SB475 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald O. Dial

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Accomplice testimony, Sec. 12-21-222 repealed

Summary

This bill would repeal the rule that an accomplice's testimony must be corroborated before it can support a felony conviction.

What This Bill Does

It removes the requirement that an accomplice’s testimony be corroborated by other evidence. If enacted, a defendant could be convicted based on an accomplice's testimony alone, subject to other standard evidentiary rules. The bill becomes law on the first day of the third month after it passes and the governor signs it.

Who It Affects

• Defendants charged with felonies: faces weaker evidentiary safeguards since an accomplice's testimony could be enough for conviction without corroboration.
• Prosecutors and law enforcement: may rely more on accomplice testimony alone to prove offenses, without the need for separate corroborating evidence.

Key Provisions

• Repeals Section 12-21-222, Code of Alabama 1975, removing the requirement that accomplice testimony must be corroborated.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

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

Subjects

Accomplice Testimony