of force in accordance with specified Code sections. (aka: O.C.G.A. § 16-3-24.2)
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-1 [legislation]: Georgia statute defining murder, express and implied malice, felony murder, second-degree murder, and penalties. (aka: O.C.G.A. § 16-5-1)
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-100 [legislation]: Definitions section for disabled adults and elder persons. (aka: O.C.G.A. § 16-5-100)
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-102 [legislation]: Statute making exploitation or abuse of disabled adults, elder persons, or residents a felony. (aka: O.C.G.A. § 16-5-102)
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-2 [legislation]: Georgia statute defining voluntary manslaughter and its penalty. (aka: O.C.G.A. § 16-5-2)
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-3 [legislation]: Georgia statute defining involuntary manslaughter in the commission of an unlawful act and in the commission of a lawful act in an unlawful manner. (aka: O.C.G.A. § 16-5-3)
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-60 [legislation]: Georgia statute defining reckless conduct as a misdemeanor. (aka: O.C.G.A. § 16-5-60)
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-70 [legislation]: Statute defining and penalizing cruelty to children in the first and second degree. (aka: O.C.G.A. § 16-5-70)
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 17-3-1 [legislation]: Statute of limitation for criminal prosecutions. (aka: O.C.G.A. § 17-3-1)
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 17-3-2 [legislation]: Statute excluding certain periods from limitation periods. (aka: O.C.G.A. § 17-3-2)
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 35-8-2 [legislation]: Georgia statute defining peace officer for purposes of the peace officer standards and training chapter. (aka: O.C.G.A. § 35-8-2)
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-5-15 [legislation]: Statute prohibiting crossing guard lines with weapons or intoxicants without consent; felony penalty one to four years. (aka: O.C.G.A. § 42-5-15)
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-5-7 [legislation]: Statute requiring notification of commissioner and coroner upon sudden or unusual inmate death. (aka: O.C.G.A. § 42-5-7)
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 45-16-25 [legislation]: Statute granting GBI authority to perform autopsies and investigate deaths in state buildings. (aka: O.C.G.A. § 45-16-25)
- Omar Jackson [person]: Fulton County Sheriff's deputy indicted on murder charges in the death of Antonio May; indictment later voided.
- Oqueshia Andrews v. Carmel Biggers, Jr. [case]: Eleventh Circuit decision (2021-05-07) following Purcell v. Toombs County on Eleventh Amendment immunity. (aka: Andrews v. Biggers)
- Parrish v. State [case]: 1981 Georgia Court of Appeals decision holding presence, companionship, and conduct can support inference of party-to-a-crime liability.
- Peralta v. Dillard [case]: Ninth Circuit en banc decision (2014) explaining LaMarca v. Turner on personal liability and official-capacity injunctive relief. (aka: Cion Peralta v. T. Dillard)
- Phillips State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison visited by DOJ during 2022-2023 investigation (aka: Phillips)
- Pickle v. State [case]: 2006 Georgia Court of Appeals decision explaining Porter's evidentiary holding.
- Porter v. State [case]: Georgia Court of Appeals precedent cited in Johnson v. State affirming party liability for abuse while the parent was absent.
- Prophitt v. State [case]: 2016 Georgia Court of Appeals decision on statutory vagueness standards.
- Purcell ex rel. Estate of Morgan v. Toombs County [case]: Eleventh Circuit decision, 400 F.3d 1313 (11th Cir. 2005), noting no expert testified the jail was understaffed given its inmate capacity.
- Purcell Ex Rel. Estate of Morgan v. Toombs County, GA [case]: 2005 Eleventh Circuit case holding that a prison custodian is not the guarantor of a prisoner's safety and granting qualified immunity to jail officials.
- Purcell ex rel. Estate of Morgan v. Toombs County, Ga. [case]: Eleventh Circuit decision establishing the deliberate-indifference framework applied to convicted prisoners in custodial-safety suits; repeatedly followed in Georgia and Alabama cases. (aka: Purcell, 400 F.3d 1313 (11th Cir. 2005))
- Qenkor Construction, Inc. v. Everett [case]: 2015 Georgia Court of Appeals decision restating the Merrow actual malice standard.
- Ragland v. United States [case]: Eighth Circuit decision noting Burrage abrogated prior Eighth Circuit causation precedents. (aka: Dorian Ragland v. United States)
- Raquel Mosqueda [person]: California State Prison-Corcoran correctional officer charged with depriving an inmate of Eighth Amendment rights by facilitating a planned attack.
- Rex v. Hughes [case]: English common-law case quoted in Lewis v. State on murder by wilful omission of duty.
- Richard Delano [person]: Federal inmate at FCC Coleman who was assaulted by cellmate John McCullah and died from his injuries in 2005.
