Blog – Alabama Appleseed

The State of Justice Blog

It’s Time for Civil Asset Forfeiture to Go

by Frank Knaack, Executive Director Under both Alabama and federal law, the government can take and keep your cash, your car, or your house – even if you are never charged with a crime. This program, known as civil asset forfeiture, turns…

Ban the Box Clears First Legislative Hurdle

by Frank Knaack, Executive Director Earlier today the Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee voted to enhance public safety, strengthen our economy, and give people a second chance to make an honest living. SB 198 (Sen. Singleton), and its…

Alabama Appleseed, SPLC Release New Report Documenting Widespread and Unjust Use of Civil Asset Forfeiture in Alabama

Fair Schools, Safe Communities, Press Release

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Courts in 14 Alabama counties awarded $2.2 million to law enforcement agencies through civil asset forfeiture actions filed in 2015 – and in a quarter of the 1,100 cases, law enforcement sought to keep property seized…

Civil Rights Groups Sue 49 Alabama Sheriffs for Access to Public Records Showing How Sheriffs Personally Profit from Funds Allocated for Feeding People in Jail

Advocacy News, Fair Schools, Safe Communities

On Friday, January 5, 2018, the Southern Center for Human Rights and Alabama Appleseed Center for Law and Justice filed Southern Center for Human Rights and Alabama Appleseed Center for Law and Justice v. Kenneth Ellis, et al., a lawsuit…

2018 Alabama Regular Session – Pre-Session Report

Access to Justice, Advocacy News, Alabama Appleseed News, Fair Schools, Safe Communities

Alabama Appleseed is a non-profit, non-partisan 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1999 whose mission is to achieve justice and equity for all Alabamians. Alabama Appleseed is a member of the national Appleseed Network, which includes 18 Appleseed…

Ensuring Access to Justice for Low-Income Tenants

Access to Justice, Advocacy News, Phillip Ensler

For many low-income tenants who live in substandard living conditions or face eviction, access to justice is often elusive. This often occurs because landlords and tenants are not entering the courtroom on a level playing field. Before their…