Alabama Mock Trial Rules

South

AL · Capital: Montgomery

Evidence Rules

Alabama Rules of Evidence

Citation: Ala. R. Evid.

Alabama retains the Dead Man's Statute (§ 12-21-163), barring testimony by interested parties against a deceased person's estate
Alabama does not follow the FRE residual hearsay exception (Rule 807); instead relies on enumerated exceptions only
Alabama Rule 609 limits impeachment by prior conviction more narrowly than FRE, excluding misdemeanors unless involving dishonesty

Rule	Description
Ala. R. Evid. 404(b)	Requires the state to provide reasonable pretrial notice of intent to use other-acts evidence in criminal cases
Ala. R. Evid. 803(6)	Business records exception requires testimony from the custodian or a qualified witness; certification alone is insufficient without stipulation

Civil Procedure

Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure (Ala. R. Civ. P.)

Criminal Procedure

Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure (Ala. R. Crim. P.)

Alabama uses a two-tier trial court system with Circuit Courts (general jurisdiction) and District Courts (limited jurisdiction)
Alabama allows split verdicts in civil cases where the jury can find liability but disagree on damages
Post-trial motions must be filed within 30 days under Ala. R. Civ. P. 59

Civil Jury Size

Criminal Jury Size

Yes

Unanimity Required

Experience a realistic courtroom simulation using Alabama rules and procedures.