- Robert Roberson [person]: Former ASMP correctional officer federally indicted for deliberate indifference in an inmate's death; later acquitted.
- Robert Robish [person]: Inmate at Augusta State Medical Prison who defended himself during an assault and stabbed Roderick Hayes.
- Roderick Hayes [person]: Inmate at Augusta State Medical Prison killed in an incident; a correctional officer and two inmates were charged.
- Rodriguez v. Secretary for Department of Corrections [case]: Case cited in Marbury where a prisoner's report of gang threats upon release to general population was sufficient notice if true.
- Rosemond v. United States [case]: Supreme Court decision (March 5, 2014) defining the standard for aiding and abetting a § 924(c) firearm offense and for liability under 18 U.S.C. § 2.
- Samuel Thomas [person]: Former Texas Department of Criminal Justice officer at a Rusk facility who pleaded guilty to conspiring to deprive an inmate of civil rights by orchestrating a retaliatory assault.
- Sands v. State [case]: 1992 Supreme Court of Georgia decision holding mere presence insufficient for party-to-a-crime liability.
- Santos v. State [case]: 2008 Georgia Supreme Court decision following Hall on vagueness of registration requirement.
- SB 110 [legislation]: Georgia Senate Bill 110, effective July 1, 2025, amending O.C.G.A. § 16-5-60. (aka: Ga. L. 2025, p. 718, § 2/SB 110)
- SB 13 (2009) [legislation]: 2009 Georgia legislation amending O.C.G.A. § 16-5-1. (aka: Ga. L. 2009, p. 223, § 1/SB 13)
- SB 164 [legislation]: Georgia Senate Bill 164, amending O.C.G.A. § 16-5-60. (aka: Ga. L. 2022, p. 663, § 2/SB 164)
- Scott Butler [person]: SFRC officer indicted for conspiring to violate inmates' civil rights.
- Screws v. United States [case]: U.S. Supreme Court decision, 325 U.S. 91 (1945) (plurality opinion), defining willfulness under § 242 as open defiance or reckless disregard of a specific and definite constitutional requirement.
- Shakera Burns [person]: Former Calhoun State Prison correctional officer charged with murder in 2017, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in 2019.
- Shannon Burden [person]: Charleston County, South Carolina detention officer charged with misconduct in office for remotely unlocking cells to enable an inmate attack at Al Cannon Detention Center.
- Sheila Adorno [person]: Defendant in Adorno v. State whose cruelty-to-children convictions were affirmed for failure to intervene in known abuse.
- Sheryl B. Jolley [person]: Columbia County Superior Court judge who sentenced former GDC guard Daniel Farmer.
- Shivers v. State [case]: 2010 Georgia Supreme Court decision distinguishing Ford v. State; included a Nahmias concurrence urging overruling Ford.
- Sidney Dorsey [person]: Former Sheriff of DeKalb County, Georgia, convicted of malice murder and violation of oath in connection with the shooting death of successor Derwin Brown.
- SLED [organization]: South Carolina state investigative agency that charged detention officer Shannon Burden. (aka: South Carolina Law Enforcement Division)
- Smith State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison targeted by drone smuggling networks; subject of Operation Night Drop indictments.
- Smith v. State [case]: 2020 Supreme Court of Georgia decision on parties-to-a-crime liability under OCGA § 16-2-20.
- SOP 209.06 [organization]: GDC policy governing involuntary Administrative Segregation assignment appeals.
- SOP 222.01 [legislation]: GDC Standard Operating Procedure that explicitly prohibits transfers due to filing of writs and/or grievances. (aka: Inter-Institutional Transfer)
- South Florida Reception Center [facility]: Florida prison where officers McQueen and Dawkins were convicted of civil rights and obstruction offenses, including forcing inmates to fight. (aka: SFRC)
- Southerland v. Georgia Department of Corrections [case]: 2008 Georgia Court of Appeals decision describing a wrongful death action over a cellmate housing placement that resulted in an inmate's death.
- Southern Regional Jail [facility]: West Virginia jail in Beaver where officers conspired to use unjustified force against inmates.
- St. Louis Justice Center [facility]: Jail where Demeria Thomas allowed an inmate attack.
- Staib v. State [case]: 2011 Court of Appeals of Georgia decision that followed Johnson v. State.
- State Board of Pardons and Paroles [organization]: Georgia state entity that serves as a reporting entity for sexual abuse allegations in prisons
- State v. Boyer [case]: 1999 Georgia Supreme Court decision distinguishing and criticizing Hall v. State.
- State v. Cook [case]: 2004 Supreme Court of New Jersey decision recognizing that due process is a flexible concept depending on facts and circumstances.
- State v. Crane [case]: Georgia Supreme Court decision holding that 'causes' in the felony murder statute requires direct causation; overruled by State v. Jackson. (aka: 247 Ga. 779)
- State v. Jackson [case]: Georgia Supreme Court decision overruling State v. Crane and holding that the felony murder statute requires only proximate causation.
