Some of Alabama’s fastest growing counties are experiencing court dockets growing just as fast. The Legislature passed a law adding judgeships to areas needed most, marking a successful compromise in a multi-year effort.
That law was signed by Gov. Kay Ivey — adding eight circuit court judgeships and five district court judgeships between now and reallocation in 2027.
Circuit and district judgeships form the backbone of Alabama’s trial courts. Currently, the state has 148 circuit and 106 district court judges.
The Legislature adopted the recommendations of a 2022 Judicial Resource Allocation Commission report analyzing the weighted caseload across all counties.
The elected judges will be chosen by voters during the general election cycle of their respective year.
2024 Circuit Judgeships
- 11th Circuit (Lauderdale County)
- 19th Circuit (Autauga, Chilton and Elmore counties)
- 23rd Circuit (Madison County)
- 28th Circuit (Baldwin County)
2024 District Judgeships
- DeKalb County
- Baldwin County
- Mobile County
The elected seats slated for creation in 2026 will be on the general election ballot.
2026 Circuit Judgeships
- 6th Circuit (Tuscaloosa County)
- 19th (Autauga, Chilton and Elmore counties)
- 28th (Baldwin County)
- 37th Circuit (Lee County)
2026 District Judgeships
- Madison County
- Shelby County
Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270 for coverage of the 2023 legislative session.
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