Works v. Aupont

Our task in this case requires a construction of a statute, so we must “look diligently for the intention of the General Assembly, keeping in view at all times the old law, the evil, and the remedy.” OCGA § 1-3-1 (a). We must also give “ordinary signification” to words. OCGA § 1-3-1 (b).

In an effort to preclude frivolous malpractice claims, the legislature has created in OCGA § 9-11-9.1 an inordinately detailed scheme of exceptions to its requirement that an affidavit accompany the complaint. Instead of leaving to the wisdom of the judiciary the discretion to tailor general standards of…