What kind of immunity does Georgia grant to state officials for torts committed in an official capacity?

In Georgia, state officials are granted immunity for torts committed in the course of their official duties under the doctrine of official immunity. This immunity covers actions taken within the scope of their employment and protects officials from liability for discretionary acts performed in good faith, even if those acts lead to harm. The correct answer points to the broad nature of this immunity, which applies regardless of the official's intent or the specific nature of the actions taken, whether negligent, willful, or otherwise. This means that as long as the act falls within the official's capacity and is not outside the bounds of their duties, they cannot be held liable for the consequences, thus ensuring that officials can perform their duties without the fear of personal liability hindering their decision-making.

Other options consider limitations on liability that do not reflect the full breadth of immunity provided. For instance, stating that liability only exists for willful misconduct excludes many situations where officials might be acting in good faith but still cause harm. Similarly, limiting immunity to negligent actions misinterprets the intent behind the protection offered to officials in order to facilitate their functions more effectively.