SB187 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Ben H. Brooks

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Civil procedure, admissibility of expert witness opinions further provided for, Sec. 12-21-160 am'd. (2011-20553)

Summary

SB187 tightens how expert opinions, especially scientific ones, are admitted in Alabama civil and certain criminal cases.

What This Bill Does

It adds a three-part test for scientific testimony: the testimony must be based on sufficient facts or data, created from reliable principles and methods, and those principles and methods must have been reliably applied to the case facts. It also confirms that expert testimony based on specialized knowledge is allowed when it helps the jury understand the evidence or a fact in issue. The act applies to civil actions commenced after January 1, 2012, and to non-juvenile felony criminal cases where the arrestee was charged for the proceeding on or after January 1, 2012; it does not apply to domestic relations, child support, juvenile, or probate cases. It overrides conflicting rules if needed, and does not change the Medical Liability Act.

Who It Affects

• Civil litigants (plaintiffs and defendants) in civil state court actions commenced on or after January 1, 2012, who rely on expert testimony and must meet the new scientific evidence standards.
• Criminal defendants and prosecutors in non-juvenile felony cases where the defendant was arrested on or after January 1, 2012; these cases follow the new admissibility rules for expert opinions, while certain case types (domestic relations, child support, juvenile, probate) are excluded.

Key Provisions

• Adds a three-part test for scientific evidence: sufficient facts or data; product of reliable principles and methods; and reliable application of those principles and methods to the facts of the case.
• Retains general rule that expert testimony based on specialized knowledge may be admitted if it will assist the trier of fact.
• Specifies applicability: civil actions commenced after January 1, 2012; criminal actions only for non-juvenile felony cases where arrest occurred on/after January 1, 2012; excludes domestic relations, child support, juvenile, and probate cases.
• Supersedes any Alabama Rule of Civil Procedure, Criminal Procedure, or Evidence rule if inconsistent, and affirmatively notes that the Medical Liability Act remains unchanged.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Civil Procedure