At what age does adult jurisdiction begin in Georgia?

In Georgia, adult jurisdiction for criminal offenses begins at the age of 17. At this age, individuals can be tried as adults in the criminal justice system. This forms a significant point of differentiation from other states which may set this age at 18, where adult jurisdiction typically starts.

The rationale behind establishing 17 as the age for adult prosecution takes into consideration the legal and social understanding of maturity and responsibility in relation to criminal behavior. Under Georgia law, individuals who are 17 years old are viewed as capable of being held to the same legal standards as adults for the purposes of criminal accountability.

Understanding this framework is essential for those studying Georgia's judicial practices, as it impacts case handling, sentencing, and the options available within the juvenile versus adult court systems.