Question 1

Where can you access the full Code of Alabama online?

Accepted Answer

The official Code of Alabama is published by the Alabama Legislative Services Agency and available online through the State of Alabama Open.Gov platform located at https://codeofalabama.gov/.

Question 2

How often is the Alabama Code updated?

Accepted Answer

The Code of Alabama is updated annually through cumulative supplements published after each legislative session that incorporate newly enacted laws. New paperback volumes are printed periodically.

Question 3

What is the difference between codes, statutes, acts, and bills?

Accepted Answer

Codes are official compilations of statutes passed by the legislature and signed into law. Statutes are the enacted laws contained in codes. Legislative bills introduce statutes, which become acts if passed and incorporated into the code.

Question 4

How do courts interpret discrepancies or conflicts within the Alabama Code?

Accepted Answer

If inconsistencies exist between statutes, courts apply rules of judicial interpretation and precedent to determine which provision controls based on intent, context, timing, and gravitas of subject matter.

Question 5

Can municipalities and counties enact local ordinances that conflict with the Alabama Code?

Accepted Answer

Generally no – a doctrine called state preemption means local laws conflicting with state statutes are invalid under most circumstances as state law trumps local law if inconsistencies exist.

Question 6

Where are newly enacted statutes published before appearing in the Code update?

Accepted Answer

Newly enacted session laws passed by the Alabama Legislature are printed by the Legislative Services Agency in softcover pamphlets until incorporated into the annual Code of Alabama supplement.

Question 7

How can you determine if a law in the current Code has been repealed or amended?

Accepted Answer

Notes at the end of code sections indicate editorial changes like repeals or amendments. Up-to-date unofficial codes provided by third party legal resources also indicate repealed or superseded laws.

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