Alabama ended judicial override.
Now it must finish the job.
26 people are sitting on Alabama's death row because of an unconstitutional sentencing scheme the state has already abolished. Governor Ivey can correct it.
A law half-finished.
In 2017, the Alabama State Legislature passed Senate Bill 16 to end judicial override, an outdated, unconstitutional practice that allowed a single judge to sentence someone to death despite the jury recommending life without parole. Governor Kay Ivey signed the bill into law.
While this was an important step to ensure fair and constitutional sentencing, the bill did not include a retroactive clause. That means 26 people are still sitting on death row, awaiting execution, under a sentencing scheme that Gov. Ivey and Alabama lawmakers rejected as unconstitutional.
The jury's authority. The Constitution's promise.
- 01
The role of the jury
Under the U.S. and Alabama Constitutions, twelve citizens — not one judge — decide.
- 02
Fair and equal treatment
Two people convicted of the same crime should not receive different fates based solely on the year of sentencing.
- 03
Constitutional consistency
Capital sentencing must apply today's standards across the board, not selectively.
End unconstitutional sentencing schemes.
Gov. Ivey has the clear executive authority to fix this injustice. Through clemency, she can ensure that every death sentence imposed through judicial override is corrected, while carrying out a severe punishment of life imprisonment without parole.
Stand with jurors, judges, and advocates.
We are a growing coalition of jurors, judges, attorneys, elected officials, activists, and community advocates united around fairness and accountability.
Contact Gov. Ivey Now