Hazing generally includes mistreatment of students or other persons (pledges or plebes) in a ritualistic or tradition-based way that must be endured by the prospective members to gain admission to a group, club, or organization. The members doing the hazing often attempt to justify these hazing practices by referring to them as a rite of passage or rationalizing that all current members had to endure it and new prospective members should as well.

Hazing can take many forms, including:

• Requiring victims to act as a personal servant to senior (older) group members

• Forcing victims to binge drink or consume large amounts of alcohol or drugs

• Requiring victims to engage in embarrassing acts, such as wearing a costume or sign around their neck in public

• Depriving victims of sleep, food, or the ability to use the restroom

• Prohibiting victims from associating with family, friends, or other persons

• Swearing or yelling insults at victims.

Most schools have policies against hazing and in many states hazing may be prosecuted as a criminal offense if it results in bodily injury.

In Georgia, hazing is addressed under Georgia Code Title 16, Chapter 5, Section 16-5-61, which defines hazing as any action taken or situation created which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution. Georgia law prohibits hazing that endangers a student's mental or physical health, regardless of the student's willingness to participate. Hazing that results in death or serious bodily injury can be charged as a felony, while other hazing offenses may be charged as misdemeanors. Additionally, Georgia's 'Max Gruver Act' enhances penalties for hazing incidents that involve forced consumption of alcohol or drugs resulting in serious harm or death. Educational institutions in Georgia typically have their own policies and disciplinary procedures to address hazing, which can include sanctions independent of the criminal justice system. It is important for individuals and organizations to understand that hazing practices are not only against school policies but can also lead to serious legal consequences under Georgia law.