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The Ri"" Ilowillll through I-:Imort County. Alaboma. AW>.lm>.',"",,, 1>0", plo.y<d." impofUnt role in lhe hislofy or tho Klle, pl'<>l'kling .... intxptrui'" form or tml$po>rt.>.ti<>n /0< ooal , w.n.. iron. " .. I, <01\00, lumber. dol', and li"...tont. v...... aao. tho btd of till' Coo>:> RM. ..... dUll <ittptr I<> that b«tts cotIld 1,.",1.11 tilt _from the Cull 01 Muico to RO!'I'IO'. ~" Ji.stanc. 550 m i.... The beautiful SpanUh moss found in tho ~ Sooth is technic.>lly "",-. ,.."... but. I\Qwering pl>nt lhol belongs to the pillt~lIPl. Jami!». II at..mb$ '.;>.to. and nutri."t> di...:tly from the oi •.

ON THE COVER:

_ _ _ • .-(1'00 .................

Volume 57. Numht. 3

May 1996

... SIotIL-.1 "'""'9>og E_

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Int ....iew with the !"Nolden!:

John o....,nl nn Finn., FUI and Tuk Forcu .... ,.....................................

,132

o.dia lion of Se)-boum iI. Lynne l'od.",1 Courthouse .

Parham II . Williams, JT.: S howing the Way 10 Wbat i. Best In Our Profusion

By Howard 1'. Walthall.............................

...............

__ ................................ 153

Law P.."ctic.: A Place ror M.. ral V.lu .. 61' K.ron O. _..tn ....... ". __ .________________ "_ ..... ,, ..... "...................... ,............................... ,...... ISS r ... ud: lI ecenllJoe\.. lopment. in Abb.m.> By P. uilOh 0'0.11 ..

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Injuriu and Lo.. of E.ming. By lamn B_Smith. Ir_and Jock A. Taylor ...... ,.............. ,....... ,........... ..

.. 176

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ALABA.'IA STATE BAIt ItF.ADQlJAAl'ERS STAFF

RttonlDttWon>..

M.moriob..... Cw.ifitd NOli«<.

Building Alo!wnio', COUrlilousts ... ,......... .I4S ()pinion. 01 tho C. ...... I COU .... I... " ......... ISI

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utislalN< Wrap-Up.... ____ ...... ,.. _155 CLE ()pjxorlunilit$.. ____________ ._ ............ .157 Disciplinary R"l"'rI __ . _______ ... .180

Prof,I.... ______ .. _.... "..... "...... "...... ,..........136 8.>, Britl, ....................................... 138 About Mom"'", Arn<>nlI Firms ...... ,....... " 140 Utt" to lho Editor ........................ ,....... ,.. 144

ElIttuli...e Director'. Heport " ........... ", ...... 135

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130 lMAV 1996

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THE ALABAMA LAWYf:R

Alabama Bar Institute far Continuing Legal Education ALABAMA LAWYERS SERViNG ALABAMA LAWYERS

~The

opportunity to pr~nt a topic on a CLE program iJ one ...路hich should M chemhfd by any tml Ia")tt. II gives the liti\joltor Ihe opportu nit y to prepare and present a legal presentation to the toughen of all juries, fellow Ia ....yers and iudi;es. It has betn of gre.1I knelit to me, and I m:ommend it to all. H

'Ibomas H. Keene Rushton, Stakely. Joonson &

GalTttt, P.A. Montgonltry, AIaNlTIl

Call ABICLE at 1.s00.6Z7-6514 or 205路348-6230 for prov-om information.

TIIEAIAHAMA lAWYER

MolY 1996 f 13 1

Rr:Jwr/ lIuH'aker. tditor of The ~ lawytr. recmJlJI"soI down- (owr lhe pIrooe) with .John tAmu. $l,Jle bar praidenl. to SH houJ he felt ilboul his rtw allhe bar.

AI.: John, )'OIl a~ about half.."a)' through)'OO. tfrm. \.\,.... \ do you consider )'OIlr main accomplishlmn" to bt SO far?

.nIh IM...m. Ihll lM Tuk rom on Solo and Small Finm is doing. Thry .... heading I""",rd recom .... nding 10 IIw towd

ollw" comllliHioown thai _ Mop! I manag. .... nl UlisbMe pngnm limiw In thai in pIaco In CortIa Ind North eu..~. 1Il. Thil would gn~ .. I n la路houH ptnOn at 1M IIIlt N r 10 g;.~ mlIIO#mmt UlisWltt III ~ ~ ntt (tbt !tit路 phont is fm'l. bId actually ,oIng 10 finnlll ",ilIOnUlt n ltl and ping _isllnc:t \ri!h !hi"" lib billln,. Ii....~ Iloou"",nl manage"",nl. filt IIWlJIfmm l-jull lht . .......1 nu" . nd bolti bUI;n....Id, of pntllcl n, I.", which I 101 of IIW)'IR in smlll finn. don't hI,-e accu. to. It hal b.. n I M

0, Jf. hard to ..y. btc.>UH HWnI of the Ihing. that ,"'", '01 "'orlOn, hi'" nol com. to fruition. but I'm WI"j> pluud 132 1MAV 1996

TIlE Al.'.BAMA LAWVER

"ftY sucullful prOtiralll in Florida. Ceorpa anol Norlh DoroIi.... Ilmow 1""1 the lulL" fom II ,oin, to r«ommend thIot. anol I alii ..uonably .... nfldent that we'll adopt it . t 00"'" point.

AI.: Who i. the cNir ofthat task force?

0. TM chair II Paul arantl". and 11111 Albritton II vi«chalr. I thlnt IW actually Iw Qftn 0<1 thil tHpDIIliblllty of the management uilitance vrogram. Al.: \\~n do you uptct the WI! force to under ilJ re-port?

0. AI ..... April 12 mHting. AI.: Are ~ othrr WI! fon:es that you 11M: OflI")inttd or tNt

h,),.., bun actiw during )'Our tenure INt you.xprct to rKeiw 10m. mta ningful reports from?

0: We .....--e a Talk Fom on F", Diq!ute ReJOlutioll. and. t""t ..."'" !Uk fom II undert.U:in. to , 10Idy the Minillippi Coniumer Aulllan<c Program. That II co-<:halrtd ~ Rodney Max of Binni..ghalll ond I'I'oody S.ndeQOn of Huntl\ille.

AI.: What i. the charge or that task fo.ce?

0: III dwgo II _fold. It II dwJtd willi IlIIIIyinf I I!Irihod. throu'" which fH cIiI,..te, collk! ... rtoolwcl ... thin lhe blr. A ,lgnifoanl ptrn-nbp of our grin'an«1 ~ reaIl)' f", dll. pultl, and Pf9IIle who .... ke a grin'ance a.. ,imply lold I""t thl, ;1 I fet dispute. and the h.. dou nol handle then. We ... Iryillg to COllie up wilh a mtthanillll within the bar ItHII. 10 thai _ n n offtt arbit"'tion or OMdlation. The Iogbtiu how Mtn a ,."bltlll. IIoffiIUH _ I of theM 0.. prtlty ......1 di,putn. I'I'e\--e had I _nobtion from the luk fora. II II a WI)' .!aborate and weil-doM fH dJ,pul. arbitnlion (not mond.lory hul volunlary) procedure. Ton~ Mclain (,enel'll COOnHI) hal 00"'" connrns about the woobhmty of It. In IIWI)I of the .. disput ...... ~ talking.bout S IOO or $200 or 101M"'1114 like that. We a.. now ""'tchiq ..... hado _ whtthtr 11'. rutly -ablt 10 Hnlralizc all of lhem in Mo"ttolllny. btau.. 00 .... n~ Ire I .... IL W. ked lhat talk fOfU 10 conoide. thi •. Maybe tho larg.:r dilpulu .hould go to Monl · gOmtry. M.ybe _ I hould "",'t mechonll m$ within tM \'lOri· (MI. 1ocaI1ws for l .... llt1 dispul". Thore is 0 nml for II. bal _ don'l _ m 10 how hil on the right formuLa)'tt. I hope_ will (o1M o~t wilh a plan. if IlOl this )'W'. then at lull lhe • roundwo .... will ha"" betn laid for nul )'tar. W. an "",--e lo ..... thlng " .. lIahle 00 if lomebody call. In a gri..... nce 1""1'1 really a fee di.pul •• we can oay _ do have Ihe voluntary orbl· I",tlon ~U". and here', how you go aboul illf you _nt to ............... Iagc of lhal.

""w ..

AI.: Yoo mmtion ~ Alobama

~es.lInd.

01 COO"". in....ery issue of

t.uu-ver. we set discillli..... ry oction \,)ken ~g;oinst

attor neys. 1)0 fOU Ihink the grievance process is wor\ci"ll pr0perly?

0: II is worID.., .... ry _IL The haclr\ot: it ~ down. ~n' era! Norris - - . . "ftY hard in ttltlnlthe prDCl!I!u", worki.., ""'"' eff«tr.--ely. and. of COUfH. Ton~ Crew up und .... Central Nom •. and he I, (ontlnuing 1""1. Tht gri ...... nHIIe<m _I>oul , Ieady In numben •• nd the» _m to be moving through quit. THE ALA8A.'-IA LAWVER

well. Each _ I nOW Iw OM by ptQOII. Thol _ml to 1M woridn. well. alth"",h thl, II ltill new. ,till in ill Orol )'tlr, but I think our dllClplining pro«dure " """'ingllon, JUliO"". The othotT cIwte 10 11M !all< fom-. on fee dllpule ruoiution. is 10 lIudy ,'IIW.iuipp!·1 eo... u....... Auiotan« f>rogram. Mil· lillippi otlrled Iooki.., al • 10 diwrt gne.... n«1 lhal wort .... nagemont vroblrmllo 0 managemtnl auilta"ce proIfnm. III looking It I""t. Mi .. i..ippi dedded to hi .. . Iaw)'tr. WhOH full _lImt job 1110 handl. any complaint ... hich COfMlln If It'llnythintltll I""n a forrnaJ grin'aOH. lie imOMdialtly calli the cnmplai.wll aM the Iawytr. and lri.. to ........ it out. Jull 10 talk Ihrougll it. IotIybe the IMrytr 11Il0l rflumi.., calli. ~ the IMrytr II not ....wering con'Uponftnce. Millllllppi'. bar II WI)' pluotd "'Ih the ptOgram. 10 pltued wilh It. Ih.1 they Ihlnk they will be alrle 10 d..... OM poQOn from their dllClplinary .taff. 00 lhe» will ha,'t DO ntl IncrtaH in r mployIMnt. That ........ luk forn lilookin. II the iIIisllllippl prognm to _ if 101M 1 _ of it may N -'<able. and I hope they will rtpOrt bid: on lhal btfore the )'t.r-cnd.

It·,

p....,.....

AL.: Are Ihere other l;uk forc •• that you expect 10 reeei,.., rcparts from? 0: The TuIr FOm! on!ht Judiciary dWred by Bob Ornnis_ Ion iI OM of the ......1 actr.--e wk force, thal_ ha,'t. )'tar In and )'tor .... L He Iw inquired II 10 wheN _ 1ft on ......1'Il of their rtpOrtl from the pul. particularly OM .....inglo do with Judlcla! election. a voluntary l)'ItOIll of Judlclli r ioction refOml . Thoy'w .. commended. Ind. of COIIfH. the blr Iw a40pt.d. I polition In f,,'OI' of _parti ...... lection 01 Judlu. Thoy' ve .--.unmdod thai the ItaU go 10 !ht rnttIt ..Iection 01 judfu. The .....rd of blr commlulonttll Iw not. alWl ~Iy will not. take a ltand on thai. bul ...·ve gol hlo .. pol'll bofore u•• and .... are going 10 takt . look al them II our April _ lin, and .... w.... t. if anything ..... do there. AL.: We just finished the opoc;..l ~ tNt lhe Governor tailed 00 tori reform. $o.unn'u.riu for our rude ... what poIition lhe birr took 00 tort .efonn.

0: We took a """Ilion . imilar 10 "". polillon In 1987. The bar annot lab 0 polilical "",ilion. ucept wh.n It cornu to re.uIatlan of Ja-,rym or if it aIMdIthe 1II111lnlolnlion of jus~. W, did. In 1987. ~I aboul "'" poinll aHalilllo IIOnlillrnlion of lort ..form "gilbUon which ... haw .. Itenled this 111M• At Itul two of them In JIlIrlicular must bo con.id~ btlore Inythlng II JIlIsHd. On. Il lhal il ll l .... epinglegi.laUon. 1""1 it alttell ...--erybody •• nd thai ..... rybody. loon .. or bt ••• it tither potentially I plalnliff or I def.nobnL Scatndly. oomt · boody do.. PlY the price 01 a1llnjuriu and. fnuu. ..... Ihtr Ifl !ht lnIIr.idl'lll themHlwI or !ht .........,..... or ->tty through ".elal progralll •. W. relt.nled IhoM In I prtll .. Ita ..... hen .... got oon«mod .bout tho j»ooiQge ... hkh palHd tho lt ouH wilhout debate and witboutl di.Hntint VOlt . II __ 00 • ....,... iAg thai we thoughl lhat II needed n>Oft lIudy. We Inued I prtll reiuH II)'ing thai ..... tlMT II done lhould IlOl be oIont I. lhat fuhi ..... II de_I Iludy. It de_I dellalt. lad we offered the bu u a reoourn- 10 holp draft and IM'rform other "MHI. 010. Again. WI a.. not liking a po1IllIon for or ogalnot eiPi ..... Ire not likill, a pooilio" for or aclin.1 an~ 10rl of

'''ry

MAY 1996 1 133

",fonn. but _ a", uking tho """itlon th.t wh.t",.. r comu down n~,ls to be W<>rbI:Jle .• nd n~d. 10 be flirl~ deb.>ted .nd fairly conl ide""t r or enml'le. tho» h.d. 30·day role in on. of the bms. An~body could m",.. for summary Judgment 30 da~, Ifter I ,uil wu filed •• nd 1he COlurt had to h ..r It 30 days I.te •• Th,I', nol w",bble •• nd Ih., shouldn'l do that without some judicial inl'ut .nd bu 1nl'II1 .. 10 wh.1 ,,'Orb . nd what do.. n·t work. Th., need judiciall' input, .nd lbar . betn OUT pOl ilion. W. w.nt 10 Ill' to .teer. COlu", of "'UOn .nd j ... t ..~ look. thil i. '''ll' o_ol'ing ilIId '''ll' Importilllt Iegi.l.tion. Aft•• all. .... Hnd thing. like the Unifonn Com· mertial Codo. the Prob.te Code .nd Ihe Curp-orat. Cod. through Ihe Law Inl titul•. II'•• Iudied by Icho~ ... and 1h., "'port b.ck with m:ommendalion •• Why . hould tort ",fonn get 105. Hriou, sludy Ihan Ihe Pront. Code .nd tho Un;. fonn Comm.rclal Code? Th.t's been Our pO.ition, th.1 1'1'& limply need to go .lowly.• nd _ need tu thumughly think through this. It need. 10 be ... U-<leb.>led. ilIId !t nHds to be ... U-cnftN .

AL: If )'Qu could gi\'e a stair of the bar S!l<'ech. how would )'Qu eharac:t.ri.. the condition of the ba r? 0: Ilhlnk Ih •• tate n r is Ollillanding. We . ... financially hullhy .....,.. gol excell.nl f.dlities. " .. \ .. gal. fi .. t·rate st.ff. Our gri",-aneu prac,du", i, wo.-king Ind kefping up with ilsloacklog. Th. b.. il doing", much and acromplioh.. '" much .....n.. w. ha"" added, of cou"', U )'Ou know, I'" ADDENDUM thil }'Oar. which gob mort inform.tion oul 10 oor mtmbrnhip, I lhink tho bar I, '''ll' healthy, I jUlt Ill' to 10rt of .lay out of Keith and his slaWs w.y .od let Ihem keep doing the fine job Ih.,'re doing,

AL: I-I-'hat else remains to be done during the John Owt ns ad minislration? 0: The conclullon of the pI'Og.. ms we are talking aboul, I m.de Ihe 1010 .~d Imall finn s i.. uet • focal poinl. betau.. "" many of our ,,",mbtrs are th.",. Baoially, O\.. r. third of Our laWYOTi a,.., .010 p... ctitlone ... The Ameritan Bar ASIoci.Iion nYI Ihat 48 perctnl of III ~W)'<TJ In IIIe Unil~ St"01 a", in fi nn. of r"", 0' fewer. I dan" m.ilII we'.. n.gl.d~ Ihose people bef",.., bul I thought ... cou ld do . lot for thou people •• nd so I wanllo see th.se programs come 10 froillon. I w.nl 10 lee III ha,'1 ..... n· .tt.nd.d COln,.. nlion at O... nge Bo.ch. II', .nother opportunily down , h."" We',.. m.d. a opecial effort to ~oineide wilh Ih. judg.. and tll' 10 get . maximum judge .ttend~nce _t the ~OB\.. nlion, p;ortic ~l.rly Ihe Bar and Bench Lunch.on. Ihe kickoff of IIIe . tal. nr.

AL: John, il it )'Qur senso thaI Iho bar as.sociation;s serving the ne. d. of Ihe junior ~nd }'Ounger member. of the bar? 0, I hope _ a,.." Wo ~,... \'ell' aeli,.. Young Lawyo..• Sedion, .nd Buddy Smilh wanle<! hi. ~enterp;ece to be I m.nloring program. Tha", .100 • charg. of tho 1010 nd .mall firm pra.::tilion .... to tll' 10 com. ~I' with. mtnloring prognm idea. I ",",.. n·t .... rd thaI part of Ih. "'port }'O t, bul it would be a lough Ihlng to do to Ht up • menlorillJ! program On I 1lllowid. b.. i., My ,-lew i, th.t po" 'bly Iht ,tal. b.. COlu ld COlme up with. framOW<)rk that local bl.. could 134 1 MAY 1996

Ihen .mu~I., or maybe. "'gional program, M.ybe)'01I could h" ... mentoring prog ... m lei up in « nl ... 1 AI.b.m. Ih.1 would b. oul of TUlc. lool' and norlh ~enlra l ou l of H u nll~i11e Ihll )'OU could ,..ir •• nior bW)-.... with }'Oung I~WYOTi. T here hu ~n • 101 of thoughl on Ih.1 in olher b.... Our VLS il f""ullng on it .nd wo.-king with our .010 and . mall finn tu k force. I thin k lhal wo~ld be. '''ll' good thing 10 do for the }'Ou ng I.wyen ,f we can pro~ide Ihal f ... mework.

AL: If a young lawy<!r wanted to become adively invo lved in Or participate in on. of the Stttions, how would he Or sht do that? 0 : Tho» n •• ulom.lially I m. mber of the VLS for the fint three yeoTi Ihey .'" in I'ractic. (no mall.. what age they . re .dmitled) or until th., tum 36, Tht}' would gel . 11 the mailingl. All lho» h..,<, 10 do ;, show up and ,'Olunle.r for Ih. commill«. and ru n with II. Th., ",",... ''trY l ue· cu,ful . nnll.1 se minar down al Sonde.tin thaI u.1I011y d ... wl ",ally _II. II i, more difficu lt for them to be acti"" in the Olh .. bIT, bocaul. Ihough we',-, got .ome 826 membe.. working on otot. bar com mill •• , .n d I.. k fo"''' (39 of them), tho), ..... ulu.11y thret·year lenll appoinl,,","I, . I ~d l round 278 n .... appointments. and abo ul triple thai number who .onl in • Qu •• lion n.ire uying th., would like to On a eommilt~, w. JUII don't ha,.. enough com mittee 11011 for "'''I')-bod~ who w,nll 10 .e""". but I do think IlIere il . n opportunily In Ihe YLS 10 be mo .... acli"".

s.,,,,..

AL: Dring uS up 10 dal. on the ac:ti~i l i.s 0/ t~ Alabama Law Institute.

0: The .... h.. be.n discu ..ion in IIIe Legi. I.lu", about Iht All. .se......1 legil1alo.. a", inl.",.Ie<! in "'locating the .... w Institute to Jane, Law School in ' ''onlgameT)', The ...... [nl ti. tule .... 5t.rted by tht Alab.>ml Slate Bar under .1egi.tatl,.. act, T'" Legi.tatu", !I>-'" uS the """.. r to , tar! il. ~nd ... did. and ir, worIted exll'Omol)' _11 wh ..... it il. A lot of tawye .. gi"" • lot of volu ntary ti m. through Iht Law Tn.lilute. It hu con· siderable preltlg~, W. Ihink PlOrt of that il bt:au.e il islocat· e<! allhe Uni'.... ity of ALab.ma 5<hool of Law, It il apolitical and it's .way from politico, and I .m '''ll' .upportn.. of keeping il theft, I reel cerlain Ihat the board of bar commi.sion· en will feel t... ""me way, bu t thil has onl)' recenlly com. up, W. had no idea thai thn-e ....... . ny thoughll of doing anything 10 il. It's nol broken and il eIM.n'l need r... ing. I Il10,.. lpent a lot of time in tho Ja,1 COlul'l. of day. Qn tho phone on that ""uf, It IJ • fine institution. It '. on. thaI Ih •• lale an be proud of_ m"'ing it would hurt it,

AJ.: When your teno is up, ar.)'Ou goi ng 10 " Ii,..,? 0 : I HM. year u immediale pul pr..idenl It 10 an ofrl«, It I•• po.t on t... E~«uti,.. Committee, 11 i. ~, u.lly sort of . n ad\'i.oll' po.ot. ilIId I plan to PlOrti<:iPl'te in thaI. ThaI ,,;11 Il10,.. me going 10 Execurn... Committee meelings.nd bar com· missioner m~ling., Ind T hope I con make: .11 of tho ... No, I am not going 10 totally ",Ii",. J"U be Ihn-e lo .....n. with "'.... n as he need, m. to, but il will be hi•• how. • TI IF: AlABAMA LAWYER

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT

The Alabama Law Institute"If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It"

I II

or the put QUITter Ulltury. the AI,lRm.1I Liw Institute (ALI ) has plJ.yt<l , significiOnl role in imprtwi"ll tho t- 01 Alabama as 1M stalt'S chitf law nform agency. Although il is 10 ieQisliliw

Igmcy. Iht ALI dt~nds on Iht leg;ol UptrtiK ollll~rs, jodga. ~ t... school lex"'", "iIo VDlunlo« 1Mi. time. The AU works with a small but dtdicaltd staB of four. Bob Md:u.· ley. who Iw KMd as director sinee 1975; Penny Invil. ass0ciate director sinee 1979: lind two ;:wis\.m\!. bckie ~r\.llin and 1;1I\b Wilson, ..... hQ h.",. bttn with 1M ALl for mort than 20 )'tars. Th. AU hu gained a siuling ,,,puLl· lion for thorough and efficient drafting of mijor lellillalion. Indeed. though it re«W!sln IIlIlroprllllion from tIw: stat,', gmtnl fund Ilppl'(lOtimllttly $350,000 in I'Y 1995-96). tIw: ALI could not be rift<:-

l i... e without committed >'olunlous. RtaoUK of the voIunt«. by ~ 590 ~n from xl'OU Abbama .. rving on 39 com milttu. 11'It 51,tt', .milll appropriation is Irwngtd inlo millions

wo'"

The mnni:oel"$hip ol the All is «IfIIll'OM"\I 01. dlwfSl' gfQUJI 01 150 bar membn"s who a...lcc;ted for flUd lerms---justkes of Iht AliNona Sup reme Cou rl . judges of tht courU of liIlPUts. circuit court judgtl.1tde1'll1 judgu ruiding in Abhio",,", full·lime law fa.o::utty members 01 the Cumberland and Alabun;o law schools. all tn.yo:rs lic:tns.td to practia: in Almama who Ill' members 01 the Ugislatull'. and all membns of tht lnstitutt Council. Tht Institute Council, which is tile supervi.ing body of Ihe AU is compo..:d of siJ practicing IttOrnt)'> (rom tach c:ong"$.IioNoI dislricllS .... ll as rep ....,n· talive. from the appellate courts. Ih. Attorney Cenerar, OmCt. the Alabama Slat. Bar, .11 law school. in Alabama. the UgiJlIotur •. an<.! the eowrnor·s Offito. Th. high quality IIow revision work 01 the AU. for which It has btm widely rtt· ogniud Iml "eclaimed. is ,I/lggtring. from 1975 through 1995, Ih. AI.1 has facilitated J4 INjor law rMSMlns includ_ ing: AdminiJtnoliw f'ro«dum Act; Bankinll Codt: Crimi nal Codt: Businus Corpol'lltion Act: UCC: revised Article IX; Probatt Code: Unifo rm Trand... 10 Minors: Unifonn Cuardian.lllip: Alabamo Securities Act: I.Imiltd Lilobility Corpora· tions: Adoption: revi..:d lIusin~$S Corpo· ration Acl: and Uniform Condominium

of doIbrs of f1ft legal work on important law reform and law rel'ision proje<;ts. The "t.alion of. ptrTlWlml law refum! ag~n<")' was du e largely 10 Ihe efforu of Howell Hemn and Hugh Merrill. Patterned .flu Ihe [.o\IiJilo~ l.aw l",tiluto, logisla. K-'I" •. N ........n Similuly. during lilt um. 20-yur tion """ enacled in 1967 selting forth the period, the AI,I has complrltd 18 projt<:1.1 puJllOHS and duties of the AU and autho..mill the AIab.mII Stato Bar Boan.I 01 Cornrnisoioners to crt-ate il. ~nd studi •• iocludinll: Th. AlabDmtl Coc.""''''7IImt Manual. Sixth. ~nlh. Eighth and Ninth edilions; lfanJboot Hx Tax IS« SWion 29-3-1. n _.J As >IaIed in the mabling logiWtion: AJ.ses.sor&. Tat CcI~ cmd ~ CommWiontl'J; Sher'"'The 1It!>tn! PuI"JlOKS 01 the ~ ~ Inslitutt iffs Dale Manual: MOIkI CitV Ord/ntlna$; family Viol_oco shill be 10 promote and encourage the duific"tion mil simplifiClltion 01 the law of A.labarni 10 HCUIl' brISiudy; Circuit Judg/'s Trial Manual: Mtdielid Study: and tu ~mmiilQtion 01 jmli«- and to any on KhoIIr1y Sludyof ln Strudu.. in the SUit 01 AlWmi. In addition. the Al..1 rq;ululy plans and hostJ a number of lq!al. II! th "..chdmlin.: IqJaI work." IQining conf.r.nc.. includi ng Ih. Ugislati"" Orionlalion l"heAlI_ funded and bepn oper;>tion in 1969. It is housed Conference, tho: Probate Judges Orientlltion. and ;m Orientllin Ih. law «-nter on lhe Uniwrsily 01 Alabama tampU$. This tion for Shtriffs. Tht..: mil il< mony oll",r wo, ks II.lw resultlocation ~rovidca il KCt" 10 Iht ntensiw collection of onalt· ed in. lisl of mo .. lhan 100 till .. published by Ih. AI.1. ri"l al Ihe law schoollibral)' which is vital to i\$ mission IS. I am contemod . how.v ... thai the good and impOrlanl law reform agency.

THE AU\lJAMA U\WVt:R

MAY 1996 1 135

work of 1M A!.I could 50011 or><!. Sewr•.lltgislaton ""VC ir><!i. ntrd t""l the Al,I should bt I"I"KrVtd to Mootgomery. have ill mponsibililiu ....>htd with the Ltgis~tive I«:fmnct Strvi~. or hive. difftrtnl oYtrsitht authority. Nore of that purport· rd dwlgn IftmS to bt appropriate or IIKtsQry. I have bern flmiliu with the work oflhe All for roort than 18 yQr1lnd I have MYH heard • Ii",," crilicim!. ooly pniK (or ill opel'/l. tioo. product lnd pt>Wnnel. Bob McCuriry has done a suptrnotivc job iiOII ill dirtetor. Ht has providrd compOttnt and dftcliw ltadtrship for mor. than IW<I deudu. The work product of lhe A!.Ils highly respect~ lnd IruslM btc.ouoe it has credibililV. I btlielie any of the mtnt;on~ .""ngts could seriously jeop,llrdizo tho ALI·, indeptndence and. Ihus. Ihe

won

imp,llrtial fashion in which Ihe ,oIJ,1 conducts ils revision work. A loss 01 credibility by this impOrtant ag.ncy could he ill cle.ith kntll. Our boor playfd ;u"J imporbnt role in the cnatioo of the ALl and thtrtfort has a VolI~ mkc in ililuturt. We should he pro..i of what the ALI has accomplished lnd ~mcd about ilOy changes thM would COIllIlromix ill crtdibility or impartiality. Although the ezprtUion ~ bt a lrito ont. it certainly rings trut ;n this iru;tanct: - If it ain't broil •. don't fix it - 1 encou rage )'Ou 10 lei )'Our stale senalor and .. presentalive know)'OlJr feelings aboul tM imporllilt work of the Aloba!1\ll law Institute and ill conlinutd ()ptralion as an ;mkpendml and imparliallaw reform agency.

PROFILE I'\ITsuIInJ 10 I"" ~ St"I. 0.,'. nJG {IO<'ttning I"" Mtion aI pnJidmt-d«!. I"" folkJriIg biop".,NallUretd>a .... RoI>trIson Jocbon md ~ Row. ~ tl1Jd RrM-. ....... quaJif,mg amdidaln "" poIiliot! aI pral«nt.ft«l all"" ~ StQ/~ Bar "" Iht 1!J96.!J71~ <md I"" II.'inng Kin ......"..1"" ~ inJu/r /997.

",(IfJ/dtd aI ~

Lynn Robertson Jackson !.ynn Jackson w,," born in Mont"-'mtry, Alabama. She. has a home in Eufaull, Alaboom.> and a horse fann in Clayton, lnd is I partner in the firm of Jinks. Smilllarl, Jack1011 & Daniel. Jackson rtCtMd her undugraduate degree from the University of AIaIwna. She alund· td the UniYersity of Miuouri School of I.iw and graduated from Jones I.rw School. She was admitled to the Alabama State Bar in

1981. Jackson seMd as 5ecrttary of the

136 / MAYI!196

I""

Third Judi cial Ci rcuit Bar from 1984·85. as vict-president from 1985·86, and as illllresident from 1981:i-87. SIlt has seJWd "" \>ar com· missioner for the Third Judici.&l Circuit since 1985. "'hen she was selected to talce lhe platt of AtWma Supreme Court Justice Corman Houstoo (upon his eltction to the AI.lIwN Suprt .... Court). She hils abo .wJWd on the I'nTTW>mI Code Cornnti!4ion (aISist~ in writing the new Code of Professional Responsibility); the TW< For~ on ~ililies for the Alabama State Bar; The AJalxnno lAWyer Boord of F.diton; OiKiplina>y l'anel I for nine ye/lrs: tht Boord of Tn,utet:s of the Alabama law Foundation (ont of tht original bond members): as the board of boor oommWionm liaison to the T;osIc Fom on IItnch lnd &r Rdation$: iiOII the board of bar commissionen liaison to the Unauthorized Prxtioe of t..w Commitltt; as the boiord of bar oommissioners tiaj. IOn to tho Chaucter aM Fitness Commillee; iiOII .. rntmbtr of the Vol· untt<tr Lawyers Program: and iiOII I member of the Alaboo!1\ll Statt Bar Man\btory Ltgal Education Com-

I""

miMion (app<.>inlrd cMirpeT501l by """'ident Itarold Albritton in 1990). SIlt also was a member of the Task Foret on Women in the Profession and oow stTVtS on that committee. Jackson is a member oftheAmerican liar Association. the Alaba!1\ll State 6ar. Ihe Americlln Tria l uwyen Associlltion. the AIaba!1\ll TriailawyeTS .wociation, lnd the Third Judicial Cin:uit liar Associa· tion. She also seNtI 00 the bond of dirHlo" of her municipal and county liburin and Mr local Unittd Way chapter: as I city allornry lor Clayton, Alabama from 1984·95; and was stltctrd as an Oo!.<tanding Young Woman of America in 1982. She is a rtgu~r lPtIktr to Khoois lnd local civic groups 00 ~W-rtlat· ed topics, lnd _ rtWltly ~nt· ed to the llar\:oo)ur COunty Ptrsonnol

""". ;5 She

marritd to C. Thomas Jackson. an allomry.lnd they have two childrm, Katherine Robtrtson Jackson and William Bordrrs Ja.ck· son. Ja.ckson and her family .ttend 51. Jamu t:lliJCopal Chu rch in Eufaula. •

PROFILE firm which b«amt Cleary. Lte.

Mor.is. Smith, Evans .. Row •. Rowe practiced withlh~t firm until 1987, when ht became a partnu of Burr Forman in Huntsvillo. He is in prx· tke. lypiClll1y rtpr"Uenting indio lliduals iUId small busina.w. Ro..... hiU M'~d thrte \trnu on the board of bar eommi .. ioners and on sew",1 eommittus of tht Itltt bar. including tht MCU: Commission a/I/J the p.,. manmt Code CornmiUion. He is currmtly a trusttt of the Alaba· mil Law Foundation. Rowt M'TYfd for four ytars as an uamirwr on Iht Alabama State Bar Board of Bar Examiners. From 1977 until ]982. lie also M'TYfd on lilt Edi· lorial Board 01 TM Ala6QmQ

« amen!

Dag Rowe lAg Rowe was bom in Atho".. GeorgiA. on Much 25. 1947. to Henry C. R~ and Virginia JIId· wn RQW~. lIil fJmily moved to} Alabama and Rowe grew up in

rural Mad;son County, where hi.! fither was <I school principal and

his molhu I Hcond·gradt [fxhu. tk was cduattd in tho public schoW 01 Madison County

and graduated frl1m Ltt Higll School in 1965. Rowe graduated from the Uni· vusity 0/ AI."", in 1969, wh."" he wu a member of Omicron Dtllil. Kappo ;wi Juons. and was president of Ih. Colltge of Arts and Scieneu. It. was listed in Who'.

