SB112 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Jury trials, six member juries authorized in certain criminal proceedings and certain civil cases in which the amount in controversy does not exceed $50,000, Sec. 12-16-100, 12-16-101, 12-16-140 am'd.

Summary

SB112 would allow six-member juries in certain civil and criminal cases, while preserving twelve-member juries for felonies.

What This Bill Does

In civil cases where the amount in controversy is $50,000 or less, the jury would be six members. In misdemeanor or violation criminal cases, the jury would be six members. Additionally, if a defendant pleads guilty to a nonviolent offense under presumptive sentencing and the prosecutor pursues a higher sentence due to aggravating circumstances, the jury would be six members. Felony trials would continue to use twelve-member juries.

Who It Affects

• Civil litigants in small civil cases (amounts ≤ $50,000) would have a six-member jury instead of a twelve-member jury.
• Criminal defendants charged with misdemeanors or violations, and defendants in certain guilty-plea cases with aggravating circumstances, would be tried by a six-member jury (felonies unchanged at twelve).

Key Provisions

• Civil cases with amount in controversy ≤ $50,000 may use a six-member struck jury under the existing process.
• Misdemeanor or violation criminal cases are changed to six-member juries.
• Guilty pleas to nonviolent offenses under presumptive sentencing with prosecutorial aggravation would use a six-member jury.
• Felony trials continue to use twelve-member juries.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after the Governor signs/approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Juries and Jurors