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]
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Law Practice Management Blog: Securing Your Firm
- Filed Under: Law Practice Management
By Chris Colee, Law Practice Management, Alabama State Bar Securing Your Firm’s Data: Questions to Ask Your IT Company About Cybersecurity In today’s digital age, safeguarding confidential client information is of great…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Civility in the Legal Profession: A Cornerstone for Access to Justice
- Filed Under: Things To Know
As we celebrate Pro Bono Month, this week’s #ChooseCivility blog post explores the intersection of civility and access to justice. While the goal of pro bono work is to provide legal assistance…
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Alabama Bar Exam Results from July 2023 Released
- Filed Under: Things To Know
The July 2023 Alabama Bar Exam bar exam results have been released. The pass list is available here. If you took the bar exam, you can view your Alabama State Bar Exam…
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