SB244 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Hank Sanders

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Capital cases, sentencing, court prohibited from overriding jury verdict, Secs. 13A-5-45, 13A-5-46, 13A-5-47 am'd.

Summary

SB244 would bar Alabama courts from overriding a jury's capital-sentencing verdict, making the jury's sentence decision binding.

What This Bill Does

The bill would amend sections related to capital cases to ensure the court cannot override the jury's sentencing decision. It would make the jury's advisory verdict on punishment binding, so the court must impose the sentence chosen by the jury (death or life without parole). The sentencing process would still involve a sentence hearing and consideration of aggravating and mitigating factors, but the final sentence would follow the jury's verdict.

Who It Affects

• Defendants convicted of capital offenses: their sentence would be determined by the jury and could not be overridden by the court.
• Juries, prosecutors, and defense attorneys in capital cases: the jury's sentencing verdict becomes binding, limiting the judge's discretion and requiring adherence to the jury's decision.

Key Provisions

• Amends Sections 13A-5-45, 13A-5-46, and 13A-5-47 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to prohibit a court from overriding a jury verdict in capital cases.
• Requires the court to impose the sentence recommended by the jury’s advisory verdict (death if recommended to death; life without parole if no death recommendation).
• Preserves the existing sentence hearing framework, including consideration of aggravating and mitigating circumstances, but the jury's verdict would be binding on the final sentence.

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

Subjects

Criminal Law and Procedure