Montgomery, AL – Alabama Gov. Bob Riley has signed into law a bill that requires candidates for state judges to have a certain amount of legal experience.
The new law signed by Riley Monday requires candidates for the Supreme Court and for seats on the Court of Criminal Appeals and Civil Appeals to have at least 10 years experience as licensed lawyers. Candidates for circuit judge must have five years experience and three years is required to run for district judge.
Riley said more than 30 states require a certain level of legal experience to become a judge.
The bill was pushed in the Legislature by two lawyers - Republican Rep. Paul DeMarco of Homewood and Democratic Sen. Roger Bedford of Russellville.
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