Supreme Court

Let judicial override be gone forever

By Joey Kennedy Alabama Political Reporter Most readers know that I oppose the death penalty. I don’t believe the State should ever take something from somebody it can’t make right. When the State kills a person, the State can’t take that back. The person is dead. I understand and, indeed, agree that there are crimes … Continued

April 5, 2017

Senate should confirm Neil Gorsuch

By U.S. Representative Bradley Byrne (AL-1) “When we judges don our robes, it doesn’t make us any smarter, but it does serve as a reminder of what’s expected of us: Impartiality and independence, collegiality and courage.” Those are the words of Neil Gorsuch, a current judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the … Continued

April 3, 2017

Bill to take State out of Marriage License Business passes Senate

By Brandon Moseley Alabama Political Reporter Tuesday, March 6, 2017, the Alabama Senate passed SB20, sponsored by Senator Greg Albritton (R-Bay Minette) that would end marriage licensing in Alabama. Sen. Albritton said previously, “This bill does not denigrate marriage. This bill does not de-sanctify marriage. This bill does not change the definition of marriage. All … Continued

March 8, 2017

Six person jury bill receives favorable report by Judiciary Committee

By Brandon Moseley Alabama Political Reporter Wednesday, February 22, 2017, the Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee gave a favorable report to a bill that would allow many Alabama Court proceedingss to have just six person juries rather than the traditional 12 person jury trials. Senate Bill 197 was sponsored by Senator Arthur Orr (R-Decatur). Orr said … Continued

February 27, 2017

Bill to end judicial override in Alabama clears Senate

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY — A bill that would end Alabama’s judicial override sentencing system, which allows judges to override juries and impose the death penalty, passed the State Senate Thursday with a near-unanimous vote. Sen. Dick Brewbaker (R-Montgomery), sponsored the bill, which would prohibit a judge from overriding a jury’s sentence. Under … Continued

February 24, 2017

The man who wears his underwear on his head

By Sam McLure Alabama Political Report Have you met the man who wears his underwear on his head? This may sound too absurd for a political periodical, but please stay with me. Fred is 40 years old and lives in his mother’s basement. She washes his clothes, makes him breakfast, and keeps the pantry stocked … Continued

February 16, 2017

Special Supreme Court denies APR’s request in Moore case

By Susan Britt Alabama Political Reporter To fully understand the investigation and permanent suspension of Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore by the Court of the Judiciary, The Alabama Political Reporter filed a Motion to Intervene and Unseal Court records about the case on October 19, 2016. In a 4-3 decision on February 3, … Continued

February 6, 2017

Bentley and Lathan Praise Gorsuch Nomination

By Brandon Moseley Tuesday, January 31, 2017 President Donald J. Trump (R) announced his nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch for the U.S. Supreme Court. The decision has continued to draw praise from Alabama’s leaders, most of whom are Republicans. Alabama Governor Robert Bentley (R) said in a statement on Twitter, “A champion of religious liberties, … Continued

February 6, 2017

Same-sex marriage fight loses the State more than $300,000

By Chip Brownlee Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY — State officials’ fight to keep marriage equality from coming to Alabama has culminated in a $300,000 bill for taxpayers — with little to show for it. Last month, the Attorney General’s office agreed to pay a total of $315,000 to attorneys representing a gay couple in the case … Continued

February 3, 2017

Gorsuch is a popular choice with Alabama elected leaders

By Brandon Moseley Alabama Political Reporter Tuesday, January 31, 2017, President Donald J. Trump announced that US Appeals Court Judge Neil Gorsuch is his pick to fill the US Supreme Court opening created by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. Gorsuch was a popular choice for Alabama’s elected leaders. US Senator Richard Shelby (R-Alabama) released … Continued

February 1, 2017