2025 Code of Georgia
Title 51 - Torts (Chs. 1 — 16)
Chapter 7 - False Arrest, False Imprisonment, Malicious Prosecution, and Abusive Litigation (Arts. 1 — 5)
Article 5 - Abusive Litigation (§§ 51-7-80 — 51-7-85)
Annotations
JUDICIAL DECISIONS
Construction. —The abusive litigation tort is in derogation of the common law, and must be strictly limited to the meaning of the language used, and not extended beyond the plain and explicit statutory terms. Kirsch v. Meredith, 211 Ga. App. 823, 440 S. E.2d 702, 1994 Ga. App. LEXIS 81 (1994), cert. denied, No. S94C0721, 1994 Ga. LEXIS 566 (Ga. Mar. 10, 1994).
Under O. C. G. A. Art. 5, Ch. 7, T. 51, claims are not limited to “parties,” but may be made against any person who actively initiates, continues, or procures abusive proceedings. Watkins v. M & M Clays, Inc., 199 Ga. App. 54, 404 S. E.2d 141, 1991 Ga. App. LEXIS 353 (1991); Kirsch v. Meredith, 211 Ga. App. 823, 440 S. E.2d 702, 1994 Ga. App. LEXIS 81 (1994), cert. denied, No. S94C0721, 1994 Ga. LEXIS 566 (Ga. Mar. 10, 1994).
Absolute privilege not bar. —The privilege established under O. C. G. A. § 51-5-8 does not bar a claim for abusive litigation pursuant to O. C. G. A. Art. 5, Ch. 7, T. 51,. Kluge v. Renn, 226 Ga. App. 898, 487 S. E.2d 391.
Premature claim. —Claim for abusive litigation and attorney fees could not be maintained until underlying litigation had concluded. McCullough v. McCullough, 263 Ga. 794, 439 S. E.2d 486, 1994 Ga. LEXIS 70 (1994).
Entry of consent decree barred claim. —Entry of a consent decree incorporating the parties’ settlement in a divorce proceeding barred the wife’s subsequent action against the husband for abusive litigation. Kluge v. Renn, 226 Ga. App. 898, 487 S. E.2d 391.
Research References & Practice Aids
Cross references.Malicious prosecution, § 51-7-40 et seq.
Law reviews.For note on 1989 enactment of this article, see 6 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 337 (1989).
For note on 1989 enactment of this article, see 6 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 330 (1989).
RESEARCH REFERENCES ALR.Necessity and permissibility of raising claim for abuse of process by reply or counterclaim in same proceeding in which abuse occurred — state cases, 82 A. L. R.4th 1115.
Hierarchy Notes:O. C. G. A. Title 51
O. C. G. A. Title 51, Ch. 7
