GA-COURTS

Georgia Supreme Court Rules on Motor Vehicle Franchise Act

The Georgia Supreme Court ruled on provisions of the Georgia Motor Vehicle Franchise Practices Act, specifically OCGA § 10-1-664.1, which generally prohibits manufacturers from selling new vehicles directly to consumers and from owning more than a 45% interest in a dealership. The court considered the constitutionality of these provisions as applied to Lucid Group USA, Inc., which sought to sell electric vehicles directly to consumers in Georgia.

Supreme Court Georgia: Wilmington Trust v Ameritas

The Supreme Court of Georgia addressed whether a life insurance policy was void under Georgia law as an illegal wagering contract on human life. The court clarified the circumstances under which a third party can be considered to have "procured or caused to be procured" a life insurance policy, even if the insured played a role.

Carter v. The State - Murder Conviction Appeal

The Supreme Court of Georgia issued an opinion on Donald Carter's appeal of his murder conviction. The court found minor sentencing errors but affirmed the conviction. The opinion addresses procedural aspects of the trial and sentencing.

Georgia Supreme Court: Fournier v. State - Malice Murder Conviction

The Georgia Supreme Court affirmed a malice murder conviction for Joey Travis Fournier. The court found no reversible error in the trial court's admission of autopsy photographs or in the ineffective assistance of counsel claim related to objections to those photographs. The conviction stems from the strangulation death of Cynthia Lynn Berry.

Georgia Supreme Court Opinions Published February 3, 2026

The Georgia Supreme Court dismissed an appeal by NBCUniversal Media, LLC regarding a $500,000 default judgment in a garnishment action. The Court found it lacked jurisdiction as the trial court did not explicitly rule on the constitutional challenges raised by NBCUniversal.

Huitron v. Toby - Appeal of Habeas Corpus Denial

The Supreme Court of Georgia affirmed the denial of a habeas corpus petition filed by Alexandro Huitron, who was convicted of felony murder and other crimes. The court found that even if a conflict of interest existed with his appellate counsel, it did not adversely affect his performance.

Gibson v. State - Appeal of Guilty Plea Withdrawal Denial

The Supreme Court of Georgia is reviewing an appeal by Jeremy Wade Gibson, who seeks to withdraw his guilty plea for malice murder and other crimes. Gibson argues his attorney had a conflict of interest, preventing adequate investigation for his plea withdrawal motion. The court affirmed the trial court's denial of the motion.

NBCUniversal Media, LLC v. Walker et al. - Default Judgment

The Supreme Court of Georgia reviewed a default judgment exceeding $500,000 entered against NBCUniversal Media, LLC for failing to timely answer a summons of continuing garnishment. NBCUniversal challenged the constitutionality of Georgia's garnishment default statute. The court's decision addresses the application of the statute and constitutional challenges.

Muhammad Abdul-Warit Abdur-Rahim Reinstated to Practice Law

The Supreme Court of Georgia has ordered the reinstatement of Muhammad Abdul-Warit Abdur-Rahim to practice law in the state. This decision follows a review of a motion submitted by the State Bar of Georgia's Office of General Counsel, indicating that Mr. Abdur-Rahim has satisfied the conditions for reinstatement.