- State v. Kelly [case]: 2011 Georgia Supreme Court decision following Ford v. State on the felony murder predicate standard.
- State v. Lawrence [case]: 1993 Supreme Court of Georgia decision quoting OCGA § 16-5-70(a) on cruelty to children by willful deprivation of necessary sustenance.
- State v. Ovalle [case]: 2026 Georgia Supreme Court decision citing Melancon on causation.
- State v. Phillips [case]: 2025 Supreme Court of Georgia decision holding violation of oath by public officer may be an inherently dangerous felony-murder predicate depending on circumstances; vacated and remanded. (aka: State v. PHILLIPS)
- State v. Tullis [case]: 1994 Court of Appeals of Georgia decision holding violation of oath by a public officer requires more than a misdemeanor and some connection to official duties.
- State v. Wesley T. O'Neal [case]: 2019 Georgia Court of Appeals decision holding a GDC corrections officer entitled to OCGA § 17-7-52 pre-indictment protection on a violation-of-oath count. (aka: State v. O'Neal)
- Steven Dawkins [person]: South Florida Reception Center corrections officer convicted of obstruction of justice.
- Steven Turner [person]: Wilcox State Prison sergeant criminally charged and alleged to have threatened inmate Jammie Davis with suffocation to obtain a false witness statement covering up an incident. (aka: Sergeant Steven Turner)
- Stone County Regional Correctional Facility [facility]: Mississippi detention facility where McLaughlin ordered an inmate assault in 2008.
- Straker v. State [case]: Georgia Court of Appeals precedent cited in Adorno v. State affirming a mother's cruelty-to-children conviction for failure to intervene.
- Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act [legislation]: Georgia legislation codified at O.C.G.A. §§ 16-15-3 and 16-15-4 addressing criminal street gangs and gang activity.
- Street v. Corrections Corporation of America [case]: Sixth Circuit decision holding that Farmer overruled earlier precedents requiring a showing of a 'specific risk' to the plaintiff. (aka: William Street v. Corrections Corporation of America, Jimmy Turner, and Dexter Stephen)
- Supreme Court of Georgia [organization]: Georgia's highest court, which imposes public discipline on attorneys and adopted the 2022 amendment to Rule 3.8.
- Supreme Court of the United States [organization]: Highest federal court, which decided Hutto v. Finney and Miller v. French. (aka: Supreme Court)
- Tabb v. State [case]: 2012 Georgia Court of Appeals decision following Porter on party-to-crime liability.
- Tanja O'Neal [person]: Former Wilcox State Prison lieutenant fired and charged after clandestine video showed inmate assault.
- Tanner v. State [case]: 1925 Supreme Court of Georgia decision holding mere presence at a crime scene insufficient to show consent and concurrence.
- Terry Anthony [person]: Plaintiff in Anthony v. Georgia Department of Corrections, later substituted by Terry Louis Anthony, Sr. (aka: Terry Louis Anthony, Sr.)
- Terry Lamar Anthony [person]: Prisoner at Augusta State Medical Prison, age 37 at the time, stabbed seven times on October 12, 2022 after guard Daniel Farmer remotely opened his cell lock.
- Texas Department of Criminal Justice [organization]: Texas corrections agency; former executive director testified as expert witness that overcrowding is 'primary cause' of violations (aka: TDCJ)
- Thomas Lee Hicks [person]: Former juvenile correctional officer at Waycross Regional Youth Detention Center, age 30 at arrest; charged after a juvenile inmate died in a guard-organized 'fight game'; indicted July 2023; case pending as of October 21, 2026.
- Thornton v. State [case]: Georgia Supreme Court case (1904) stating special duty to interfere may make inactive presence criminal participation. (aka: Thornton v. State)
- Trevis Caldwell v. Warden, FCI Talladega [case]: 2014 Eleventh Circuit case setting out the elements of an Eighth Amendment deliberate-indifference failure-to-protect claim.
- Truelove v. Wilson [case]: Case cited in Guthrie v. Irons for official immunity.
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit [organization]: Federal appellate court that decided United States v. Davis and Newsome. (aka: 11th Circuit)
- U.S. Department of Justice [organization]: Federal agency that published October 2024 findings report on unconstitutional conditions in Georgia prisons. (aka: DOJ)
- U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division [organization]: Federal agency that launched a statewide civil investigation of Georgia's prison system in September 2021 and published a 93-page findings report on October 1, 2024, documenting a pattern of unconstitutional conditions. (aka: DOJ, DOJ Civil Rights Division)
- Undrea Burley [person]: Inmate convicted of felony murder in the death of Joshua Brooks at Calhoun State Prison; sentenced to life without parole.
