SB145 Alabama 2015 Session

Under current law, all trials by jury are tried by a twelve member jury. This bill would provide that civil cases in which the amount in controversy does not exceed $50,000 and misdemeanor criminal cases would be tried by a six member jury.

Additionally, this bill would provide for a six member jury when a defendant pleads guilty to an offense that falls under the presumptive sentencing standards and the prosecutor chooses to pursue an increased sentence due to aggravating circumstances.

Under current law, there are no exemptions for a person to be called to serve as a juror. This bill would provide that a person 70 years of age or older may request, in writing, to the jury commission that he or she be excused from service as a juror. This bill would also allow a person 70 years of age or older to request, in writing, to the jury commission that he or she be removed from the master list of potential jurors and to allow the person to be reinstated on the master list upon request.

Relating to jury trials and juries; to amend Sections 12-16-100 and 12-16-101, Code of Alabama 1975, to provide for a six member jury in certain criminal proceedings; to amend Section 12-16-140, Code of Alabama 1975, to provide for a six member jury in civil cases in which the amount in controversy does not exceed $50,000; to provide an exemption from jury service for persons 70 years of age or older; to provide for removal from the master list of potential jurors; and to provide for reinstatement on the master list upon request.