Supreme Court of Alabama

The Supreme Court of Alabama is the state’s highest appellate court. Created by the Alabama Constitution of 1819, it holds its first term in Cahaba in 1820 and today has nine members, a chief justice and eight associate justices, chosen in partisan statewide elections for six-year terms.[1][2]

Role and jurisdiction

The court hears appeals, decides petitions for relief, gives advisory opinions on major constitutional questions and rules on injunctions and stays. It reviews decisions of lower state courts, has exclusive jurisdiction over appeals in disputes above $50,000 and over appeals from the Alabama Public Service Commission, and sets rules of administration, practice and procedure for Alabama courts. Appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court are limited to federal or constitutional questions.[1][2]

History

The 1819 constitution created the court, and it was organized under Governor William Wyatt Bibb. Clement Comer Clay was its first chief justice. In its early years the state’s five circuit judges handled its duties as a cost-saving measure, the legislature capped the court at three justices in 1832 and justices were chosen by a joint vote of the legislature until the 1868 constitution introduced popular election.[1] The court met in Cahaba beginning in 1820, moved to Tuscaloosa in 1826 and relocated to Montgomery in 1840. After the 1827 case Jones v. Watkins drew public criticism, an amendment ratified in 1830 ended lifetime tenure and set six-year terms.[1][2]

Composition and selection

A 1969 act set the court at a chief justice and eight associate justices. Justices are chosen in partisan elections for staggered six-year terms, the governor fills vacancies for the unexpired term and Amendment 328 (1973) bars anyone who has reached age 70 from seeking election. There is no limit on the number of terms a justice may serve. Candidates must hold a law degree, be admitted to practice and live in Alabama.[1][2] The chief justice is also the administrative head of the Alabama Judicial System.[2]

Milestones and the courthouse

Janie Ledlow Shores was the first woman elected to the court in 1974, and Oscar William Adams Jr. became its first African American justice when he was appointed in 1980. Howell T. Heflin, chief justice from 1971 to 1977, led creation of the Judicial Article of 1973, which modernized the state court system.[1] Since 1994 the court has sat in the Heflin-Torbert Judicial Building at 300 Dexter Avenue in downtown Montgomery, a few blocks from the State Capitol.[1][2] See also the Government of Alabama and the Constitution of Alabama.

FAQs

Where does the Alabama Supreme Court sit? In the Heflin-Torbert Judicial Building on Dexter Avenue in Montgomery.

How are Alabama justices chosen? By partisan statewide election to six-year terms; the governor fills vacancies.

Sources

1. Encyclopedia of Alabama: Alabama Supreme Court
2. Wikipedia: Supreme Court of Alabama

Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 10, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue