SB16 (2017) - Judicial Override

  • Status: Signed by governor
  • Session: 2017 Regular
  • Latest Update: June 5, 2017
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This bill was passed April 4 and signed on April 11. This new law prevents judges from overriding the will of the community by imposing the death penalty when a jury has recommended life imprisonment. While we applaud this change, Alabama is still the only state that does not require a unanimous jury for the death penalty.

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2017 Alabama Legislative Report

The 2017 legislative session ended May 19, and to many, it seemed to be among the most contentious of recent years. In addition to the removal of Chief Justice Roy Moore and the resignation of Governor Robert Bentley, there were heated debates over many issues such as the federal court-ordered reapportionment, prison construction, confederate monuments, and a racist joke about monkeys.

By Rebecca Seung-Bickley, Windy Leavell

Alabama House of Representatives