If counsel on either side, before argument begins, applies to the court for extension of the time prescribed for argument and states in his place or on oath, in the discretion of the court, that he or they cannot do the case justice within the time prescribed and that it will require for that purpose additional time, stating how much additional time will be necessary, the court shall grant such extension of time as may seem reasonable and proper.
§ 9-10-181.Extension of time limit for argument after application therefor
Chapter 10. Civil Practice and Procedure Generally · Article 8. Argument and Conduct of Counsel · Last amended 1933 · Last verified July 17, 2026
In one sentenceO.C.G.A. § 9-10-181 lets counsel apply before argument begins for more time than the two-hour default allows, requiring a statement or sworn showing of how much additional time the case needs, and directs the court to grant a reasonable extension.
Full Text of § 9-10-181
Plain-English Summary
Some cases cannot be argued well within two hours, and this section gives counsel a way to ask for more before the clock starts running. Counsel on either side can apply to the court, before argument begins, for an extension of the time the preceding section prescribes.
The application has to say something specific. Counsel must state in his place, or on oath if the court requires it, that the case cannot be done justice within the standard time and explain how much additional time the case will need. Once that showing is made, the court is directed to grant whatever extension seems reasonable and proper — the decision on how much extra time to allow rests with the court, but the statute frames granting some extension as the expected outcome once the showing is made.
Frequently Asked Questions
When must counsel apply for an extension of argument time?
Before argument begins.
What must counsel say in the application?
That he or they cannot do the case justice within the prescribed time, that additional time will be needed for that purpose, and how much additional time will be necessary.
Does counsel have to make this statement under oath?
The court decides — the statute allows counsel to state it in his place or on oath, in the discretion of the court.
Is the court required to grant an extension once the application is properly made?
The statute says the court shall grant such extension of time as may seem reasonable and proper, tying the grant to what the court finds reasonable.
What time limit does this section extend?
The time prescribed for argument under the preceding Code section, which caps argument at two hours on a side.
Amendment History
Ga. L. 1924, p. 75, § 4; Code 1933, § 81-1008.
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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