Alabama Court Rules Juvenile Cannot Be Declared Dependent After Turning 18

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In a significant ruling that clarifies jurisdictional limits in dependency cases, the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals has determined that juvenile courts lack authority to declare a person dependent once they reach 18 years of age.  The case of In re: M.R.R.-M. highlights critical timing issues that can affect immigrant minors seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile…

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Alabama Man’s Death Ruled Homicide After Police Kneeled on His Neck

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The death of 52-year-old Phillip Reeder has been ruled a homicide by the Jefferson County medical examiner’s office, nearly a year after an Irondale police officer kneeled on his neck during an arrest.  The August 6, 2024, incident, which bears striking similarities to George Floyd’s death, has reignited debates about police use of force in…

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Teacher at Alabama Christian Academy Arrested for Sexual Relationship with Minor Student

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In a shocking development that has sent ripples through Tuscaloosa County’s educational community, Sarah Huggins Logan, 35, a former teacher at North River Christian Academy, was arrested on charges of engaging in a sexual relationship with a minor student.  The arrest, which occurred on Friday, July 18, has raised serious questions about student safety protocols…

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Alabama Supreme Court Delivers Game-Changing Ruling on Construction Contract Liability

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The Alabama Supreme Court has issued a landmark decision that could reshape how construction companies, contractors, and subcontractors handle liability and indemnification agreements across the state.  The recent ruling in favor of JohnsonKreis Construction Company demonstrates the power of carefully crafted contract language and sends a clear message about the enforceability of proportional fault provisions…

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Alabama Supreme Court: “State Farm can deny UIM claim using Kentucky law”

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A recent Alabama Supreme Court decision has delivered a powerful reminder to Alabama drivers about the critical importance of understanding the fine print in their insurance policies, particularly when those policies cross state lines.  The June 20, 2025, ruling in favor of State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company illustrates how contractual language can supersede expectations…

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PFAS Water Contamination in Alabama: A Growing Legal Battle

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Alabama faces a mounting crisis as communities across the state grapple with widespread contamination of drinking water by toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).  Recent lawsuits highlight the severity of this environmental disaster and the human toll it has taken on residents who unknowingly consumed contaminated water for years. The Scope…

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What Happens After Discovery in a Lawsuit?

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Nearly 95% of civil lawsuits settle before reaching trial, with the majority of settlement agreements occurring in the crucial weeks and months following the discovery phase.  After months of depositions, document exchanges, and witness interviews, the discovery period’s conclusion marks a pivotal turning point where cases either resolve through negotiation or advance toward courtroom battles. …

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What’s the Age of Majority in Alabama?

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At exactly 11:59 PM on the night before their 19th birthday, Alabama teenagers remain legal minors under their parents’ control. One minute later, at midnight, they become legal adults with full rights and responsibilities.  Unlike most states where the majority begins at 18, Alabama joins Mississippi and Nebraska as one of only three states setting…

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