1'<"'" in Amfrican Uni .....·

lities and Colleges. R"",'e gr~uatw from the Uni. versity Ii AlaJwna School of Law in 1972. wilt", he Im'fd as pmi.

dent of Ih. law school student body, In ]972·73. Rowe lIttndtd NI'\<' York \JnioJersity Sch:d of Law \<I..... '" he rttI'ivtd the UJ.1 Degree. In 1973. Rowe began practice with th. finn of BtU Richardson in Hunhvill •• In 1977, h. and four olh .. IlwyUI formed lht

TilE ALABM1A lAWYER

"",,,,,. Rowt is a member of the liunuvillt Bir Auoclalion, American Bar Auociation ~nd the North Alabamll Estate Plan. ning Council. H. is' member of the: AWwna TrialLa"")"f:rs Assodation ind Ihe ATLA Public Relalioru Commilttt and Corn· mittee 2QOO. Ht il • frequenl $pCnu al Cu: M'minarl ,00 is a co·~uthor of Iht following CLE publications, "E.state Planning: 8a.Ik LegtJI Skilt. (19931. "Tua· tion in Divorc.: />IarilQ/ LQUJ (1976), and ""Sub-Cllipttr S Cor· poration,," Basic IAgQ/ Skills (19741. He is list..! in \\"1>0', \\"1>0 in Amtrican Law. In civic and community ser· vice. Rowt is a mtmbcr of tht Huntsville Rolary Club (past pruidentl. Boord 0( TruSlus of

the University of Alabama in Huntsvillt Foundation. Board of Directorl of United Way of Madi· son County. and Boord of Dirt(:. tOri of Volunteers 0( Arnm.ci. He is a ,Tiduate of HWltsville lnd· trship and no .... serves I I ill chairman·.lect. Ht formerly M'TYtd on tilt; Board of Trultns of tht flunl!villt Public Library (16 yurs). tht Hunl!villt Board of Zoning Adjustmenl (12) ytarl. slille Booord of Directors of 1M AJab&rno. Wildlif. Ftdtr.otion, iUId Board of Dirttlou of Ducks Unlimited. In 1978, lie was lisled in Oulltanding Young Men in Amerka. Row. Jervu as chairman of ~kwood CoIlege's Capital Cam· pilign AdvilOry Committee. In June 1995. lie m::eivtd ~ ColleQ.·1 annuil Distinguilhed Service Award. Rowt has a1 10 received distinguished servitt a.... ards or presentalions from tile Boy S\:outl of Amerka, Vol un· tUTI of America. and tht liuntsviU. Public Library. Roowt is an tlder 1I First Pm· byteri,n Church wher. he il a pall moderator of the board of deacon. and pas t clerk of Iht board of eld,1"$. He has fn:qutntly been an adult Sunday School tucher. R""" rnarriN Melissill-lollima.n on Augu,l 25, 1979. Thty two childn:n, Daat. Jr. (l5) ...no is an Eagle Scout and inttn:Jled in guitar, and Anna (10). who is inttrated in dar« and dr.una. Row", inlen:sl! indudf farm. ing.. hunlina. a.nd fishing. •

""ve

MAY 1996 / 137

BAR BRIEFS • Alabama attorney

_/III

....

. ~&k '

I'l'<'d D. G ~ has been rnnv:d..,.,. dthe redpj. ent5 of the Am ..ican

Bar Association"s first Annual Spirit of F.=I-

Ientt awar<l5.

Gray. a se nior partner in the Tuskegee and ~lontgQmery fonn ofCray. Langford, SaW. ~'cCowen. Gray & Nathan$Qn. wu honored during the ABA Annual Merting at a lunc.:hton Febru ary 3 in the 1lalli!IlOU Convention Cenlfr. The award celebrates '1ht; achievement.

oI.lav.~ of color

and their CO<ltribulioos to the legal profession." It abo recogniZ¢$ "their commitm.nl to paw the way 10

success for other lawyers of colo. and commemorates the .icll divusity that Lr..,..", of color bring to the Ieg.lI prof~ sion and 10 society." Jud~ Bernice Donald, chair of the ABA Commission on Opportuni t ies for Mioorities in Ihe Profession, which pr. sented the awards. said of Ihe .even minority attorney' rece iving the awards, "The •• recipients txempli fy whal the award i. all aoout-the high-

est achievement of ucellence in the

legal profeuion and advocacy for diversity for the profession. ThtY exemplify the spirit necessary to continually achieve e=lIence despite the ob,tact.. that the}' faced." It was said of Cray that. "His passion for attacking segre gation has tarned him an honored place in American history." For ow' 40 years. I'm! Gray has been in the foref ron t of the Civil Rights movement-as Rosa Park·. 1."1.. r when she was "rre,tt<! for violating the $tg~ gated ..ating ord in.nce on a Mont gomery city bu, and as Martin Luther King, Jr:, la~r. • Harry A_ Currier. MSOCiate dean of the University of Florida College of Law in Cainesville. has been !l/Imed dean of Samf()rd Uniwrsity·s Cum_

Honors presented at Cumberland School of Law banquet United States Se ... oor H""",U Hemn was I>?nored in ~tarch by Samford Uni"" .. ity's Cumbtrland School of Law with its Lifetime Al::hievement Award. Heflin, who wHl ~tire in January afte r three terms in the Senate, r«eived the honor during law Week ban~ud activity. Cumberland D.... n Parham H. Williams presented the ~"'"The award recognizes iodividuals in the legal profession who have improved the quality of life for others

O'IIO':r a sustained period. is pn:uI dilS ~ ___ ciation with Senator Henin: said W~I~ '1-Je has bml a I'reqoo'<t visitor to the taflllUS ar.l has alway!I made him5df 3'I.IIilabIe to our students." "C~

"His contributions to the legal pro. f..sion. the ,tate of Alabama and the oation ate many. We "ill miss his legislative skills and his wonderful sense of humor as ..., oonducte. his career as Alabama's senior senato r." said Willialn$. Heflin "'" """Iectro to a third U.S. Senate tmn in 1990. Prior to his first election in 197& he seNed eight yeaT$ as chid justice of the Alabama Supremo: C<xnt. Also at the ban~uet. Cumberland Alumni of the Year bonors were presentro to Sharon tn... tace Blackburn, judge. U.S. District c;.,urt. Northern District of Alabama. and Charles H. O·Brien. reti red chief justice, Ten_ nessee Supreme Coort •

Currier

berland School of [.}w. Currier will succeed

Parh.o.m II. mllLaml . who retire. as Cumberland·s Oran this month but "ill continue to teach in th. law school. Currier has ser\.. d as associate dean at I'torida ,ince !99O. with J"es]':lOl'Uibi lity for planning and ««ution of the coll ege·s academic program, /acult~ recruitment and development. and selVing as liaiwn with th e legal profUsion and va r ious other committ«s. A political science graduate of the Uni\.. "jt~ of California at Los An~I." Currie r earned hi, law degree at th. University of Southern California in 1971. li e..,rved as law clerk for the U.s. Courl of Appeal, for th. ~istrict of Columbia Circuit during 1971 -72 . • The Magic City Bar Ao.sociation. Inc.. recently electt<! nrw officers. "I"he)Iare: Pr..ident: R.ymond L J ohn ... n, J r. Vice-President: Eric F'anchtT Treasurer: TImmy J. Montgomery RtcQrding Secretary:

~ic ky

RradltY

Corresponding Secretary: Ta mar. H.rri. J ohn ... n Parliamentarian: Abdul Kh.non

138 1 MAY I~

THE "LAfW.1A LAWYER

Bo;ird

M~mbtf$;

MkhHl K.K. Choy

Carolyn Shit"" Byron PtrlriOI Rinninghom Bar !.Won: Robtrt.lonu Ibymond L. Johruon. Jr.• tho rvwIr(l«Itd pmidml. is usiltanl U.s. AlIQI'nty for tht Norl h.rn District of Alabama. II. 1]100 ~ b«n an adjunct professor 0( law at Cumbocrbnd School 0( 1..iIW ,inc. 1989. 11. i. a 1976 Qradu_ att 0( Howard Uni~rsity 1.aw School.

\\l l1iam N. Clark. corrunandtr oi. tht 87th Division (Eurci$tJ and a partntr in tilt 8irming/wn firm 01 Rtddtn, Mills" Clark, was _.nlly p..........,.atd to thor mile 01 major ~M~ in tho Unilt<! SUits Army ReKM.. GtM~ Clark his roaMd ;r.o.-ards n:cognizing his Hrvi« 10 1m Itgal proflWion, includin, tho AIabaO"lll Slil. Bar's Awud of Merit, 1M Wait t' P. Gowin AWlrd for o..WMlding StNi« in Continuing Ll-gal Educ.ation, and tht IIodtriclc Btddow. Sr. A....ard for distinguished HNi« in tM area of [rim· inal Ht if :an tltcled Fellow of tht Amtric:an CoII~1It oITrial ~rs. GtMn.! Clark il I Qldduate 0( tilt U.S. Mili t.a.T)' Ac>demy. lit also holds a law <It~rtt from tilt Uni""rsily of Alabama School of 1..iIW. •

w...

• As"illant Unitw

States A1\C1rnty (AUSN Jam u E. Phillip . wal awa,dtd Ih. Otpartm.nt of Justice Director's Aw.mI

for lUptrior ptrfor~nct as lin AUSA. on Marth 8. 1996 in Washin8ton. D.C. Phillip' ...-as recoeniud for his .ki]" and dtilication in I lonQ-ttrm undtrco~r Optr3tion involvinQ compltx irl$uranc. fmod invuligltions. Thtst inw..rugotions begln in 199] and. 10 dat•. ha~ ..suit· til in tht proucution of mort than 73 individ~1s in tM Northtm and Middl. di~lricu 01 A~rrwo.

AWstant Us. AItor· rwyShamn~

""'CJort' *" >-. ,... ...c.... -.......,....of _C"Ondumd ......... Gm6rd fRltl./L

1M _ _ , ... _

Ilw _ _

•.

...s~

HCOori~~

was pUHnltd tht I>tpartmmt at J~ Mark ClIllinghoust M.morial A"'ud for tlralk.a .. F'imn<:iaI Litigation. Simmons _~Iorhtr

J''CUI$I'$ in debt col· I.ction lind Iht work .h. h .. dono to i~ coIledion IOtIls within tilt Northom Di$trict at AlaI:Iam."I. Tho .ward. ctrtmony hono •• d Ius than two pert.nt of tht n • .,rly 10.000 tntn and womtn who contributt th.ir timt and lIltnu to tM mission of th.

0/1"""" at tho U.s. A1tomrys.. Both PhiIliI'Jll and Simmons ...... .....,... bers attht ALIbamI SUU Bar. • Tho TIII~ eo.ny IW A....,..wion roantly tltdt<! new offktrs. Thty uc Pruidtnl: B.u ton 81 .... Low•. AIaandH City Vic.-Prtlidtnl: fly t E dm on dlon . Ibdt:vill(

Secrela,y: Tom F. \'oon" Jr.. AI ... n· <It. City • THE ALABAMA LAWYER

UCourt surety service no ordinary agent can match"

CIVIL COURT BONOS BY PHONE ... BY TOMORROW PROBATE. INJUNCTION. SUPERSEDEAS. REPLEVIN DISTRE SS FOR RENT. GARNISHMENT. ATTACHMENT ALL OTHER FEDERAL & STATE COURT BONDS

1-800-274-2663 MAY 1996 / 139

ABOUT MEMBERS, AMONG FIRMS ABOUT MEMBERS 5(011 OolllldlOn

aOll"lOUl'lU$

the (lptII.

ina: 01 hill offi«> al Suitt 520, The FilllllciA! Cmtu, S5(I Gl'ftnsboroA\ltIl~, P.O. 80>; 234~. TUKloIoos&, Alalwm 35403. Phone (205) 750-0098. All..., R. Striddanol 0II/10UI"Itt$ thr nlc>wion «her o/Iiets to 5330 Stldium Tna .............y, Suite 250, Birmingham. AIaha· ...... 35244. Phone (205) 733· 1303. C. BatIoer Sttin. Jr. II'I'IOU'IOI:IIht 0pIning 01 his otIitt at Delta Cmtfr. 23710 H~ 98. Suit. [)'2, /okJntrlM, AIaI:>amII 36559. The mailing addrns ill P.O. 8oJ; 1]86.36559. Phone (334) 928-9597. C. Sago 4'oM iWIOI.lIlCQ his withdrawal from tho: firm of lyons. Pipes" Cook, His new location i, 51 TKt)n Street. P.O. Ro~ 7414. Mobile, A1abamaJ667n. Phone

Birmingham. Alabama 35223. Phone (205~ 870-3655. Clark announcu the Opening of hi$ otlkt at 50S N. 2001 SIred. Sui~ 1010. Birmingham. Alabama 35203. Phont (20S~ 322-1300. Terry C. Hul(huOd announces his dtputuu from the Dl'Kolh County [)is. lria AttOffity', Offl«. His MW..sdrus i. P.O. SoJ 637. 108 Ala~1N Awnue . South. Fort 1':t)'rc.~35961. Phone (205~ 845-8884.

Lan.,

u.s.

(334) 470.(l9()2. Charlu l. Milltr. Jr. announcn the relocatioo 0( his office to ISO Go-iemmenl Strtet. Suitt lOOO-A, Mobil., Alabama

36602. The mailing address is P.O. Box 2232,36652. Phon. (3301) 433·S080. K. O...id SaW)'Oer announce. lilt optn. ina: 01 his offiu at 47'90 Cuade Road. SE. C,md Rapids, Michigan 49546. Phone (616)975-319). Ridlard H. RamH)', N atlOOIJnetS the rl loc.ation 01 hi, offICe 10 313 N. FOSler Sired. Suitt 6, Dol",", AhNma 36302. The mail,ntaddress i. P.O. Bo. 6595, 36303. Phone (33.1)792·2553. JOHPh RoIwrt Kemp VII"IOUocn t.hM he is no Iongtr ...ilh the firm of ~d P. Shq)ud. His new UlrtSl is 1601 eoe-II A,...,m, Pdl City, Alibama35 I25. Phone (205) 3311--1170. Slen;". L Odamul '''Jl(lUnCQ lhe ....inII of his offICe ~ 2000 .·int AW1Il>t. Norlh. Sui l ~ 708. Brown-~lil'll Towu. Birminl/ham. Ala~rnJ 35203. Phone (205~ 322-8066. Parn,1a J. Gooden announces lhe r,1<> ClItion of her oIIice 10 illS S. Mc~ Simi. Montl/OllWry. Alab.ima36I(1.o1. The mailing ilddrus is P.O. Box 11208. 36111. Phone (334~ 8J.t·5335. Room W. twin. Jr. announcu lhe relocation ofhisolfiet t02102·1) ~ Road.

140 / MAYI996

AMONG FIRMS Thompson &: Ca,.on announcu the relocation of their omeQ to 521 Montgomtry Highway. Sui t~ 300. Ve.lavia Ililll. Alabama 35216. Phon. (2()5~ 824· 0203. Clmpbell &: C.mpbell lfIoounces the relocation of thtir ome •• to 718 Union Hanle Tower. &0 Comrmrce Sireet. Montgomery. Alabama 36103. Th. mailing addr~ is P.O. Box 5018. 36101. Phone (334~ 262·0232. I>iInM J. 1>0\;" and 'I'ImoIby B. Dr.... annoura 1m .,..rung of Da\;" &: 1>0\;". Offices ~ located at 5l« SInd. AlI:rardrr City, AWIarni. The mailing ~ is P.O. 8011778. 35011. Phone (205~ 329-8100. B"-,, &: TUmH ~nouncu the openof MW offie.. d 3()4 S. 5th Strm. CMlsd,n. A.la~ma 35901. Pho"" (2051 546-1714. Binningl\am oIfias _located d 211 22nd Strttt, North. 35203. Phone (205~ 320·1714. Jamts . .. M.. H....... W. Cngooy BiIIIIle Ind AltdI HilIiriSmith of Mel Hu .... " Anoddu announu the ulocation of their offICe to MediW Forom. 950 22nd Strftl. N.. Suite 005, Binningham. AIahaml35Z03. Phone (205) 731·1777. Un NIII, formerly a corpor.ate altorntY lor Mid-South Credil CoIltctioM, Inc., announces that she is now working for W"Ungho.oH as the senior contract represen~ti\l! for I'.'~inghouse Remediation StrviUI. H~r new iddress is 261 Eisenhowe r L~n" South, Lomblrd. Illinois &01 48. Phon~ (7081261-7900. Angell C. Caine announce, the relo-

ina

calion ofher oIfice 10 The Benson Build· iflll, Suitt 220, 1824 29th A'..., .... , South. Binninl/h&m. AhbaIN 3520!1. and that Micllad I. rilh his joined as an lUl)(i. ate. Phont !205~ 871-6202. IUIIioo " \'"Ih..... announces , chat!#: of lIltir mlilinc IddftSS to P.O. Box 7807. Mobile. AllIbaIN 36670. The phYlical addrt:s.J will remain 2513 D.wphin Slrttl. Phone (334~ 476-5900. Pillmu. ll ooh. M.nh. O"lIon " HoIlii arvIOlUICtS that JefrRY C. RkbnI has b«omt a ~rtntI'. OffICU au louted at 1100 Park ~ Taom. 2OO11'ark 1'IlIo2. North, Birmingham, Alabllma 35203, Phorw 1205~ 322-8880. Jlllfdcy, Newt!l. Potll, Hlft " Weil l announces that S" ...n Cunnell. Smilh and Kevin F. . ...Ier.o" ha~ become members. Ire located in Mobile, Phone !334) 432·8786. Bun-" Forman announces lhal l'Ia'" M. Lawton. N.ncy L. C. rlu and H. m J. H.lbIa ha>... becomt parlr>trs. and that 11- Midlael Yarbro, CIty O. 1)mI, Palrid< C. Ntlsqn. Edwal'llll:. Chrll tiln. lI .rlan F. \I'nn , 111. C. Cregory 8,,'1"', J~rry J. CTook, II , W~n.dy L Low. C.lhori ... A. Lowlu •• Shan ....... C. Marty. and Anna L SptnCff N-... 1lKorM U$Ot'iattd with the finn. Officu lIU IocIted in Binning. ham, AtWlta and Mobile. Lloyd. M hR ibtr " Cray annouroces that 1na..1 S. 1'.'011 .... Slephen E. While....... and St ...... V. ~ ~ btccmt membe ... Offi,,, au located It Two ~rimd'" Park. South, Suite 100. Binn· inghlm. AlabilN 35243. Phone (2(l5~

omC"

961-8822. Ti .......hy L OiU,oI'll, Sttftfl It.

Coo_

lind l.awren~ T. liln, 01 OilLaI'll " r ...• .,.son announce that wilh the investilure 01 the !Ionorablo R.A. I'.......on. Jr. 10 the position of Circuit Court Judge 01 the Tenth Judio:ial Circuit of the State 01 Alabama. the nime 01 the finn has be'n cMnged. The new narm wUl M 0i11a1'll. Gooztt " 1iIng. OffIC" are IocIted at The Mauey Buil ding. Suite 600. 290 21st Stred, Norlh, Birmingham. Alab.ama 35203. Phone (205~ 251·2823. Continued OIl fX19II 142

TH£ AUl.BAMA I.AWYER

MI C HI E'S·

AI.ABAMA CODE III p.illl, 011 CD-I/OM, or oll/ill(, hrR" """" !han QIW W¥'f 10 do ~ ftS(....m. Fonun.udy. OIill on. woy!O IniiI

T,Me',

)001 f<$ta!m. Tho(, ~U$f you Cln

Michi.'s' AI. b.m. Code 1M exmi.ll ""tutory publi("I' io)n lOr ~ I.Ilinc tht ttKdium lh.ll bell folS tht nmIs of}'OO ..... }'OW ftK~"h

- boot. C).ROM, 01

onlh>t~

If J'OU :IR ""'" roml'orublt with booII rtSt.Irm. you will find Michie', f.mous ~itOrUl quolily built inlo CWty~of Mkhir''- Alabo",.

Cod •. Midiit's «Iilon ... not only I~fl-Ih¢y ... ~Ii'" In ~ng mranir¢llon"""'tion$. illligl'llfulllOlQ. and tht lII06I

rom~ ;nda)OU'~rwJ stnI.

And bta_ Michie upd.ms

tilt o:>de less ,lun 85 d;rys.tin ftCei>ing iKU from 1M Itgiilnu~ you ilI'I' ;l$SUtl'I,I of tht f:lSl~ rode IIm'i« in A1.t..m;L If J"'U pm.. rompul".~ ~ )'OIl will find this IoJIllt «Ii,oriol aprnior buill inIo

Michie'" Al.oIwn.I ~on Oiit', This usy-w.1wn CD·ROM '-In:h $)'5ImI. ~ by thr indwuy wnd.Inl FOUO'" Rareh mgine. puIS • mmpl... Alol»mo law libllry liln. lly.l )'OUr nllFnips _ indooingrut Int. roon rul ... \II( m'i«. Mk hlt',· ..... tu ..... Code.

You an all(l ..... Michie''A1.b,oml Codt on ,!If I.£XJ S" onlinr strVi«.1'or .ht IDOS1 CUfmlt aoIC

I.w. Mich..·. acl"'i .... Onli"" ConnWlon' gi.-a Ml<hi.',' Law On

Dioc' usm immtdUltiKUSS 10. spn:;..I Lf.XlS Upd.olt lilt lor I)IW low. fi>:td sut.cripc;on poi«.

In short. )'I'll CIln find stahlflllY aurlrorirr in 1M mtdium of J'I'IIr

rnoic.t./usr N ctrMin ~ a~ wing lhf "hl/""'III jrarmory authority ~ (an InIU..

""'-

_ _"--'-"--'" . _",-\\IU III

- - . ..... _ ... _ . . - ... _

............

...

...... _ _ ,,:ua-... _

... _ _ .. _ _ _ ...

""10 0'

Cor!I;nU«J from pagtl 140 CaIwIl ... Joh .. llo... C&nlMI'. Du_ & O'Nai ~ that Ric:tanI E. 1m;'

has become I port .... r. Offices Ire IcCiIled al 700 I'/lrk Pix. T(lWtr. Birmi.. ~. AWwna 35203. Phont (205) 711>-5200. Ibvid M. Own~ announcfS Ihe for· malion 0( Oun\1jl til Ru_n . Officu I~ kx:aJ:ed 111300 RMrpIace Iloulrvard, Suit. 601. h cktonvillt. I'lorida 32'2\17. Phone (904) 346-4480. SI.ploe til Johnl Ofl anOOUnc .. thai T. Robert R.hm. Jr. has btcomt associaled with tilt firm. OffICQ Irt located in Wash· ington. O.C~ I'hoeru.. """- and Moscow.

l lalld. Artndall. Bttlaole, GfU\'u til J ohlllioa of Mobile w 1inglt, Walaon til Balta of Dirmifliham ~nce th.il they "ill mt~ tht practic:a 0( the \'00'0

firms. and the ntw na .... of the firm is Hand A... nda ll, Olfictl an Iocaled in Mobile. Mont~ry. Birmingham. alld Wash ington. D.C. W,N. ",,!MIn. TtI"I)' CUI'I and Sheri W. CaM'l' artro:'lI.Inct tht f01'Tn1ltion 0( Watson, cmll &. ClNer. ' !UCCusor to W~tson & Watson. Omellart localed al 305 Grand A_Uf. S<Mh. fOl1I'aynt. AIWma 35967. I'hont (205) 84$00410. CIiIl'ord L c.m.. Jr. II1r'IOIrOCI!5 that Barbano I.ft BImtIt ""' joQd tilt finn. 0II'us Irt located at Church Slrtd P'rokssioNI Cmkr. 101 Churdl Strett. Rainbow City. Abbonv.35906. Phont (2OSl442~I02. Cro.... over. Coltman " SII.. dridg. annoolKfS Ih.it W, E.... n Milch.1I has bocomt I por1 .... r. OffiCfS art IcCiIltd II 2600 71h Str ut. 1'.0. tl ox 2507. TUKaloou. Alabama 35403. J'hone (205) 349·1727. Jodr 8. Hlnlon. Jr, and Philip S. Cidiere, Jr, am1()UlKt lilt fOl'lTllOtion of Cidiert" lli nton. Abo. Sltven K. Htrn don has bt<::omt wodaltd wilh 1M finn. ~ art Iocattd .. I 60 Commtru Slrm. Suilt 964. MontlOmtl'Y. AIlIbimI36I04. Phont (3:W) 834·9950.

Tfd L ~ lind c.y J. Bont iII'OI'IOtII'a tht /ormation of Bont til Mann. 0Ifica:art IcCiIted II 756 W.. lnul Strttt. P.O. Boll 8433. Clldsdtn. Alabama 35902. Pho ... (205) 543·1244. Tabtr &I FoI ..... annouras that A. KeUi WIH and Mk hotl Rounlrte havt joined the firm in the new Monlgormry office. 142 / MAVI996

localtd , 1200 Interstal. P~rk. Suile 237. I'eny fl ill R~, Mont~ry. Alabama 36109. Phont (334) 270.$291. PiercI, Co .... Alfol'll. lAdyvd &: uttl announo:tS Ihli Can.II ... W.!b 11 _ hIos joined tht firm. Officts u~ loc~t~d al 1110 Monttimar OJM. Suitt 900. Mobik. Alabama 36009. Phont: (334) 344-5151. Domlftlck. Flttcher, ~·tilding. "" oocI til Lloyd annoulKts th.1t Judy Bateman Shtpwrl has ~ a rmmbtr. OffiCfS , ... Iocalfd al 2]21 Ilighland AwnllO:'. Birm· ingha.m. Alabama 35205. Phone (205) 939·0033. ."!Irt C. Monlltl announces thai KIth· Ittn A. tll'OWII. formtrly qf o.:v.rr~"" &: '!"'!(riaI"" hIos becomt an associale O«ia:s have bttn rrloaltd to 57..a Cormichatl PukwloY. Suitt E. MonlgOmtry. AIabaJnI, 36 t 17. Phont (3:W) 277-7525. Smilh. Spiru til PecIdy iIMOUnctS tiJat Thomu CoItman, Jr. hM bKomr: a """'" btr. Olfku .. rt Iociltd .1 650 Financial Cmltr. 50S N. 20Ih SIMI, Birmingham. Alabamlo 35203. Phont (205}251-5885. AdlmI til Reat iUInO\lnctS that "'~dIiam E. Prltchartl. III has btcome a partnu. Offices art locattd in New Orleans. Baton Roogt. Mobilt. Ilowton;md Washington. D.C Rl\u til i>ftmon IIUlOUIJOeS that ~ C. Footer. EugrnLo. llo(amllWl.. Mum", and Rhonda PltlJ CIwnbtq hI\Ot bKomr: mtmbtn. Offictl art located at 1700 F'inanc:W Ctntn. 50S N. 20th Strm. Hi ..... intl'wn. Alabama 35203. Phont (205) 328-8141. Lan , •• Slmp.on. Robinlon " SomtTVllle annoulKu that Ntll Riwrtl Clemenl. E. Dtrton SIItnct. William B. St,..."rt. Oa~ld J. Dukt. and JI .... I C. Pennington have btcomt partners. Offices are 10000ted in Montgomery. Birmingham and Hunli,illt. W.ll h til Kall announcts that Philip Dalt Stgrul. Jr.. ro ..... rly law derk \0 Judge Marion T. Dmnttt qf tht United St.ilts Court qf ~at. ror tilt Ftdtral Circuit. has joil'ltd firm. OIIkts all' IcCiIted .. 120 S. Rivt~i'" PI.ua. 2211d Floor. Chicago. Illinois 60606. Phon. (312) 6$$.1500. Donna WUlon Small.,. and uun~ "'i bon·C.... annoullu 1M /ormation qf Smalley til Ca .... OfflCts art Ioatod ~t 601 Crtensboro Avenue. Fir~1 Floor Aliton Building. TuscalOO$;l. AI~b;!ma 35401. Phone (205) 758·5576.

I""

Sc hotl. 011 •. Ben ton &: C.nlo no announct. th.il Da" ld O. U,.h... hn btc.omt I mtmbtr at tht finn. 0/f1Ct'S art Iocil<d at 600 Financial Ctnltr. 50S N. 20th Strttt. BifTTlinlham. AIaIwna 35203. PI>ont (205) 521-7000. Mary Ann Sbdchoutt. bmtrIyat Floyd, KtmfT. C..imano til Roberti, iIMOW'ICts Iht Is now i dfJNty law dirrctor in tho 01'1'1.« of tht Cownly Law Oiredor. Knoxvillt, T...... I5«. Her ...... addrtsJ is 400 M~jn St rtet. Suitt 612, City·County Uuilding. Knonoille. Tenn.ssee 37902· 2405. Phone (423) 215·2327. Feld. Hyde. l yle &: Wtrthelm.. an· """"""'" that J. Fred Kin,."n has joined tht finn. 0IJic0:I an koted a 2JOO South· 8ridg.e Parkway. Suit. 590. Birmingham. ~ 35209. PI>ont (205) 802·7575. Cregory O. Crimn. Sr. iltVIOIlnctl hll dtpor1urr from 1M Offiee at tht AlIOIM)' ~raI and !hat he II lilt ~t· ed grnrraI f;ll)URKllor 1M AbIwna 80m of Pardon. and ParoIcI. His ...... mailin2 addrtu is SOO Monroe StUd. l.urlttn 8. Wallace Building. Mont~ry. Alabama 36130. Phont (334) 242·8710. Benn.tt l. Bu"'n announces he has Idl. Parsons & Sutton and is now with lilt Office of lhe Districi Attornry in Tusa· 1000.Alabama. His ...... adduu is om~. of tilt Diltrict Attornt}l. SiKth Judicial Circuit 01 Alabama. 410 County Court· ~.1'u$a.1ooa. AWwna 35401-1894. Phone (205) 349. 1252. F... _ PuRrTanbnley has acupt. ed tht position of COI'I'4llianct officer with Southrru,t BanIr of AlabamA. Her lNi~ng addms II P.O. Boll 2SS4. Birmingham. Alabama 35209.1'hont (2l.l5) 254·5543. For4 & Alloda tu annOunc • • that Bradlry W. Comttt has btcome associ· aled with the firm. The addren is 645 Walnut Str.tt. Suite 5. P.O. BOK388. Cadsdtn. Alabama 35902. Phon. (205) 546·S.32. DtrkowIu. Ltl'kovill, loom" KUlhn· er arroouncts !hat AIIdrtw J. Nts. "'.... lOa E. "'~dIiamt. ttl and ~ C. Hu(htI l'Iavt btcomt mtmbtrS 01 tilt firm and Ih.il N. ~ Rot....1lnIch .... brcomt an iWOCialt. TIlt addms is 1600 SouthTf\lSt Towrr. 420 N. 20th StrHI. Di ..... in.h.im. Alabama 35203·3204. Phont

""ox

(205) 328-0480. Rkhartl Bnlbar1 ind David N. lichl· tn.ltl n announce the formal ion of Continued Q1I pag;! 144 THEAl....BAMA LAWYER

r-----------------------------------, i Especially For

know your time is \'lI~bIt, SOwe'KCOOIe n;u IOIh1:> poinl Did you koow)'OUl ~p : in IhI:> Avis AiIociation Program mtides)'OlllO I holt 01 special : Aviss~"iiceund diso:I:J.InlSlhltan Avtyou 1oIJ00bme W~

Alama State Bar Members

$15 Off Avis Weekly Rates!

VldIJlOMy?

For insIJnce, you're eligible lor sa';np 01 10% oft Avis Supe!Valut Weekly !ltes. 5% oil ~I rates and 5" 011 Avis Mini-/a$e !lIe ~ff!Illtlltais at IH ~ipaling Uali(:Q. Shop aroond. Yoo11 find A,is bas somt o/!he Iowt5I rates in the industry. And with the A,is Wllard 5)sIem. you an rteeive om best available /ale when you mention you r Avis Worldwide Discount (AWO) number: ,1.530100.

_ ....--.---._---.....---:.,., ...... .....

Avis a~ bas excllirtg. !leW inllO'o"<ltive!tr'oi«:s designed to keep you on the 1110'01!. flightChed- oilers you u])'«)/lle minute ftighl inlormation rigbI in ow cal' ~ lot. compIeIe _------_ witIIa COfIIIlUIer prink:JJ1 aI major ~rport IotaJ.Jon5. And Route N..1plOf':' i'I'iilable it seIed ilirport Ioca6cm. is I poil'll-lOJlOil'll ~ $)'Slem 111M I)IO'riCIIs you wiIh ....K....... ' ~ 10 multiple de!.tinallons on iI COIOflII~ IOUCMmtn map and pnnts 0lIl )'OUI requested inlormatioo in iIeCOIIds! Isn~ ~ I reliellO know !bat A,is II\OI'es juslas I.w IS you do? For IlIOI\' inlormatiQn and R'!IeMlions, eallin em~ 0/ Avis at: l.8lJO.83 I.sooG. And remem oo to menlion your Avis L _______________________________ _ _ _ _ Wor1dwide Diseoont (AWO) number: ,1.530 100.

-_-- -

---------

...

AV'$

Ol _ _

,,, ,, ,,, ,,,

c....

Tl-n: AlABA."IA u\\WER

MAY 1996 / 143

About ...m IM.... A - . FI..... Ccntinwd from page 142

BI'riIut" Uchl ....ttin. otIices in local· ~ aI 651 8&con 1'Mkwll)'. \I'm. Suitt 115.

BirminQtwn.~l5209. ~

(205) 945·2202.

l..i&Jrtfool. FnnIdin " Whitt ~ that \\,UiI", II. Kina. III and \\i llilm S. Cox. III IIaw btcOml' meml)(n 01 tilt firm. omces ~re Iocal~ .t 300 Finan<:ial Center. 505 20th Stlft!. North. Birming· IIam. Alabama 35203. Phone (205) SSI. 0700. T~ " S mith ml"lOUfl<eII that Almft

B. Bogud Ns become iWOciated with the lirm. om," Ire Ioo:at~ at 300 1'1. 21st Stud. 600Tille Building. Birmingllam. AIabunlo 35203. ~ (205)252 ·3000. Byrd " S""nnr anromea iNt C~ gory B. M<CaIa Ns become I partnl:r iIOd the.- name is 8ynI. 59<:""'" " /IkCoia. Offices in locMed.t 211 W. Main Strm. Suile I . Ooth.vl. AIahama.. The mailing i>ddrw i, P.O. 801 536. Dothan 36302.

