Alabama Constitution Section 167 Election qualifications terms of office and compensation of circuit solicitors appointment or election of county solicitors
Alabama Constitution – Section 167:
📘 Title:
Election, Qualifications, Terms of Office, and Compensation of Circuit Solicitors; Appointment or Election of County Solicitors
🔑 Key Provisions:
Circuit Solicitors (Now Called District Attorneys):
Election: Circuit solicitors are to be elected by the qualified voters in each judicial circuit.
Qualifications: Must meet the qualifications prescribed by law, typically including being a licensed attorney.
Term of Office: Serve for a term set by law (currently, this is typically six years).
Compensation: Paid a salary fixed by law, and they are prohibited from receiving fees or other compensation for their services in criminal matters.
County Solicitors:
The Legislature may provide for appointment or election of county solicitors in counties where they are deemed necessary.
Their duties, qualifications, terms, and compensation are also prescribed by statute, not fixed in the Constitution.
🧭 Context & Purpose:
The section ensures local accountability by requiring solicitors to be elected.
It establishes a uniform structure for compensation and qualifications, preventing misuse of office or profit from prosecutions.
It also gives the Legislature flexibility to determine whether certain counties need additional prosecutorial support through county solicitors.
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