In the trial of any civil action, counsel for either party shall be permitted to use a blackboard and models or similar devices in connection with his argument to the jury for the purpose of illustrating his contentions with respect to the issues which are to be decided by the jury, provided that counsel shall not in writing present any argument that could not properly be made orally.
§ 9-10-183.Use of blackboard, models, or similar devices in argument
Chapter 10. Civil Practice and Procedure Generally · Article 8. Argument and Conduct of Counsel · Last amended 1982 · Last verified July 17, 2026
In one sentenceO.C.G.A. § 9-10-183 permits counsel in a civil trial to use a blackboard, models, or similar devices while arguing to the jury, to illustrate contentions about the issues the jury must decide, as long as nothing presented in writing could not have been argued orally.
Full Text of § 9-10-183
Plain-English Summary
Words alone do not always make an argument land, and this section lets counsel reach for visual aids. In the trial of any civil action, counsel for either party may use a blackboard, models, or similar devices while arguing to the jury, to illustrate the party’s contentions on the issues the jury has to decide.
The permission comes with a guardrail. Counsel cannot use the writing on a blackboard, or a model, to sneak in an argument that would not have been proper if spoken aloud. The device illustrates the oral argument — it cannot become a way around the substantive limits that already apply to what counsel is allowed to argue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of visual aids does this section allow during jury argument?
A blackboard and models or similar devices.
Who may use these devices during argument?
Counsel for either party in the trial of any civil action.
What is the purpose the statute gives for allowing these devices?
Illustrating counsel’s contentions with respect to the issues which are to be decided by the jury.
Is there any limit on what counsel can present using a blackboard or model?
Yes — counsel shall not in writing present any argument that could not properly be made orally.
Does this section apply outside civil trials?
The text addresses the trial of any civil action specifically.
Amendment History
Ga. L. 1960, p. 1037, § 1; Ga. L. 1982, p. 3, § 9.
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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