I'hooe (334) 7901 ·0759. BBdfon! <It Oonahue Innoun<:a tllal J. Paul Sbemore and John Cox Webb. V IIave b«ome IIIwci.led with the firm. OfftCU in oottd at 21()1).A SouthB~ Parkway. Suite 585. Birmingllam, Alabama 35209. Phone (205) 871·7733. IIom"g._th " All a ;"1" announces lhit Jill T. KlrIt and OtnnlJ R. WO\..... haw II«onw ~ilttd with the firm. Offices ~n local..! at 15 S. 20th Stred.. Suitt 1100. Birmi~ AIablmo 35233.

Phone (205) 323·2226. John C. Scherf. IV. Rkk E. Criffin and 8rent \1'. I)o.id announc. Iht forlNlion ol Schtrl, Criffin & Dr.i.J. Offices are located at 2122 First A\ltnue. Norlh. Birmingham. Abbama 35203. Phone (205)

324-9991. Unlor, Ford. ShMr" I'ayBt iIIV"IOUIICt$ lhit Jdfrey T. "'Ity ilIld Plul A. Pat. ~ b«omt ""I'mbtn ilIl<\ Cretory M. faubt, Rld wl Stir lI _ rcl and Melin a J. haw btc:oInt 1SSOciata. OffiCf:$ are loaolfd ot 200 Wat Court Squ.n. Suite 5000, IIunUvillt, Abbama 35801. Phone (205) 53$.1100.

lAo.,

Pa\ •• l.-b, lJo)od <It Flalto.. ilMOIIrlCtS that Julia TTuudtli eom",n has btoJme partntr and \\i llilom R. IAwIJ is now of counHI. The new name is Pate. I.ewi $. Lloyd, FUlton" Co-chroll. Offices ~re

144 1 MAV 1996

Iocaled ~t .00 Tille Buildil\ll, 300 21st Sired, Norlh. Birmingham. AI~b<lm~

35203. Phone (20!0) 323-3900. Annbndlt. J~. l"It.'Iouy, ~. IIolmu " R,nu announces lhit Clif. ron! C. Brady and Richard W. Fnnldin M."t ~ members.. otIices an: Iocat· .d ~t 1300 Am$ooJlh Center. P.O. Box 290, Mobile. Alabama 36601. Phon. (33-4) 405·1311.

J ohn. ton •• Adami, Ballt)'. Cordon" lIaml ~nnounca that Robtrt S. Frost ha$ b«Oml: a ml:mbtr. Offices a",localt<lal 1()4 St. Fr~ncis Strut. Royal SI. Francis Buildina. Mobil •. Alabama 3660Z. Edwlrd B. Parkn. H llnd II. Otl n Mooly, Jr. Innoun<:t Iho fOrml.tion of Plm-r " Mooty. ilIl<\lht ;wocialion of R. Stan McEvoy and PI ... P. Tolehlny. ()II';Cf:$ 1ft located at 23S S. Court Strm.. Montgomtry,AIbmo 36014. The mail· ing ~ddru. i. P.O. Box 4992. 36103· .992. Phont (334) 264·(1400. AlHlrrw P. Campbell and Jonathan H. Wall n announce Ih. formation of Cfompboll &I Wi ller and tllat Oa.id M. Loper and Chari .. M. Elmer have joined the firm III usociales. Offices are lo-cated at Suite 330, 2000·A South· Bridge Parkway, Birmill/ltwn. Alabama

35Z09·1303. Rofen. r oo",," Wolbt. ln announcrs

that Patridr P. U""", h;os bm:mo I part. ntr. Tht firm's ntW name .... 11 bt Rogen. \·O\l.o&, WoU, t,ln .II 1I.,p... 0IIicu ...;11 mnain at Suil. 1100. IVilliamKJll Com. merce Cenler, 801-30 Noble Stre.t. Anniston, ~ 36201. Phone (205) 235·2240. Bruc. Maddox announcH thai Mary-ann. Mellro h.u joint<llhe firm as an usodale. omce. are reloaolt<l to Szg S. Perry Str •• !. Suite 12·A. Montgomtry, Alabama 36104. Phone (334) 264-7200.

Oouglaa J. Fruannounca \hal Valerio

,\(orr. Klmberiyn P. Maloneand om, h~v.

W. Co,.in , 111

jointd th. firm. Offi,a Ir. loaoted ~t 401403 Mldison Slmt. lIuniMl1e. Abbima 35801. I'hono (205)

536-1199.

E a, lon " Johnl lon announcn lhat Pltrldi: O. PinlutOll Ns b<comr ~ mml' ber ohM firm. Tho.- name .. Eniitn. J obotton" Plnbton. OffICes IIU Iocaled It 499 S. Main Streel. Wdumpka, AJi,bama 36092. Phant (334) 567·2545. Woodall &I Maddox .nnOunCn thai Thomu A. Woodall has bten appointed a circuit court Judge lor Ih~ 10th Judi· cial Circuit. and tilt firm "".... i. now i'la660x. Au . tm " Pannu. Offices au ootN ~t 3821 Lorna !Wid. Suile 101, Birminsham. Alabama 35244. Phon.

(205) 733·9455. Moolodonico. Hamilton" AItmaD annoonces that Jolin Oanlol Rt~''''" has btcotm ilIl _ _ ;"te. OKtCU IIU Iocaled ~t 5301 Msconsin Avtnut. N.W~ Suite .00. Wlihingi on. O.C. Phont (202)

364·1434. Lyonl , Pipe. " Cook ~nnounces that Carolln. C. McCa rthy, Kennet h A. Nbon . Dan iel S. CUlhln., Allen E. Cl'lhlm. and Michae l C. Nlemeyo-r have b«omt members. and M.ry La\l.ren Lemmon , J. Murphy Mc.'IIUiIn. III and S. W.. 1oy Pi"",. V ~ become ;woe;. ~tu. Offic($ n. Iotatt<lat 2 N. Royal Stnd, Mobil., Abhima 36602. PI>o!w: (334) 4324481.

C. I'Il ll ;"ml Oa'"tnport, an administrlltiw I..... judg. for tho U.S. mu t ~nd formerly a $enior trill attornty for the Equill Employmtnt Opportunity Commi"ion in Birmin,ham. announcu thai hil new address is U.S. So-cial Security Administration. om,e of Hearings ... Appeals. 4&0 Mall Boulev~rd, Sa,·annah. Georgia 31 406. Phone 1912) 6524302. •

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L ETTER TO THE EDITOR " " - allow this lou .. 10 50 .... as OIl opOIof)IlO tho ........... '" tho .......... &rlor my ~......,.. mil' """" 1dIod·

N upOn Iho Bot 'or my f.iture 10 m.

-~ The lWOO$ which I lumod from my ..""ri<",e hIo,. oomo.1 .n <llr.m.ly high pria. I did not fully naliu tho siaJlif·

ieInr:e rJ".-. It is ","""",,iw thM ..m. ....., do not lilt a ~um be __ rJ tho ancquo:nceo. I do not wIsh..m. \o ..... tao tho_ apt.Ie"c, whlch I """" ",Kk,!/OI'" Jo/Ino)' M. !Moe. SaraIand. ............

TIlE AL.\8AMA lAWYER

BUILDING ALABAMA's COURTHOUSES BULLOCK COUNTY COURTHOUSE Bg SA'lfUEL A RUMORE, JR.

Thll {ol/owing continues a Iris/or, of Alabama's cormlll courthouses- Ihelr origins and lOme oIt"" prople u'/Ia con· tributed /0 1M'" grou:/h. TM AI"N",. ".~

phms 10 nul

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in..w. iWM oIlM nHlgalfflt. "6OU hoLY anV pho/ograpiu 01 ftlrlV (}I' r-JerI( courl~ ~ fOTward litem 10: Samutl A. fr .. Miglioniro If

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1231) Brown Ma rx Tower, Binnmg/ram, AJaIJoma35203.

BULLOCK COUNTY

I 11

ullock County ..~ in theAW:>I,. SSth county tstablio.hrd IN. Like 15 other Alabama counties. its t~i'ttnct began afttr tht Civn Wa r. Y.1. it$ signinunt • •

history began much tea,li ••. TM arn lila! is present-day Bullock County is looted in the Ulrtme IOUth· "" wdion 01 the iormt". C.«k lndilll WKb. Aft •• ,he 1'Tu.ty 01 Fort J",duon in 1814. the Indians caIcd lho _em portion 01 the (ulun county tG the Unit t<! Sl.iIta. Thi$ lorritory became ~rt 01 Montgomery County.•Itablish.d in 1B16. and Pike County. utablishtd in 1821. In a ncond t ..aly, the T..a\)l or ClWtl.:i 011832, the Indiaru gaw up the ustern portion of Ihe fulure Bullock Counly. This portion wu divided ~Iw.en &arbour Counly ,nd Mllcon Counly which were bolh crealed on ~r'llMr

18. 1832.

Though Indi~ns liWl! in the Bullock

County i'fll. thil I",rilory Will not thickly stilled. There w~re no mAjor Indiln Ktllemenu Or villages. The most THE ALABAMA LAWYER

land of the Black Belt re8ion. South of the ridge il the undy s oil of the Wires",u na;on. Within the c;ounty, lhe ridit marks the w:ote-rslwd bounduy nI four riw, bui"" Str&rru 1Iowi"ll off the ridSe tntt> the Coosa · Tallapoosa, Chattahoo chee, Conecuh. or I'u Riwn. The 10urce of water on the ridge gllv. Ihe county'. lug.. t town ils name. When 1ft· U.n ~gan moving into thtllrelO shortll' afte r the Truty of 1832. !My original. ll' named the prind· paI.wttItmml SprinQ Camp beuus. of nnt ~ a...dI efu.;"" ~"'_,._." _ _ _ _ tht the und.rgrOl,lnd springs tNt provid· nnt-.tc-,c-t. ed them w:iIler. In 1S35 tho residents significanl Indian Klivily to take place diSW'JtrW that springs on the north side within the conr.nes of present·day Bulof the smltment _ro actually united lock Counly was II battle fou8ht near with springs on the south 1;1lt. forming Midway in January 1837. This engage "'""' undtrground spring. Thus the com· ment preceded Ihe Indi,n rtrrlOVal 10 munity on ChunnenuallU Ridge Ihe Wut 'nd mlTked Ihe liit bailie x'!uirW lhe name Union Sprinp. The whit. men fought with Indians on I..... n. 10elled 1I that tim. in Ma(on County, _ incorpor.attd in 1844. AlWmII soil. Prumt-day Bullock Coooty is rooghll' Th. Union Springs aru btcllme nOI divided into two PITIS by Ihe Chunonly II «nlff for JlIriculture bulllliO (or nfnugge. Ridge, -Chunnenugg.." is II education lind refinement. 1lIo new KICreek Indian word muning -long lle" ClIme from the Carol inas. Virginia. ridge." North of lhe ridge II the prairie and Cf(lrgill. They brought wilh them ~IAY

1996 / 145

the idea ls of a cultu red .ociety. Two of their first projects were to build a lemale coll~ge and a school for boy$ on Chunnenuggee Ridge. The citiulIS took pride in these imtitutions. Perhaps lIle most significant example of their cultu ral activity took place on

throughout the ,..,gion for mIIny ~ars. The fair and a pOrtion of the garden h/I~ been revived today. By 1858 Union Springs was still a small place. numbering les.s than 100 ruidenti. !t had two storu and one church. In that yur. the MobHe and

name Bullock to memor;ali~e ~:dward C. Bullock. r:dward C. Bullock was born in Charleston, South Carolina. on Deeem· ber 7. 1822. Hi. falller was a merchant who had come to South Carolina Irom Rhode hland. Bullock gradu.ted from Harvard in 1842 and moved to Eufaula. Alabama the nu l year . He spent two y...ars teaching and reading law. In 1845 he was admitted to the Alabama Bar. He initially entered a partnership with John A. Calhoun. nephew of South Carolina Senator and Vice· President John C. Calhoun. and then practiced with the Eufaula firm oIl'ugh. Bullock. and Bufo rd. James lawrence Pugh would later Serve M a United States Congr... man and Senator from Alab:!_

Young t:dward Bullock als.o engaged ;n polities. He W"'l elected to the slate Senale in 1857 and S<trved until 186!. He deliver.d a formal add reS. of weIcom. to Jefferson Davis when Davis arr;wd in Montgomery for his inaugu· ration as Pre.ident of the Confederacy. II"hen wu broke out. BullOCk resigned his seat in the Senate and enlisted in the Eufaula Rifle! as a private. When the 18th Alabama Regiment ",·as orga. nized. he was appOinted its colonel. While stationed in Mobile he contracted typhoid fe...er and died at Montgomery

March 6. ISH. On that day a gTOOp of men and women met to establish the Chunnenugget Horticultural Society. On March 31. 1847. the group passed a resolution to establish a "public gar. den". A five-acre plot at Puchburg became Alabama·s first public garden. and the Chunnenugg« Society became one of the first horticultural .ociotie. in the South. Each ~ar the organization held the Chunnenugget ~I ay I'air. Activities included exhibitions on gardening, the awarding of pri""s, and concerts. People Came from all over. drawn by such att ractions as the garden·s "Lover'. Knot" m.u. On the grounds were a garden house and an exhibition house which contained a large salon. a dining room, a hall. and an open pavilion. This event. held in a rural Alabama locale. was quite popular with citizen. 146 1 MAY 1996

Girud Railroad was completed through the t"",·n . II.< future significance became mor. certain ",·illl the arrival of lhe rail· road. Later. a second hne. the Montgomery and Eufaula Rail road. would pass through Union Springs. making it a rail center willi f,..,ight and passengers moving in four directions. After the War BetWEen the Stales, the economic and .ocial conditions in the area were at. low ebb. Road conditions WEre deplorable. During the rainy season. roads we re so bad that the re.idents of the area WEre cut off from their ..spective county suts of Tuskegee. Montgomery. Troy. or Clayton. Poor roads were the single m",t .ignificant factor that led to the creation of a new county carwd from portions 01 ~Iacon. Montgomery. Pike. and Barbour counties. The new county W"'l .stablished on December 5, 1866. It WM given the

on (}ff.,mber 23, 1861. at the age of 39. Bullock·s life and service to Alabama were cut short. Hi s lormer partner . Senator James I,. Pugh. said of him: "He was the best organized man I ever knew. His temper and taste were per· feel. His whole nature was genial, refined. and gentle. Hi. mind wa. ,..,markable for its activity and brillian· cy. Hi. personal integrity and devotion TIlE ALAlIAMA LAWYER

10 principle. duty. and lrulh were very

striking. Ile was .. fine I~r Ind an .. ble IdVOClle; and hi ' high penon .. 1 charlcter. honorible rnot ... re. and irre· sistible wil ~nd elegance made him .. lawye r ~nd ,tatuman of a. high promi$/: ;u any man who ever hwd in Abb,ima." The AlaI>Ima Legisl"t ... re of 1866 agr«d ",illl that ISSeSSmtnt Ind rnomed the new county established in IOUlheut Alabam:io for Colonel B... llock. The Ac t creating Bullock County named Jam~. T. Norman. Joel T. Crawford. and Malachi Iwy ;u commission· ers 10 hold In election for the $/:lection of county officers Ind .. counly $tal IOCllion. The election took plaer in 1867 and Union Springs became Ihe C(lunly seat. Union Springs i, cenlnlly locatw in Bullock Coonly: in addition. itl position on the nil1Wlliine ,ignifi. until' enhnced its nmp .. ign to become the county Kit. The nut WIc for tM new county was to find a pba 10 coodud public b ...i. na.!. The FiTSt 8ap.ist Church of Union Spril\lll wa..\ cho..n. It IIad been establi shed in 1849. Its original frame build· ing dated (rom 1850. And itl prUfnt brick .Iruclure wn ori gin.Uy con· Ilructed in 1860. The Committ •• on Renting Ch ... rch PrOJXrty reported 10 1M membership on April 6. 1867. thai il had renud the church', buemenl auditorium 10 the counly for UH as ~ co ... rtroom. Certain repair. and alter· lOtions ha.d to be mW. and tM county iir«d to pay for all impTCM:mtnu pro"ided that Ihei. COlt would $tN' U rent. On Ihnt cooditions. Iht counly Ind Ihe church .ntered into .. rental contnet through Ihe yn. 1868. One 10,,1 hi.torian humorously claimed thai Ihe county I/O'o'emment headquar· ten. though located ... nderground. had 1M ~tage ol being in .. tempi •. and the probM. judgo had the church ........ him. ....twthtr or not il wu behind him. In November 1867. Thom.u Pullum lind hi, wife deeded to \he B... llock County Comm'$.Iion a lot lor a courthouse and jail. M.M. Tye of Union SprinQI wu selecled as IIrchitect and builder. The county initially awropriat· ed $31.000 for Ihe cour\houl( con· llruction; """''nItr. tIK pro;ecl did not get underway for _n! yeaTS. Firnolly. in Aug .... t 1871. th( cornerstone of the <;Qurthouse was l1id .... ith the approTilE Al..A8A.\.iA lAWYER

prille pomp. ceremony. aTld Muonic ntUi!. Coins. "I""'IoPlIpers and other artiflltts .... cre placed in the cornultone. Mem· bers of the Bullock COllnty Bar wrote mtssagu on Iheir businus cardl lor inclusion. Two IWmplCl lollow.

-,..,5-

.'r •• _ f w ....... "'HtJr.

On the card olH.C. Tornpkins: "'To the lut ... re genuatio .... Sreeling. You may have advanced far beyond us in lilera· Ilirt. in Jcience. and in 1ITt, but you Qll never tlnl us in coul'iIit on the billie· fitId.1IMI in patimct: under suffering.' On the card 0( Colonel RH. p.,..~n: "'To fllture genenlions. greeting. For my Icnli m enlo In the cord of my brother. Henry C. Tompkins."

Alier tM ceremontts. tM gatMred cilimll procc:sstd to lhe Ma.5onic lodgo where lhe Imt in gonial hospi\lllity"''IS disperued. according to tM accoonu of 1M day. TM rnurlhoose wu ready for occu· plncy in September 1872. A ~r o(thallime described tIK tdiro«;u 101· lows: "Symmttricll in design. the build· ing i. a two-story red brick IlruClure wilh an end gable roof. The main fea· ture il Ihe three·story Second Empire slyle tow.-:rs flanking the front entrance. The towers t opped with ciu.icli mansard roof. form j recused portico 1m on both the forst and second floor. Tht offieel open from j central hall wilh the courtroom Iotittd in 1M rear 0( the second floor." The Second Empire style ....... popu· lari«:d by French ~rchiltcu d... ring 1M reign of Napoleon III. 1852 to 1870. and wu much ulitiud in Ameria. ... ntil tht 18801. Tht Execulive Office Building in Washington D.C. is In eltlfl>ple 0( Ihis Ilyle. In AI~bama. Ihe Coou Co ... nty Courthouse .... as originally deligned in the Second Empi •• slyle. but lat .. chlngn hay. IIltered lOme of il. [n·

'"~ Another compuision

belween the Bullock County Courthouse and the COOI.lI County Courthouse i, that nei· ther hal a court 5qlllre. MOIl pre·l9OQ cOll rlh o.... el wer. tithe r b... ilt in Ihe middle of a Iraditiornol COl.lrt square or IIIey face /Ill open 11_ or court square. Thtu two courthouses wert buill flush ag.ainst the sidewalk in lheir rnpecl ..... lownl. detracting IOmewhit lrom Ihe concepl that j courthouse should be lhe center of attention in a community. Nevtrth.te". Ihe Bullock County Coorthouse is a Wi:1I-pr~Md example 011 po.t·bellum courlhou$t. Due 10 innltion, the final COlI 0( the building WId iIppfO:Iimaltly $60.000. This struclure 11 an IIrchileclunl "eUtlr. for I lmall. runl Alabama county. It wu a I}'mbol of community pride when ron· strueted and remains one loday. It should be noted thai the first public building in the new Bullock Counly wu lhe county pil completed in 1868. Thil building .. Nod tht co ... nty for almost 3(J years unlil lhe secood county pil was bllill in 1897. Thi. "ruclll" ;. archit~cturally ,ignifi(lnt in il. own right.

MAY 1996 1 147

Thr 1897 j~il i. located behind the ~mong other factors. this project ne>er mIIt.ri~lized. courthou"" and was built by the Pautq Jail Company of Montgomery. It cost On October 8. 1976. the Bullock $7.250. This three·.tory jait is unique County Courthouse Historic l)istrict because of its castt~ · like appearance. tt was ~ntered on the National Register of Historic Plac ... The courthous.< togethwas constructed in the Victorian Gothic .tyte. The dark. rt<.! brick struc· tu re has smatl .•quare.shaped brick turrets on each of t~ four corners toppW with spiked .mtal caps. The II/Illows and trap door for hangings remain on the third 000'. This building deterioratr4 ow. the ye.rs and was replact<.! by the third county jail which was completed in 19M. The old jail building is leased by the Bullock County Historical Society. which may one day esl.1lbli,h a local museum there. Th e .~terior of the Bullock County Courthouse has chllnged lit\l. since it was constructed . Howe""r. th.re haw bttn reno,·ations and repairs made to the building ovtr the )'t'ars. In 1954, the County Commission authoriud $10<1.00<1 to remodel the courthouse. The contract was awarded to Hende .. on. Black. and Creen of Troy. The electrical sub-contract went to Floyd Plumbing and E:ledrical Company of Union Springs. The architect was Carl Cooper of MontgoINry. This project included the con· strudion of side wings on both sides of the building that blend· ed with the architectural design of the structure. Th... additions are one·story in height and were built to house the ta~ collector and tax ..... >.>Or office,. Other improvements included Jail (/891/ foIIouWtg u /<maI mI<I4'I1/ion new wiring. a new heating plant. a safety vault for sto rage of county record.. and >and blasting of the er with 46 other buildings located along uterior. As an aside. the vault room Prairie Street in Union Springs was built around a large iron safe. Thi. recognized for their historic~1 signifi. safe cannot be removed without tearing cance and because. together. they out a wall of the vault. retained the appearance of a I~te 19th In t972.. proposal was made to build Century county seat town. This designa· a new courthouse and jaH complex and tion heightent<.! interest in preserving the historic character of 1M district. to conwrt the old courthouse into an office building. The ~rchitectural firm Another significant ...... nt took place in the 191\0$ when the Bullock County of Sherlock. Smith, and Adams of MontPlanning Commission obtained a gomery submitted plan. for the project. However. due to high cost utimatu, matching survey .nd planning grant

w.r.

14 8 1 MAY 1996

from the Alabamll Historical Commission for a Main Str.et Revitalization Project. The result was publication of a Guide for Downtown Union Springs, Alabama. Thi. book gave spKific pro· posal. to each property owner on restoring and preserving the his· toric properties. "'II Thi. project atso focused alten. tion on the maintenance of the courthouse. In the earlf 1980s water-damaged plaster in the courtroom was replaced aft .. roofs and leaking gulleTS were .. p~ired. The two third.floor room. in th~ tower, we re al.o cleaned and made available for storage after the roofs were repairt<.!. Bullock County Commi .. ion Administrator Syh-ia Dismukes related two interesting incidents concerning a nasty problem in the courthouse. For years the building was infested with bat. and pigeons. Their droppings "eated a foul odor. At one point tile coun ty purchased a BB gun to eliminate the pest problem. This purchase was questioned by the State Examiner of Public Accounts as a personal expense. but was approved when the exam · iner learned the use for the pur· chue. Later. it was discovered that the bats in the courtllouse were of an endangered species. They could not be killed. Therefore. accord. ing to Mrs. Dismuke •. the county used ultrasonic devices to repel the creatures. Ultimately the remaining bats hIld to be removed by hand and set free in another location. The clean·up in the courthouse of the bat and bird refuse thllt had accumulated over tile years was a monumental undertaking. tn 19M. the historic marker in front of the courthouse was officially un,.. iltd. 0"" of the key .upporters of the courthouse pr~rvation effort was Dist r ict Judge Dwight Hixon. He summed up the sentiments of the citi.tnry On that occasion when he made the following remarks: ·PH.. ",ation of Our courthouse is an ongoing responsibility which the Countf recognizes THE ALASAM.A LAWYER

must bt continutd without undut nptnu (or tht prtHnt. and without cu~lIng In txptlUNt burdtn of restoration or r~locemtnl (or our futurt g¢n. enotions.Unfortunately. Judg. Hixon did not Hvt 10 SH the cornplole r.modeling of the courthouso:. Tht: county awarded a contrlOCl to Goodwyn. Mills. lind Cawood, Inc.. archilects (.om Mon lgomuy, to duign intuiO, ronovation plaru and to make tht courthoust hand· iCllpped accessible with the addition of ~n tln-ato •. The building contract was aWI.ded 10 Conllruclion Con.ull.1.nll, also of Montgomery. Tht cost of th. projtct was SI.2 mi11ion. Funding camt from 10nt million dollar bond issue whtu rtp'yment was HCUrW by $ales tu moni .. pledged until Novtmbtr 2010. Al so. tht county applitd $200.000 to tht project from a Community ~I· opmtnt Block Gnnl awarded by Iht

The newly Ul100YlFttd courlhoust inte· r;or r~rutnli II rtINTklblt transfor' mation from thoe pTtllious interior. ~ courthou$l' i. thoroughly modem; how· n 'tr. in rowgnition of the past. enlarged hi.lork pholo, of Union Springs and BullO(k County grllCt the wlill •. All

HISTOR ICAL

UNION SPRINGS. Al .

Stat.oI.~

Whilt the courthouso rmowotion tool< pixt, III rounty offices I1lCMd to the old Cowikee Mins building on Abercrombie Street. Th. county had purchaud thi. property many yea .. before. This structure Hrvetl as the Bullock County Anna 8uildillJl for awroxiINtely 13 monlhs unlilillt projtct WIllI complt1td. The ribbon.cotting «remony for lilt MWIy rtmodeled courthouse took place on Sunday, May 17, 1992, at 2 o'clock p.m. A crowd estimated at 500 persons hurd tht COmmtntJ of John Will WattTs. thon chairINn of the County Commission mel Lot.. probate judge of Bullock County. Tht honor of cutt ing thoe ribbon al the «rtmony _ given to Mr!. Oul.n. Hixon, widow of Judge Hixon. who had cared so much about the tradition. of Iht courlhoust and worked to ..", il

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includtd rtp'ir:s 10 the lellky roof lind lhoe repla.cement of matching bricks to rutort lhoe structurc', historic appear. ance, Cost of tht repain was $.50.000. wilh the county only PIIyinQ tht $2.500 insurance deductible, The 187l Bullock County Coul'tho:.>uw still stands today in Union Springs. It an $1'''''' as iIIl ocelltnt rgmplt of succusful historic prt$l'rv.otion /0' otlltr communitits. lI~r, to be 'UCCt"'· ful. as evidenced by tht Hurricane Opal re~in. Ihe proceu ofpreJtMlion musl COIUIantiy continue. Tho lIlthor nprusu thanks to Union Sp rinQs altornty l ynn IV. Jinks, III; Sylvia Dismukes. adminiSlrlltor of the Bullock County Commission; and Annie Mae Turner. formerly of Iht Bullock Coun ty Development Authority. lor their help with info"",,,tion uSf<i in thi. article. •

'lA>iMI!<C

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office$ ptrtaining to the COUTli and th~ courtroom are locattd on the stcond noor. Tht probatt judgt, shtriff. revtnut rommissiontr. and boord of regiltnTl lift located on tilt ma,n 1Ioor. n.. coun ty commission courtroom. probac. tion offices. Soil Conserv.otion Servict. and the Hi.torical Society office .r~ 011 located In the baKmenl. \\'hen Hurritant OP'1 pa.sK<I through the ~ounty on October 4. 199.5, nin and wind$ ut,mated at 100 milts per hour pelltd tht courthouse. Ciusing SOme oIMous water danlagt . .-urther. appar. tnlly due to the porous ""ture of tht tw.d.made bricks. theu was ;additional unddecttd damagt 10 the structure ",hich !NIle itself known ~ral .., ;,.eks ,",ttT. Around 11:1-.30 p.m. on N(I'\'t~r 27. 1995. a Lorg. s«tion of bri~ks from tht south tower fell to tht ground. Luckily 00 ant ,,-as injurtd dut to thoe ,",te hour. Still. ",alb ~ to bt boar<ltd up lind the structure Jtcured. Repair work began on January 29. 1996. which

Sou",e" Coll«lions And R<'roIlu· lionJ of Bullock Cmmt¥ Huto'1l. Bul_ lock County Historical Society. 1977; Bullock Qluntg QJurlhouu, The Coun'V Capitol. Annie Mat Turner (draft manuscript); Hulrq of 1M FiTSI &Plul Church of Union SpringJ. A/l/bQma. E. S. Pug/l. 1949.

COLLECTIONS SOFTWARE?

, lllefll'erfect

&1Iot~ Imrrlo

COLL£CT~MAJ("'

MAY 1996 / 149

Dedication of Seyboum H. Lynne Federal Courthouse Decatur, A1....!IU! , February 4, 1996 niIfd $tale$ DiWict JaJge Se;OOum 11. Lymo, the r\lIion's ~.Im' ;ng federal judge. was honored recently when th~ Feder.! Building in

man in college. He has continoowly suppor!N me and gui<kd rnuil"oCl' that lime:

u.s. Stnator 11......11T. II~

U.S. RfIPI'I'_~t~ Bud Cnu"tr "With the ,ourtl~ manners 01 ~ tru. Southern gentleman. }"OU have ,hown that ~ judge c;ln be in complde control of a courtroom by the w.r lor~ of his integr;ty and his int.lItd. "The length of )lCMJT KJ\"i!:t M the Wlior federal ~ in the United States of America is uniqutly ar-.! profoondly impressive. But even rnor~ impr=ive is the extraordinary quality of)ICMJr K,,;a as a judge. May this building stand as a lasting tribute to a truly great jurist and ltruly great hum.:m being."

"IJulig< Lynnellw Krvtd rnori than 60 active years as II trial judge. I am oominced he is the hol(\er 0( a "'-orkl record that "'ill newr be surp&Kd. Judge Lynne has ai,,, been II community leader 0( note, serving in chura.. civic, school and proles.Iional organizalions. He has .. rwd both the Crip"pled Children ', Clinic of ASB Pn.idtnt~ltd Birmingham and the Eye 1I'.Flfo 8. t.igIltloot JaJge (.o>r,>Id TjOIbt foundation 1I0spitai of "... one word that de5cribes our regard of the 11th Circuit for)ICMJ is '......Itd: I 5!l<4k 10, trousands of Bim1ingham as II trustee. Court of Appeals. In 1967. he serwd a tem1 ftllow lawyers whtn I say we revere you. U.s. Rrp~tative Judge Segboum ul'me. John A. as pre$ident 01 the Uni,mj· and we think it singularly r.tting!h.ll this Bud Cramer wu Codtkl! ami Judge Jack Caddell ty of Alabama 's Alumni building Ix named for you. to remirt<J us unable 10 attend Associatioo. and the gtneratioru who corn. aft" w; of due to scheduling connie! •. O!,<,ning "By naming thue buildings for distin"-Nt}"OU r.ave meant Ie OOlr justice system. mrorks \\.U'e pmented by Chief U.s. ))is. guished ci~ liM Judge Lynne. we desig"It is becluse of what Judgt Lynne trictJudge Sam C. Ftinter,Jr. II!te them M landmark symbols 01 fmdom stands lor: five attributes, really-probity. Judge t ynne ~ hisjudicial career in and hope for \ho$e s«king WI1ln$ and juicom~ion, good jlldgment. intelled and 1934 as b Morgan County Cirroi! Court tic. who ~ through their doors-doors decisiwness. judge. In 1941, he I<lok ow' the du~ 0( "You have ~n 0/1 inspiratioo to g<>ne,_ usually located undun.ath the words judge 0( the 8th Judicial Circuit. The next 'Equallustice under the Law: atioru of t;,....,..rs; }"OU have made w; bett" }'ear. he resigned tel l'OIunt_ for military "J...Jge Lynne ",ill go 00wn M one of the advocates; you have made us bettu perdutyduringWorid War II. In I~ he was gr~t jurisb 01 our time. and this buildingSO"';)ICMJ have set high standards for all of appointN to the U.S. District Court for II tempi. of justice-will b. a 0.; and you h••• the Northern DOOid of Alabama by !'resie,tabli,hed a 1.g.cy remindu of that greatness. He is dent Truman. In 1953. he became its chief entirely Iltse"ing of the honor that that ""ill remain un· judgeand in 1973.u.... ior judge. we are bos!owing upon him t(X\;ly. iInd dimin ished. This Following art portio .... of the "maoo this building will Ix along--lasting t... courthou.l' will presented honoring Judge Lynne: tameI1t to his me and work." serve as a greal and constant remindtr .kIhn A. CaddoU, of "" hat we all know I{IeNI nwlff of the cnemonr U.S. SoMlOl Richard C. Shelby 10 be true: ""t sh.tl "Being appointed as speci.1 rrwte. for "Judge Lynne embodies the quali· this ctTtmooy is one of the grtate.t prM' ties we look lor in any jurist. and I Judge James Hancock not look upon your lik_again." • ltges and pleasures that I r.ave Nd. It was am proud Ie Ix here today to share in arnIluii.qe Lymw my honor to Krve as special master for the the re<:ognitioo of his SO )'tIIrs of serScreened behind Ihis article is the invntiture cert mony when Judge Lynne vice. In dtdicaling this courthouse. we can Seyboum fl. Ly,me Federal Courlwas inwstN with the oIfoce r/. UnitN Statts h<Ipe that !host ",·ho will work he ... will house (eenter) and the home where District Judge on liorlllllry 9, 1946. JudII' share the oam< commitment to the ideal.l Judge Lynne was born and raised Lynne is my cJo.e.t lif_1ong lrier.d and has 01 service, justice and knowledge that (oppOSite upper righl·hand rom..,. of Ixen my mentor and guide ever since h. Judge Seybourn Lynne has pursued courlhrJUSe f!rpperlg). thl"Ol.lghout his distinguished carw." took me under his "'ing whe!ll wasa fresh-

Oecatur. Alabama was dedicated in hi. name. u.s. ~ JOOge Jack Caddell. U.s. Senator Howell Ildlin. US Senator Richard Shelby. and Warrm B. Lightfoot, president-eleclof the Alabioma Slate Bar, presented remark5 honoring Judge l.jTInI> at the ceremony. Also .lttending was Chief

150 I MAY 1996

THIc: ALABAMA IJ\WYIc:R

OPINIONS OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL By J. Anthony McLain, general counsel

m I

UESTlOS,

-[ "- brcn ernploytd to ~t lho wife d

~ phyoician in a ODWlty appnWnIlIuly OM hun· dred miles from MontgOrmry. AlwIN. The parties mitred inlo an anlenupti.tl ~nt which

i, iubjtct to legal at\.llt~ il$ to the validit~ of the llIrwne"t in th.1.\ tht .. '""" no fi'\and.l.[ di$closu,.., and tho wife did no! haw indtptrKltnl cou~l. The agrHrmnt r.f... ncu that the .. did occur l financild disclow .. w in Act names 1I ~r who proI'idtd indeptOdent counKllo the wifclIllhr timt 01 hr. sign· i~ Undorthtt ..... oItt.rog. .." .. nl the",;'" would be tntitkd II) only 52.000 Pf1' ITKlnth for 24 months. Sht estimates the marital eslatt to be worth between S3 million and 54 million, If w is bound by Ihe ;.grttmtn! Ihe win n'lt reaivoe any divi.;on of the Ctla! •. SIw: abo ilU.gu physical abtJ .. and I h.a\lt ~ her <;()nCerning hr. righll for a Kpirr.lIte tort cLloim with jury trill or lor the INlier to be cl«ickd by the di-oorcc court. Sho his IIMsed me that r«OOcili.>tion is" .. rook popibility and only thm undH ctrtlin cin:u .... w.cuand pUlmtlcn. "II appeartd to "'" under the f~ 0( this case as pertains to

the contrO\ct of the antenuptial agreement and the damages claims thai a fe' utilizinS a percmtage contingency ill I guideline witll an offset f'lr any 1«1 ~ually paid on hourly d'lllTgn would be~. I 11m ,,,,c!OIoing IIrrtwith my fN ~UlI"'''' lor )'OIIr ....wand plUftlwion 10 any commi$sioners. PI ...... advise if this oonlnct W(lU1d be appn:oo.'td is an n:a,:otion to the proiIibilion against charging conlingent feu in domutic reL1· lioN matters. I II.M drafttd the agreemmlllking into consider. alion reem! opinions and diK~iQru coneominS thtse i.. ut.S:

""" IJ A lawyer

iN}I

not mttr inl'l

an lmongement

for. d\lli'8' Of collect ~ fN in • domalk rriations matt ... 1M ~nl or moounl of whicll is con·

tingenl upon lhe securing of a diwrct 'lr upon the amount of alimony or support, 'lr property nUlement in lieu IlItrtof.