- United States v. Bourget [case]: 2026 First Circuit decision following United States v. Hill and Screws v. United States on § 242 willfulness.
- United States v. Burkholder [case]: Tenth Circuit decision following Burrage's actual-causality requirement. (aka: Burkholder (10th Cir. 2016))
- United States v. Constantine Varazo, II [case]: 2024 Eleventh Circuit decision following United States v. Hill on § 242 willfulness. (aka: United States v. Varazo)
- United States v. Covington [case]: Fourth Circuit case holding that § 242's bodily injury enhancement requires but-for and proximate causation, vacating Covington's conviction. (aka: 254282.P.pdf)
- United States v. Enyinna Onyewu [case]: D.C. Circuit decision following Rosemond on aiding-and-abetting mens rea. (aka: Onyewu (D.C. Cir. 2026))
- United States v. Glenn Daeward Boyd [case]: Sixth Circuit decision following Burrage's actual-causality requirement for drug-result offenses. (aka: Boyd (6th Cir. 2026))
- United States v. Lanier [case]: Supreme Court decision (520 U.S. 259 (1997)) holding the 'clearly established' fair-warning requirement applies in criminal civil-rights prosecutions.
- United States v. Mark Clark [case]: D.C. Circuit decision explaining the Screws plurality's intent requirement. (aka: Clark (D.C. Cir. 2025))
- United States v. Myers [case]: Eleventh Circuit decision (972 F.2d 1566 (11th Cir. 1992)) approving the definition of 'bodily injury' under § 242.
- United States v. Nasir Lewis [case]: Sixth Circuit decision following Rosemond's mens rea requirement for aiding and abetting. (aka: Lewis (6th Cir. 2026))
- United States v. Nathan Goddard [case]: Sixth Circuit decision explaining Rosemond's limits on aiding-and-abetting liability. (aka: Goddard (6th Cir. 2026))
- United States v. Phillips [case]: Federal prosecution in the Southern District of Georgia of former Augusta State Medical Prison officers Robert Roberson and Marcus Phillips over an inmate's fire death; both were acquitted by jury on June 11, 2026.
- United States v. Sharma [case]: Eleventh Circuit case affirming Erin Sharma's convictions and life sentence for civil rights violations causing the death of inmate Richard Delano. (aka: 200915844)
- United States v. Shronda Covington [case]: Fourth Circuit decision following Screws on the specific-intent requirement for Section 242 criminal civil-rights violations. (aka: Covington (4th Cir. 2026))
- United States v. Victor Hill [case]: 2024 Eleventh Circuit decision affirming former Clayton County Sheriff Victor Hill's § 242 conviction for using restraint chairs on compliant detainees and articulating the fair-warning standard. (aka: United States v. Hill, 99 F.4th 1289 (11th Cir. 2024))
- United States v. Ware [case]: Tenth Circuit case involving Matthew Ware's conviction for deliberate indifference after transferring detainees into a pod with Aryan Brotherhood affiliates.
- USP I Coleman [facility]: Federal prison in Florida where Richard Delano was killed in 2005. (aka: United States Penitentiary I in Coleman, Florida)
- Vance County Detention Center [facility]: North Carolina county detention facility where five officers were indicted for encouraging inmates to fight.
- Victor Hill [person]: Former Sheriff of Clayton County, Georgia, convicted under 18 U.S.C. § 242 for using restraint chairs to punish compliant, nonresistant pretrial detainees. (aka: Sheriff Victor Hill)
- Virger v. State [case]: Georgia Supreme Court decision (S18A1538) disapproving Porter v. State in part.
- Wade v. McDade [case]: En banc Eleventh Circuit decision (July 2024) that fundamentally redefined deliberate indifference, requiring plaintiff to prove official was subjectively aware that his OWN conduct put plaintiff at substantial risk. Makes Georgia Eighth Amendment claims significantly harder. (aka: 106 F.4th 1251 (11th Cir. 2024))
- Ware [person]: Former Lieutenant of the Kay County Detention Center convicted federally of civil rights violations for ordering Black detainees moved to a white supremacist row.
- Ware State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison leading all GDC facilities in cell phone seizures by end of 2016, with 1,392 phones confiscated.
- Waycross Regional Youth Detention Center [facility]: DJJ juvenile detention facility where a juvenile inmate died on August 9 after officer Thomas Lee Hicks allowed a 'fight game.'
- Wesley Adams [person]: Inmate convicted of felony murder in the beating death of Joshua Brooks; sentenced to life without parole.
- Wesley T. O'Neal [person]: Johnson State Prison corrections officer whose indictment was at issue in State v. O'Neal.
