2025 Georgia Codes – Page 13

(a) A person is justified in threatening or using force against another when and to the extent that he reason-
ably believes that such threat or force is necessary to prevent or terminate such other’s trespass on or other
tortious or criminal interference with real property other than a habitation or personal property:
(1) Lawfully in his possession;
(2) Lawfully in the possession of a member of his immediate family; or
(3) Belonging to a person whose property he has a legal duty to protect.
(b) The use of force which is intended or likely to cause death or great bodily harm to prevent trespass on or
other tortious or criminal interference with real property other than a habitation or personal property is not
justified unless the person using such force reasonably believes that it is necessary to prevent the commis-
sion of a forcible felony.

As used in Code Sections 16-3-23 and 16-3-24, the term “habitation” means any dwelling, motor vehicle, or
place of business, and “personal property” means personal property other than a motor vehicle.