conviction

News / Legislature / State

Alabama advocates hope to reintroduce legislation reforming civil asset forfeiture

Innocent until proven guilty is heralded as a rightful standard in the United States criminal justice system, but when it comes to civil asset forfeiture, the standard seemingly flips to the opposite. Under Alabama’s civil asset forfeiture policies, police are able to seize personal property from citizens without a criminal charge or conviction if they … Continued

Gabby Dance

March 8, 2019

Opinion

Send Mike Hubbard to jail

It is often repeated that we are a nation of laws and not men. We are also told that the law trumps politics. Both of these statements are mere platitudes that most often only comfort those who indulge in the shameful practice of rank partisan power politics. Such bromides might sooth the conscience of those … Continued

Bill Britt

February 14, 2019

Former Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford dies

Larry Langford, the charismatic and popular former mayor of Birmingham, has died following a lengthy illness. He was 72. Most widely known for his push for a $500 million domed stadium … or maybe for trying to lure the Summer Olympics to Birmingham .. or, more likely, for both of those and his oversized personality, … Continued

Josh Moon

January 9, 2019

Majority of voters oppose potential pardons for Manafort, Cohen

After the conviction of President Donald Trump’s former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, and the guilty plea of his former personal attorney, Michael Cohen, a new national poll indicates a majority of voters would oppose pardons for both men. Trump has reportedly considered pardoning Manafort, who was convicted last week on bank fraud charges, and Cohen, … Continued

Chip Brownlee

August 27, 2018

Opinion

Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals fails

The shocking failure of the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals to rule on former Speaker Mike Hubbard’s felony conviction is a travesty of justice. Here, the legal maxim “Justice delayed is justice denied” applies to the people of Alabama. When Hubbard was indicted, convicted and sentenced to prison, these acts were carried out in the … Continued

Bill Britt

July 31, 2018

Opinion

BCA takes out the trash, finally

In a last-ditch effort to save the Business Council of Alabama from the dung heap of political obscurity, President and CEO Billy Canary was pushed out of the business association late last Friday after he waged an ugly and protracted battle to remain in power. Canary’s fight to keep his job has left the once … Continued

Bill Britt

July 9, 2018

Opinion

Court of Criminal Appeals continues its failure to rule in Hubbard case

With the indictment, conviction and sentencing of former Republican Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard, there was an expectation of change. But because the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals has failed to rule on Hubbard’s case, the once-hoped-for new dawn in Alabama politics is on hold. For 11 months, the appeals court has been in … Continued

Bill Britt

April 12, 2018

Opinion

New ethics reforms are born to die

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter Long-awaited legislation to strengthen and clarify existing ethics laws is being sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh, R-Anniston. Senate Bill 343 pointedly addresses significant concerns — both real and theoretical — within the code, from charitable giving, who is a principal, what are acceptable gifts under the … Continued

Bill Britt

February 27, 2018

Sewell supports pardon for Siegelman

By Brandon Moseley Alabama Politcal Reporter US Representative Terri Sewell is calling on President Barack H. Obama to pardon former Governor Don Siegelman (D). Congresswoman Sewell said in a statement, “I am proud of President Obama’s historic record on clemency, which exemplifies our belief that our Nation is one of second chances. On Monday, President … Continued

Brandon Moseley

December 22, 2016

Opinion

Political Revenge, Schemes, Blowback

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter What do a conviction in New Jersey and a Montgomery Special Grand Jury have in common? That is a question worthy of consideration, given recent events surrounding an ongoing investigation that appears to target Governor Robert Bentley and others in his political orbit. The latest indication is that the … Continued

Bill Britt

November 7, 2016