Georgia’s laws of evidence took a step toward the modern era Monday, inching closer for the first time to mention things such as phones, e-mail and even photographs.
The state House of Representatives approved a rewrite of the state’s evidence laws, last done in 1868. The vote on House Bill 24 was 162-5.
“We are really in need of this,” said House Judiciary Chairman Wendell Willard, who sponsored the bill.
The measure also would put Georgia on par with 42 other states by adopting federal rules of evidence. The lack of uniformity has led to problems in trials, when attorneys occasionally could successfully argue against evidence caught on camera or by phone.
The rewrite would affect only antiquated language and code. Newer laws, such as the Rape Shield Law, remain intact.
The measure now heads to the state Senate for review.
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