A new bill pre-filed by Alabama State Senator Rodger Smitherman of Birmingham could add an additional requirement for couples planning to tie the knot in Alabama. The proposed legislation would mandate that couples attend a conflict resolution class before obtaining a marriage license, with the stated goal of reducing domestic violence across the state. Currently,…
An Alabama sheriff’s deputy’s guilty plea reveals disturbing details about institutional abuse in Walker County and highlights critical legal considerations for victims of law enforcement misconduct. Case Development Court documents revealed that Walker County Sheriff’s Deputy Carl Lofton Carpenter, 55, has agreed to plead guilty to two counts of deprivation of rights in connection with…
A recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling reinforces legal protections for healthcare providers during the pandemic, highlighting the challenges families face when seeking accountability for COVID-era medical care. Case Background In a decision with far-reaching implications for Alabama families affected by COVID-19, the Supreme Court of Alabama has ruled in favor of a hospital’s immunity from…
A recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling highlights the critical importance of understanding patient responsibilities in medical care and the legal concept of contributory negligence in Alabama personal injury cases. Case Background In a significant medical malpractice ruling, the Supreme Court of Alabama has reversed a lower court’s decision that had granted a new trial in…
Recent court decisions have dramatically altered the landscape of property law in Alabama, affecting everything from joint property ownership to tax sale redemptions. These changes could significantly impact your rights as a property owner, your estate planning strategy, and even how you navigate real estate transactions. Home Equity Protection: A Constitutional Victory In a landmark…
A vacation to Alabama’s Gulf Coast turned tragic on October 9, 2024, when 75-year-old Charles “Chuck” Graves suffered a fatal heart attack moments after rescuing his 5-year-old grandson from dangerous currents off Dauphin Island. This heartbreaking incident highlights both the heroism of a devoted grandfather and important safety considerations for Alabama beachgoers. The Incident According…
In a significant development for Alabama families looking to adopt, House Bill 101 (HB 101) has been unanimously approved by the state legislature and signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey. This landmark legislation represents the first major update to Alabama’s adoption laws in nearly three decades and aims to simplify and modernize a process…
In a case that raises serious questions about police procedures and civil rights in Alabama, a Tuscaloosa resident has come forward with a disturbing account of being wrongfully arrested at his home while his young child watched. Ty Bright, a social work graduate from the University of Alabama who works for the court magistrate’s office…
In a case that has captured statewide attention and sparked community protests, Morgan County Circuit Court Judge Charles Elliott is currently weighing a decision that could have far-reaching implications for property rights and self-defense laws across Alabama. The murder trial of Decatur police officer Mac Marquette, 25, charged in the fatal shooting of Steve Perkins…
In a tragic turn of events that unfolded in Florence, Alabama, a bank robbery suspect was killed and two others were injured during an exchange of gunfire on March 19, 2025. The incident raises important questions about personal injury rights and legal responsibilities when innocent bystanders are caught in dangerous situations. According to the Alabama…