Georgia House Bill HB990

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/24

Caption

Evidence; creative and artistic expression evidence is inadmissible at trial; provide

Impact

The implications of HB990 are significant for legal proceedings involving creative content. This change could impact trials where artistic evidence is used to support various claims or defenses. By prohibiting such evidence, the bill seeks to prevent potential biases that could arise from the subjective nature of artistic works, aiming for a more objective legal setting. This also underscores a shift toward protecting individual interpretations of creativity from being challenged in a courtroom context, thus altering how artistic expressions are treated as evidence in legal disputes.

Summary

House Bill 990 aims to amend the existing Georgia law regarding the admissibility of evidence at trial, particularly focusing on the exclusion of creative and artistic expression evidence. The bill proposes that any evidence deemed to fall under the definition of 'creative or artistic expression'—including media like music, dance, literature, and visual arts—will not be admissible in court if a witness is available. The intent is to clarify the boundaries of what constitutes admissible evidence, particularly when it comes to subjective interpretations of creative works.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB990 include concerns that the exclusion of creative evidence could limit the rights of artists and creators to defend their works in court. Critics may argue that such a measure can hinder justice, particularly in cases where creative works are central to understanding the context of a dispute. Supporters of the bill likely argue that the focus should remain on more reliable forms of evidence that can be objectively verified. The balance between protecting artistic expression and ensuring fair and reliable trial processes presents a key area of debate amongst lawmakers and stakeholders.