Alabama Senate Bill SB173

Alabama 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/22
• Refer: 2/2/22

Caption

Courts, additional circuit judgeships in various judicial circuits, district judgeships in various counties throughout the state, compensation and benefits, election

Impact

The addition of these judgeships is expected to alleviate caseload pressures on existing judges, thereby potentially leading to more efficient court proceedings and shorter wait times for trial. As the legislation specifies the authority and responsibilities of the newly appointed judges, it aligns with current constitutional provisions and aims to maintain judicial standards. The new positions will require qualified individuals who can fulfill the necessary duties associated with being a judge, which may include handling civil and criminal cases.

Summary

Senate Bill 173 aims to enhance the judicial system within Alabama by creating additional circuit and district judgeships across various judicial circuits and counties. The bill delineates specific new positions, designating number assignments for circuit judgeships in the Fifth, Sixth, Eleventh, Thirteenth, Nineteenth, Twenty-third, Twenty-eighth, and Thirty-seventh Judicial Circuits. Similarly, it provides additional district judgeships for Baldwin, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Madison, Mobile, Shelby, and Tuscaloosa Counties, thereby expanding court capacities to manage the growing demand for judicial processes within these areas.

Contention

While the bill seeks to improve the judicial system, it may face contention regarding its implementation and the financial implications of appointing additional judges. The annual compensation for these judges is proposed to follow existing legal statutes but could raise concerns about state budgeting and resource allocation within the judicial branch. Stakeholders may engage in discussions about the effectiveness of this increase in judgeships and whether it sufficiently addresses the underlying issues of judicial delays and access to justice.