Blog – Alabama Appleseed

The State of Justice Blog

Alabama Appleseed Mourns the Death of Clement Clay "Bo" Torbert Jr.

The following statement is by Frank McPhillips, Chair of the Alabama Appleseed Board of Directors, on the passing of Clement Clay "Bo" Torbert Jr.: Chief Justice Bo Torbert was beloved by everyone with whom he came in contact, known for his…

Criminal Justice Reform? We’re Making Progress

by Frank Knaack, Executive Director If you had asked your legislator last year about their stance on civil asset forfeiture, jail food, or marijuana reclassification you would likely have heard confusion about the first two and opposition…

The State Legislature Failed to Increase Access to Justice for Low-Income Alabamians

Access to Justice, Phillip Ensler

by Phillip Ensler, Policy Counsel This past legislative session, Alabama Appleseed worked to improve on access to justice for low-income individuals in our state by advocating for two important pieces of legislation. While some legislators…

Predatory Lending and the Alabama Legislature

Dana Sweeney, Other Issues

by Dana Sweeney, Organizer There are more payday lenders and title loan stores in Alabama than hospitals, high schools, movie theaters, and county courthouses combined. Payday lending by itself is a massive industry that harms hundreds of…

Victory for Tenants’ Rights

Access to Justice, Phillip Ensler

By Phillip Ensler, Policy Counsel Low-income tenants throughout Alabama will enjoy greater access to justice due to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeal’s ruling last week in Morrow v. Pake. In a decision that will affect thousands of…

2018 Alabama Regular Session - Post-Session Report

Access to Justice, Fair Schools, Safe Communities

The 2018 Alabama Regular Session began on January 9 and concluded on March 29. Below is a summary of key human rights legislation considered during the 2018 session. Fair Schools, Safe Communities Campaign Legislation Our communities…