FROM THE ALABAMA LAWYER: Cross-Examination of the Forensic Gold Standard for DNA Testing
Audio version available - Filed Under: The Alabama Lawyer Articles
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) analysis has long been labeled the gold standard of forensic testing by the court. While I acknowledge the scientific process of DNA testing as the pinnacle of scientific rigor when employed correctly by qualified scientists, certain aspects of the process can be shown to fall short of the objectivity necessary to be considered a scientific standard.
Read MoreFROM THE ALABAMA LAWYER: Preserving the Record for Appeal: Tips and Pitfalls
Audio version available - Filed Under: The Alabama Lawyer Articles
Issue preservation has been and always will be the key to success on appeal. Today, the need to preserve the record is greater than ever even in our most serious cases with the now discretionary application of plain error review to death cases.[2] Certainly, issue preservation is easier said than done considering the pressures of trial practice. But we hope the following tips and pitfalls can assist the trial practitioner in preserving the record for appeal.
Read MoreFROM THE ALABAMA LAWYER: The Prosecutor’s Duty to Help the Defense Make Its Case
Audio version available - Filed Under: The Alabama Lawyer Articles
Most prosecutors likely agree with Judge Learned Hand that “a criminal defendant already ha[s] too many advantages over the state. . .”[1] While the American criminal system does provide those accused of crimes with certain cherished privileges, in one important area, prosecutors have an inordinate advantage: the production of discovery to the accused. And prosecutors jealously guard the contours of that privileged position, often seeking expansion of it.[2]
Read More
Health and Wellness: Creating Better Lawyers Through Mentorship
- Filed Under: Health & Wellness
The following submission was requested by the Alabama State Bar’s Quality of Life, Health, and Wellness Committee and is intended to assist lawyers in improving the quality of legal services and improving…
Read MoreHealth and Wellness: The Health Benefits of Volunteerism
- Filed Under: Health & Wellness
The following submission was requested by the Alabama State Bar’s Quality of Life, Health, and Wellness Committee and is intended to assist lawyers in improving the quality of legal services and improving…
Read More
Alabama State Bar Announces Members of Leadership Forum Class 18
- Filed Under: Press Releases
MONTGOMERY – The Alabama State Bar announced the lawyers selected for Leadership Forum Class 18. Leadership Forum is honored as a dynamic and highly effective program for nurturing and developing leadership skills…
Read More
Health and Wellness Blog: Dark Days, Dark Moods – Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Filed Under: Health & Wellness
by Frannie Hartley Horn Was there a collective groan emanating from Alabama on November 5, the day the clocks “fell back”? The thought of an early darkness falling has limited appeal to…
Read More
Salute to Veterans 2023
- Filed Under: Uncategorized
In honor of Veterans Day each year, we asked our members who have served and continue to serve in the military to share photos and stories. Thank you for your service and…
Read More
ASB Building Closed Nov. 9 for Repairs
- Filed Under: Things To Know
The Alabama State Bar building will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 9, for electric repairs to be made to the building. Despite the building’s closure, the Bar remains fully functional, and all…
Read More
FROM THE ALABAMA LAWYER: “Throw Me a Lifeline!” – The Survivor Benefit Plan Open Season
Audio version available - Filed Under: The Alabama Lawyer Articles
Attorneys who handle divorce cases will sometimes encounter a military divorce settlement. An often-overlooked aspect of the pension divisions is the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) – a survivor annuity for the former spouse. This article deals with retrieving a potentially overlooked death benefit, and how to apply for SBP coverage.
Read More