What is the primary source of criminal law in Georgia?

The primary source of criminal law in Georgia is the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA). This comprehensive compilation includes all the statutes that govern state law, including criminal offenses and their corresponding penalties. The OCGA is specifically designed to provide clarity and organization to state laws, making it an essential resource for understanding and applying criminal law in Georgia.

While the Georgia State Constitution does set foundational principles and rights, it does not encompass the specific criminal statutes that detail what constitutes a crime or the processes associated with prosecutions. Local ordinances can create laws at a municipal level but are generally more limited in scope and do not replace the overarching state statutes. The U.S. Constitution, while vital in establishing federal rights and protections relevant to criminal proceedings, does not serve as a primary source of state criminal law, as that responsibility lies with state legislatures through codes like the OCGA. Thus, the OCGA stands as the definitive source for criminal law in Georgia.