- Westminster School Dist. of Orange County v. Mendez [case]: Ninth Circuit decision explaining Screws' rejection of a vagueness challenge to the criminal civil-rights statutes. (aka: Westminster v. Mendez)
- Whitley v. State [case]: 1985 Court of Appeals of Georgia decision stating aiding and abetting requires affirmative action, not mere knowledge and failure to prevent.
- Wilcox State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison visited by DOJ during 2022-2023 investigation (aka: Wilcox)
- William Whitaker [person]: Fulton County Sheriff's deputy indicted on murder charges in the death of Antonio May; indictment later voided.
- Williams v. Harvey [case]: 2021 Georgia Supreme Court decision explaining State v. Jackson.
- Williams v. Solomon [case]: 2000 Georgia Court of Appeals decision explaining Merrow v. Hawkins and its disapproval of Logue.
- Willie M. Burks III [person]: Former Alabama Department of Corrections lieutenant sentenced to nine years for failing to stop an officer under his command from assaulting an inmate at Elmore Correctional Facility. (aka: Burks)
- Wilson v. State [case]: Georgia case establishing the three-part proximate cause test restated in State v. Jackson.
- Woodbury v. State [case]: 1994 Supreme Court of Georgia decision including a concurrence on the malice requirement for cruelty to children by failure to provide medical care.
- Wyno v. Lowndes County [case]: 2019 Georgia Supreme Court decision applying Merrow and Murphy standards to official immunity.
- Zant [person]: GDC warden at Georgia Diagnostic & Classification Center named as defendant in Jackson v. Zant. (aka: Warden Zant)

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  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/3191182/grant-v-state/
- Guard, three inmates arrested in Calhoun Co. inmate murder, WALB (2017-01-01) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://www.walb.com/story/32293264/guard-three-inmates-arrested-in-calhoun-co-inmate-murder/
- Guthrie v. Irons, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 1993-12-03 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (1993-12-03) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1302013/guthrie-v-irons/
- Hale v. Tallapoosa County, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 1995-05-02 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (1995-05-02) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/7032035/hale-v-tallapoosa-county/
- Hall v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1997-05-12 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (1997-05-12) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1204977/hall-v-state/
- Hixon v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2001-08-01 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2001-08-01) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1298755/hixon-v-state/
- Hood v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2018-03-05 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2018-03-05) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10366869/hood-v-state/
- Hope v. Pelzer, Supreme Court of the United States, 2002-06-27 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2002-06-27) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/121169/hope-v-pelzer/
- In the Supreme Court of Georgia, Justia (2019-01-01) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://cases.justia.com/georgia/supreme-court/2019-s18a1538.pdf
- Inmate death at Augusta State Medical Prison sparks concerns over facility safety - The Augusta Press, The Augusta Press [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://theaugustapress.com/inmate-death-at-augusta-state-medical-prison-sparks-concerns-over-facility-safety/
- Inmate slain at Augusta prison; guard, 2 other inmates charged, WRDW (2024-05-27) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://www.wrdw.com/2024/05/27/inmate-slain-augusta-prison-guard-2-other-inmates-charged/
- Inmate slain at Augusta prison; guard, 2 other inmates charged, inmate slain augusta medical prison guard fired charged, WRDW (2024-05-27) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://www.wrdw.com/2024/05/27/inmate-slain-augusta-medical-prison-guard-fired-charged/
- Irma Best v. Cb Decatur Court LLC, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2013-10-30 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2013-10-30) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10721263/irma-best-v-cb-decatur-court-llc/
- Jackson v. Crickmar, Warden, 2021-06-21 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2021-06-21) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10367757/jackson-v-crickmar-warden/
- Jackson v. Zant, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 1993-10-19 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (1993-10-19) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/5791433/jackson-v-zant/
- James v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2003-02-25 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2003-02-25) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1305201/james-v-state/
- Jamie Cunningham v. Cobb County, Georgia, Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, 2025-06-23 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2025-06-23) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10615390/jamie-cunningham-v-cobb-county-georgia/
- Jenkins ex rel. Hall v. Talladega City Board of Education, Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, 1997-06-02 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (1997-06-02) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/7046024/jenkins-ex-rel-hall-v-talladega-city-board-of-education/
- Jody O'Neil Harrison v. Grantt Culliver, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2014-04-02 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2014-04-02) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/2663212/jody-oneil-harrison-v-grantt-culliver/
- Johnson v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 1984-02-22 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (1984-02-22) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1218807/johnson-v-state/
- Johnson v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 1997-02-11 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (1997-02-11) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1422430/johnson-v-state/
- Johnson v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2006-12-01 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2006-12-01) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1242044/johnson-v-state/
- Johnson v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1998-09-25 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (1998-09-25) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1329947/johnson-v-state/
- Johnson v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2025-05-06 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2025-05-06) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10680465/johnson-v-state/
- Jones v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1982-09-23 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (1982-09-23) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1342168/jones-v-state/
- Jordan v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2000-05-08 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2000-05-08) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1203373/jordan-v-state/
- Jowers v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 1997-03-31 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (1997-03-31) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1232605/jowers-v-state/
- Keith Ex Rel. Estate of Cook v. DeKalb County, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2014-04-23 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2014-04-23) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/2671077/keith-ex-rel-estate-of-cook-v-dekalb-county/
- Kidd v. Coates, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1999-05-03 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (1999-05-03) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1347608/kidd-v-coates/
- Klaub v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2002-04-12 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2002-04-12) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1213924/klaub-v-state/
- law.cornell.edu: 1001, Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1001
- law.cornell.edu: 1512, Cornell Legal Information Institute [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1512
- law.cornell.edu: 1519, Cornell Legal Information Institute [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1519
- law.cornell.edu: 1962, Cornell Legal Information Institute [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1962
