Two Bills Aim to End Judicial Override in Alabama

Alabama is the last state in the country to still have judicial override and Tuesday a large group of people gathered at the State House to support legislation that would change that.

Judicial override allows judges to override juries’ sentencing recommendations in death penalty cases.  Senator Dick Brewbaker and Representative Chris England are both sponsoring legislation that would end judicial override. Senator Brewbaker’s bill passed in the Senate last week and Representative Chris England’s bill could be brought up this week in the House of Representatives.

The non-partisan organization Alabama Arise is also putting its support behind this legislation.

“A lot of them would like to see the death penalty end completely, but it’s just a good first step on the way there,” explained Kimble Forrister.