Alabama moves to expand police immunity, sparking backlash

Civil rights groups protest Alabama bill shielding police from courts

Robert Besser
04 Mar 2025, 11:55 GMT+10

Alabama moves to expand police immunity, sparking backlash

A new bill in Alabama would give police officers more legal protection if they use excessive force or kill someone while on duty
The bill has moved forward in the state legislature, sparking criticism from civil rights activists who say it would make it nearly impossible to prosecute officers
Supporters of the bill argue that it will help recruit and retain officers and improve their safety. Currently, both police and civilians can use a “stand your ground” defense in criminal cases

MONTGOMERY, Alabama: A new bill in Alabama would give police officers more legal protection if they use excessive force or kill someone while on duty.

The bill has moved forward in the state legislature, sparking criticism from civil rights activists who say it would make it nearly impossible to prosecute officers.

Supporters of the bill argue that it will help recruit and retain officers and improve their safety. Currently, both police and civilians can use a "stand your ground" defense in criminal cases. The bill would add another step for officers, allowing a judge to decide if they should be immune from prosecution before a trial begins. Even if immunity is denied, officers can argue for it again in front of a jury.

Police officers already have some legal protection from civil lawsuits. The bill would further limit liability, making it harder to sue officers unless they acted recklessly beyond their duties.

Critics, like Norma Sanders from the Lee County NAACP, say this will make it even harder to hold officers accountable for misconduct.

The bill is part of a crime package backed by Governor Kay Ivey. Republican Rep. Rex Reynolds, who introduced the bill, says it ensures officers feel confident making split-second decisions. However, opponents argue it will prevent officers from facing consequences, further damaging public trust in law enforcement.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Scotland Star.

More Information

null in null

UK

Section

UK seeks $6 billion fine against Google, claims unfair practices

US says Google stifles competition, sues for $6 billion

LONDON - Google is facing a multibillion-pound legal challenge in the UK over allegations it misused its dominance in online search...

VVIP Chopper deal case: Court raps jail authorities, says incidents inside jail bring bad name to country

New Delhi [India], April 24 (ANI): While deciding the application moved by accused Christian Michel James, Rouse Avenue District Court...

UK government's state-owned energy venture to ban solar panels made with Chinese slave labour

London [UK] April 24 (ANI): Solar panels produced with slave labour in China will not be utilised by the UK's newly established state-owned...

David Harbour thought his character Jim Hooper in 'Stranger Things' would end after Season One

Washington DC [US], April 24 (ANI): Actor David Harbour reflects on his role as Jim Hooper in the popular Netflix show 'Stranger Things'....

SRK, Aamir Khan, Amitabh Bachchan among other to headline WAVES summit

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 24 (ANI): Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan will join a host of Indian and international names...

Scientists from multiple countries granted access to China's Chang'e-5 lunar samples for research

Students view the lunar sample from China's Chang'e-5 mission during the Sci Power for Future Thailand Fair in Bangkok, Thailand, July...

International

Section

Civil rights groups protest Alabama bill shielding police from courts

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

UK

UK seeks $6 billion fine against Google, claims unfair practices

VVIP Chopper deal case: Court raps jail authorities, says incidents inside jail bring bad name to country

UK government's state-owned energy venture to ban solar panels made with Chinese slave labour

David Harbour thought his character Jim Hooper in 'Stranger Things' would end after Season One

SRK, Aamir Khan, Amitabh Bachchan among other to headline WAVES summit

Scientists from multiple countries granted access to China's Chang'e-5 lunar samples for research

International

Drones narrowly miss passenger jets near major US airports

Christian man to appeal blasphemy death sentence in Pakistan

Filipino devotees reenact crucifixion on Good Friday

US to restrict visas for 250 Nicaraguan officials

Measles outbreak confirmed in Michigan's Montcalm County

US Supreme Court to review trump birthright citizenship move

Movie Review

Braveheart [Blu-Ray]