What can result in a reported decision by the Georgia Court of Appeals becoming considered bad law?

A reported decision by the Georgia Court of Appeals may be viewed as bad law for several reasons, all of which are encompassed in the correct answer.

Inconsistent application by lower courts indicates that the interpretation or application of the original decision has not been uniform across different cases. When lower courts struggle to apply the ruling consistently, it can lead to confusion and a lack of predictability in the law, calling into question the validity of the original decision.

Subsequent overruled decisions can render a prior case obsolete. If a higher court reviews and decides to overturn a precedent set by the Court of Appeals, it effectively negates the legal standing of that earlier decision, causing it to be classified as bad law.

Changes in legislative statutes can also impact the status of a court decision. If a legislature enacts new laws that directly contradict or modify the principles established by a court ruling, that decision may no longer be applicable in light of the new legislative framework, thus being seen as outdated or bad law.

Each of these factors collectively contributes to altering the standing of a court decision, demonstrating how judicial interpretations, legislative changes, and various court applications can influence legal precedent over time.