III

.........

ISCUSS[OS: The Oiscipllna.1Y Commission of II", AbbamIo

State Bilr. in formal opinion RO-88·103. ~lud. N lhat ~ lawyer could represent I spouse On a contingent f.e!wi! in an action f'lr brucll of an antenuptial contract. said action seeking money ,umagu. The Commis· sion, lItc:iding the malt" punuant til DR S· I03(A) and EC 2·

20 of tho IonnrrQdr of~ IIa(Ionslbi~ty,ao:ko_1 g I 1M pendinll adoption of Rule L!i(d). Alabama Ruin of Profu. liooil Conduct. and iu dir«t prohibition of contingent feu in doont:lIic relations mailers. n.. C!lmmioion nottd a priOf opinion (RO·83-22) which had listed the only apprOI'll of a contino gent fet cont r~t in a domestic relations malter, that being

coIltrtion of child sUfll)OTl or alimony ~Tffilf1I# in ~ completto! di\'llm!. R.:ASQSISC: Rule LS(d) (I) prohibits a I.wyer from enluing into an arranQtmtnt lor. charging, IIr C(l1I"eting any fet in a domestic relations mau ... the ~t or OlrriOOIlt of which is cootifl4mt UIlOi"i the securing of, dWorce or upon 1M amount of which is OJIItingent upon tho lfCUolng fA ~ dM:oou 01' upon tho iItTOOUilt of alimony or .... pport, or propHty Jdtierrwnl in liN them:ol. Uncler lhe Ionntr Code of f'roftssion.J R~bility. OR 2· 107W prohibiled "a contingmt f~ fOl' repmmting I deftndant in a criminal foC 2·20 provided thaI, -Contingent let arr~ngtmenls in domestic rel~tion """s arc TJrtly justified: AcC(lrdir.,; til tht: Nm()/altti MOtkI Rulf'S of I"roIaskl/la/ Con_ duct. Second Edition. Rule I.!i(d) reflects the public policy conctrn IlIIIt 111 att'lm~·ctienl fet liTrangement sllould nOI discou,. ~1~lion brtwotn the poortiel. The Annobted Model Rulto abo point out tNt tho counttflWl pnMsion in the prtdecessor Model Code discouraged but did oot nally prohibit such IQretmenls. ~ral illustrative cases are set (ortll in the

c.ue:

Annotaled Model Rules: A conlingent fn lllreemenllhlot pve J I~r I perctnllge d proptrty re«ived on \>thalf of a dim! in 01 thai ntgotiated in I settlernml at the timt of soepooration Will improptr-Cooru II. Kar,. 263 Cal. App.2d 650. 69 Cal. Rptr. 112 (1968).

I.awyer f'l rfeits righls to c'lilect any lee. including quantum meruit. by representing clienl under C'lntract that included contingency I~ and action for modification 01 divorce iudamtnt ,lind ~rty stlll.mtnt--Licciardi II. Cc/lins. 180 Ill.~. 3rd IOSI.!i36 N.t. 2nd 840,129 II L. OK.. 790 (1989). Amongemmt whereby ~r would re«iYe coolingent fee 01560.000 from soeUltrnCnt proceeds impTOfltr -Shanks v. KilgtXe, 589 S.W, 2d 318 (~1(1. Ct. Aw. 19i9). Contingent let cont~1J lor 1011/11 seMcn ue ge~raIly permitted in actions brouihl by on, JP01.IM t'l TeC(lYtr pn)ptrty from IIIlM:r SpOOK or III Kill. property righls among spouses. including equitable distribution procted . ina; ocpu:ote from diYOrct action: AliTffl1ltnt may oot be used in action for child JiJJIIl(IrI---lb.u u. T~. 81 N.C. Aw. 42, 344 S.t. 2d [9 (1986). While predecnsor Model Code had 00 disciplinary rule prohibiting i.1>ooytr Irom representing client in action for bruch 01 prenuptial'Qretmenl lin cllntingency baoi•• Model Rules make s.uc:h Igr~ment unetiliul. All. Bilr. DiKiplina.i)' Comm'n. ()p. 88-103 (1989), Implied agreemml bttw«n Iawy« and client for re~ JONble feu in CQfIntCtion ...1lh dien!". di\'IIIU not voided by subsi:qumt invalidation of contract b«ause of conlin· gency 1~1Cll"kldu. And1"f!WS. Si9 P.2d 4zti (Wyo. 1978). MAY 1996 / 15 1

The historieal per.;pecti"" on Rule 1.5 is enunciated in the lAw of lAuy€ring b)' Hazard and Hodes: "The rule ogainst contingent fees in domestic relations matters is of more recent origin, and may have a sounder public policy rationale. Basing a lawytr'. f.. on the amount of alimony or support .«overed !.eems no more objectionable than basing it on the amount of a jury verdict. Public policy is offended , however, when the f« is made contingent upon the I~r's obtaining a di\lOrce for his or her client, for the ta~r would then have no incenti"" to help bring the partits to a !.ettlement that might preserve the marriage. "Rule 1.5(d) (I ) doe. not engage in .uch fine distinc· tions, but provides that ta~r.; may oot use contingent fff arrangement> in any dome.stic relations matter. Si",e ques· tions of alimony and support are inextricably intertwined with the question of whether the marriage it!.elf will con· tinue, this broadened ban s«m. reasonably related to the purposes of the rule.· Section 1.5: SOl According to Wolfram'sMD<km lLgo/ Ethics, Practitioner's Ed, (1986). most American jurisd ictions hold that it iI improp. er for a lawyer 10 charge a fee in a divorce case that is eithor contin~nt on a favorable judgement or settlement Or propor· tiooolio the recover of a certain amount of alimony or proper· ty settlement. Section 9.4.4. This is consistent with the forst Restatement of Contract> that a promi!.e b)' a SpOUse to pay a la~r a contingent f« to obtain a divorce or annulment is illegal and thus void .. a matt .. of contract law. Restatement. Contracts §542(2) (1932). The Second Restatement of Contracts .tat.. that: "A promise that undennines (Ihe marriage1 relationship b)' tending unrusonably to encourage dimrce or separa· tion i. unenforceablt." Restatement (Secondl, Contracts U90, Comment C (979).

One basis upon which the prohibitioo may be j .... tified iI that a contingent fee cootract .....wId place strong economic pm.su,.. on !hi: lawyer to as.sure that reconciliation did not OCCur. HOI'/e\Ier, this approach .hould oot he IQ absolute as to prohibit contingent fees in all domestic relations litigation. as indic=ated below, The second basis for the prohibition COn<erns the ability of a di.nt to employ counsel. Contingency fee amngermnts enable foOOn<ially strapped litigants to obtain counsel . The argument ean be made that such nted does not exi st in a dim". matter. The spouse in posseMioo of the majority of the marital ..... ts

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J~76

should have no difficulty ,..!aining counsel. The .pouse with lillie or no assets would ~ proteded in most jurisdiction. b)' the court's ordering the spouse with the greater assets to pay the other spOUse's attorney fee. Another point of concern i.trot a la~" taking a percent· age of any prop<'rty or monies awarded to a client b)' the court would unnect..... rily and unfairly .k...... the divilion of property as envisioned b)' the oourt independent of such contr.octual attor· ney's fee, This could possibly place the la~r at odds with his dien!. as well as with the clienr. child,..n, in that the lawller's fee would dimini.h the court'. award of support. alimony, or property. v,'here a separate lort, contractual Or fraud claim exists inde· pendent of the dimTCe matter representation of the client could ~ undertaken on a contill,/leflCl> fee basis.. H""'eI.'Or, where these claims are 50 intertwined with the divorce matter that they are inseparable and IQ relat.d to one another not only with regard to the legal rights of your dient, but alIQ as to !hi: computation and assessment of your fee, lhen the contingent fee provi.ions of the contract would be prohibited. Rul. 1.5 i. '''ry al)SQlute in its terms. lithe f« in an}' way is contingent upon tn. granting of the di\lOrce then such would be prohibited b)' Rule 1.5. 1\ appear.; from)"<lur «mtract trot if the antenuptial agreement i. upheld, then you will be compensated on an hourly basis per the terms of the contractual a~ ment with the dien\. If. on Ihe other hand, YOU'l"<' succusful in having tn. antenuptial controct sel aside or invalidated, your fee would then be contingent upon Ihe assd. which the dienl could receive from tl\( divorce in the event one is granted. Thi. would violal. theleller and purpose of Rute IS. \~'hil. the rules allow a "fee plus· arrangement as stlted in )IOIlr contract whe,..b)' you would be compensated above and beyond)"<lUT hourly f•• basi. based upon those factors enumerated io the contract, .uch cannot be contingent upon the securing of a divorce or upon the amounl of alimony or support, or property settlement in lieu thereof. TIle contract which you tm'O .ubmitted for revi ...... coneu ... nl with your ethieal inquiry appear.; to establish a contingency fee for your representation of the d ient in the dimrce proceeding. The antenuptial agreement is IQ ;nteowoven with th~ dimrce matter that the two cannot be distinguished or separated suffident to allow a conclusion that the contingent f« as proposed doe. nol viol.te Rule 1.5.

IRO·%-Oll

Richard Wilson & Associates Registered Professional Court Reporters 804 S. Perry Street MonlgO<TJery, Alabama 36104

264-6433 THE ALABA.'tA LAWYER

Showing the Way to What is Best in Our Profession By lio.md P. Walthall

U~ in the Summe r nf 1924 , a youns Mississippi couple. Parham H. Williams and Mary H. Williams, both inttnt on obtaining a Itgal ,dueation. Ioadtd tMir Mod,1 T ron! with tMir btlon,ings and drCM from Piekfns. Mississippi to ~~non. Trnnasft. thtn 1M hom! al 1M tu.toric Cumberland Law School. \Iith the Iadr both al monry ;ond molds. Parham and Mary tarried wi t h th,m a ttnl. and cam~ alons the way. Afttr tach had wntd a Cumberland I&w degrft. their faithful car and ttnt wert rudy for the rttum trip to MississiPlli. Driving from Birmingham to Oxford. Mississippi on a Dttembtr Saturday in 1984 to attend a basko t ball ga me bttw.. n Samford University and the University al Mississippi. Samford Presi· dent Thomu E. Com n«tWorily inter· Kdtd the route blken 60 )'tn. rarli" by th.lot )'<lung ."Iississi""i couple. Had CorlS thought of tht fact that he was crossina: the elder WiUi.>msn· !)lith, he would hi'" appreciated tho irony. Corb's visit to 0d0td. Mississippi had lO purpose in addition to cl!etring for the

l it E ALA!lA."IA LAWYER

Samford bul«tball sq~. Samford Uni. vonity was I\O'W the home of Cumber. Imd uw School. which was engaged in II dun surch, OM Nome su~sttd to the Dtan ~arch CommillH was that al Partwn Williams. Jr ~ son of the young couple who Iong..go had Itft Mississippi to at\tnd Cumberland. Accompanied by • member of the Cumborland Dun Surch CommiuH. Com had arnngal hiuchtdule to include. visit ...ith Dun Willillms prior to 1M bu1ct1~11 game. Samford lost t he basketball game. but Williams agreed to become a candidate for t h t Cumborland deanship. was selected, and on July \, 1985 a$>umtd the doa"lhip. This )'tar Dtin Williams has announctd his rttiremrnt from the Cumberland dunship on J..... 1. 1996. Dtan Williams will hiYe KrYtd a total 0125 )'Urs as a law school dtan, 14 at Ok MiB and another II at Cumbtrland. Aslctd the number of law school diploinu he has signed in !host )'tars. WiIlWns don a rouSh ",I. cul&tion. and concludes that th~ number would uceed 4.000.

Each diploma silnifiu a lift that WillilOml hu touched in SOme way . soomtimes only indirtctly but often in a ''n)I immediate _yo WiUWns' tenurt ~ I law school dean ;s such that hi' tiUe has become virtwolly II !)lIrt of his 1llImt. Even his grandchildren call him "Dtan." Alabama bar mtmbero-judgel, I'rac· ticinQ laW)'trs. and Cumberland .Ium· ni_oo ha~ I/OIltn to know Williams durinl his tenure It Cumberland empha$i" I ..... ritty of points in p",ising lilt rr'Wl. hil hlYOMmtnt in the Alabama legal community, IrwJ his perfo.· mlInce as doln. Cumbtrland .lumnUll lind Unittd StiltS Court of Appeals Judgo Jotll'. DubiNo points to the "'ayS in which William. has b£tn able 10 strengthen Cumberland's program. DubiNo characterized the construction 0( the new Lucille Stewart 1l«$OO uw l.Ib",'Y ~ the ·crown jewel" 01 Williams' dUnship. bu t also took note of t he MAY 1996 { 1$3

nice to be righl >boul someo"e." stmtglh of the faculty membm idded Tho i.... ge of the law Khoot thlll ~ du,ing WiU;~ms' dunship who had dean COI1"")'S is importanl to oIhert in idded ". di""rsity of talenu md idea." and Cumberland'. reduction in the size legal education (including prospective f;>cully rmmbtrt). Cumberland Proftsof Its entering clan It • time 01 an sor Thomas C. Berg, 111100<$ Scholu int~_ in tilt nurnbo:. of ill>!>liWlU. .·orme. ~ C'.oYemo, Albert P. lind .. gradu~tt of tho University of Bmwr, who luthes 31 CumbrrWld lIS Chingo Low School. realls Ihllt he Distinguished UnMnity P'off»O' of Law and Government, emphuizu Ihe dtgree to which Will iams has involved himself in tht civic lift of AlabuN, inc:lud· inS le""ice on Iht Cilinns' Confnence 01 Alabama Statt Courts, Birming· ham attoTl\e~s S. Eason tlatch and Thomas N. ' .. il~."'...... s,.~ C... rulhtn (Iht bUer ~ dislMlt .. Lati"" of Cumborlmd', founding f~ult~ member, Abraham Carruthers) undencon the importance of a law deIIn's acti"';tiu in Iht largtr community. They point OIlt thllt tho dun of a law Khooi is the JIOr$On primarily rapOnsible for cruling lin image of the law school lor law}>ers who did not go to th~t schooL Car_ ruthers noles that William. ha , "brought Cumberland Into the life of Birmingham Ind Alablm~ mort than """ belor<'," &kll ootu Willi;uns' poIis.lwd, Southnn, plnsanl mlrlntr. and decl ... e" "You just un'l oul·pleasanl him: if ho ays somtIhiflll kind or pinslnl to you, and you recip.oute, he knew ~t ry little lIbout Cumberland cornu right bark with some statement tven mOre generous." 80lh credit when he accepted an invitation for a p relimin~ry half.hour inlerview at I Williams with fUling in their minds an image of civility and lurning in con· national hiring conf.mw;t. In Ihllt situItion, Berg observes, "first imp~ions rwction with CumborLlnd. ... ~1·lmportant, for tho school ~ for Cumberland alumnus and Binning· hIIm attorney W. Siancil Starnes also Iht undid.lote." He reclIIII that Oran picks up the tlleme of Williams' imPiKI Williams "made I terrific first impres· sion lIS' perwn of dignity and weight." on Ihe commun ily, noting that il is ",e.1 and louting and of equal impor. Richanl £ Davis. a Birmingham ~r, hIS hid Ihe opportunity to obstrve tance to his unparaneled professional firsl·1\lInd Williams' qualilies. ~ NU' achieYtments at Cumberland." Stunts. a member of the Dun San:h Ccmmitclltor. His if one 0( tho Cumbtrland tet thllt recommended Wi!1i~ms, says diploma.s signed by Williams. He cit.. thlll he rounU it. privilege to have par· ""111ams as a rol. model ""'n (or Cumberland studenlil who wt.. not personticipated in that procus, stating "irs

ally enroll.d in Wit1i~ms' Evidence cl~ss. Davi. decl .... thai Williams is "an educator, not only in the clilSsroom, but by uample. He shows the way 10 what is best in our profession: tJ:ercise 0( sound judgment, lifelong pursuil at

.,'_, ".

154 1 MAY 1996

learning. ci~ility, and conCtTn for others." I)avis, an Auburn gradu.to, condudu t hat "Chari .. &rkloy rn.y not WUlI to be i rok model. but Pullam Williims is one." hmu S. Coomtt, judgt: of tho Tenth Judicial Cir<:uit and p... i~nt of Ille Cumberland National Alumni Association, puts it succinctly: "Dean Williams is all you could want a dean to be." ,uk Williams ~I tho xcomplish· ment of hi. dtinship, and he gi,,",s responses tNt are ClIreful, guardtd, and modest. But the~ is on. subject on which William. has no reluctance in txprusing an unequivocal and totally one·sided opinion: thllt is the ruture of legil td..ation and of the ItgaI profusian generally. In ~ ifl(:r.asingly heterogenous ,ul lur. in which nOI only technology but also human relalion· ship, are becoming more complex, Williams stts Ihe rule of law as Ihe usenti..1 glue thllt holds togelher sod· ety. If that ;. right. lhen tho .. is a COr· rc$pOIIding need for competent. elhiCllI law}>en to apply tho rule of Law. "People un buh the legal profusion 1111 Ihf1/ want to: says Williams, "but we will still Med laW}~rs: •

....

THE AL.AJWoL\ LAWYEII

WRAP-UP By ROBERT L McCURLEY. JR.

1996 Crime Package The 1996 R<gular Sc:ssion of the Logis· lature which began Ftbruary 6, 1996 mull adjourn by May 20. 1996. Usually 1111 major legislation ~ the J..rgisla· tu~ in llw: last two ""ft'b. In J<kIiIion to 'tIlIt rIfonn"biIk C- hrw.wy I99fiAJolJama /..wyerl Cwem:lr JMnts and Allor· ntY Gmt,..,] Sm.ions ~ propostd 3] crimt bill., that tMy pr(Ip(lH will "fix /I broken system." 11) Otlerminate Stntencu . Abolishu p;l.roit lind implement.

0( the su offender', proposed rui·

den« 30 days before release. Regu· latts and prohibits the offender from living in a rtsidtnct where a person 19 yun 0 ( . or )'OUI'Ijtr is ~ 1iYtheot:C •• • annot liwwith· in 1,000 lut 0( I Khool or child are facility.

man!

oKltrminat • ..,,,Ionei,,' simib. to

thl: federal systtm. (2) DrujI Trafficking Enlt1'prise Act • II.B. 242. S.B. 291 ~t!; the punishment lor /I secood corMction from mandator)' life imprisoomtnl toa smtl101Ct of death.. (3) Gtnm.1 Frwd· II.B. 73. S.B. 119 e,tat.. II MW fraud O«tns.e wIK... ... Iianet on /I frlludulenl ilCl is not II

nee.wry element. nor dots anyone h/I"., to incur II IQU. 14) l't"lndow Tinling. 1t.B. 487. S.B. 309 UmilS the amount of tint in >ld>kJ. windows and .nolation of this Act is /I miJdemranor. (5) ObKt nity. II.B. 57, S,B. 165 CrutH II progrwiw th •• Nit. le>lel cl punishmmt insttad 01 ont puois/l!Milt

for dist ributing ob.ctni ty.

$K(,nd C(II"IViction !$lIt. in /I

eta..

C iebly. with lhird or ~ em· victionu C~ B felony. It tumpto thou COIwict.d from the Habitual Offender Act and increuu the pun· i,hme-nt of a whole$.Ole dist ributu from a misdomtanor to a felony. 61

Su enmr NC)(ifigotion • II.B. 482. S.O. 176 Mandatts that prison wardens, law enforcement offictrs and the attor· n")' general notify the communi ty

Hn;AL\BA.\IA U\W\'tR

(7) o...th Pe ... lty Ajlptab •

counties; lhm the indidment must be filed "ithin 90 days. M.lndalt$ that the trial mwt begin within 90 days following the indictm.nt or di,. miS&ed. Allows tho court to coru;id· tr utenuatinQ Ci rcumltanctl .....mn dttt""ining whdher to dis· mis.s with or "'ithout prtjudi«. nO) Bail Rtform· H.B. 144, S.B.ln Bill oxpands the numbe r of p", . IOns ineligible for bail from ooly thosot co:Mcttd ol a gopital ~ to indude thoM charted with. Clau A or B felony. A lItaring is allowtd for thoM chrged with Clau A and B f.lonin to deter. mine if he or she may be detoirw<! without bail. I'rovidu that a pt • . son who is dnaiMd without bail nil)' be lQted k>r a aontrolltd subo\anct and cr~te:$ a rdluttabR pnt. lumption that no Nil should be allowed when charged "ith a capi. tal offenn or who mtet. certain other pn:scribod criteria. ( IU Venire Size·

H.B. 44. S.O. 136

s.o. 248

Elimi ... tes the court of crimi ... 1 appub from revifw of dath penalty ca5eI and prwida that a doath pmal. ty i1I'fIUl go directly to the Alaba· ma Supreme Court.

Suprntdes Rule 1M ol the AIabIi· ma Rul .. 0( Criminal Procedure which would effecti.... iy lower the

,,;n

(8) No Bail 00 Appal •

11.0. 117.S.0. 118 ~ the opp:If\urOty lor boo' ......... the accuoaI hu been found guilty of • crime that anieu ttnn of imprisonment and apl"'all the sentence, unles.s the judge make, a specific finding that the deff:ndant witt not n« or that the c_ it; likely to be rewrsed on appGI. (9) Sprtdy Trial .

H.B. 279,

s.o. 134

Mandatts that indictnwltJ mwt be hit<! wi th in 30 days 0/ .r, n! unlts.s in a circuit with tw(o or more

number of pouible ju ro rs on a jury pool to 20. thereby limiting the number 01 peremptory striltn.

t 12) Vktims I'resmt ;at r..ecutions • H.B. 552 Will allow the victim', family

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MAY 1996/ 155

( 13!

(14)

(15)

(16)

(17)

(18)

[ 5ti

their Tl'J>l'f:Sf1ltabve k> Ix on lhe list allowed to be prtstnl al the execu· lion 0/ a ddendant. Telephone Search Warrants H.B. 219, S,B. 305 Al lows for search warrant. to be issued by phone Or fax machine whtn circumstances make it rea","able 10 di'l"'n$< with a "Tilten affidavit. Information Plta.\. H,B. 226. S.B. 222 SUl"'rsWes Rule 2.2 of Ih. Alabama Rul .. of Criminal Procedur., The Con,ti tution.1 amendmen t eliminates Ihe IS·day waiting peri_ ad afler arrest Ixfore arraignment and will .!low a <kfendant to plead guilty at any time afler arrut and before indictment. J"""nile InformationH,B. 465. s.a. 2&1 ~ thelisl of individuals per· mitted to inspect jm.. nile TttOrtb. Also allowl the Criminal Justice Inlormalion Cenler 10 obtain and disseminate information aboul $<ri· ou;; juvenil. offend~rs. Re~uires law enforcement agencies k> report all pertinent informabon 10 the A1aba· ma Criminal Jus!ice Information Center. Furthermore. the bill will chang. the law by re~uiring the ret.ntion of Ihe jm.. nile's fin~r. print records regardless of the outcome of the case. Allows for pholograpb.<. blood and DNA sam· pi.. of alleged j"""nile delinquents. J"""nile Capital Crimes· H.B.I72,S.B.455 Children un<kr the age of 14 who commit a CIIpital offen$< may be tried as an adult. but may not receive the death penalty, and cannot receive juvenile offender stalUS. Juvenile o.tention ActH.B. 91. S,B. 119 AII!>""S children to be detained in jail if kept sep;arat. and apart from adults for up to 60 days. Further mandate. th.t pistols and guns possessed by a child be destroyed by Ih. court. Curfew Law . H.B. 75. S,B. 272 Allows municlpalitiu to detain curfew viol"to ... I MAY 1996

(l9! Charilable Frauds· H.B. 1OO, S.B. 2M Crutes an organiution file in the Attorney General', office that all charitable organization, must register, file annual reports. pay a yurly fee. and file any cont ract bet_en charilable organiUltions and commercial co-wnlurers. (20) Deceptive Trade PracticeH.B. 190. S.B. 158 Enhar.ces the I"'nalty from a misdemunor to a Class C f.lony. (2l! Assault Crime11.B. Z96. S.B. 459 Amends the ,rimimllaw 10 make any physical injury of a law enforcement officer or t•• ch.r the same jlI.Inishment as serious phys· kill injury to any other individual.

Sex VictimsfLB. 229. 5.11. 497 Eliminates common law marriage as a def."", to sexual crim... Any. one 16 yea .. of age Or older who has sexual inlercom$< with a 12· year·old is guilty of rape in Ih. Ii..t deg,.....

(23) lVarranlles.s Searchos-

H,B. 228 Allow, warrllntle" .urche. for violations a, "",II as f.lonie, and misdemeanors. (24) Unlawful Di,tribution of Drugs -

H.B.474 Indudes in the definition of a I"'r· ,on who commi t. the "ime of unlawful distribution of drugs Ihose who dispense controlled substances rather than those who do so for a legitimate Ilnd profes· sionally recognized purpose. (25) Drug Distribution and Fireanns . H.B. 477. S.B. 45 Adds fi ..... years wilh no chance of probation to any punishment of one convicted of unlawful distribution of controlled substance. (26) POSle"ion ,I marijuana H.B. 606. S,B. 477 PrO\"ides Ihal the firsl conviction for Ihe use of marijuana for I"'rsonal use may be a misdemeanor con· viclion but any Tel"'ated offender would bt punished as a felony irresl"'c!i ..... of -personal use".

(271 Drug Crimes Pi'lolH.II,570 Bill provides that anyone who i, in pOSSession of a pi,tol who i. con· victed of any drug crime W\)uld gel enhanced punishment. (28) PM.\.eS>ion of Gambling Devi"", . ItB.530. Will make pouusion of a "slot machine- illegal and allow the $late to seize the machine upon finding it Definition of Protected Person· ItB. 529. SB. 494 Provides that 'I1)IOne ruiding in a nursing hornt. mental ho>pital or developmental cent .. is prima foeie a prolected I"'rson. 130) Definilion of Felony Murder H.B. 478. Expand. the d.finition for culp;abilityof lelony murd.r 10 include a!1)' death that results from a "';0lent felony. (Ji) Habitual FelonyH.B. 537. S.B. 471 A plea of nolo contendere will be considered a felony conviction for habitual offenders purposes. Other rNi';onl p"nding before the 1996 Regular Ses.sion.

Th. Alabama Law Institut. has the lot· lowing bil" pre$<ntly I"'nding before lhe Ltgislature: Re\lised UCC Articl. 8 "[mit,tment Securities' S.B. 218 Senator St ....-e Windom H.B. 405 Repre$<ntati,.. Mark Gaine. Repeal o/UCC Articl. 6 -Bulk TransfersS.B. 217 Senator St ....-e Windom H.B. 404 Repres.entative Mark Gaine,

Partne.. hipwith Limited Uability Partnership S.B. 285 Senator Wendell Mitchell II.B. 184 Repre$<ntative ~like Box l... g31 Separation S.B. 372 Senator Chip Railey H.B , 238 R.presentati ..... Marcel Black

Joint Custody S.B. 267 Senator Roger Bedford H.B. 21 R.presentati ..... Howard Hawk For further information. contact Bob McCurley. director. Alabama Law In.tilute. P.O. Box 1425, Tuscaloosa. A1abama 35486. Or call (205) 348-7411. fAX \205! 348-8411.

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Law Practice: ~

A Place for Moral Values

•

By Karon O. BQwdllO

No one calls for justice; no one pleads his case with integrity. They rely on empty arguments and speak lies;

they conceive trouble and give birth to evil. The way of peace they do not know; there is no justice in their paths .... So justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us .....

So justice is driven hack, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets,

honesty cannot enter. Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey.