- law.cornell.edu: 1983, Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/42/1983
- law.cornell.edu: 2, Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/2
- law.cornell.edu: 241, Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/241
- law.cornell.edu: 242, Cornell Legal Information Institute [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/242
- law.cornell.edu: 3, Cornell Legal Information Institute [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/3
- law.cornell.edu: 3281, Cornell Legal Information Institute [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/3281
- law.cornell.edu: 3282, Cornell Legal Information Institute [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/3282
- law.cornell.edu: 371, Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/371
- law.cornell.edu: 4, Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/4
- Lewis v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1884-12-21 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (1884-12-21) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/5711165/lewis-v-state/
- Lynette Christmas v. Harris County, Georgia, Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, 2022-10-28 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2022-10-28) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/8436734/lynette-christmas-v-harris-county-georgia/
- Marcus W. Somerville v. Wanda W. White, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2016-06-10 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2016-06-10) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10724068/marcus-w-somerville-v-wanda-w-white/
- Margaret Elaina Morast v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2013-09-05 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2013-09-05) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10720883/margaret-elaina-morast-v-state/
- Mary Goodman v. Clayton County Sheriff Kemuel Kimbrough, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2013-06-21 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2013-06-21) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/931601/mary-goodman-v-clayton-county-sheriff-kemuel-kimbrough/
- McAuley v. Wills, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1983-05-11 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (1983-05-11) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1321791/mcauley-v-wills/
- McDowell v. Smith, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2009-06-29 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2009-06-29) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1257784/mcdowell-v-smith/
- Melancon v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2024-09-17 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2024-09-17) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10680262/melancon-v-state/
- Mercado v. Swoope, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2017-03-10 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2017-03-10) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/4375615/mercado-v-swoope/
- Merrow v. Hawkins, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1996-03-11 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (1996-03-11) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1204780/merrow-v-hawkins/
- Mitchell Greenway v. Northside Hospital, Inc., Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2014-05-27 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2014-05-27) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10722672/mitchell-greenway-v-northside-hospital-inc/
- Mitchell Marbury v. Warden, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2019-08-29 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2019-08-29) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/4657195/mitchell-marbury-v-warden/
- Moore v. District of Columbia, District Court, District of Columbia, 2026-03-09 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener / Free Law Project (2026-03-09) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10805704/moore-v-district-of-columbia/
- Moore v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1972-02-11 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (1972-02-11) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1343339/moore-v-state/
- Murphy v. Bajjani, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2007-06-25 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2007-06-25) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1406161/murphy-v-bajjani/
- NALLS v. THE STATE (Two Cases), Supreme Court of Georgia, 2018-06-04 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2018-06-04) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10366773/nalls-v-the-state-two-cases/
- NORTH AMERICAN SENIOR BENEFITS, LLC v. WIMMER, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2024-09-04 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2024-09-04) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10680273/north-american-senior-benefits-llc-v-wimmer/
- Office of Professional Georgia, Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/media/22176/download
- Office of Public Affairs | Former Augusta State Medical Prison Correctional Officers Charged in Connection with Inmate’s Death | United States Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Justice (2024-01-01) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/former-augusta-state-medical-prison-correctional-officers-charged-connection-inmates-death
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-18-6 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak (2026-01-01) [legislation, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/15-18-6/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-1-3 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak [legislation, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/16-1-3/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-10-1 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak (GPS) (2026-11-03) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/16-10-1/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-10-56 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak [legislation, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/16-10-56/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-14-3 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/16-14-3/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-14-4 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/16-14-4/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-14-5 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/16-14-5/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-15-3 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak (GPS) (2026-11-03) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/16-15-3/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-15-4 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak (GPS) (2026-11-03) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/16-15-4/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-2-1 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak (GPS) (2026-11-03) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/16-2-1/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-2-2 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak [legislation, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/16-2-2/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-2-20 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak (GPS) (2026-11-03) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/16-2-20/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-2-21 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak (GPS) (2026-11-03) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/16-2-21/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-2-6 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak (GPS) (2026-11-03) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/16-2-6/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-3-24.2 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak (2026-11-03) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/16-3-24.2/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-4-1 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/16-4-1/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-4-6 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/16-4-6/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-4-8 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/16-4-8/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-4-8.1 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/16-4-8.1/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-4-9 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak [legislation, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/16-4-9/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-1 