Counsel shall be limited in their arguments to two hours on a side.
§ 9-10-180.Time limit for arguments
Chapter 10. Civil Practice and Procedure Generally · Article 8. Argument and Conduct of Counsel · Last amended 1983 · Last verified July 17, 2026
In one sentenceO.C.G.A. § 9-10-180 sets the default time limit for trial argument in Georgia courts, capping counsel for each side at two hours, a ceiling the next Code section allows a court to extend when a party shows the case needs more time to do it justice.
Full Text of § 9-10-180
Plain-English Summary
Trial arguments have to end somewhere, and this section draws the line. Counsel is limited in their arguments to two hours on a side — a flat cap that applies regardless of how complicated the case is or how many lawyers share the argument time.
The two-hour figure is a default, not an absolute wall. The next Code section gives counsel a way to ask for more time when the case demands it, so this provision works as the baseline a court starts from before considering whether the circumstances justify going longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time does each side get for argument under this section?
Two hours.
Does the two-hour limit apply per attorney or per side?
The statute limits counsel, collectively, to two hours on a side.
Can the two-hour limit be extended?
The following Code section allows counsel to apply for an extension before argument begins.
Does this time limit apply to a specific type of case?
The section states the limit generally, without singling out a particular type of civil action.
What happens if counsel does not request more time before argument begins?
This section itself does not address that scenario; the two-hour limit stated here is the default absent the extension procedure in the following Code section.
Amendment History
Ga. L. 1924, p. 75, §§ 2, 3; Code 1933, § 81-1007; Ga. L. 1983, p. 884, § 3-4.
Source & verification. Section text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, published by the
Official Code of Georgia Annotated, Georgia Code Revision Commission / LexisNexis. Last verified July 17, 2026.
· Official source
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