Isaiah 59:4, 8·9, 14-15,1

158 ! MAYl996

his quot~ from the llrophd Isaiah w,itten 8,QOO yt'.1'$ agO) accurately ,.A.d. the probleIm--<lT .lleast.

the ~rc.ived problems' --<>f the Amer;can justic. system. We all know the symptorm of the problem: the prolifer.

ation of la~r jokrs that are I",. than CQmplimrntary of the pmfe •• ion; the cynici.m .000000·n ",hen"""r Qne rdu. to an -hanest la"..,.er" and the abligatory reference to an oxymoron>; the disillu sionment with t he justice s~.tem expressed in tM aftermath of the O. J. Simps<>n trial and the McIKmald', hot coffee c.ase; and who can forget the glee of the lTIQVie-going public when tyranoos;rurus rex devoured alawytr in "Ju ..... • sic Park: The~ symploms underlie a basic disrupee! for la\o.~'l'rs lhal has bttn increaliing du ring thi. century. Disdain fm Iawyt .. is not new.' but we cannot ignore the increasing public puception that lawye r. are less than honaubl •. ' Whether one accepts u true the pub lic 's perception of lawye .., Wf' cannot afford to ignore that ,orne kern el of truth may ~ al the hear! dthat perceplion. 1\Qwewr. whether the per<:eptklfl is <XIrrer! is not lhi> issue; the issue i. what can Wf' do to remedy that perceptioo. IVhat are !lOme of the cause. of this distressing attitude and whal can w" in

THE ALAWIA LAWYER

the ItglIl community do 10 ~ge that ptruption?One oflhe root cauHS of the dimpule of 1a"'')Ierl lies in the abandon· ment of moral values that formed the fibre of the practice III law in the urly Ibys III our rountry. Too many lawytn ~ a1 the law offi« door the mI.>I1II val · ut!I with ...... ich tMy ,rew UP. pract ic in, I.Iw &S if thoH moral principles h.iw 00 place in the law. One solution to this prob~m. then. must be a rdum to tlw»e to«' ",lues III justice. mercy and truth· fulnHI. Along the WI}I. ptThlrpI >ft an iliso iOCquire the virtue III peacemaking and cast off the vice III stirring up dii' !ension. .. pl.e. for "",,.1 ... 1.... Whm_r rnr;nlity is disaw.ed. 1OOTIItone inevitably commen" that we "an', te~h monois to law students'- or th.it we "can't I~gislate morality." Maybe thelot idioms are true. but ~ can remind law students and ~n th!ot the mor/II ",I· OMS taught to thtm by thrir familia. rdi. lio\l!I organizations. and communities nHd not be dw:d<ed "t the law o/fioe door. When people do not pul their moral prin· dpla into pr.ldiC4' in the law office, tho a.;tions tHen in tht law offiC4' become routinely Iotl/·Iotrving.· Contrary to the thought in ~mic and legal circles. ours is not a truly SoKular socidy. stud;e~ uwal that the "va$t n...jority III Ameriant look to religious $l)UrCU for monl wisdom. " This religious nature III peoJIle finds p.lIrticular stungth in lhe South. still uferrtd to u "the Bible beU : The fact. howtwr. trn.1 pnJpl. haw religious con.icliOnJ does not mean trn.t those convictions ;aff«1 the WloY they l\andl.thei, busina.s alfilirs or the 'A)I they act in ItglII de"l· inSSt--tspedally if lheir attormy don not ..ailot lhe morlll iuuK and diKuu their ~le\-ance to busineu or ItglIl action. Although II significant pucontage of American.> beli.... the Bibl. to be tile inspirtd word IllCod.' .... do not t...w to limit our SOUtU III mo:nI values 10 JUIieoCh~ principia. At the hrar1 III mo:nI tnching of most Americans Ii.s the principle that other peopl. have value. -Moral choices in t.gal r.prnenu.tion are importl.nt ba:aUSl' tMy afIKt other pe<)IIk and pe<)IIk are impOr'\allL". The moral virtu .. 0( Justic •. m.rcy. trulhfulness lind peac~"""king ~rt p.lIrt of tht religious ~d moral framtwOrk of

T1IE ALABA."IA LAWYER

"Imost _ry culture." These mor:oI val_ ues do haw a pIaco in the law of/ia and the courtroom. " I~ they ..... re a . . . part of 1M practice 0( I~w in tarlier days III our country. For uample. David Hoffman. the aran<Ifather III Amtrican legal ethits. relitd 00 the "soundest III morals" III 1m beginning student 0( the law; to thost sound morals, Hoffman only addtd a few rutes tha! mixed monol prindplu and regublion.lndmI. in lloffmon's Ww. the ~r's role included moral leader· ship Mld guidaroco III the client." We cannot relurn In the role of ffiOflIIl leader unlui ..... embr~ce ~ic moral principtu and apply them to the prac_ tiCt III law. Although many moral prin' cipIes would be II homt in Iht law oIfi« . this IIrtic .. win focus on only lour Imic virtues; justia. mercy. truthfulllf:U and peacemaking. oJu.tlce Where is ju.tico t<:M.byl To answer this qur:stion. we must .... on ewt\ more basic question: what is justia:l To many. juslia reprutnts what is right and fair and just. JwtiC4' should be impartial and in oonformity with truth and reason. J<atict eno:ornpwtS mort than indMdwol rights: il c.onsiders the IIOOd III others.1> Unfortunately. many Amtricans btli~ thai the legal ')':Itcm has betrayotd "our

most dearly hold corMctions obGut filir· neu. justicc and truth-..mdtrmininQ tile belief th.!ot wNt illegal and what is right .hould be one and the same.... Mmy peoJIlt NW lost f.oith that the judiNl system renders justia. "The 11mtnI futility III lili8llion has given rise to the \IKw Ih!ot the principal benefit derNtd from lla ....suit is Ihlt the contrOYtTSY if fndt<! ""lmr thin that justice is done'-" The rnuch-diKuutd OJ . SimpSOn trill I.ft ilS rTIMk onlhe public's ptrctplion d ~ ard the ~ »'$Iml. Whtther we ~Ttt with the wrdict. -the Simpson tal' i. no...- p.!.rt of our cultu rt. along with a magnified Iotn>l that something is Iotriowly wrong with OUr justic. system ... This will "ff«1 lawyers for the ~Ie

MuTt'-" The cynical dI'«t

that the Simp5(ln verdict had on the ""blie is r.n«ttd in Ihis quote: "If you ta lk long and hard eoough about some· thing. and hIIw enough money. you can ~ rusonabIc doubt about 0Il)'thinfincluding tilt sun rising tomorr(IW.-" RegardltsS III our ptr'SONll views III the verdict ...... cannot ignore the trin of many ....ho believe th.!ot justice failed. How can .... A':$\OR filith in the judicial system? By _kil\lil justice. To _k justice. >ft nmlto first rn,ew 50Illt III ilS

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ment. about justice and the Hebrew prophets m~asured society's j"'tice by the way society cared for the pOOr and po"o<,", te.,.. " For exampte."Oo not deny justict to )lOur pOOr peopte in their lawsuits." (E xodus 23:6) "Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the gmt. but judge your neighbo' fairly." ILeviticus 19:15) The wriler of Pro"erb" also "'l'" much about justice: "tt is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprivt the innoctnt of jus· tice." (Pro"erb. 18:5) "Evil men do not understand justice. but those wOO seek the Lord understand it fully.- (Provtrbs 28:5) ",",,"hen justice i. done. it brinl!> joy to the righteous but terror to ","Idoers." WrO'o'erb. 21:15)Justice is important to God: "For the Lord is ri ghteous. he loves justice." (Psalms 11:7). The prophet Micah gave an instruction that has particular appli· cation to laWj-"rs: He has lold yOu. 0 man. what i. good,

And whal does the Lord require of

"'"

But 10 do justict. to love kirnintM. And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8" These Biblical .... (~rencu 10 justice do not imply that justice come. (rom the government or from a COUrL "To .... ume that court;' the place where people find justice is to assume that jU5tice ;, sorm· thing the state gives to peopl •. Mor. often. "''i: su.pect. justice is something pi'OIll~ gi\'e to each oth.r .... (J(u.tic. i. most likely 10 emerge if lawyon; and clients On roth .ide. seek it than if they rely upon the state to pro:rvide it. "" Ii<1w do "",..,.k jLNia: "ith our clients? We need to take them beyond their per· sonal interUI and help them I« what is fair. right and j",t-the foundation of juslice. We Should help them .e. not only their ",,11 rights but the rights of others. A view of justice that includes the rights of othen will lead us to the application of another moral virtuemercy. Mercv A beautiful picture of the role of mercy in the judicial sy.tem is depicted by the statue in the courtyard between Robin· son Hall and the Lucille B~eson Law LibraI)' al Cumberland. Th~ SCUlpture. specially commi..ioned b;o Mrs. Buson.

160 / MAVI996

show. Lady Ju.tice. blindfolded..... ted with the scales of julliee. Behind her stands 1m Angel of Mercy. Mercy is whis· pering to Ju.tice. portraying Mrs. Bee· 100" ~ that justi~ should be tempered with m~rcy.:O If justico concerns what i. right and j",l. what we dose"... mercy r.nedS ron· cern for the needs of others. irrespective of what is fair or de .. " .. d. Mercy ..en to avoid ne<:dless hann to others. Mercy focuses on the importance of relationships and of people.'" lkfore "'" can exped OUr clients to "",I· come oor entmties to be merciful to their I~gal op""""nt. lawyers mu.t first learn 10 demonstrate mercy to other lawyers. Many pe"",," ...ithin and without the legal system have pointed to the dedine of ci,,;lity among attorneys. Civility or mercy finds ium.. in the p.... mise thai all pe<F pie ha ... worth and should be tmted ....ith ....speel ... The treatment many lawyers give each other belies any mutual respect. Not ooly did the outcome of the Simpson trial challenge many people', se~ of justice. the public had the right to be "IJI"Il1ed at the anlles of the trial ~.. rs.The coolin""", snipping bet.....,.n lawyer> may have eontributed to the defense. The "theatrics" di .... rted the jul)"s allention from the ~ to the personalities and disrupted the prooecution·s momenlum." The inability--{)r lack of de.ire--{)f I.....;.. rs to g<1 along with each other al~ pl.ys out in civil cases and appears to be as much a tactie as general personality naws. A recent tJ<IImple was spotlighted in the ABA Jouma/: the Phillip Morri s! ABC debacle. The COVI:r story ""rrated in g .... at detail the lack of civility among lawyers. " The article implies that Phillip Morri. hired attorney. not based on any specialized knowledge of libel law (they had oone). but on their will· ingnus to trade insult. and 10 pu.h their Opponents." The ugliness at depo. sition! grew so bad lhat the parti .. had to hire a special master to referee a depo.sition in an effort to control war· ring lawyers. The court had to intervene almo.t weekly in discovery disputes as lawyer~ accU5ed each other of "heinous conduct. .... Such conduct .hould not be condoned by a prof~ssion. Indeed. "when lawyers cannot g.1 along. the qU<51 for truth suf· re ....'" We must learn to g.t along again. One lawyer can make a difference in

the tone of a trial or deposition Or nego-ti.lion. When another attorney begin. throwing in.ults. do not respond in kind: keep control of your temper. Remember lhat it takes two to argue. A gwHe ~ can tum away ....r.th (Prowrbs 15:]) Your client will benefit as the judge and jury and other observers ....spect)lOu for taking the "high road" and not letting s0meone 01 .. control your temper. As "'" ponder mercy ...... would do "",11 to .... member that the Bible teaches that ..... should love our enemies and do good to those wOO Curse "'.'" The beautiful stOI)' of the Good Samaritan'" ill",tral.. ,,'00 i. our neighbor and how we should care for OUr neighbor. Jesus tokIthis SIOJy in response to a queslion b;o a lawyer who sought to limit his duty of care. The la"'l'er a~ked J.. us. "Who i. my neighbor?" We may ask today wheth .. lhe OppOSing counsel and party are Our neighbors. The teachings of Je.us place 00 limit on the scope of our neighror ....hom "'" are to low and treat with respOCI.. Mercy also dictates how ..... t .... at olher parties and witnesses. TheTen Command· ments" illustrate that God i. not only concerned with how ..... treat him: h. i. ooncerned whether ..... lie. cheat. or .teal from others. How we treat uch other inlerests God. 1he role of """"""te ran:l~ conju .... up the pictu .... of mercy. If the basic premi.. of mercy i. respect for other people. why canoot the advocate demonstrate basic mpect for witnesses and parties? Should the advocate cross ..amine a truthful wilne.,.:so as to harus. intimidate. and abU5t t~ ""tne.,. for the purpose of raising a doubt as to the witness' .... racity?" P<'1'haps the most common moral i.o;.osue arising in law practice i. whether 10 take actions that will disadvantage other pe<F pl .... L.a...'l'ers must struggle .... ith th ..... and other que.lions aboul Ihe applica· bility of mercy to the practice of law. Truthfulness

Walking hand·in·hand with justice and mercy comes the .';rtue of truthfulness. Honesty should be such a common 'Jirtue among attorneys that "" one ....ould joke that an honest lawyer i. an oX]/moron. Daniel Webster found"" place for di.hone~ty in a 13W)'l'r: "Tell me a man ;s dishonest. and r will a......... r that he i. no lawyer. He canoot be. because he i, carele.,. and r«kless of justice; the law THE ALABAMA U,WYER

is not in hi, hurt, and is not th.t llM\. dard and rule 0( hi. cooduct. ..., Abraham Lincoln ~amed his nickname "Uonest ~" while a practid"il altOl'T"l'. lie ~mon;slw:d fellow ~rs: "RMYe to be honest at all e...mts; and if. in your own judgment. you annot be ~ honest laW)'er. resolve to be honest without being a 1a"'Yt'r. Choo5e wrne other 0CtUI"'tion. rather than om in the c/Ioo$ing of which yoo do, in advanCf, c_ntto be

au-....

'-Ym haw t~tionally been ~ u offiurs of th.t court wIlo:IK job wu 10 Kek truth. Buttt... rolf oltholawyer now SUms to be one of distcrting the truth by using an~ methGd the law allows while relying 00 tht oppo4ing intert~ to do the samr. with tht hopr thlt tht end mult may lpI'IfO:limale justice.The impOrtant( of integrity to the la""fer cannot be OYeremphasiud. When judge. and other atlo"ltYS u.n trust a LJwytr'. word, the wheels 0( jullicc tum

client has a weak aoo: or ..... ts to _rt a Ltss-tllan-hontst position. u his legal advisor. the atto~ .hould diKUS$ the matter lrutMully with the client. We cannot tJptct OUr clients to tmbraa: the idea 0( perf«t honesty if ~ ilI'tc not hon· est with them 00 such mailers ;os leta. We should not shirk our ~bil;ty to act;os moral a<ki50r to our clients." and truthful nUS with them form. a good starting .e. We may need to truthfully discusa with the client ~1tTTIW.ti to 1m· ~ion. including foregoing I ~ right.

_rIookifllll "TOng. Of rec:oncilia!ion.

Peac.m.klng The uampIe$ Qilack 01 civility atnOIllI the bo, art only one . - lor tho public', diS<bin 01 t.'Yt'rs. The perceived lit· igation apIosion" also re1Itcts badly 00 laW)'erJ. The public ,uds newspaper a.ccounl$. not 01 the "twryday" automo-

bilt attidtnt cut. but of the unusual n questionable wes. The public rilIhtly f~l. outragt about tlM: woman .... ho ~ued McDonald'~ .... hen.he Spilled hot ooffee 00 00 lap. The public should be tqUally outl'3lgfd by other Q5ts that should not be mltd. A cut recently ~td by tho Noo<;iattd Prtu flU. into !hi. u.lel/Ory. Two thl'ft-Y'ar-o\d mild..,n <:O\lld not ~t along in • Boston Mighborhood playground. The mothtr 01 the I;tllo: girllued tht three·yor-old bof and his mothtr. _kiog an injunction to pmotnt the bof from pb}i"ll in the pbyground while her daughter was presml The j~ ordered the mothers to Mellllwir children .upt" villd and llpoorated .... hil~ at the play. .round. A. tht attorn~y for tht ddtndan15 oommenttd. tho QIIt "Jhould ~, haw idllhl: playground ..... Although litiglotion \k 5 t'JeIltWll1yre:soIw tho diSplllt. the m.,,~ solution of

more smoothly. When I ~ IKb credibility with a ~ or ocher COIII'dotI. f'm'l' slltemenl is doubttd and ~ry promist must be confirmed in writing. When II bYoyer bclcs credibility. tht client .wIfers. A Iawyo:r ohQuld at le.»l appur honest and ~ in triiLNhmu W.McEI· hanty rtartIy IIfJmonishod through his ~ I<r..yer Angut.: ~l want to be tlM: rTW:»I ~ ~ in ihe<XUrtnllm...l want to be considerate. I want to be fair. 1~r want to look technical or tridIy. But more

than anything. 1"WIt ~ry ugumtnt J make to appuI to the i~..,nt stnst 0( fairness of the j~or jury.lfthfy can't trust me. they u.n'tlrust my Bting truthful with one's client or with the cou,t may not aIw.lys be tasy. Oioclosing adwrst controlLing authority is 1'10 fun. but must be done to maintain our duly of candor "ith tho court. [f the

cast.-"

• •• • • • • MISSISSIPPI VALLEY TITLE • • • • •• INSURANCE COMPANY The Flo-ibillly You Need. The SlabililJ l ou Tnt5I . 111 ......... _

TIlE AlA8A."lA lAWYER

' ,Idooo.IoIooMoppI:lQlO! ' 601.-.oll1 · 1I»<oIJ.lIM

~IAY

1996 1 [61

1M tontrtl'llt1:5)' does not SIItisiy t~ parties. Ruely don 1M vmlict COO1'OfI with 1M litipnts' s.tnst 01 jU$Ii«. A/though litig.1tion produo:e$ a winner and a Io$tr, it exacts such greal financial and erootion.1llolli tNt no ont really wini. Tht fir>ancill COIlS oIliligation iII't_11 known ~nd f.. quenlly discus..ed among I~wye~:" Ihe emotional cosls. often obstl'\'td. rtttiw "'rt attention." Aftu Ii.ltning to thtir attorneys nnt lind raw about how "1111 right" their actions \...~re and how "all "''r"OI\II" tht OWOOltnt woo. t~ di<:nts belieYt thtir .UOITIt)'S· version of Iht "truth" reganll ... of th_ ""rdicl They tither f~1 5OIl'OtWh.t \in . diated or believo that justin was not .. rw:d by Iht dtd.ion. Th. litigation dnwc. a ~ d~p into any fritndship Or kind Iftli",. om p.lrty IN)' hove hid for tilt oIhtr. " l.Jwyus i llnd betwnn the dient ~nd tht opponent; they free clitnts from tht l'tSpOn5ibilities of rel.l. tion.hiPJ lInd in th. prOCelS dtstroy rdation.hips"" No paning thought ..."" giwn to tht J1H<b or [~Iinl/$ 01 the other party. Or to whot was "righL" The dispute dragged emotions to tilt surface and left them there. raw lInd bleeding. And the ~ syotem does nothing to hul thost wounds. \lI" rtcoocile the partie$ to each other. Altorneys NW ..jtcted their historic role 1$ "hulen 01 hulTWl conHicts:"U instead.;as traint<! advoc3tu, they scrve as hirt\! guns, doing the ditnt's dirty ",ork: they pU 5h c ... u to th. pol ... extreme. i nd stir up disstnsion and contnwc.rsy. le~"';ns lhe dif1lU wound. Nlnd bitter. As Justict 8urgtr Mid. "Isn 't thell''' beUer Attorneys muSI lak. s.ome responsi . bility for tht filing of .uiu and the rec. onciliation of clients. Not evoty wrong demands ijudiriQl .. mtdy, Many oItht disputtl tlogging oor courts should be rnolved OtJUidt litigation. by neighbon and family rTIf1l"Iben. frimdsand IWOC;_ atts calmly disclUSing the problem and negoti.oliflll a mult. But our socitly his 1051 t.... skill of ~acflully ruolvillll diJ.. putts; "''i: tend to low to fight. When i penon with ont 01 thts.t dilpl.ltn seek, legal counsel. tilt i\torney. as coun . .. lor. should recommend ~Iternaliwi to litigation. As Formu Chid Justict Burger

way,....

Ont ruson Our cou rts have

t6UMAY t996

become overburdened iJ th~t Amtrians art incrt""inglj> tum· ing to the 00Ulb lOr relief from i TlInge 01 ~nonal distrWtl and anxietin, Remtdies for ~rsonat "''TOIlgI !hit Ilf'II% Wfrt coruidtrtd t~ rtlj'lOOSibility 01 inslituticns other Ihan the courts are nOw boldly a$Sotrttd ;as legal ·.ntitle. menu.' The court. hi't betn _'!'Ktt\! to fill the void crtated by the dtcline 01 church. family .>nd nti~ hood unity.Did Chief Justice BUrger mean that at one time "church. family and neighborhood" played a role in diqlutt us.olutionl Yesl The Tor"h discouraged taking ~ fellow Ilebrew to court. Indud. Ribbinic,,1 court •. Bet DIn, Include diSpUte moIution 1$ in ilhtn'\ll' t,'t to ci,iI courts. The sources of authorily ind guiding prindplts COfI\I' from tilt Tora.h lInd RabbiniQl tea.ch. ings. Numerous jewish arbitration ctnters and concili.tion efforts exis t •• including Iht ...'i:II . kno..... Jtwish Con . clti.otion Bo.I.nI of New Yort<,Ch ristians als.o haw various organiza_ tions designtd to rtwlve dispu tu accordinllto Bibliul principles. The Il\03t actiw in AlwlTIi is the Institute for Christian Conciliation." Tht Insti tute Incn its roots 10 -.is plinted by mtmbtn of the Christian Legal Society in 1980. liS twin mIssions are to educate and Irain people in the skills of ruolving conOiCI thr(lO.llth Biblical prin· ciples and to apply those Biblical principles in conciliation effort. bttween disputing Pl-rties. Unlike litigation or triditional mdhods of mtdiation or arbitration. Christlin conclliUion Iocuses on I.... relationships involved. It i. a proceu that "llives priority to restoring the relationship. ",ith Ihe ulti. ITIitt goal being reconcili.otion between the diSpUting parties, and reconcilialion belwi:_n ta.ch party ind God ..... Th. Ntw T.. t~ment tuchu. mosl notlbly in M,,\thtw t8:15.17 and I Corinthian$ 6:1-8, !hit Christians should reJ()\yt their dispults arnong themselves or with the help of the murch. Justiu Antonin Scilia tonIITItnttd on the pasJage from Corinthians:

priest, slwuld be sought befort parties n.-. oIf \0 the law ~ I thinIc ..... iII't too ready 10 stdc w.. diation or "", oct through the i>dotrsary l'rocttdines rather !haro

*'"

mtdiation. __ Good Christians. just OS they iII't sJow 10 .,~r, 5hoold be.1ow 10 Slit." AllOmtys should once again tmbraa pan th~

tht tr"ditional rolt of "hul.rs of humin conflict." of puce making," Sometimt. tht best apprOlOch for the dimt WOiJld be to acktooc:owttdat her part ;n Ihe conflict (evoty dispute has two sidesl. a.ccept responsibility and a.polo. giu." For another cl ient . tht but coun.. 1 may be to overlOOk ~ wrong instead of dt$troying • relationship, Or to pTKtic. trut (orgiwnus.. .. To 1... 01 OUr climu 10 points of o;on(ession iIIld forg;vtneu. we must htlp them ne people and relationship. is more important INn "Iways uereising III Our Itgi! right •. Remembe r . th~t "{b] lessed are the peacemakei"$ lor th<y shall be a1IN thethildrtn ofGod.'''JI This 10001 article could only bt1;!in to TlIise 'I$ut$ about the role 01 moral I'lI1. ues in the law office. May _ continllt \0 Uilmine tht Qut:5ti"", l'lIisord .... re as "'. struggle to be hont.t laW}'1OTS and healtn of rontlitt.

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1-800-242-0072 OWNED & MANAGED BY A PRACTI CING M EMBER Of THE A LABAMA STATE BAR MAY 1996 / 163

Have You Met the New

Kid on

Block?

The ADDENDUM, the new bi-monthly newsletter published by the Alabama State Bar. is now th ree issues old-and ~lIrowing great!" As proud parents, the sub·committee of the editorial boa rd

thought YQU might find the following facts interesting: • The Administrative Office of Courts was inundated with calls following the first AIJDENDUM cover story. "Alabama Courts in Cyberspace", about their new remote access system. • The second ADDENDUM cover story on the mentoring program of the Birming-

ham Bar Association prompted the president of the l>lobile Bar Association to put the wheels in motion for a simila r program there.

• John GUM'S article on client reliltions mentioned a free video available from the

ASS and dozens of lawyers have called to request it. o An ASB member working in Panama responded bye-mail to get information on having a peer mediation program in a local school the re after reading about the successful program in Judy Keegan's ~ADR Around the Slate" column. o A state trade association directo r called to ask permission to re-print a PoinVCounterpoint article in thei r association publication, saying it was the best article he had read covering both sides of the tort reform issue. • A law office administrator took the time to write a letter saying how much good information he was able to get and use from the newsletter.

So the good news is that the ~new kid on the block" is doing just what was hoped for-bringing members timely, concise and practical information that can help attorneys in the practice of law today. And the way to insure that the ADDeNDUM continues to do the job it was created to do is fo r you to get inVfJlvedl Editor Susan Shirock DePaola invites you to send in your opinions, share information about articles you have read that you think would be of interest to others, and even volunteer to serve as a reporter from your area of the state! You can reach her at (334) 262-1600. One more way to help? The next issue of the ADDENDUM will include a fax poll. Please take a moment to fill it out and let us know what you like or don"! like and what you want to see included in futu re issues.

16oi ! MAYI996

THE AlABAMA l.r\WYER

FRAUD:

Recent Developments In Alabama

ho i.an<bcape of fraud in ~ma. is M:r rnm:urUl. Particularly in .n wh~n rdorm II on tile mindl 01 IJ"'Yo" Jnd 1"'lblo .. _Iik., the jurispru<imtiol ~ is ~ $IUft.

T UI

ing. Recent dtci,ionl of the Supreme Coun of Alabama havt wrought numer· ous dr:wlopmrntJ in tho law ~Lali"'ll to

fraud. Thr IoIIowini1 is a brid' <bcrip;ion at rdN!nt i.surs tlllt practitionm might coruider "nen pros«uting, Or defend· ing. an action for moo.

Venue II ... nUl pt1IIIn! V.n~ is tho initW skirmish in fraud litigalion. Lawyul bani. OWr whether ~tnue

is pro~r, ~nd ultimately, ",lat $IlIlute controls that ilsut. This is pl.rticularly truo in !he iII'Q of il"lSUWlCot fraud ti~ Questicn ~ ¥ism ronaminQ tho appliation 01 16-3.5 and 16-3-7 of the C«k of A/a/J<lma in actions for

fraud against corporale imuftl'S. In the most ~t venue cast, Ex parle Gauntt, No. 1940591. 1996 Wl S56(14 (AI&. Fri!. 9, 19961. numnous pLlintiffs brought stpa ... t. actions in tho Circuit Court of Macon County. Aablom;o, COfl· bining both contract and fraud claims

TIlE AlARA."IA LAWYER

agairut United lruuran" Company of Am.riao ("United"). Unitrin. Inc.. and Unilfil Nitioml ri~ II\SUQIlU Comp;o11)'. PWntil& liwd in ~ [!mort, Montgomtry. Chilton. or TaIlO1p(lOSl counties. It was undilputed that United "dots" bul.iness in ~bcon Counl)', but otI>tfwise. thm _ no oonntction \0 /oboon Coon· 1)'. Pbintifl$ soDnitted u.. bra...., fnud i. a ~rJOrIlIl injury action. Wnu~ was proper In Macon County pursuant to 163·5 of the Code oFA/a/)(III'W. De~n<bnll filtd a motion 10 lrarufu all of 1M pmdine QoH \0 Shelby Coun· ty. arguinc lhat wnue in /oboon County was improper. or in lhe alttTMtiw. Ih!ol 1M COfIwnieoce of Iht parties w..,.ranl· ed lransfer. Defendanll argued thai 163-1 COfIlrollfd 1M questioo ol wnut lI-.d that wnue _ proper whr~ 1M wrong. ful act occumd. no! whru lhe multinc noobodily injuries occurml. Bawd on the Supunw: Court of At.m.ma·1 holding in £X Parle Blaodsuw, 648 So. 2d S53 (1994). the trial court lrarufemd tht QoH 10 Shelby Counly. finding that the Circuil Court rJ Shelly Cotny would be lignirocantly mort" conwtIieni. PlainliJl". petitioned the Supreme Court ol Alarorna for a writ of mar.damU5. The

Suprtmt Court of AW:>lm.1.. in an opinion that was LIter withdrawn. llnonled the "'Til, ordering lhe court \0 tramfer Ihe uses bid to ~bcon County and holdin8 that the trial court lbu~d itl discrelion by transferring the casu to Shelby County because tht corrm\itnCe of the parties did not ou~illh the dtf· uoneO that should be shown 10 Ihe pIIintiffs' choke ollorum. On rehearing. Ihe Supreme Court addressed in detail the legislaliw dewl· opnw:nl oltht wnut rules codified il t6-3-S and to-3·7. Tho court concluded thaI §6-3-S wu enacted 10 IUJlPltmmt ,·tnUt is .'hblishtd by 16-3·7. nOI repJ..c. it, as to COrl'Orate insurers. Stelion 6-3-5 expanded II>< p.O!"r foru .... for actions ~inst corporatt insuren by allowing actions 10 be brought in toon· lies ...-hen: the insuftr dots businfH.' ... opposed to "doing busiJltsS by agtnl" fraud ila "ptrJOl\1ll injury" IICtion for pU~e$ ofwnue. Tho: Court held lhal: "Any compIainll alltgi"ll o:.>n\r3d dlims WUt prOperly filed in Macon Counly. undt. f6.-3-7; any complaints IlIta;ng ptrsonal injury cbims onI)' om subjtd 10 the eLI"", in §6-3.7 that limillrenonal injury adions ag,>i1"l5t domestic CO!"\"lO ...· MAY 1996/ 165

tions ... either to the county of the plaintifl'$ rt(!idffict or to the county whe .. the

wrongful act occurred ." Goun/l. No. 1940591. 1996 WL SS6()4, at· 10. The supre"", court granted the writ. ordering Ihe Irial court to delermine which cases invo lved personal injul'}' actions and to transfer them to Ihe counly where the injul'}' oa:um:d or the county where the plaintiff resides. The court dir.ded the trial judge to relain those slaling bolh contract and penonal injul'}' ,Iainu.. F...... m Non Coowoieno Section t;.3·21.1 of the Code 01 Aloba· mo cod ifies the doctrine of (orum >1On ront"l!niens and provides that "Iwlith respect to civil ""tions filed in an appropriate ...... nue. any court of general juris. diction shall. for the con...... nience of the parties and witnesus. or in the interest of justice. transfer any civil action ... lo any court 0/ general jurisdiction in which th e action mighl have been properly filed .... "Ala. Code 6-3·21.1 (1993). The dOdrine of forum non conmmiens is applicable only when an action i. COm· menced in a county in which venue is appropriate. Mrmtgomery Elet"<ltor Co. v. PinknilV. 628 So. Zd 767 (Ala. Civ. App. 1993). The law in Alal.>ama has consis· t.ntly mandated that trial courts .how great deference to a plaintiffs choice of

forum. In rec.nt c ..es. however. the supreme court has rendered differing decisions about when I .. n.ler for the convenience of the parties i. wamnted. Though unclear at this time, these deci· sions may signal a gJ"O\<'ing openneM to transle, of CMU from prop<r forum.! for the convenience of the parties. In Ex purle Bloodsaw. 64S So. 2d 5S3 (Ala. 1994). plaintiff Haul Bloodsaw filed an action for bad faith refusal to pay insurance claim.! in the Circuit Court of Macon County. Alabama. against United Insurance Company of America ("Unit" ed") and its subsidiary. Union National Life Insurance Co. B\ood!.aw was a resi. dent of Elmore County. United doe. bw;,ne5$ in Elmore and Macon counties. having .old pOlicies in both counties. V.nue was prOper in Macon and Elmore counties. United moved the trial court to transkr the ~ to the Circuit Court of Elmore County. stating that prosecution of the t:Ase in Elmo~ County would be much more conv.nient than Macon County. Section 6-3-5 of the C«ie of Alobomo provides that an insurance corporation may be su«l in any county in which it conduct.. bu.in ...... llKause United con· ducted bwiness in Macon Count)'. ~nue was proper. but United sought transfer u.mr §6-3·21.l. In support, United put

el.E DDESNT HAVE TD BE FAR AWA., DR BDRINCI

MAl'

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••1 1 ' < 0 _1 D• •• l op"' . nl ............. · 113 N •• _1 ... ·00 _ _ • AL U3U

166 f MAYI996

forth evidence that their legal counsel resided in Jeffe""" County. ill; regional ~r lived in Shelby County. (whidl. according to United. are both d",er to Elmore County). and doc:umenll; and wit· n.sus "",r. located in Elmore Counly. The only connection between Blood!.aw. a resident 0/ Elmore County. and Macon County was that United conducted busi· nes.s in Macon County. The tri~l court transferred the case to Elmo.. County. Plaintiffs filed a petitioo for writ 0/ man· damus. In granting the writ. the Supreme Court of Alabama noted that d.ference must be given to a plaintiff. proper cIrice of forum and that tnnsfer of a case for the convenience of the parties should 0,,1,1 be ordered if the forum to "-him the case is to be transferred is significantly more CO<M:flient than the forum in which the action was filed . Bloodsaw. 648 So. 2d at 555. In 8100dsaw. the court noted that ~:lmor. and Macon countie. w.,e cont iguous and that witnesses for plain · tiffs wete willing to tnvel to Macon Coun. ty. S« Ex porle The Prudential Ins. Co. 01 Am .. No.s. ]941037 and t94100s (Ala. Peb. 9. 1996) (hold ing that where plain· tifl resided in Tuscaloosa County. but flied her lawsuit in Creene County. wnue was not signiflcanUy more COfl\..,nient in Tuscaloosa County). As a result. the lupreme court held that United failed to prove that Bloodsaw's right to choose the proper forum in which to bring her lawsuit was not out...eighed by the con· venienc. 0/ the parties. Furthermore, the supreme court caut ion.d that a caSe should not be transferred unless a court is ' convinced that the right of the plain. tm to choose the forum is out.... ighed by the incon""ni.nc. of the parties." Id. (quoting Ex porle JoIlnson. 638 So. 2d 772.774 (Ala. 1994)).' In Ex porle New Engloml Mulwl Ufe fnwrrmre Co., 66J 50. 2d 952 (Ala. 1995). the sup,..,me court held that the circum· ,bnct.! of the case ..... rranted transfer. In 1984. while a resident of Monlgotnel'}' County. GtOrgt Smoot purch.sed an insurance policy from New England Mutual Life Insurance Co. At the time 0/ purchase . New England's agent alle~'" '"'Presented 10 Smoot that he would not have to pay premiums on the pOlicy after nine years. In 1989. Smoot moved to Barbour County. Alabama. and in 1994 . ten years after purchasing the policy. Sm<X>I. leamed for the first time that he THE ALABAMA LAWYER

would havt to IT\ik( idditional p.iyI1ltIIU und.. the poIky t\~n though the nine· yn r time p.riod had txpired. Smoot brought an action for fraud in Barbour County. N"" England Mutual mcMd tM tNl court to tr.>roskr the x:tion to I>IorJtiornay County. argui"ll that venue in Blorbour County "''U improper. and in tht alttr. native. that prO$t(ut ion of the ~l.I. in Montgomery County would bt mOrt COIlYt"nimtto the parliu.. While stati"ll thiot the pI.01lOIt at tho doctrine at Own non ~ i, to minimi" Uj)t~ and lho inconvo:nience at the partiu. the lupreme ~OI.lrt held that d.fendanu carried thtir burden of proving that the i~ at the partin outwtijlhfd Smoot's right to cllooK the forum. Ntu England Muluol, 663 So. 2d It 956. Favorable factors ((In$idrred by the court in granting the writ ""ero: I) all t\"tnu occurred in Mon tgomery Counly: 2) IoIJrttm 0( 15 wilnwu ~re Ioattd In ~ iInd 3) tm idditiooll. lim· ib.r action!; ~re ptnding in the Circuit Court at Montgomery County. let.; U!I1 Ex pa. le Cordell. 555 So. 2d loiS (Ala. 1989). The court held defendants ha.d ml!t thrir burden of proYing t hat Montgomery County ..... ~ mort 00fI'0'tfIimI than Barbour County in this p.o.rticulu cue. Id. (citing Ex parle Ford Malo. Credit, 56] So. 2d 244 (Ala. Ciy. App.

pbintift". flamlon v. ,.kJio,s iris.. ~. 493 So. 2d 1370, 1373 (AI •. 1986). The Supremt Coort <J AiaI»nu. ~rti<:ularly in the artlI at fraud im.Q/o.ing credit lif. ifl$Ur. moo. iuutd -....J drcWon$ (IJIIttfTli1lll what constitutes I misnpmtntation ........ which I claim ~ fraud may be btitd: M(Cull,u c. UnilVrSll1 Urtderu,.i1er', U k Irt,urtl~ Co .. No. ]930246. 1!195 Wl517025 (Ala. Sept. 29, 1995). In McOJIor ... 1Jnir.>tTSaIlllldmm't...:. we lmuronr:-e Q". No. 1930246. 1995 WI. snozs (,0\4. St-pt. 29, 1995). Cindy and Alltn McCullar purchned a new Old.!mobile Cull.. Ciw, Irom R~goncy Chtvroltl·Okb. loc. The purtlwt pm of the lutomOOil. w.. $]4,248.19. The McCulbn IN<Io I paid $1.500, leavillllan un~id I),iance 01 $12.748.]9. whidl they finance~. Iu I part the transaction. Reg.ncy employ.... acling n agents of Univo:rSIIl. sold tho McCulb.fI cre<lil life and credit diw,ility inwwoct on Allm McCuiLu. The cost 01 credit life i ...... r· iInct "'U $1.037.10 and SI.306.75 for the crtdit disability insurance- incre.. ing tho I:>mn<:e of the IoiIn to S15,108.54. To

lho dose the transaction. the McCu\b.fI lignelll contract to firunce SI5.108.54, plw pre<omputed Interest. The 10lIl1 to be repaid OYer 60 months. with payments of $345.70 per monlh. was SZO.742. On May 7, 1993, McCullar su«l Unl· w.ul. R~"'Y, and Reto"'Y's individ· u&J e~ in /Itacon County. alitgillJl frau~ . McCullar charged Ihal Rtgency rtpruented to her 11....1 they ~rt sell ing 10 hor the WIOUIlI at inw.~ -netdtd," but $Old to her tredit Iif. inwl1lnu with lhe ~nl 01 in$unoce bast<! on Ihe toul amounl 0( the conlnct inslead 0( the amounl finanutl under the conlnct. In olh.. word.!. McCullar charged lhat Regency defrauded her by basing the amounl 01 inwQo1Ce on $ZO.742 iNlead of $15.108.54. As I raull 01 the nunner in which Rei''''Y structured lho tra",· ldion. Regency Ind Universal charged SI,037.1O in premiums for lhe credil life i",ur.tnCt instead of $755.45. and simib.rly, c\urged I higher than n«usary premium for credit diw,ility «IYffllie, McCulb.r II~gtd th.Iot Reg."'Y fajitd to disclose 10 ht> that the amount of tho insurance wn more than she an~ her

ALABAMA

]990)).1

Venue is an impOrtant conside11lltion for plaintiffs and deftndanu Ilikt. If a piolintiff files an action in an appropriate forum. dfoN shou]d ~ made early in dW::owry on both sides to <J.velop a rwml of the connrctions lI....t a claim may or nuy not havt with the forum county. In 50 doing,. each put)' wi]1 ~ prep.o.red to P........ rly sUPllOri ~ OPI'O"" motions to lransf.. for the tOnYtnima 0( the par· ties. Re«nt decisioN Indicate the ~mI! courl i. much mort open 10 g"nling mOl ion. to Innsle. bind on conve · nim«. ~ration will ~nt lhe dis· comfort 0( btillll cau"u unrNare 0( and unprepared for tilt impending I),UI •.