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak (GPS) (2026-11-03) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/16-5-1/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-100 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak (2026-11-03) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/16-5-100/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-102 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak (2026-11-03) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/16-5-102/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-2 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/16-5-2/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-21 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/16-5-21/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-24 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/16-5-24/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-3 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/16-5-3/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-60 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/16-5-60/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-70 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak (2026-11-03) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/16-5-70/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-6-5.1 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak [legislation, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/16-6-5.1/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 17-3-1 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak (2026-11-03) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/17-3-1/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 17-3-2 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak (2026-11-03) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/17-3-2/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 17-7-52 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak [legislation, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/17-7-52/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 35-8-2 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/35-8-2/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-4-1 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak [legislation, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/42-4-1/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-4-5 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/42-4-5/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-5-15 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak (2026-11-03) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/42-5-15/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-5-18 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/42-5-18/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-5-7 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak (2026-11-03) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/42-5-7/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 45-11-4 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/45-11-4/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 45-15-11 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/45-15-11/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 45-15-3 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak [legislation, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/45-15-3/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 45-16-25 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak (2026-11-03) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/45-16-25/
- Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 45-3-7 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak [legislation, primary]
  URL: https://gps.press/ocga/45-3-7/
- Oqueshia Andrews v. Carmel Biggers, Jr., Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, 2021-05-07 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2021-05-07) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/4881268/oqueshia-andrews-v-carmel-biggers-jr/
- Page 401 Title 18—CRIMES and Criminal Procedure § 1531, U.S. Government Publishing Office [legislation, primary]
  URL: https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/18/1519
- Parrish v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 1981-11-10 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (1981-11-10) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1266891/parrish-v-state/
- Pickle v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2006-07-14 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2006-07-14) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1234700/pickle-v-state/
- Porter v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2000-03-24 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2000-03-24) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1355773/porter-v-state/
- Prophitt v. the State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2016-03-22 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2016-03-22) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/3187890/prophitt-v-the-state/
- Purcell Ex Rel. Estate of Morgan v. Toombs County, GA, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2005-02-24 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2005-02-24) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/76841/purcell-ex-rel-estate-of-morgan-v-toombs-county-ga/
- Qenkor Construction, Inc. v. Everett, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2015-07-23 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2015-07-23) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/2819472/qenkor-construction-inc-v-everett/
- Rosemond v. United States, Supreme Court of the United States, 2014-03-05 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2014-03-05) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/2655590/rosemond-v-united-states/
- S.C. detention officer opened inmate's cell to allow violent attack, SLED alleges, Corrections1 [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://www.corrections1.com/staff-misconduct/articles/sc-detention-officer-opened-inmates-cell-to-allow-violent-attack-sled-alleges-MC8WE6GkeK0UTnq5/
- Sands v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1992-07-16 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (1992-07-16) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1312237/sands-v-state/
- Santos v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2008-10-27 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2008-10-27) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1212217/santos-v-state/
- Screws v. United States, Supreme Court of the United States, 1945-05-07 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (1945-05-07) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/104135/screws-v-united-states/
- Second BOP Guard Convicted In Assault-For-Hire, Prison Legal News (2016-08-22) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://www.prisonlegalnews.org/news/2016/aug/22/second-bop-guard-convicted-assault-hire/
- Security Threat Groups (Gangs) Unit, Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/organization/about-gdc/divisions-and-org-chart/executive-operations/office-professional-3
- Shivers v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2010-02-01 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2010-02-01) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1349473/shivers-v-state/
- Smith v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2012-03-23 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2012-03-23) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/2503407/smith-v-state/
- Smith v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2020-01-27 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2020-01-27) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10367606/smith-v-state/
- SOP 209.06: Administrative Segregation, Georgia Department of Corrections (2021-01-01) [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/105940
- SOP 209.08: Administrative Segregation - Tier II, Georgia Department of Corrections (2016-01-01) [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/105951
- Southerland v. Georgia Department of Corrections, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2008-06-12 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2008-06-12) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1358239/southerland-v-georgia-department-of-corrections/
- Stacey Bridges v. J.C. Poe, Jr., Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, 2025-10-17 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2025-10-17) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10705733/stacey-bridges-v-jc-poe-jr/