Fnudulent mil ..·p.uentation To I'«O"tT for fraud. there mUSI ~ I milfqlrest1ltation of a mateNl elli$\ing fact on which thr plaintiff relied and which WM !he proximate cause 01 damages to !he THE ALABAMA Ur.WYER

--=-.

1_ _ .U !he pot.kaI """ ,"",lob.. ,nlonnlllOfl """ - . i........... I«IInoIotY • ..;~ TlIe AIabo"", 8"';1><>1 Nftwort (A8N)• • com"",.n>:e<l ""emm<t".1 ,nl""""",,,, .y... m. ,"" ,.r....... ;"" Y"" need ...""" )'<l<I -.:I ~. AnN l<at.~' Eaiy 10 ... boLt tr>dins r..... _ "",Iud'ns fun bih lui COO .... I.,"..... ~locIion _ ;.,Iudi.. nmpa;p I_and ..... '" A compltl. comm;nee o<l..oul<. 'ncl"';", bill ""merou. _ .. of and sbon ..... arch on polltl<al Ae<:us to ..... ry '011 c.1I ~ •• ,,,,,rodin, comm;nee 1....... _1. _Ideo Mton,~ .. 0(

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Daily ~ onicles In. evuy _ i.l"" >IOU. awoorin& 011 _...-ide ;..,...""" pot;lica1

Infor.-n.ation that 10

Vwiou. court decision •• pres< reieaoes ......... ieI..... 10•• ' ...... ' .1 report •• nd many,. ...... Il00:. .....,, The .billlY to ",,,... _ dif<C1ly ,n", Y'"" wOld fJfOCUOOI .)'SOC: .. ,o prodoocc your ..... ~

For more illjonllatioll, call (334) 834-6000

MAY 1996 1 167

former husband needed to I'fM' Ihr debt ~ 01\ the o.d1icle in the ewnI IIliII Allen McCull.or Marne diwIJ.Ifd or dlflt In SUIl\'IOI1 III their motion lor 1UfT\/T\aty jodgmmt. dtftndants submiutd affidavits from Robtrt Floyd.. IUptrYisor III the AIobomlI!;onkq ~'s Btnao.o of I..oiIm. and Uarl.ond Dyn.;on ~mpioo;ft of tht Alabaml Ik~rlmenl of Insur· 1nCIt. f'Io-td. an admini$l.flItor ~blt for the enwrcement of tM "Mini·Code: t.. tifitd th,tthe pr.mium for d«reu· ing crtdit lif. in$UrilKt can lit .... riU.n for the tobl,mount of PlOymenli due on add-onlprKOfl1puttd intemt crtdit sales tralWlclionl. instud of the amount of prindpit. Furthermore. ny.... an actuaty who inttf\'IUU AlWmlo's imuranu~ ulationl. testified tlut the Insurance Drl\lOrtment inttrprets ".mount of crtd· it" to mun the tobo! ~t of Pl}mtrlts plus pr«(lItIpUItd inlern! on tho crftlit transadion . ." interprflilion he kit WiS consiotmt with thit of BIInkillll Otpart·

IN"STATE MEDIATION T·R·A·I·N·I·N·G (approved lex CLE CI1K1il and Alabama C«116f (Of Dispute Resolution rosie.- raglstrallOt1)

May 17·18. Mobile 24-25. Pherix City

May

Clvlllll&edblUon: P.rt I T1Mo , , « I _ I 'n.Utld. (404) 758-9004

June 11·15. Montgomery Dlvorc. MHI.tion Tr.'nlno 'or Prot•••IonaIs: Atl.nl. Dlvorc. M.dl.to ... , Inc. (404) 378-3238 August 14-18 and November 13-17. Montgomery

Dlvorc. tNtd Ctlild Cus lody Ill&edblUon Tr.'n'"", Schoo' for Dlsput. R.loOlldlon (404)299-1128 FOf OIlt-Q/-stala training infOfmation call the Alabama Centef lor Disputa Resolution at (334) 269-0409.

168 1 MAV 1996

ment R.,.,l.otion No. 28. Rrgul.otion No. 28 provides: "TM lmount of iOOividual crtdit life insura.ntt wrillm under 0IlI' or _ POIide$ ~ by tho WTII' Imdtr shill not e.:ttd the originil rx. omount III the IPtcific COI'lbxI III indebttdntss. ..; the amounl of inJunnce slul1 n~r acecd the l(>pf'(lJIi"",t. unpaid ~ of the 1000n: McCullar. No. 193()246. 1995 WlSTI025.lt ·4. The trW court tnt.rtd summary judg. ment in f~V(Or of Ihe ddendants. The Supremo Court of At~b~m~ reversed. Section 5·19·20 Itates inJur~nc. on II "crtdil transaction shall not excwIthe approlimate amount... of the credit: Th~ supreme court further not.d that R.tlul~tion No. lB rtqui r.d that tho amounl of insuune. ,hall not ucud the approli""'l. unpaid bil~1Kt of the 1000n. According 10 the court. Regency c~arly chargtd McCulilr prtmiums on crtdit lif. and crtdit diYbility insura.ntt 00 the amount of the unpaid biiarn plus accumulatl'd interest. not the unpaid bal· ~nce 0( the loan. The court held that the State DrPlOrtment of Imurancc interpre· tation of Regulation No, 2B. as enforetd by Alabama', lJ~nl!ing D.p~rtm~nt. is inalnlistenl wilh the plain meaning of f5-19·ZO(al. The court. thutfort. h.ld that tile .mount of crtdit lif. and ertdil disability insufllllCe should be based 00 the o",im! be. iIITlOOnt of the specifIC contract', indebttdntss. without incluc.l· i"ll prKOmpultd inI.rm. Con5tqumUy. tile court rultd that McCull.or had pre· M'nttd a tlt'nui~ is.sut of ""'terill facl from which a juty could find that the ddtndanu C(lmmiutd fflloo. J ustice Butt, concurr.d specially to not. lhat "t\'tn if the crtditlile transa.c· lion at i.. ue in the "l'I"al did not vi<llatt Regulation 28. me re compliance wilh Ihat regulation il not a shield broad ellOtlgh 10 prottcl a defendant who has otherwiM' cornmitttd a (flIlldulmt act as a party of II crtdit Iif~ imurance

sal.,

cootract: McCullor. No. 1930246. 1995 W1. STI025. II

.s. Justict Houston con·

curred in the mult. but

not the ruson· ing. sbIi"ll that lUfl1mity iudtlmmt "'as imprOpH 1lu.I_ discow:ty _ incornpltte and btaoust the muni"ll 0( 1Irgu. "'tion 28 "'as 1100 il not at all cltar 15 interp .. ltd ur>dtr 15·19·21). The Supreme Coort of AWwna pl\td an application b' ~ in ~1c:Cn1lm and has $Chtdultd oral argu"",nl on April 1.

1996. Tht future impacl of the court·, decision is. them-. prt5tnUy unsettled. IJtwI:n /IId;,or M\:>rts .. SUPP/¥ Co. ~. l,mmllOCl Co. of N. NrorriaI. 659 So. 2d 5 1 (Ala. 1995). The Supreme Court of Alabi"", an· ....<em! tho wllowing q...,JIions certirled by the United Slile, District Court for lho Middle District of A1IblIma. the Ikon· orable Ira DoM.nt "raiding:

(I) In a breach of cont ract action. when an insurer fails 10 deliver a COl')' of the policy to an imurtd in accordanc. with Alabama COOt 1975. f 27· 1.· 19. but does provide. certiflCile III imuflll1« which M'ts out the g..... ",1 «IVel"ltlt without enumerali"ll 1m lirnil>tions and _ IU$ion$. io thr insultr t$1Oppt<i from aurrtillll an OIherwiM' valid _Iusion?

(2)Would II alt ... the opinion 0( the Court if. in addition to the lIixM: f~ct,. the inlur.r', ~g.nl made mio~U~Mthrimu~

Ihat the Insurrd had full CO'o·tf· ~ under thr policy. upon ....hich Ir.prtuntationsl tho insurod nlitd 10 its detriment? In amwtr to thr first qUt$lion. ~ question of fiflt impmsion in A1IblI"",. the Supreme courl of AWl.lonv cruted In uctpIioo M the gmmol rule in ~ that insurance ~ annat be Cl'ml· td Or ml.orttd by Ht~1. In so hold· ing, the court concluded th.iot 127·1~·19 0( the 01 Nabam<I requim that an i ..... flIIlC. POlicy be "mailtd or deliwr"'" 10 the purclw.tr of a poticy and to th. rI/Imfd iNured ~oo thai ~n insurer rna)' lit .. to!'P"'l from _rting conditions of. Or excluding from. cow:rage where such a purclwtr or insurtd is prejudiced by the insurer', failure to comply with the statut. , Additionally. tile Jupre ..... court h~ld tlul bteliUM' ~ purcl\utr md the rwntd insunr Ire 10 obviou$ly included "i!hin the lerTnl of 127·14·19. tM ....... delivery III l otrtificM. 0( , ..... rance. """" one disc"'iming any df«1 on the pur· chast", or tile IUImtd imurw', legal ritht under tM POlicy. will not be sufficiml M comply wilh thr statute. In mponst to the district court·s-.. "rtifotd question, the wprtmt court found that all.gl'd misrepresentations of Ihr do:fend;mts do not alter their answer 10

eo.

o...r

THE AI.ABAMA lAWVER

lilt fitsI qualion. Tht bet tNllIlt dftm. !lanu o;:ommitlrd fnud does not c~ the pla.intiffs sI.:otul undtr §27 -14-19 ;and the r«luirermnu thereunder. but It may Ix relevant in ddermln;ng whether the pI;ointiff __ prtjudictd by thot insu,..r'. fUlun to mmpIy with tho stalult. Mifler r. Dobbs f%bift Bo,l, 661 So, 2d 21)3 (Ala. 1995), On February 28, 1989. Murl Milltr purch.>std a 19&5 Ford LTD Crown V'IC' tona automobile from Tre~1I Ford. Ouri~ lht n.gotiatiflns fur tM ... It, I Treadwell ultimlln uked MIUtr if ht intended 10 pun:hast crtdit lift Insur.lOCt COVI.'rJg" Miller replitd tNt he did not want~,;and he infomvd lilt sa1tsman !hat hi: __ ;U MId would not .,.wilY. Later • • fln ajlrttlng to tm purch.ut. Milltr dult with anothtr Trudwell employ •• who repr .. en t.d Ford Li ft Insunr'K:<: Company. The tmp\o)'te aslctd Milln If he would like to ""rchast cmlll life insurance eovt .age. Again, Mitttr arI$Wtml that hot did not..all! tho <;f)Ytr• ;and 1Q\d the nnployet that he ''''is ill. Mo.eo""r. Mill, •• aft ....amining the form, was awa .. tha t coverage wu OI)IionaI. Tht Trudwtit employft sbttd t~ if Mitltr did not buy thot eml!! lift ~,'" could not ""'" tho car. When Mlltn again nised his ..... Ith difficulties, th •• mplo},,, rt'jlr.senled to MIIl,r Ih.at his health would not be a problem and that tht insurance would be df.cllvt notwilhstandi~ lhot stale of his helllth. Miller signed Iht nrc "Y ~ for crtditll~ Insunntf rowrag<'. indudi"lla health ctrtifi~te slating that he Wil$ in jJIOd htatth. Soon aft •• purchasi"lllht ca., Miller was ~ with 1W1g canctr and died ~l11iItl)' tight months Iat.r. Joyce MiIItr, administratrix of Mea.l Miller'. estate, brought an action 19linsl Ford W.lnsurantt Comp;my and Dobbs ~lobile Bay, dIbIl T~it Ford. Whll. affirming Ih. trial court's dism;",,1 01 Miller's cillirns lor fraud, which apim! 111 1>tr husband'i death, Ihe Sup ...... Coort of Abbarna held lhot sufficient evident ....... prtstnttd at trial to proceed under the breach of contract claim ;\QIIiMl Ford Ufe INUrllOtt Company. In SO holding. the suP" .... court hotld that while viewing tlw evidtnc:t in lIlight most fiwrablt 10 Mrs. Mill ... Mr, Miller IIf\'tT tonttndtd that ... was In Il<>O<l health. In fact, the supreme court noted that the

nlE ALAM'tA LAWYER

T~II ~

and Ford Uft rtprt· sentati>,tt wrr. awan of Mr. Mill ..', health and thot he did not wanl cm!illife o:ov«agt. Sufficient evidtna was presenttd thot Mr. Miller ""rc!wed the INura/ICIt cnIy lhr tho Ford Uft ~ insislrd tNot his poor holth ",o.IId not be • probl.m. The suprtmt court Mid lhol an ;nsurana company is bound by the actions 01 ils agent when the agenl knows 01 an .pp!i~nt'. lid"..,," heallh history and I'd will II policy withoul

"Mtr. ,ilenee il not frlludultnt in the absena of • duty to disclose. A duty to disdow may ariu from a confidential relationship, from a r«luesl for informalion. or from the J)lI1ku1ar cirtUtlllbncts of tht case." lIina u. ~ CI/ftJro. kI.otds, Inc.. 655 So. 2d 91)9, 918 (Ala. 1994). Recmt decisions by lht Suprtmt Coort of AIWma recognize a duty to dis· cloose in circumstances where a defendant has s.uperior knowltd# 01' 11 rellllionship fA trust "'ith a pillinti/!'.

"'!Prd 10 that knowledge. FraudulenI I Uppre" 'on To utablish a prima f<lei. cast of sup· prwion. a pllllntiff must !how: (1) that lhe dtftndatot hood a duty to dis.c:IOK a mattrW bet. (ll!hat tht dtftndint ron· cutrd 01' failtd to disclose this maleNl fact, (31lhat the ddendant', cQncul. m.nt or failure to disclose this material I'act inductd lilt plaintiff to act or to refrain from Kling, and ,., th.t the plaintiff $ufftml KI .... J damage .. a pl'OlIimale result Dodd u. &Ida SI<phettOit 1ft. loc.• 626 So. 2d 1288. 1293 (ALL 1993),

a-.

Unio" S",II,il. Life ltuu,..~ Co. ~. CrocktO', 661 So, 2d 688 (Ala. 1995), In Union SecurilV Jjte {ruuraOOl Co. u. Crockrr, 667 So. 2d 68B (AI •. 1995), tht Supre.... Coort of AIlIIwna ...1eI tNt an 19tnI of • emlil life insurer. \1"110 has stJI)triOI' koootItdgt, has I duty to Ilisclose 10 an ull$Ollhiltic.attd Insured Ih.al bent· fits may nol Ix paid under the pOlicy in the event il is discoYtm! the Insured has known htatth problems.. Evttyn lIt1d (ok.. man Crochr cIiKu5Jrd with Sammy lay. lor, an employtt of Fint AbIwna Bank fA Choctaw. the possibility of obtaininQ 11

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consolidation loan. On the awlication to Union Stcurity l ift Insurance CD. fDr crroil life insurance, TaylDr pre·marked ..,,,,,rale hea lth disclruure statelmnts fDr onth Mr. and Mrs. CrDcku. Taylo r marhd "nD" Dn nine healll> qu .. tions, indicating thai neithor Crocker had pre· viously betn ill. Mr. Croc ku suffered. from Parkinwn's disease and heart disu.>e, hining unde rgone ""riD'" htart surgtry twice within the last len }'eilrs. Both Evelyn and Coleman Crocker signed their indMduaI di5Closure ~ later. Mr. Crocker dH:d of heart disease. Mrs. Crocker submitted a death certificate tD UniDn Security in an effDrt tD make a claim under the credit life insurance pol. icy. Union Securit)' denied <:<'lVttage bastd On Mr. Crocker's histnry ofl>eart disea.e and his failure tD disclose the condition. Mrs . Crocker sued UniDn S.curity and other del'mdimts for fraud : the trial court granted summary judgment in favor Df Ih. defendants. At the time Taylor propared the health disclosure statements fDr the Crockers, TaylDr was acting as an agent fDr Union Security and due tD years Df experienco.

how_.,

was ~u ite knowltdgeable about tht

~ual·

ificatiDns n«tssary tD obtain credil life insuranct. Taylor testified that he knew that Union Security could investigate the Crockers' medical histDry "'ithin the first ~ar of CQWrage. but felt that thor. was 00 other ......y that the couple could obtain insurance. Momwer. TaylDr recei~ed a commission on .ad! poiie)' issued, regard. I... of",hether benefits u~r the pOlicy were ever ""id by the company. According tD the e"';dence before the trial court, Taylor a1 ... was ..... 11 aware of Mr. Crocker's health cooditioo. Evidence indicated that Mr. Crocker noticeably trtmortd 00 a continuous basi., lhat Taylor had visited in their home, and that TayIDr and hi. wife had vacationed with the Crockers. Although knowledgeablt about Mr. Crocker's poor healt h. TaylDr pur· posdully falsified the health di.closure forms. indicating that the couple was in good health and had no histD!), of illness. The Supreme Court Df Alabat1)/l h~ld that .ubstantial ~vid<nce of fraud was pre..,nted tD the trial CDurt. precluding summa!), judgment. The supreme court furth~r held that no evidence was pr~ ·

to the demands of your construction related case in OUf anal ysis of disputes and claims in di spute resolution and litigation

..",ted that the Crocktrs had il!lJ' knowl · edge or ""J!"rience conc~ming credit lif~ insurance. The Crockers relied nn TayIn(s frien dship, expertise and superiDr knowledge. The CDurt, th ..efore, held that TaylDr had a dut)' tD disclose tD the Crocktrs that benefits under the policy might not bt paid if Union Security r~jecI:· td Mr. Crocker's appli cation btcau.., of his poor health. Libertg Natilina' Life Insurtlncf Com· pong c_ McAili&ler, No. 1931163. 1995 ",L 129224 (Ala.•".b. 24.1995). In Libertg Notional Lif~ InsuronC<! Compot!!/ v. McAllist~r, ND. 1931163. 1995 Wl 129224 (Ala. feb. 24, 1995), the Supreme Court of Alabat1)/l htld that ",'here an agent has a relationship of trust with an insurtd, tilt agmt has a duty tD explain and fully disclose differences btt..... en insurance pOlicies. Edith McAI· lister. a widow, had been a Uberty Nation· aI Life InsufllnC<' Co. (-Uberty National1 pOlicyholder since 1947. In 1982, she purchand a Libtrt~ NatiDnal cancer insurance pOlicy fDr he.,.,lf, which prD,ided cOVI'rage for various costs as.sociated with canctr t reatment. including limited hospital expenses, surgical expenses. private nursing CO$ts, and unlimited cDverag~ fDr rad iation, chemDtherap~ drugs, and prescriptioo drugs. later. Uberty NatiDnal embarktd on a program to pmuade ill; cancer insufllnC<' pOlicyhold· ers tn exchange Dlder policies. such as the Dne ~l cAllister owned, fDr new can· cer policies. The new pOlici .. incr."...d """",rage in certain areas. but limited <:XNtrage fDr radiatiDn and chemotherapy treatments as well as proscription drug.. In 1987, Rick ~lc u:ndon, McAlli.ter's Libert~ NatiDnal agent. represented tD McAllister that the new liberty NatiDnal cancer policy ......·as a better pOlicy and had better coverage" than the existing 1982 pOlicy. McLendon failed to disclose tD McAllister that certain benefi t. under the 1982 pOlicy would be limited or elimi· nated by the 1987 pOlicy. McAlH,t.. did not review the new pOlicy at the time she agreed to purchase it, but testified that

l""'"

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170 lMAY 1996

THE ALABA.'1A U.WYER

sht "lrmttd"' him. MonoYrr, at the Ii.... sht a.QrHd to switch polities. McAlI"t~r was giwn I brochutt describing the Ct:N~. . Pn:Mded by the new polk)', bot the brochure failed to ronlloin any oompar· iwns Ixl~en the cover~8t under the 1982 policy and that 01 the t987 policy. In 1992, MeAltilt..·, lunl was diag· rI<*<I with aT\ical canetT. McAllisln'. aunt had prtviously purchutd an old WlCtT policy. "'hich slit had ~ for the nem. poliC}', After McAllister's aunt was diagnosed, ~ t cAttisl"'s aunt learr>t<l that tho potiC}' would not cowr rNtIy 01 her medal bilit. After ~ this with McAllister. McAlIistn' ~ the di~renrl$ Ix\wttn the 1982 policy and the 1987 poIiqo for the first ti ..... McAllister sued Liberty NatioNI for miueplUtTlllotion. deait, and fraudutent supprtl$ion; a jury awardt<! her SI,O(l(} in comptruiItOTydamaguand SI million in punilive dimages. On ~I. Lilxrty National conltndtd thallhe trW court nrtd by submitting McAlI"tn's fr:audu· ItnI claim to the jury. Acronlillll to Liberty National. the ",It$ brochure prO'o'idt<! to McAtti,ter fully di$Clostd all materW facu ""rtaining to the policies. and therefore. Liberty Nalional was enti· tied to judg.... nl on McAltister. cb.im lor stll'Pftl$ion as a matltT 01 law. 'T'he SUpre .... Court 01 AlWmIo held that McAltisler had prtwnttd suin(an· \i.1 evidence from which a jury could find that Liberty NatioNI was under a duly to explain to McAlli ster the differ· tTlCa Ixr..un the 1982 poIiC}' and the 1987 rxchan# policy Ixlore Ktling her

SIlI'P""""'"

tht MW policy. either dirtC!/y throu"" its agents or through a sala brocllure. McAllister had a relilionship 01 tl'\l$l "'th McLeMon. Bastd on that tvidence. the supreme court held that it could be found that Mclendon had I duly to .......t McAlli.ttr in undentanding tht differ· tTlCa bttwtm the old and new policies and thit tht brochutt which Mclendon provided did not fully diKloK aU of the malerial (<>cU relating to tilt rtdudion of coverage under the 1987 policy.

Smllh c. Fint PII",U, FimmdQ/ S", ~;Ctl, hrc .. 626 So. 2d 1266 (A I•. 1993).

In Smith ~r"icts.

Fin' Famil, Ft'ooneial

Inc .. 626 So, 2d 1266 (AI •.

19931, the Supreme Court of Alabama held that a mortgagt lender tw a duty 10 fully diJ.closc a yield spr&d premium 10 a borrower. !li11ie Jo Smith and Thomn L, White sutd Fiu, Family Fim-new Servicl$, loc. and others for frwd for failure to diKIoK.n fiNoce chartu ttlating to. rnidential mort· gage and for charging plaintiff. points in an amount in excess of that all""'ed by sllotute, PIlinti/f Smith's howe Will dntro)'t<l by fire. Smith purch.aHd a .h.n of a house with the fire insu",nct procttds and iOUJIht a lo.lIn (rom EquiSoulh to flnW. the ""..,lIing. EquiSouth sul>mitted Smith's application to Fint Family for approval . I'irsl I'amily oonditionally &grted to loan Smith the mor>e)' when her brother "lIrmI to co.siQn the note and appIiUl!ion. 'T'he annual intertOt ",It

chirgtd by First Family on the ~ __ 16 pe.cml. with EQuiSoulh. in <>cooroUnce with its uranQement wilh Finl Family, able to add up 10 2 ""rcenl to Ihe inler.. t rale. In OOdilion. ~'irst ram· ily paid EquiSouth 75 percent d the pre· _t value 01 the 2 percent spread as in additional fee. which __ not discloHd to the pl,intiff•. The Itwln was to be cloud with funds provided by Fir,t Family, with the note immt<!iat.ly Ixi"ll ;>$Signed from EquiSouth 10 First Fami_ ly follOWing Ih~ dosing. Plaintiff. COn· tended that Alabama law required EquiSouth and Fin! Family to diocloK the o~i ... tion feo ar.f yield ",!'tid 11Kmium ill i finance charge and lhit the J)l.Yffitn\ 01 7S ptrtmt 01 the additional 2 percent origiNtion f.. violated Alabama law bKau>t EquiSouth collectt<! in ucell of the 5 percent origination fee ""rmitted by statute. Neither First Family nor EquiSouth d i$puted thai Iho plaintiffs ....,d an amount in txcaS oI the 5 ptrCtTIt muj. mum origiNtion fee unckr the loan nor the fact that the loan wu a consumer loan t' anMelion covered by the Mini · Co6e 01 Alabama. which requirQ that oJl finance charge. be disdosed by the lender. Seclion 6-5· 102 of the Code oF ;I/obQmrJ codifia the common law rule IhIot an action for f",ud arisa "titre .... wilh a duty to discloK c:oncuI. or with· holds a malerial fact. See Ala. Qxk 16· 5·102 {l993). The Alabama Consumer Crt<lit Cod', codified at 1S· 19.1 to §5_ 19·)] 01 the CtJtk oF AhIboma. "makes matui.1 all fiNnce clllrgu ....yab ••

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MAY 1996/ 17 1

directly or indirectly by the oolT(M-er as an incid.'nt to credit." Smith. 6ll) So. 2d at 1268. Furthermore. §5-19-4(g) allows a creditor in a contract involving real pr0p"rty to charge and collecl points not to txceed fi"" perernt of Ihe original balance of the principal. The Supr.me Court 01 Alabama Opintd that "[I[her. i. no qUe>tion thai such payments [75 percent of the 2 percent spread] are part of the total finance charge. borne by the borrow.r under the Mini ·Code and, as such. are 1"t<luirci to be disclosed to the borrooo.>er WKltr Alabama law." {d. al 121'l. Conse · quently. the court ..""rsed Ihe circuit court's grant of summary judgment and found that substantial questions of material fact elIist«i as to whether the def.ndant. had a duty to disclwe the ove rcharge of pOinl5. The court held that although there was nolhing illegal about EquiSouth acting as a mortgage broker to First Family'. role as mortgage lender. questions of fact existed as to whether the defendants violated Alaba· ma law by not properly disclosing their

relationship and more importantly. not disclosing all of the finance charges incurred by the plaintiffs as a reoull of the loan. I/;nr$ D, Rietr$idt Chrcro/M- OId$. 1m: .. 655 So. 2d 909 (Ala. 1994 ).

Richanl and Linda Hines purchased an Oldsmobile automobile from Riverside Chevrolet.. Awarenliy. the left """ q.... rt.r panel of the car had been repainted by Ceneral Motors Corporation Wore del;"'" tr» of the vehicle to the d.'aler. After ...... r· al months. Mr. Hine. noticed a ,light discrep;mcy in color betw.en the paint on the left rear qUllrter panel and that on ~ r.,1 of Ih. car. When he w", unable to re>olv< this problem with tht dule<. he filed this l~uit a11tging mudulent SUI>" prwion and misrepresentalion. The trial coort granled summary judgment finding that the defmdaots had rot suppressed or concealed any malerial fact beuuse lhe repainting of the car was not a material fact and that the ~ was imuffidmt to SUPllOrt a "claim for punitive damages.' be<.::au$e the plaintiffs failed to present clear

When you need expert valuation or litigation support, call the specialist. Ctnifl«l froud Ex.mtntt Iblph Sunwedord, O'A. ~ do:YoI<d. cum romid:j"ll .... ~got tt.....,.-rt 1e\IlrrIoIly, deposiIion f>/Ip. and me. rdotod anaIyoII that )WI" <>$("$ ~

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r.:r 1M'< 1I)W>. /.tIOrJley$ IvYo ItIXd '" him /or tlIIInm YaIuaIlon!, » <tn", iIOOJUnU,,&- tnvnllgollVl' K· C(M,Jnu"! (<:MI and CI"iJrUrW mmtnI. and pWImI"ipandOlUrt<lllpma A1t in oil •• nomoy> b.lVI' found lib htlp lnvaJ ..bie In akul.1ll"1l d/.mogt1. lit "m Itrlp tw r"", c..U __ fa. a frrt {(InlUIM i"...

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and convincing evidence that the defffidants had an intent to deceive Or had oommitted 1/tO'S. Oppreuive. or "",Iiciol.l$ conduct. Hines appealed. This ClSe i. important in several respects. Fin;t, the supreme oourt. empha· sizing the defend.nts· superior knowl· edge that the car had bun repainted and the likelihood that the plaintiff would rot oth.rwise have purchased the vehi· cit if he had kno.,.m that fact. held that the question of whether lhe defendants had a duty to disci.,.., should Im-e been .ubmitted to the jury. Because the Hineses we .. memben; of a group or dw of persons who General Motors "p"Cled or had .s.ptCial reason to ""peel would be inAuenced by its deci,ion not 10 disclolt information about the repainting of datroged automobiles. Ci>ntral Motors and the Hines ha\-e • sufficient relationship On which to base a duty to disclose.

Hines. &55 So. 2d 920. The .uppressed facl was material because the Hineses pruented .uffident evid<mce from which an impartial triu of fact could infer that the proc:ess employed to repainl cars with damaged or defecli\-e pa int produces a markedly inferior paint finish. Perhaps the most important issue presented by this case is whether the plain · tiffs "-ere required 10 present "clear and convincing .vidence of intent lor the purpO>e of ,ubmi\ting the issue of pun itive damages to the jury: To resolve thai issue. the court considered the interac. tion between the requirement of proof by subslanti;\) tl-idenc:e to submit an issue of fact to a jury provided by Code of Alabama §12-21·12 and tht r"'luir ...... nt of dear and convincing .vidence for imp05ition of punitive damage. provided by COOe of Alabama §6· 11 ·20Ia). After considering the purpose of those .tatutes. the court reasoned: Section 12·21·12(a) establishe. the QU/IIltum of evidence r.ecess.ary to submit an issue of lact to the trier d fact. whm the .wfficier.cy of the tl-idenc:e to support an issue d fact is tested Unless a higher standard is PM-'ided by SUtu\e, rule or dedsion. substantial evidence is required to MIbmit an issue d fact to tht lrier d facl. §\2·21·12(c). This sutu!e limits ~ authority ri a THE ALl,8A/o1A LAWYER

IrilII oout to Slbn/t an iIsut DI fort to Iht lrier of bet.. $o!clion 6·11-20(a). howeve r, limilJ lhe aulhorily of lhe Irier of (acl 10 award punilive damag-,hal il. i lrier 01 (act may iWird punili,'tc Ibmagu unlus Iht plaintiff I"'l"'tI by "clur and convincing" rvidenct lIul Ihe dtftnlbnt consciously or cklibtrIlely engaged in opprenion. fraud. wanlonntu, or maliet wilh regard 10 the plainliff, ThllS, by ilJ veT}' langulit. 16·11,20 dotJ not define the mndard lor cktermining whdhu a genuine it4ut of /act .....lniaI 10 a claim alleged by tho plaintiff. exists for tht trial court 10 submit to the trier of f.ct; rath.r, it ~er. nes a .tandard of proof for determin · ing whether tho trier of /act two or had. the authority 10 award punilivt Ibmacu.

limes. 65S So. 2d al 925; Jft' Ex ptJr/Il NotwoodIIodgesHotorCo. No. 19301SO. 1995 1\1. 560027 (Ala. Sept. 22. 1995). The court ~mphasiud that the~ is n(I "cLaim for punitivt damagu: bul ralhor artain eLaimJ \Juch as WMlIOnntS$J will lUflIIOI1 both COO'IJlft\$3IOI')' and punilM clamagtS. The Court ~ml to ~ to the Irill rourtlht authority to ~rus.. to instruct Ihe jury on punitive da ....gu whtn Ihe plaintiff has nOI submined clur and convincing evidtnct of inlenl to authorin tht tritr of fact to award punitivt dmugts. Thi. ~ should bt $Iuditd in dewl by any anomty who prKticu in the areas ofliti~lion often involving punitivt Ibmagn:.

finds punitivt

a second

.wr..g,., an appropriate,

run tht pmni. um Iud lK.a!att<l to the point ...·hel't it rtplUtntt<i OIlI'·third of Johnson's fo~t<I income. The jury a.... arded SIS million ;n puniti"" damiogH. Tht lrial court. applying the factor. from lIam moncJ and Grun Oil. reduced Iht verdict to 512.soo.ooo. The supumt court. without condoning 1m obYiously ~ous conduct of Life of Gtol'l/il. rt<II.Iad the vtrdict \0 $5 million. The court used this cast ill a vthide to make two substantial changes in AIabama's system for Iw.lrdinjf PUnitM .wr..g,.,. Fir>!.. tho: court provided for a bjfurultd trial on lhe is5~ of punitM policy and within I few

01 tht trial will begin

during which the jury ...·iII !>. pnwided addilional evidence and inst ructed to apply a num!>'r of facton in determin· ing the appropriate amounl 01 punitivt ~magtS. In oddition. SO perctflt DI any punitM award (afttr lllomtyI;'l_ and txptnstsl will be paid to tht State Gm· eraJ Fund. This umafkable Opinion at'OK out of a rather ordinary ut 01 (acts. Daisty L. Johnson sued Lile Ifuuranct Company of Georgiaal1tging that it h.ad engaged in intentional and recklw fraud by selling her I Medinr. supplemonl imurance pOlicy llut ....... worthlQil 10 hrr becauN: slit ....... eligible fur Medicaid. Although Johnson. an 84·yUr-old woman ...ilh a third·grade education .....as alrfall)o pay. ing premiums \0 Life 01 Georgia on nilll' differenl pOlicies. she was apfIroiChed by an agent who recommended llul she Pl'l'dlUf I ~Itdia~ IoUIlPitment policy. The .,gmt told kimson she nwItd that pOlicy 1(\ that if shi: went 10 tho: ho<.pital '-you ~ldn'l h.wt to worry about}'OUr doctor's bill." Johnlon purchased the

""The lrial court shill clurge tho: jury on the ~riate law. and tho: jury shall first determine liability and lilt amount of <;Ompens.>tory damages, if my. The jury will also dtcick by special ""rdle! whe!her the evidma j.mifia the imposi· tion of punitlvt cUmages. If the jury answtrstho lpecial vtrdie! in the affirmltive. the trial shall rt.IUmt, In the second part of tilt bifur-

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a/ld a proof Llf, of e,or,;. r . Johlf,olf . 1\' 0. ]940357. ]995 \\1. 683857 (ALL N.,... 17. ] 995) On November 17. 1995. in Life of Crorg;(1 u. ./ohroon, No, 19-'0357, 1995 WL 683857 (Ala. Nov. 17, 1995). the supremo court nu<k rN,ior chang •• in the AIWnu system for Iw.lrding puni· tM damagu. The court held \hjt in the futun when puniIivt cUfNIIt$ o;bdns art madt, the jury will be givtn a .pecial interrogalory to dttermlne whelher or not punitivt darmgellhould be ......ardro ~inst a defendant. As.Iuming tho: jury

THE ALAM.."lA LAWYER

24 lb., 251j, Cotton. Laser Finish. White or Bamboo. Rccyckd Bond 527S 24 lb .. 50% Cotton La .... Bond. White. Bamboo White S285 .. . .a~ a~~il~O!,"f cus::' . .. ..... .

Blumbergl9<cel~9.,r MAY 1996 1 ]73

cated trial. Ihe parties shall be permitted to introduce all evi· dence. financial or otherwise. that is relevant In Ihe que.lion of ",hat amnunl Ihe verdict shnuld be In accomplish the purpose puniti"" damages were d.. igned 10 serve. All evidence presenlly admissible at a posl·verdiclll(1mrnrmdIGIWJ1 Oil hearing may be inlroduced befnre Ihe jury retire,; 10 conSider ils punitive damages verdict. The jury is to be guide<! nol only by the factor> .et forth in flammo,u/ and Green Oil. but also by those factors staled in the statule and in oth.. rase law. Davis Carr. wril· ing in The AI(1ooma Lawger. has offered the follawing comp ilation af factOT5. drawn from both case law and ,l.3tule. that can be con· sidered: From the Il.3tute If 6-11·23. Ala. Code 1975 (SuPll. 1989\1: LNalure. ulenl and 'economic impact' of ""rdiel on plaintiff or defendant. 2.Amount of comp<'fl$.lto!)' dam· ~

•.

3. Whether defendant has been guilty of similar acts in the past. 4. The nature and e ~tent of any efforl by defendant to remedy the wrong. From Green Oil: I. Do.. Ihe punilfve damages .",.rd bear a reasonable rela· tionship to the harm likely to occur lrom the delendant'. con· duct? 2. The degr« of reprehtruibility of defendanl"s conduct. including: la) the duration of this con· duct: (b) Ihe degree of defendan!"s awarenen of any hazard ",hich this conduct has caused or islikety to cause; (c) any con<: ... ltmnt or CO'o'er· up of the hazard; (d) exi,ten"" and hquency of similar past conduct. 3. Punitive darna#s should rtmOYe the profit. if any. from the defen· dant and should be in eJlMS of the profit so that defendant rK·

ognizes a loss. 4. Defendant's "financial posilion." 174 / MAYI996

S.c.:.st of litigation 10 the plain' tiff. 6.11 defendant I'-'S rKei'-ed crimi. nal .. nclion,. that should be laken into account in mitiga· tion. 7.lf Ihere have been olher civil actions against the same defen· dant based on the !<Ome con· duct. this should be I.3k~n into account in mi t igation of the punitive dam.Jges. From H(1mrnrmiJ: 1. Culpability of defendant's con· duct. 2. The desirability of discouraging others. 3. "The impact" on the parties. 4. "Impact" on int>O<:(nt third par· tie,;. ~'rom

floltoway {Ridout's·

Broum &rvice. Inc. v. Holloway. 397 So. 2d 125. 127 (Ala. 198111: The punitive damages .ward should Sling. but ordinarily it should!lOl destroy. from WilSOll {II. DuJrona Corp. N. V.. S47 So, 2d 70 at 73 (Ala. 1989)1: Ddendant·. "right 10 fai r punishment" must be con.id· ered above plaintiffs right to reCOVer tht fullest amount of puniti-.-e damages. From Lt>wie {Aetna Life In5. Co, v. Lt>V()ie. 505 So. 2d 1050 at 1053 (Ala. 1987): "A comparative analysi, with other awards in similar cases." Ufe ofCrorgia , No. 1940357. ,lip op. at 22·24. The de<:ision to esl.3blish this bifurcated process was unanimous including the vote of the new Chid Jus· tice Per!)' O. Hooper. Sr. The rourt then considered the se'... ,.., criticism of recent yta .. "that punitive damages awards sometime amount to an undeserved windfall to the prevailing plaintiff: Id. at 25. The rourt conclud· ed: "It;s appropriate and fair that some part of the civil fin. impo5ed by juries in the form of punitive damag .. aw.rd.'i should be devoted to the gen ... l ",el· far. of all citizens of Alabama: The court. therefore. held: Hereafter. all punitive damages judgment> that ha,.. not been paid

and !<Olisfied shall be allocated as follows: Afler any post·verdict review is concluded by the tri.1 court, and after appellate r.view. if any. the amount of the judgment as finally determined shall b. paill into the Irial court. The Irial court shall order all reasonable upenses of the litigation. induding the plaintiffs allorney fees , paid. The trial court shall then order the derk of the court to divide the remaining amount equally betw.en the plainliff and Ihe 51.3te Ceneral l'und. Id_at 28. Justice Maddox di ..ent ed from the portion of the ()pinion allocating a POI' tion of the punitive damage award to the ,tate. In hi' opinion. that issue i. one solely di rtcled to the resporuibility of the Legislature. JU5tice Butts issued a separate dissent on the allocation issue . lie agreed with Ju,tice Maddox that it ",as the Legislature's d.t.rmina· tion whether a porlion of an award should be paid to the state. if so. what percentage the stale should reeei"", and to what fund Or agency the monetary award. should be allocated. Justice Butts also indicated his strong opinion that any change in the al location of punitive damag.. should begin only in the future. The court ha, agreed to rehear the case. It is uncl ... r if the court "' ill per· sist in the direction of reform <liredion or wilhdraw its earlier deci,ion. If the court choo.-;.. to reaffirm their earlier decision. material and sweeping changes will re,uit in the way /mud actions are litigated in Alabama.

Li6ertr Naliollal Lire Insu,· Co •• 643 So. 2d 580 (Ala. 19941. In Boswell v. Libertg National Life lruuronre Ca.. 643 So. 2d 580 (Ala. 1994). the Supreme Court of Alabama held that a plaintiff who alleged that a defendant fraudulently induced the ptaintiff to pur· chase "less valuable" cancer policy ,tated a claim for fraud even though no claim had ~n made under the policy. Wilhel· mtf\iI 1los>.... 11 sued Liberty National Lil. Insurance Company alltging misrepre· stnl.3tion and fr<ludulent suppression in the sale of cancer i~urance. Plaintiff ~lleged that Liberty National. &s~ll~. Q~

THE ALo\8AMA Lo\WYER

Ihrough ill ~g~nls. lold her thlOl lO and brller ClUICtr policy" would provide addilio",,] brndils ~nd more complm toYI'nge tlw> the old policy Iud prcMdtd 10 induct her 10 w:hlIoae the old polk)' for tM r>rW one. In 1..:1. 1M r>rW policy 001 only cool more. but "1'ol'IITI'

offer~d

leu cowrage. Defendants filed"

Rule 12(b)(6) motion contending that ""epling tM allegations of the plllintill's complllini as true. oM Iud suffered roo injury bmousoe she Iud not lO clAim under ei t her policy. The Iri,l COlIrt IJanltd that motion, and Boswtll ~ppultd. The .up.., .... totlrt ~ The in,iuryor dam.g....11tgrd is thai the plaintiffs wen persuaded. through the fralldulmt acts <:I. the <kfendants. to ~ for .wmething Ihey did oot rteeM!. In othtr word.. tho illiellf<,! ir\iuty or ~ was the paymtnt <:I. g..,lIter pnmiums than we.., _ wy bec2I.M the pbintif£s ~ no additional ~ in m.um for the gmt~ r pumiums and lost benefits lhey ~Irudy ~njoyed un<kr 1M old policy.

"'*

TIlE ALARAMA LI.\VYF.R

8osu:eI1. 643 So.. 2d lit 582. The COlIrt recognized the potmtilll for confusion by tho INI h.l.r in lilUll 01 tM two distinct lines 01 ases on thr iUUf <:I. ,,'hetMr cIlImage hu brm suf· f~rtd from an insur~"s (raud wile.., 00 claim Ius bun ~de under the policy.

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Compare Moon u. LiiJ..'rIV 1I'a1'1 Life

Ins. Co.. 581 So. 2d 8l3IAI... 1991j",ilh Liiwrlll "'011 Life frIJ. Co. v. "\:lilt. 551

So. 2<.1 l0031A111. 1989). The court <Mrruled tho Moon Hne iii ases to tho atmt tOO...: cases U1: inconsistml "ith the ruling in lJoswdl. Conelu.ion Th e tV<llulion of fraud as it relates 10 consumers is never-en ding. Thi s

hn b~com~ In tensified by tM continuous introduction "nd <kbate of rdorm legi.l"tion in the Alllb.>om. l.gisllllur •. This chronology high • lights rttmt decisions iii tM Sup«.... Court iii ~ and remuks on how Ihey haw. and will. im"",t the lilig.>. lion of (,lO ud cllims throughout the state, • proc~ss

.. __ . _. _""" ,,_a. .---_ . _-- ..-""" ..... ----" I_ l & __ 1•

c-..""""",ljOIo._,I,

.-...-_ _ _ - "

",, _ _ ,, _ _ ., 0:.-.. So. • •' . _ IIt<I

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MAY 1996 f 115

Injuries and Loss of Eamings By limes B. Smith., Jr. and Jxk A.. T;l)'Ior

Kcountant was di$abled in an

A"i

lutomobik Keidenl arwl is inQI' t 01 continuing his full poe_ tiu. II mother of young childrtn i. di.$abltd d~ 10 an injury and is no! able to continue .... orking in her p.o.r(.lime too. II fKtOry worur whose job rtquireo

lignifiC<lnt physical activity hu a Iland il'l.iUf)' from a ;oo.related accidtnt. Btsides the phy$iaI iniuoo. what do that individ.w. how in COIMlOO? n..i, fulure ornings mI)I be mluctd due to

tilt injury. ~ of the "rwICiaI iJ11pad

on tilti. clients. both plaintiff iU"od dtftnse IUOrnty •• hould be Interuttd in the quantification of mluud umings.. This q~lirK:.1tion should be objective. and pr(lYidt neither" firuonti.>1 windfin to 1M plaintiff nor pmaliu the ddmdant. 1\ should .imply ~kt tM injum! p.o.rty KooomicaJ1y wholt. Rul how can this lou of earnings be quantitatively determined? We suggest Ihr following .. a Rni,ht forward and obItctM method 01 dotmnining tht IosJ: Lou of Eomingo • Future Lost WI#' + Future Fring. Benefits + Future Nonm/llke\ Servicu . I'utur. ElImings from Alttmali"" E~nt !.d', tab a look .. t och C(lmpomnt 01 the Ios.s of earnings formula..

loat \liagc. Fi .. t. the plaintiffllost wagel are the 17S/ MAYt996

futu .. wages lillot a .. foug<.>nt bttAU$e of an 'njuty. loIt ..... dtpcnd on the current wage ...... ge growth ratc. and the number of ~arl I't'rTliining in the plaintiff's l,ft. After roIlfding this information. the current wage is pro· jected ovtr the futu re work lif. u,ing the w<lllt grov.1h rat •. Thus. I stream of future ....<II!« is determintd. ~ three coool\lOi .. nll of lost lI't' ~

won.

...

CutrWll W.ge. TM cumnt " . . may bt Iwtd on lut ~u's "'<lIlt if lillot is an accurate .. pr.~n\2ltion of the plaintiff. current earninss' u;>acity. A!alo .. tum ean often be used to confirm the lUI yor's ...... If the plaintiff only WOfktd for a pOrtion of the yur due to the illiury. Iut )tir's w<lllt may r1ftd to be mnUlliztd in order to proiKt the Urn· ings; for the tnt,rt )'tlr. ~'or In hourly worker. an alternalive 10 using last year', wagt might bt the cur.. nt hourly rate mull,plitd II}' the upecttd number of work hoofS in I )'tIr. The uptCttd houn may r1ftd to bt idjUiled for any fllPtCltd perlod. of sickness Or unnn· ploymen!. For young people still in Khoal. lhe impact of o;ollege education on future earnings; can bc determined by revitwiJIII 5Choo1 r!COrds. eduation· ~ Iewl of parents and .ibli"", roIl~ major. and any hobbiu indiuting fmploymonl int~

If..., Crou-lJr R.t. The nut romponent is the wag. growth rate. which i.

us.ed for proj.cting future wages. The wage gr(M·\h u lt may be dettrmi""d from the " . . history of the plaintiff, .m~r or gowmmentool ceMUS st,). li.tic:s. The ral. may VlI'JI by the plain· tifrs age due to s.enlori ty. uperience and perronal productivity. Ovu a pc r~'I carttr. the wage growth rate may incrtUt rapidly at the )'Ounger lits. increue more 510wly in the middle iIiU. and lewl off or l\'m decline in the ~an btfa .. mi .. menl. Rtmffining Wcri Lilt ~ last com· POnent in calculating the lost wages is the numbtr of )'taro relNl;n;ng in the work lif~ of the plaintiff. The work Iif. may \\iry by occupotion, s.ex. tdoK.llOOn and other Vlriloblti ttw. ~r. ljlKiflC to the pl~inCiff. such II mtdiul hi.tory. Certain fYtnts <my ihorten tht I't'main_ ins wor k life and mllY b. comidered when ulcu\ating the lost wagel. Those fYtnts might include:

• Reduced worlo li(e ap«tanqr rt'$UJI. inQ from m early rdiremmt Pf'OiJ'ml otr.mI by the pLointitri company. • Plaintiff, failure to minimiu dam19t1. For example. the plaintiff may fail to accept alt.mati~ employment or vocational t "ining. filii to take mediution. fail to follow 1I doctor'i recommendations for therllp~ or recowry. or dectine rthllbilitlltlvt wrgery that dott not impose II sub.tantilll health risk.

THE AlABAMA u\WVER

• !'haling out tI tllf pl~;ntiff$ occupat ion U I rUl,l1t of ttcllnologiul

"'""'~ rn",. 80IMfiu

Btsides the bI tI fuwu "'agts. tllf pIaintilJ "'lOY abo IoIt futu .. fri"llt bone· fiu. fri"llt btntfil! indlJde 1M emp1oyer's oost lor the medial insu..nce plan. IlenQl Q vimn il'lllu..nce pWu. pm<lte ptnsion plan, JJVi~ or thrift plan, com· pany car Ir<<lilable for family pUrpoM5, and Social SKurity. Info rmati on about frin ge benefits may be taken from e~ handbooks and labor cootra.cts. l on 01 tlrnings IIlould conside r Iringe ~ndit' ~cal,l5f they may be affn:trd by IN rtductian in wogts. Dou· bIe counting of ~ and fri,. be ...· fits mould be l"Oillrd when considering bonusa. vacation~, Jic:k ~, holiday Ploy, cQJt 01 uMmploymtnt compt ..... · lion, severance p.l.y. and tools, ~uip· ment and uniforms prov;de~ by the rmployrr. To~d double counting. 1M employer's Social SKurity payments on behalf of the plaintiff may be considertd if Socia l Secu rity income after retirt· ment is also considered. Al so, the emp!oytt', portion 01 the Social Securi· ty \.ale mould not be rounttd :u a fri,,*, ~llI'fit if it iulrud)' indudtd in WlIj/ei. Tho oost 01 ~-p;aid ...dir...t 11m-mts should not be projecltd after the p\l.inliff becomes tligible for Medicar •• and 1M ~I 001II ct:ua. Furthrr. ~-paid medial costs miCht mIIIoz when dlildtm au no longer ~rtd by IN pWI ~ the pmnium is IlSUlIIy lawn- without 1M dlikhn's o:M.... i'i'onmar1rll StrvlUI The lou 01 earnings may also include nonmarht st.vices that .... ere prO\lided by the plaintiff. but are no longe r ptr_ fo r med b), Ih e plainliff due to the injury. Thtst nonmarket servi<:ts mighl not be perfor med by anyone, o. they might be performed by !<)mOone else. TtK noR/flUket servi<:tI will .... ry >ignif· iuntly by individw.i. While some Ire very Ictive .ro,md Ihe house, others may hlove I lick of lime. interut or da.ire for weh x livities. ThtK servica might include ca ••epain, 1. .... 1'1 cue, ca'l"ntry, plumbing .. pai", and cook· ing. lti.me activiti". sllth;u ,hopping and gardening. might not ~ includtd. In formation on non market urvictS TH£AtAIWIA LAWVER

may be based on information from the pbintlfhnd f"mily. TtK value 01 the roon./IV.rket sen.;ces might be the number 01 Il00,, nttded 10 ptrfor m the urvict multiplied by In ¥\riOj:ri IMe hourly rate. The hourly m e ihould be rtaICIIlabIt; e.g., 1M rill: lor car will gmtrally be higher than IN rate for Lawn Qrt. If a po-oftssionaI rate is 1IStd, apply 1M hourly rill: to 1M numl:rtr of houl'1tllat " professional would takt, whkh is wually fewer than the number of houl'1 ..quire<! by" nonprofessional.

.1'1

Eam!n,. from AJtfnlllUve Employm.nt Although the injuffii party may not be Ible to rdum to full apacity in h .. or IIfr prior employment. theu may be ~temalive nnplorment that will gmtrIte " futu .. Row 01 tami. Tho futun. lost ~ IIld fringe bmefllS from 1M QllemII/'w e~fM1IllU dedlltted from lhe futu.e 100t ....",.. and frin~ benefits from the prior Imp/OJlmen/. The quantification of tllf fu\uu wag" and benefi t l from th e alternative employment will follow the approach <le!cribed in the prtYious R<:tions. Having ~onlide.ed tht 5pKific com·

ponei'll! 01 the loss 01 earnings tcpJalion. tum now 10 othe. coosideTlltions.

T_ TUts IU not I'IOITI'II1Iy ~irtd in the calculation 01 bI 01 u.milliS nct"pI for federal ~S. Tn calcuillioru; can be quile complicated MaIlH of Ihe gelll'rII complui ty 01 the U_ law; e.g., IU dedllttions. deptndents moving out of 1M household, and tax bracket changel. If taxes are considered in the calcula· tion of loss of earnings, tht calculation must consider taxes paid on both investment income and losl tamings. Un<kr the U. S, Tu. Code, ....-ards for xIw.l da<na#l d\lt 10 ptrsona.l injury au geMrally not 1UIbIt. H_ r, 1M interest earned on " lump sum Stltl.· mmt is WIIbIt in IN yut that the interrst is earned. Rule:i in $lItts ~ the trtltment 01 tnu in the pnunt val\lt cakulllion.

*""

Cuu In>lOlvin. Death Althoug!lthis article primarily add~· ts lou 01 income due to injury, many of the methods and assumptions will also ~ly to the 1051 01 income due to death.

One of Alabama' s oldest Coun Re poni ng Com panies

FetUuring: Discovery ZX Nationwide Reporting CoBdcnsed Depositions

Video Tape Recording

ASCII Disk.\: AMICUS

252·6205 24 Hour B irmingham Number

)· 8O()..638-39J7 • FAX: 252-6392 lI~oI_ ~ 1I~

II<pOoIl .... Stolle<

l_lS I'!n_iol e...... M_ r Ollllo.lln, B~_ AI ...... 35203

Fin. Alot>... !lM\/; !I"it<lin,

MAY 1996 / 177

[n cases involving a death. the expenst> related to the injury. such .s medical and funeral expenses. may be included in the [on of earnings. However. tht expenditu r e. related to the penona[ GOnsumption of the """"dent should be dtducted from the [0$$ of earnings since those expenditures cannot occur. The cons.umpHon e:<pmditures i...::[ude all pnsonaJ coruumption (not just ownomic r.e«ssities. such as food. clothing and ,he Iter). and typically exclude oon· Jll'rson.l eXl"'nditures (such M family housing C.lSt.). Per""nal ron.umption elIJII'nditures include the costs of gam· bling. alcohol and hobbiu. A review of the decedent's lif. style. reputation and morals may indicate the spending habits. POl' young people. future per""nal consumption might be determined by examining the following: • Educational level of parents. sib· lings and decedent. • School rtcOrtIs of decedent _ writ· ten romments in the fite may be as important M the grades. • .'amily·, value of education. • Work histof)' of parents.

~ .. -

• Work ethk of parents. • Court rocoros. if any. of the decedent Pr""tnt \',Iu. C. kullHon Aftu projocting lost earnings for each ye .. of the remaining work life. the income stream is nonnally discounted at an appropriate interest rate to determine tOdoly'S value (present value). The pre.ent value collcul.tion i. nec,,,,,,ry because today's money is worth mor. than tomorrow's money. For example, $1.000 t<><lay " "'orth more than 51.000 in One year because today', $1.000 can earn interest during the year. Stated another .....y. 1\:1.5 money i, required today to fund a future paynwnt becau"" of the interest earned. The interest rate used in the present value calculation may vary by state. Cenerally. a .tat. require, an interest rate thai is based on ta) stale legislation. (b) rules of the court. which is usually set by the state's highest court. Or (cJ case law. The interest rate can also vary by the type of cast'. If there i.latitude in selecting "" interest rate. most courts will accept a rate

r'liflr"" ~apptd MOWII RtWtU'D,driw "" to """. <>IdoL 1/",_ Pu...

- /I.rrkott< Rid,, " J'"

01,..,..

........ mru. "" P"I".'io>oriId; ,"'IIIII<MJi""" '" 1M Cmb "'" J«uriIq .. JI_ _ d""''''m c~",.,J l> ~

Iqk,,,

ow.

b,w,d on a safe investment. .uch as U. S . Treasuf)' Bonds. Depending on the circumstances. AM corporate bonds might also be considered I>eca.- of their higher yield ""d high investment quality. There nwls to ~ a consistency in tht Ireatment of innation on inlerest rates and ",.ge rale •. An inflation adjustm.nt should apply to both the int..est rate and "'age growth rate. or should apply to neith ... Otherwise. the pres<>nt value calculation may be materially misstated. The valuation date for the pr e.. nt v.lue calculation shoutd be M close as JIOS$ible to the current date so that the latest information on int .... t rat •• can be employed. Furth ... if lo,t income has occurred after the date of injuf)' and before the valuation date. tho.e losses should be accumulated at interest to the valuation date. The total lost income as of the valualion date i, the (a) accumulated value of past losses and (b) presenl value of fulure losses. Summaf)' The many assumptions and methods used in calculating the loss of earnings must be selected carefully because they may have a materi.t impact On the final settlement. Because each situation i. unique. a sigoi(,cant amount of uperIi.. and judgment is necessary in selecting Ihe most appropriate assumptions ""d meli>od>. •

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178 1 MAVI996

THE AlABAMA LAWYER

Each ofuj haj. on manyoccusiom thTO/i.f}hout our li~'{'j. hurriedly chanted the -Pledge of Allegiance.· rush· ing IhroUflh ils pou:erful words 10 gel Of! u:ith lhegame, class or olherever/I. H()IJ) ofte/I hut'e we reflecled on the cision expressed injust four short /l'Ords, the mding phrase of our national pledge. -ami justice for all?" -Ami justice for all, • a basic tenet ofoor s«iely, renwins the rore toolue ami mission of lhe l£gal Senices pr0grams in Alabamtl. Day 10 ooy, Legal Sen'ices Imeyers pfOt!ide quality legal rqJresmtatioll m Cll.'il mtlllers to low income persmu, thus guaran.treing aa:ess to ajus/ice .l!Jstlm'l oIhencise atooi/a/JIe onlJlto t~ u:ho can pay the price for a lauyer's $4m!ices. The Legal Sen'ices programs ill Alabama gratefully Qc/mowledge and thmlk Ihe fallou;ing illdim'duals and finll.l u;ho made a (mallcial ronln"butirm to Ihe 1995 Ptlrlners fa r Justice. a fundraisiny projixl of the LegaI5ervices progratT/5 i'l Alabama. In doing sa. they have joined uofth I£gal Services attorneys aroulld Ihe $Iale uiha daily keep lllil.'/! for all people the visioll alld pledge. "mId justice far all. • P..1RT.\'ERS Frank M. Wilson

M'ltfo·~CI.\"G

.'inIOR P,~RT.\'ERS Mk~IJ. Crow Soull"Km Powrty Law Ctnltr. Inc. EmeRUlt S. Sapp M. Edward Still. Jr. i/\ION P1/lT.\·ERS

and Sa", Bea51e)' Bri$1unan & Binion Michael L, Edw.r<h Warren B. Lightfool J. Frtd Powell Thomas, ~ltans & Gillis. P.C. Al V~d"M. II Jtr~

SF-.lION .lSS(XHTES

!:dwardl &. Edwards Edward N. Fritnd.lIl Judgt and Mrs. .Iohn I~ Godbold Brock B. Gordon

John C. H..II. III Ibndill S. 11aynts J. O.lsorn Jonu.and Da\~1

Thomas C. Ktith Gilbtrt B.Laden. P.C. Robtrt H. Lotb Don B. Long. Jr. Frank B. McRight John E. Medaris Oaklty W. Melton. Jr. Julian L. McPhillips, Jr. Mill~r. llamilkln, Snider &. 0<I0rn U£ Mr . .and Mrs. Jamts R. Morpn Phyllis S. Nesbit

J.G~Alltn

.Iohn A. o..~fI$

Jarnn U. Blacbhrr

D.wid R. PKltr

Pamtla II. Buey, Profmor of Law

Ala Rounlrte. m

Robin L. Durnil. P.C.

Robtrt O. StgaJl J. Timothy Srnith

Ht1lry II. Caddell Krnndh R. Cain. Jr.

Iton, S~ BtU COOb, Jud$ Brittin T. CoI~rn.1I1 Willi~m O. CoI~rnan

THE ALABAMA LAWYER

Charlu A. Staktly Thomas I.. Stewart ~orgt Pr/lth Taylor C. C. Torbtrt. Jr.

Mkhatl l). \\"ater$ Melinda M. Watrrs ISSOCHUS C. P. Armbrtdlt. II Cigi Armbr«ht Belinda A. Bamen S...,..., B. Btvill William N. Clark \\'i11i."1rn Z. Culltn M. OoNld Da"';s. Jr. Palrid~ A. O~"';$ C. Rick DiCiorgio. P.C. Robtrt I.. Gonct

Richard .'. Ogle Httmrt W. Peterson Robtrt R. Rtid, Jr. Robtrt S. Robtmon Robtrt H. Woodrow. III ~d.and yu", Wood",ff it ',\'lOR

,~SSOCHTES

fobrk W. Bor.d Butt",rn &. I t~ J. David [U ....;l,n~r Jtrome S. GraM J. E. Sawyer, Jr. Jamt.! A. TIIChr

MAY 1996 / 179

DISCIPLINARY REPORT Ralnstatement • Tuscaloosa anomey "illiam Eason Milch~1I WO$ re~ from disability inacti>-e status and reirulllted to the acti"" practice of law .• /foeti\'\! hnuaT}' 26. 1996. by order of the Alabama Supreme Court dated F'ebrua>y 12. 1996, IPet. No. 95·0041 Disbarment

• Birmingham attorney Joh n Freema n TUlnu waS disbarred by ordu of the Supreme Court of Alabama, dfocti"" January 24, 1996. Th. order of disbarment wa.o; bastd upon Tannu', affidavit and con,ent to disba rment wherein h. admitted that h. had pled guilty to felony charg~ in stat. and {clera] court. specifically. a charge of thdt of properly in the Cireuit Court of Shelb}- County. and a two-count information flied in the Uni ted Stites District Court for the Middle District of AI.biUM charging conspiracy to commit mail fraud and tax

e'Jasion. [Rule 23{al: Pet. No. 9!Hll) Suspension • Mobile .uomey \\-illiam Crove. Jon •• , III was int~rimly ,uspended by o~r of the Supreme Court of Alabama, said 'w-

FHL Capital All in,""s/mtm banking firm spttia/,:ing in mergers, (J(;qulsiliMS, b~sin~... va/uaUMs, Jaime... opinions and financial O<kisory ~ ..... i~..

Investment Banking FHl Capital has represented banks and privatcly held businesses since 1984. MOS1 lransactions involve lhe sale of a company. uti liZing our .'penence and le<;hnical slills 10 maximize tbeir sales pnc-c.

Business Valuation Each engagement demands mIlCh ItlOte '1\:08 a lb.eorel ical undc' Slanding of nlualion conccpls.