- Staib v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2011-06-06 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2011-06-06) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/2504171/staib-v-state/
- State v. Boyer, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1999-02-22 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (1999-02-22) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1383452/state-v-boyer/
- State v. COOK (Six Cases), Supreme Court of Georgia, 2023-10-11 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2023-10-11) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10680009/state-v-cook-six-cases/
- State v. Jackson – CourtListener.com, CourtListener [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1346679/state-v-jackson/
- State v. Kelly, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2011-11-07 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2011-11-07) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/2506257/state-v-kelly/
- State v. Lawrence, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1993-02-05 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (1993-02-05) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1277728/state-v-lawrence/
- State v. Ovalle, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2026-06-16 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2026-06-16) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10882150/state-v-ovalle/
- State v. PHILLIPS, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2025-12-09 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2025-12-09) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10749677/state-v-phillips/
- State v. Tullis, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 1994-05-16 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (1994-05-16) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1310864/state-v-tullis/
- State v. Wesley T. O'Neal, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2019-10-14 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2019-10-14) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/4669263/state-v-wesley-t-oneal/
- Tabb v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2012-02-01 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2012-02-01) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/2509538/tabb-v-state/
- Table of Contents, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit (2025-12-01) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.ca11.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/courtdocs/clk/FormCriminalPatternJuryInstructionsRevisedDEC2025.pdf
- Tanner v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1925-10-14 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (1925-10-14) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/5734902/tanner-v-state/
- Thornton v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1904-02-12 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (1904-02-12) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/5722897/thornton-v-state/
- Trevis Caldwell v. Warden, FCI Talladega, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2014-04-07 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2014-04-07) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/2669059/trevis-caldwell-v-warden-fci-talladega/
- United States v. Bourget, Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, 2026-08-21 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2026-08-21) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10954797/united-states-v-bourget/
- United States v. Burkholder, Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, 2016-03-04 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2016-03-04) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/3182850/united-states-v-burkholder/
- United States v. Constantine Varazo, II, Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, 2024-10-10 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2024-10-10) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10132950/united-states-v-constantine-varazo-ii/
- United States v. Enyinna Onyewu, Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, 2026-08-21 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2026-08-21) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10954583/united-states-v-enyinna-onyewu/
- United States v. Glenn Daeward Boyd, Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, 2026-09-02 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2026-09-02) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10965223/united-states-v-glenn-daeward-boyd/
- United States v. Lanier, Supreme Court of the United States, 1997-03-31 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (1997-03-31) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/118098/united-states-v-lanier/
- United States v. Mark Clark, Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, 2025-10-10 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2025-10-10) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10700216/united-states-v-mark-clark/
- United States v. Nasir Lewis, Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, 2026-10-21 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2026-10-21) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/11042087/united-states-v-nasir-lewis/
- United States v. Nathan Goddard, Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, 2026-10-07 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2026-10-07) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/11014016/united-states-v-nathan-goddard/
- United States v. Phillips, 2026-06-11 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2026-06-11) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71053100/
- United States v. Shronda Covington, Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, 2026-07-02 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2026-07-02) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10895522/united-states-v-shronda-covington/
- United States v. Victor HIll, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2024-04-29 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2024-04-29) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/9497714/united-states-v-victor-hill/
- United States v. Ware, U.S. Court of Appeals, 10th Circuit, 2024-02-28 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2024-02-28) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/9479285/united-states-v-ware/
- USCA11 Case: 23-10934 Document: 60-1 Date Filed: 04/29/2024 Page: 1 of 56, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit (2024-04-29) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://media.ca11.uscourts.gov/opinions/pub/files/202310934.pdf
- Verdict reached in Calhoun Co. prison killing, WALB (2018-12-03) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://www.walb.com/2018/12/03/verdict-reached-calhoun-co-prison-killing/
- Westminster School Dist. of Orange County v. Mendez, Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, 1947-08-01 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (1947-08-01) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1566460/westminster-school-dist-of-orange-county-v-mendez/
- Whitley v. State, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 1985-10-08 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (1985-10-08) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1290545/whitley-v-state/
- William Street v. Corrections Corporation of America, Jimmy Turner, and Dexter Stephen, Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, 1996-12-17 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (1996-12-17) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/731246/william-street-v-corrections-corporation-of-america-jimmy-turner-and/
- WILLIAMS v. HARVEY, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2021-05-17 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2021-05-17) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10367784/williams-v-harvey/
- Williams v. Solomon, Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2000-03-16 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2000-03-16) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1419801/williams-v-solomon/
- Woodbury v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 1994-02-28 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (1994-02-28) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1304113/woodbury-v-state/
- Wyno v. Lowndes County, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2019-02-18 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2019-02-18) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10367228/wyno-v-lowndes-county/
- Youth corrections officer arrested for inmate's death during 'fight game' | FOX 5 Atlanta, FOX 5 Atlanta (2023-01-01) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/youth-corrections-officer-arrested-for-inmates-death-during-fight-game