Having preiX'rcd hundred.< of business valuations. (he professionals at FHL Capital also undcrstand lhe

need for proper doo;umentlnion and supp<.llUblc conelusioru. For additional information conlaCl: Da"i d P. Arias Telephone: (20S) 328-3098 Fax: 323 -000 1 Email : arias@jn'"estmembanl;cr,$cott.nel

180 / MAYI996

ptmion dfo>eliw: January 22. 1996. Jone. was su.pt1lded pursuant to Rule lO(a). Alabama Rules of Disciplinary Procedur •. The om"" of General Coumil had fiI~ a p"tition pursuant to Rule 20(a) based upon an affidavi t of a member of the Mobile Bar Association Grievance Committee to tht effect that Jon.5 was hi<ing inw:stigattd on a bar complaint whiCh alleged that he had misappropriated funds of a client. The affidavit fur_ ther stated that documentation obtained during the inVl'stiga· ti(lfl of the complaint showed that Jones had receiw:d checks from th~ Mobile County District Court pursuant to a garnish . ment proceeding he was processing on behalf of a client. but tha.t none of these monies had been remitted to the dient. Further, Jone. had failed to respond adtquately to the complaint and could r>OI hi< located by tht imutigator for the Mobile Bar Association Critvanc. Committe •. Based upon the Office of Ceneral Counsel 's petition, the Dis· ciplinary Commission interimly susptnded Jones , Thereafter. the ,upreme court entered an order consistent with the order of th. Disciplil\ilry Commission which swpended Jon .. from the practice of law and restricted him from maintaining a trust account on the grounds tha.t his actions .:<oused great public harm. [Rule 20(a): Pet. No. 95·081 Public Reprimands • Phenix City altomt)' G~gory Keli}' recei,-ed a public repn· mand with general publication on Ftbruary 9. 1996. Kelly was employed by a client to obtain MI uncontested divorce and was paid his fee. in full. in advance. The reafter. Kelly failed or refused to take any action with regard to obtaining the divorce as h. had been iX'id to do. Despite repeated allempts on the part of the client to obtain information from Kelly concerning her oaK, K.lly conSistently failed or refused to return tele · phone .:<oils. respond to wrillen correspondence or otherwise communicat. with the client concerning the status of hor case. When the client filed a complaint against Kelly with the Alaba· rna State Bar. Kelly failed or refused to respond to the com · plaint in a timely manner. Approximately two years aftu having been iX'id in full by th. client. and only after the client had m~ a complaint with the Alabama Stat. liar, did Kelly obtain the uncontested divorce as he had hi<en iX'id to do. Dis' cipline was imposed for having violated the following Rules of Professional Conduct of the Alabama State Bar: Rule 1.3 which provides that. lawyer ,hall not willfully neglect a legal malter entrusted to him; Rule 1.4 (a) which require. a ~r to ke.p a client reasonably informed about tho status of. matter and to promptly comply with reasonable request. for information; and Rule 8.4 (g) which provides lhat it is professional miloCOn' duct for a lawytr to engage in conduct that idwrsely refiects On his fItne.. to practice law.IASB No. 94-3451 • Pelham attorney John E. M.darl$ ro>eeiw:d a public repri · mand without gene .. 1 publication on February 9. 1996. In 1992, Medari. ~ ..,.,n!ed a bank in Pelham MId in the course

THE AlJI8AMA lJI\\,YER

of his repnHntation assisted the bank in an attempt to dotfnoud the bMk's insurance amH. MtdJ,fis <fl)resmted the ~ in J numbu o(ltg.lll11llttef'S, one of which liwsuil tNt Iud btm fik:d agai ..... 1M Iw>k CO)rIUmina: chr<:ks which the bMk had accepted and which allegedly contained forged endorstments. The bank Iud insurance cowr.ge for any liabil· ity nlullinQ from th~ luil. but the deductible ....as $25.000. Mtd.'lris billed It.. bank on a mon thty basis for work done on Iho i.l.W$uil and for work done on I11IIUtfJ un rd .. ltd 10 It.. la ...• suil. Each monlh during tht nprutnl1lion. Mt<iari.o .. nl 1M bank two bills. The first _ itemized ~ rdltcled charges lor done on 1M Ll.wsuit and HpaQte chargu lor done on other unnlated matins. The HCOnd bill.~ ...as not itemiled and f.ilit/y rriltcted tNl the entin ;amount of 1M bill dono on tht Ll.wsuit when, in 1"Kt. part 01 1M _ for the bill was for work done on other unrelated matlefJ. Medaris .1<MHd the bank to use ... hic~r oflhe two bills ""would ~ m()$t he lpful". Th.t ..cood bill constitul.d a willful milnpr •. Hnl1tion of tht amount tt.. bank 0IW<l Meda ris for hi. H r· . icu In connection with the lawluit. This willful misreprtHnution ....-as fNdt by Medaris lor the 5PKific pur· pose of ;a!1owina: thr bMk to fl.btly npreHnl to il$ insur;ma a r ritr that th. bank had paid a Qrtat.. porc.nbgo of the $25,000 ded..:tiblt than Iud actu.!.lly btm paid. Discipline was iml'lOHtl for violation of lhe foliowinQ RuLn 0( Professional Conduct: Rule 8.4 Ie) .... hich provides lhal it is professioNI misconduct for a Iav.~r 10 engage in conduci involving dishonesty, fraud, d~eit or misrtpruenlatlon and Rule 8.4 (g) ...hich providt. lhal it is prof... ional misconduct for a lawyor to tng..ge In other conduct that ~rHly rriltdl on hi. fi t· row to prxti~ Ia..., IASB No. 93·0701 • Tusc.a1oo5a oltornt)' 0 11'1)'1 C. Ibrdh. rtctivtd J public: ~rimand without Ifmtr.It pubtgtion on Frbruuy 9, 1996. In MIy 1991, Hardin ..... employed by a client 10 probot. the u~tt of I d«t.ased nl"tive. After having b«n so employed. Hardin f.. ll~ or mused to probiote the aute In .. timely lash· iOfl and, in fact, did nol complele a petition for final .. ltI •• ment unlil Seplember 1995. somt nine month' after tho dienl had filed I complaint against Hardin with the ALabama S~lt II:ior, As .. ruull of Hardin'J deli)o in prob.atlng the atate. the ,lient inc:urred ,,,,,,tanl;;.t roslJ lor tlw: adrninl$t",\or's bond. Durin, the cour.. of the repreHnl"tion, Hardin failt<! or rdused to communicate with tM clitnt Or to r"p"nd to requeslJ for information coo«mina: the I~tus of the est.ale. Discipline ..... imposed ror havina;Yiobttd lhe folto....-ing Rules of Profe"ional Conduct : Rul. 1.3 which provid.. that Ml atlorney Ihall not willfully neglecl altgal matter tnt rusted to him, and Rule 1.4 which requinl an attorney 10 adequalely communicate ... ilh .. clienl and to properly rupond 10 .. ason· ablt requtSlJ for information conctrnlng the Il1ll1S of the rtprt5'nWion,IASB No. 94·3631 • Mobile ,,110fTIt)' John T. KfOIIlte. r«.iwd .. public repri· mand with .......... publication on Frbf\llry 9, 1996. Kroott .. was employed by .. ditnt in connection with a cI"im for .. deftcli~ "utomobile which the dient Iud purchased from .. locaillutomobil. "",,Iership. The climt paid Krootter J rttain· er oIS5OO. Aftt r having bun ~mploy.d and retained by the clionl, Kroulttr failed or refused 10 fi le lull against the automobile

"'"'U

won

THE AtA8A.'tA J-'IVYER

"",,Itrship Or to tab any other action on behalf on the client in cOflntction with her claim.. F'urthtrmore, Kroutltr latH/y npreHnted to the clitnt tNt ht had filed luit ..... illSt the automobile <lr.altrshlp when he Iud not dono so. On it least _ occasion>, Kroott .. reprQtntrd to 1M dlenl thalli dale had b«n Ht for t .... trial of htr case and on"",h occasion he contacted her prior to the alledgtd court date \0 \ell her thai il had been postponed. ~ntually the di.nt matk inquiryoflhe d erk of the circuit court """ _ Infonntd tNl no Ll.wsuit Iud b«n filed on he. bth.ilf. Thereaft.r, Krautle. acknowLrdQrd. to the dient that he had ialH/y npramled to he. tNt a liwsuit Iud btm filed and liso admitled tNt .... had II~ the mtute oI lirnil1tion> to run on it last some of the nlief to whidl she ~ haw betn entitled. I{routt. r nprutnted 10 the dlmt th.il he would pr0vide h.r ... ith a nplacemtnt whicle at hil own expenH but JubHquenlly failed Or rtfuHd 10 comply ... ith thi. promise. When Ihe client flItd a compla int against Kroulter, he ...as request..:! on al I.ast five oo;:~ioru, two ol ...hich wer. by eeT· tifitd mail, to r.,pond 10 tht complaint bu t he f,lll.d or refused to do so. Discipline ....'as imposed lor violation of the fulta..-ing Rules of Professional Con6uct: Rule 1.1 which requires a ~r to pr<Mdt almpotmt ~nsmtalion to a dient: Rule 1.3 which

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provides a laW)/er shall not willfully negloet a legal m.ttn entrusted to him; Hul. 1.4 which r~uires • lawyer to keep a client reasonably infor med about the status 01 a maUer and promptly comply with reasonable roquest. for inform.tion; Rult 8.1 which provides that a lawyer shall not knowingly fail to respond to a lawful demand lor information from a disciplinary authority; Rule 8.4 (c) which provide. that it i, profe •. sional misconduct for a la~r to engage in conduct involving dishonesty. fraud. doeeit or misrepresentation; and Rul e 8.4 (8) which provide. that it i. profe.sional mi$Conduct for a Ia~r to engage in any conduct that adve .... ly ,..,n«ts on hi' fitness to practice law. lASS No. 95-0041 • On February 9. 1996. Montgomery aUorney (In . Lee R..... received a public reprill"lllnd without general pubH""tion from the Alabama State Bar lor engaging in conduct that was prejudicial to the administration 0{ justice. The reprimand was the result of. plea agreement with the bar. In November 1991. Reue was .elVing a. county administrator for Montgomtry County. During November, another la,,")·., called her and asked if she would open an estate for him so h. could ,u. the estate and an insurance company. Reese filed a petition for let· ten of administration on behalf of the tlltate. Her petition stated that the dece .... d had died intestate and had no heirs and no assets in his estate. This was not correct. Reet.< did not check the probate court recon!s to determine if there had been a prior estate. The probate court treated her petition as are· opened estate. On Janu.-.ry 14. 1992 a .uit was med in Barbour County against the insurance company and the estate opened by Reese. During September 1992. the widow learned from someone in the probate court office that her deceased hw· band', totate had b•• n re-opened, and th.t Reese was the administratrix thtreof. The wioo,.· contacted R.... about her reasons for taking this action. She aiM! hired a lawyer to talk with Reese. Ree .. told the lawyer that the only reason the estate had been sued was so the case against the insurance company could not be romo".d to federal court from Barbour County. Alabama. In December 1992, Reese notified the plain· mrs lawyer that there had been a prior estate. and that the widow had brtn in contact with her. H~f , neither of them took any furthe r action. After the one·y<:ar perioo for r~moval ran. tht plaintiffs moved to dismiss the .,tat•. Within another month. the insurance company .. tiled with the plaintiffs for $750,000. Reese was paid 51.000 for her "administrator ad litem ftt" by the plaintiff. IASB No. \14·001) • Birmingham attorney Dorris M. Samo il, Jr. was adminis_ tered a public reprimand without general publication by the Alabama State Baron february 9. 1996. Samsil was hiNd to represent an indi"';du.-.I in a municipal election dispute in Delaware. Sui t was eventually fil~d on behalf 0{ the dient in the federal District Court of Del.wa ... Aner being unsuceessful in the Delaware federal court. an appeal 10 the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit was filed. Following procedural machinations and proper filing of the notice of appeal, the dient was made to under· stand that Sarnsil would draft the opening brief and prepare the appendix for appeal which were due on or about August 8.

",.

A romplaint filed by the dient against Samsil disclosed that Samsil failed to prepare and me the brief as promised. TM,..,· 182 f MAY 1996

after. the Third Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed the appeal. By and through other coun .. I, the dient was """ntwlly able to have the court rwpen tht appeal and e.tend the briefing schedule. Tilt Di,dplinary Commission concluded that Samsi!"s actions "';olaled Rule 1.1. in that ht willfully neglected a legal matt .. enlrusted to him. Rule 8.4{a), in that he knowingly violated the Rules of ProfeSSional Conduct. and Rule 8.4{g). in that he engaged in conduct which adversely renects on his fitnessto practice Iaw.IASB No. 94·3 14) • On February 9, 1996. Anniston .ttornty lli llian! WI>·n. W'f ,..,cei\led two pub li c reprimands with general publication Irom the Alabama State liar. In ASII No. 95·054 . t.Q\'f was hired to foreclose on some property for a dient. Love delayed filing the for«losure. and the debtor filed for bankruptcy and M!ld a mobile home located on the property that belonged to t.o..e·, dient. During thi, same period of time. \.o>.·e began seNing a 4S·day sWpension arising oot of another disciplinal")' Il"IIIlter. However. Love never notified this dient of his .wpen · sion. A creditor', meeting was held On January 26. 1995. but Love did not attend be""use he was unable to practice at that time. The Disciplinary Commission found th.t Love had engaged in willful neglect of a legal matt .. and a failure to communicate with his dient about the statw of the matter. In ASB No. 95·073. Love was hired by a South Carolina woman to handl. an ancillal")' probate of her mothe"s e.tat •. Most of the property was in Florida. Love was paid $500 plw a $60 filing fee. Prom that pOint on. Love did little Or nothing on the case. fie failed to communi""te with the dient and the estate's pri· mal")' attomfj' in Florida. Six months an.r hiring Love. the client learned that nothing had been filed for probate of her moth ..·s AI.bam. property. \.o>.·e refunded the fre. but his in"'tion caused a delay in tht Florida probate prot.edings. This case also involved "';olalions of Rules 1.3 and 1.4 regarding willful neglect and failure to communi""te. lASS Nos. 95054 6< 95-073) • Birmingham altorney Margant S. Alford was issued a public rtprimand without g.ntral publication on March 8. 1996 for having "iolatrd the Rules 0{ Professional Conduct 0{ the Alabama State Bar. Pu"u.-.nt to a disciplin.!}, in",stiga. tion, Alford was requtlted to product her trust accoun t ,..,cords for the period of time covered in the complaint. Alfon! was able to produce a pOrtion 0{ these records but was unab le to comply with the request in its entirety. The disciplinary boon! determined that her conduct constituted. violation of Rule 1.15(a) which require. altorneys to maintain complete record. of their trust account funds fo r a perioo of .ix yra" after termination of the repret.<ntation. lASS No. 91-6861 • On Februal")' 9. 1996. Eufaula aUomfj' ChriMie Cngory Pappu received two separate public reprimands without gen· ..al publication. pursuant to Rule S{3J2. Alabama Rules of Dis· ciplinary Procedu,..,. In ASB No. 94·037. Pappas filed a collections lawsuit against a couple. The couple roled an answer in the lawsuit. stating their understanding that they had made adequat. arrangement.. with Pappas' office to s.atisfy the debt in question by making monthly paymtnts. Consent judgments against the coupl. ~re then entered. Howt\"r. Pappas sub""luently filed a garnishment agai",t the huMland at his place 0{ work. The

THE AIABA.'1A !J\WYER

hulband lilt<! I motion rontnti". the ~midll".nt. which WiiI sdlt<!ult<! for. horing briorc: the trW OOUri j~. All ~rtin, as ..... 11 iii thei r COIln .. l, including Pappas. weu subpOenaed and/or ordered to appear for the Kheduled hearing before the trill COUri. lI~r . Pappas failt<! to .ttend the hearing. [vidm!:t rt«iYtd at the heari"ll tsbblishtd thlll the couple ~ fully NliJflfd thr debt in quulion prior 10 l'appiiS' pursuing pmisluntnl 01 thr hU$lwld's wages. Pappas ente.w .. pl~ of guilty to having violated the following provisions of the Alabama Rules of ProftsJiOOllI Conduct: (I) R u~ 3.I(a). for filing a suit merely to hIIr.us anotMr: (2) Rule 3.3(a) 0). for ~ring Mdmce thllt M knew to be bbt. Ind filling to take .eiSOnible rtmw~1 meiilurn; (3) Rule 3.4(cJ. for disobeying an obligalion urKkr the rules of I lri· bunil; (4) Rule 4.1 (1). for knowingly making a fal.. stalement of mat..ial fact o. taw to a th i.d person; (S) Rule 8.4(c), for engaging in conduct involving dishonesty. fraud, dtceit. o. misrepreuntalion: (6) Rule 8.4(d). for engaging in conduct p.ejudicial to the admin;Jlrllion of juslice; and Rule 8.4(81. for eng.aa:ing in conduci thllt ~l"SI'ly uAtcll on i 1.lwyer·s fitness to pooiu law. In AS B No. 94·040, Pappas had sued .. W(lman for her breach of. promiswry note due to Pappas. lie obtained a delault judlmml agaiNt tM WOI1IlIn iJJd filed 1I pmishment dirtctw 10 the debtor'. tmploytr. The emplo'ftr onswe~ Ihllt thtu

_ a prior pmisluntnt in iIROIOO matter ag.>iml the judi· ment debtor, MId that tht judgmml debtor·s ...-ages wtrt too low 10 ",tisly both tIM p. ior judgment and Pappas' judgment. Thtrtaft ... on bthlllf 01 tilt judgment debtor. PapJW fi led I motion to dismw 1M prior judgmenl's uisting garnishment with Ihe claim of personal property elttmplion. Pa~ Willi succ:us(ul in 1M prior gamistumnt Him!. l'appiiS tMn proceeded to haw tM judg,mnl debtor's wllt'" pmishtd to ",I· isly tht judgment whkh had bttn .... ndtred in Pappu' lavor. Pappu pled guilty to hiving violated th e followi ng provi!-ions of the Alabama Rules 01 f'roIessiorv.l Conduct: 11) Ru~ 1.7(b). for rel'ratntin, a client wheuin his reprtstnllliioo WillI nWtrill1y limited by his ...."11 inlerest: (2) Ru~ 1.8(1), for knowingly a.cquiring a ptc\lniary inlerest~ .... 10 a (iitnl; (3) Rule 3. I(al. lor filjng 1 suil mrrt ly to hIIr.w . ""IM.; (4) Rule 3.3(a} (3). offering evidence thllt he knew to bt falst. and flilinQ 10 t.akt rusonablt umtdial musuru: (5) Rule H(c). for diJobtying an obIigalion und.. the rula of lri ..... niI; (6) Rule 4.1(1}. for knowingly making a W.. mttmtnt of lNttrial /act or law to. third pmon; (7) Rule SA(e). for mgagi"ll in conduct involving dishootsty, fraud. deceit, or misrtp. utnl.l . lion: (S} Ru le 8.4{d), for engaging in conduct p....judicial lO Ihe iKlministration of jlUti«; and (9) Rule S.4(il. for tngaging In conduci thIIt '""'-... stly rtfltcts on his filntSS to practice law. [ASB NoJ.. 94.(131 &; 94-0401 •

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RECENT DECISIONS By WIWUR C. SIWERMAN

Bankruptcv The column {or this issut conillim lOml'inleNSIing deaisims oIbanJrrup1C/1 judges in lIN< Northern D4lrid 01 Alw..· mao ~ d«isioos shc<Jld app/jllO €Urrenl mo/II' f S, and con N

uud liS

aulhQ';/g (or lhe P<lrlicu/(lf position ~. 'T1Ilf /tul issw ronloirK'fll/.$.

S upreme Court decisi(lllJ. The am decide which art likI:d «tier.

r~uder

S upport plyments not dilchl. gublt

beau.. child brcomt. of~ In re 1<1lk-rs. 189 B. R. 835 (BktCJ' N.1l. Ala., 1995. J~ 6erijamin Cohm). This conet"" di$ChJ,rgf:lbmty 01 child support Ikbt, .... hich ru.htd the blonk· aM'

ruplC)' rourl aft« the child wa.1'1Ii'1I~ 0( 00 longer pi}"ablt. In mching his decision Judge Cohm font

age. al'<l lIJP\!OfI

d~ IIw and ~u .. 0( motions for summary judgment in l>ankruplcy courts. and thus the fil'$l thrtt pages 01. the opinion c;an be UKd • I primtr on that subjtct. II. thrn htId that tho m(llh. tr (dtf.r.daonl) was .nlitltd \0 summary

judgment against th. falher (debtor), /QSOO;ng ,""I the past ~ obiig.alions mnain. d...., .,,"'" al'kr the cauor 01 the oblig.tiun ( tau.: and that they .... er. non..Ji..:hugeable when incurred. Thus. the chmoct.f 0( tho dotbI dill not clw¥. twn thoogh the child hld btcomr d age.. COmmtnl: 11 1150 is to be remembered Ihat in Alabama every omitted periodic court-ordtrtd paylntnt for alimony or support is tantamount to i iudglntnl against lilt obligor.

compl.in t fo r dilChargnbili ly. Th. dtbi:or ronImcIed tilt debt was an w:q,lion 10 tho ""<XJ>Iion in Boonkruptcy Codt Sodioo 727(a}(8) • to studtnt lewis. The Unittd Statts met lilt burdm of lilt subsection by !)I'O"i1lil thai lilt dtbI: ...... It$I tlwl.!r>'f1l y.,art old btlo", tho Iwlkrupt· q filing, that it was ~ to I gowm· mmtal;tgency. and !.hat it was a ltudtnt loan dtbI:. Tht dtbI:or alltmpttd to p"",", undt r 1727(aI(8I(h) Ihal Ihut was "undut hardship". The bankruptcy court admitltd lhat tho EL~nlh Circuit ~ not ,wLOtd "'uroIIuo hHd$hip," but ..,Iitd Up"n "ther circuil •. and adoPltd th. holding in BnnllN!!' v. N.Y. Slale lIigiwr &fOOl/ion that tho dtbI: is dischargabJo if by btiog rtqUirtd to ~ 11) lilt ddIIor could root mai!>lain a minimum SUndard of living. (2) additional ci rcumstances uist which art likely I" continue for mM 01 tilt loon ptriod which will kttp such !latt 01 albi,"" and (3) dtbI:or ~ ~ a 1I0O<I failh tffort 10 ~. Taking thUt mailers in the conjunctl~e. the doblor in this we could noI P""'"' all of thtse elomtnts...... th ... tho ~ 10 diK.ha~ ...... d.nitd. Commenl, The opinion menliorn; deci · sions by othtr Iwlkruplcy judQa which should lit mrirwtd hefoR ...tying entirdy "n Ihis ca ... Howeve r. Judge Cohen should lit pIeastd in that tilt Third Circuit on N~ 28, 1995 in '" T'l f'aish. 72 f .3d 298. in a fairly IerctthY opinion which discussed other decisions. adopted the Brunner starKbrd of · undue har\U.hip". ilnd affirmed the district cou rt which had rtYtntd the lankruptcy court. '" Foish. the bankruptcy court in alttqll~ to do equity had htld that tho dtbior only had 10 I"(p;I)I half of the obIig.:,tion.

with" motion for adequat. proltclion. Th. court discussed Sec t ion 506(11 which p"""';des thai value is dettmlined in lighl of tilt p<l1"pOlH of the v:al~. ;on,! the dispoIition 01' ~ in coojunction "'ith a hearing on lilt Or di>P<l"ilion. II discussed the three w.lYS in which value fo r confirmation pu r posu has betn found:1H \late of pelilion. (2) effeclM dote of plan, and (J) multiple v:alUilionJ or date of confirmation. The court look issut wilh prior decisions whkh ..,jtcltd multiple val .....t ....... Some of lho dec;ii<nI butd rejection on lho groundI 01 economy lind efficiency. Judge Sledge 5taletl thlot this was llOllhe provinee 01 II>t coort. tie doci<Itd lhat it Willi mort ruliotic •• bim to the crtdilOr. 10 u lablish ~lIlu. I t Ih. t'm. of t he motion. as values can vary considerably

_II.

Ca!linwd "" _

187

S4.\'E \~LUABLE TL\lE

f lUNG Cll-\P'TER 7, II, 12, 13 8A.'IIKJt l'PTCIES! hit. &q (, '" Q

~fJwIiJ!r,,-

f.tl...iW rei""" T«M1mI S«ppott.

Stude nt loan debt I" f't nlllyMonil ltlgh· C'I' t:d_tion Au"tlnR ~ not .u,. c harlubLe as cDutUulial undue

hanbh.ip

In '" l/u{verSO<l. Hl9 II.R. 840 (lIktcy. N.D. Ali. 1995. Judge IJtniamin Cohen). Tht Uniltd Statu Atto rney. as an unnamed pITty "n bthalf of the U.S. J)epartmtnt of t:ducatioo. moo amotion for summary iudgmtnl against doblor', TIIEAlABA.\IA. U.wn;R

8ankrupl(:y COIIrt III Chapter 13 caM hoIIb that ,'aIuo of ....lateral in adeo:ruot. prolect i.. n motl .. " i, d e l tr", l,,~d by _ ting !bte ..r confirmation approach

for valuation In" II<!raa ChrWOp/rer and Tereso DiamwCmon. 190 6.R. 917; 1995 6aoIcr. LEXIS 1706 (Il krcy. N.D. AI •.• Judge Sledge). The iN... a!"OK in conntc\ion

1.800.492.8037 FOIl FlU DElIOM"R-mo~ Dl5Il, 1lunL'iCIS '" So..."" fOl.llS 'n ~~'l."" St.1I110

E..... ....... Iw-s 1i0101

MIr.Y 1!1!16 I 185

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Rec ent Decisions COllfilwed from {IIlPC J85

betv.'ttn the date of the petition and the date of filing the motion. The court emphasized that adequate protection ca n be provided only if requested and, tflererore, upon a. debtor filing a pelition, the creditors should promptly pursue their righlJ and not sim· ply rely on Ihe plan of the debtor. This tout involved a 1994 ~'ord truck on which there was a INllnnce of $14.689.15. The debtor scheduled $2.864.45 as Ull5«ured, zero 10 ht paid unsecured creditors. but for the trustee to di8lribute $255.59 monthly to ~'ord "lot or Credit Corp, IFf-leC). FMCC filed a proof of claim for ilJ balallCf. in which it set out a hiS/her nwket value and higher contract interest and monthly P;lylnentS. Ff-1CC objected to confirmation contending lhat the interest rate on ilJ contract and the value it pl:lced on Ihe truck should control. Judge Sledge discullsed super priority administrative expense under ~507(b) cifin" the IlllIndn· tory thr~e tier teit of (I) failure of adequate IlrotCCtiOO. (2) having an allOwable

claim under §507(a). and (3) a claim arising under §§362, 363, or 364. He held that FMCC could not qualify for a super priority administratr.e claim M adequate protection had not failed. lie added that when granted prepetltion in a Chapter 13. the p'lyments must be retained by the trustee (pumJi)nt 10 § 1326(a)(2)) unlil conOrmlltlon. The opinion mentioned lhat procedurally in Judge Sledge's court and in approximately one-thi rd of Ihe other bankruptcy courls In the nation, confirmation i1 not heard until after the claims bar dllte which is apprOximately four months afttr filing. ~'i nally Ihe courl ruled upon priority of adequate protection, U lIf-lee contended that its adequate protection should Milt priority over administrative expenses. The court first comtmnled Ht.lt there is no accrual of pilyments post-conf1rmlltion becaust the confirrnation order will preclude this. since the rights art provided (or in the plan. huofllr as lIIe accnled pre-confirmation amounts are concerned, these shOuld be p.1id concurrentty with administrative expenses and if insufficient, each should be paid prorala.

but that under Timberl, no interest can be p.1id to an undersecured creditor, Co m m en t : The cour t in seve ral

instances cited Judge Mahonty'$ opinion in /n re Kenl1(.odll. 177 B.R. 967 (Bankr. $.0, Ala. 1995), and the t:leventh Clrcuil case of 111 re Dl.!lIu Resources, 54 F'.3d 722 (11th Cir. 1995). Th~ opinion indicatu much lhoURhl was givtn to the issues and ultimate conclusion$, Although some of Ihe conclusion$ may be controversial. the reade r will find many citations which log~ther with this case wlll be of aid in similar Chapter 13 cases, •

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Robert Jerome Teel, Sr. rosa County lost • dlstinguished .cholar .• tatesman and wtll· respected trW ""'yer on NO'>'em· ber n. 1995 "ith tho lWSing d Robert J. Teel. Teel!wl practiced law in Rock· ford for tht paot 45 l'urs following hi. graduation. cum laude (number two in his classl. from Iht University of Alabama School of Law in 1949. At the time of his graduation Teel joined practice "ith hi. father. tho late Hen!")' A. Teel. in Rockford. where the Teels have practiced law conlinuously for the paol SO yeaI'$.

During his prnctite Teel "ted for a number of )""'r.l ... county roli,itor. served in the Alabama legislature for two terms and reprutnled dtfendants in murder c..... involving ovtr 30 lri· als. [n 1958. Teel obtained acquittals by ju!"), verdicts for four defendants in four .epa..lo criminallrials. all of whid! were tried during tho: sarno: week. Notwilhstanding his ability in the courtroom. Teel will bul be remem· bered for hi' quality 01 alwaY" having time to ~se clients and young attor· neys. He believed that a dient deserved help. whether or not the}' could afford """""'""taIion. Such attorneys this day

J_ h Whltromb Adam. Birmingham Admitted, l945 Died: Dt<.mb.. 23. 1995

Curti. McLorl)' Hold.r

111l1 iam A. B...... n

and time unfortunately apptar to be more and more in the minority. Teel will long be remembered in Cno,a County by the ciliz",. of Ih. county ofwhkh he was a part. Teel is sutvi''I'd by his wif•. Ruth Teel: so", Judge Robert J. Te.l. Jr .. Frank S. Teel and Carllon 1.. Teel. who practiced law with him alth. lime of his death. and Georg. W. Teel. Our affoction I/OeS out to his family. -John It Johnson

r ....ld.nt. Coon/Clay Bar AlISociation

Kathl)'ll Md)"IT Ro .. b.. k

F~tte

-,~

Admit/ed: 1935 Died: JanUMjl2. 1996

Admilled: Ig36 Died: Januar'j' 22. 1996

William Charl .. Hug,,", Birmi"gham Admit/ed: 1936

Cta",_ M. Smoll Mcnll/Ol'>l"l Admilld,l932

Died: F,bTUar'j' 14. 1996

Died:ftbruary20.1996

Birmingham Amnil/ed: 1940 Died: Dt<.mIl<r 12. 1~5

Jam •• Morton ...... twood Anda/usia Admitted: 1937 Died, Ftbru.'lr'j' HI. t996

Ern ..1 lIilb,...,n W, lr Birmingham Mmilled,1950 Died: Dtctmll<r 28. 1~5

Charl<l~~

6<nny UO)'d lIob..-1J

Millbrook Admilled: 1M!:! DiN: Morch 12. 1996

Mmilled: 1969 Died: Octobo, 27. 1995

William O" id lIilk< • • Jr. Gom/",.uIk Admilled: 1956 Died: Ftbru.'lry 6. 1996

fl""-"'<fl

Mmilld: 1932 Ftbruary 7. t996

.loon Kitchd 1Bynum

""""'

Please Help Us The Alabama Lawyer "Memorials" section is &signed to provide members of the bar with inform.ltion about the death of their colleagues. The Alabama State Bar and the Editorial Board ha\'I' 110 "'ay of kflO\\'ing "'hen one of our members is deceased unleM we are notified. Please take the lime to provide us with that inform.ltion. If you "ish to write 50Illething about the individual's li fe and profeMional accomplishments for publication in the ~ine. please limil your comments to 250 w()Tds and send us a picture if pOSSible. We reserve the right to edit all inform.ltion submitted for the "~lemorial.l" section. Ple.a.Ie.lend notification information to the follO\'oing add~:

Margaret L. Murphy, The Alabama wwyer, P.O. Box 4156, Montgomery, AL 36101

188 / MAYt9%

TIlE ALM3AMA LAWYER

Whereas, Judge 7.oghby has pR$ldtd ow. m.lIly difficult, hi8hly publicized and emotional cue. and handled tht sarM In an exem· plary INOM. btfiltmi and consisttnt wi th his oalh of office with dignity, wisdom and importiality;

nalional Academy 0/ Trial Judges: a faculty mtmber of the AJa.b•.,l1lI Bar Institute of Continuing Legal EdUC/Ilion iUld <I Spring Hill Col· Ifllt professor ttaehmg courses in "B utin~SI Law" ~nd · I~gal Envi· ronm~nt of Busintss": and wu a member of other dlslinguished

Wh t rns, Judge Zoghby wu truly a "judge's judge" and po.sesKd all oftht ~lawing.t Qr. dinal virtues to comide. in evaluali"llan excellent judg.:

organ;"'I""".

.., Judge Michael E.

Zoghby enu, Judge Michllel E, Zoghby. a distinguished membe r of this ilSJod~· lion and a retired judgr of tht Cir· cuit Court 01 Mobik County, puKd ""''al' on StpIember 7, 1995 and the usodation dni rn to remember his name iUld rtCOgni~e his contri. butiorul to our profusion, to tho bmch and to this commuruty; Now, then fore. be it resol~d that Judge Zoghby. ,..ho_ born in Mobile and attendt<! poroch~1 tit. mentary and hi4h schools in this ci ty, graducated from Sprin4 Hill College, WrII l(Jude, in 195A and the Uni~nity 01 Alabama School of Law in 1957 when he entered the private practice of law, He then entered the U,S, Air Forct, Judge Advocate Cenenl's o.partment, ...t.en he rerNined until St-ptem· ber 1960, lit "'<'5 awmItd the Air Foru Commendation Medal for Out. ta ndi n g I'e rfo rmance u " Judge Advocate; and

I. The ",rtue of independence;

2. The virtue of courtesy lind PIItimce; 3. The "'rlut of dignity;

4. The virtue of openminded ~,

5. The "'rt... of imPllrlilolity;

6. The virtue of thoroughness and dttis;"-enus;

7. The "'rtue of social amo:ious-

-""

8. The "'rtue of iUl undtrUUld· ing heart; IUwI Whereas. Judge Zoghby held membenhip$ in lhe Alilbarna Auocilotion 01 Circuit Judga; Amtrirnn Judiellluft Sociely; Amerian and AI.hllrN and Mobile hIIr usocilo· tions; wu • past prui<knt and a member of the adviSOry boa rd of St. Mary's Howt of Children; was a redpient of the O' l.ury Award from Spri"ll Hill CoIl.,. in nco(]nilion of his disti~ishtd caM. as a jurist ar.d untiring worlc for tM imprCMment of Ihe Mobile com· muni\)': was a Fellow in 1M Inl..•

lie was a devottd fath .. and family man, leaving SUrvMng him his wife, Mary Jo Zoghby: two da.ughlers. Michele Marie Zoghby and Sltplw!ie J_phin. Zoghby: two~. Gtorllt MichMl Zoghby iUld Chri.topMr Midw.! Zoghby, all of Mobile; four listen. f nnr.es Zoghby, of Oenwr, Colorado; Mrs. Lawrence E. (Isabell Ackeis of [)al· I..... To.u; Miriam T. Zoghhy. ar.d Ctcil~ T. loghby, both of Mobile; and two brothtrs, Kalttl A. Zogh. by iUld Roymond J. Zoghby, both of Mobile. Now Iherefort, be it furlher molved by tM association on this 19th d.ly of bn~ry 1996, that the UJOO; .. tion mourns tht p;ossing of Judge Michael E. ZoChby mel doa hereby honor the memory of OUr friend and fello,.. member who u em plifled throughout hi. long career the highest profusionai mel judicial principlu to which the rMmbrn of this ~ion aspiR and requt5t t his resolution be Ipread upon the minutes of this associa.tion and of Ihe Ala.bama Stat. Bar and lhal a COPY be pR· Hnted to his family.

_ " 11llam A. Kim brough. J r . Pft.;dent, Mobil. Ba. A.....d allnn

MAY 1996 / 189

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