Home page of the 22nd Judicial Circuit of Alabama - Covington County, Alabama. Directory Judges are prohibited from discussing cases pending before the court. Alabama Canons of Judicial Ethics 3(A)(4) . For General Inquiries in the Circuit Court : Call 334-428-2576 or 334-428-2581 For General Inquiries in the District Court : Call 334-428-2571 Charles A. "Lex" Short Circuit Judge, Place One 334-428-2576 Benjamin M. Bowden Circuit Judge, Place Two 334-428-2581 Julie S. Moody District Judge 334-428-2571 Pam Pitts Judicial Assistant 334-428-2576 Cindy Myers Judicial Assistant 334-428-2581 Patience Kimbril Judicial Assistant 334-428-2571 SueAnne Casey Court Reporter 334-428-2504 Melissa Martin Court Reporter 334-428-2505

Home page of the 22nd Judicial Circuit of Alabama - Covington County, Alabama. About Circuit Court Alabama's trial courts of general jurisdiction are the Circuit Courts. This court hears all civil matters where the amount in controversy exceeds $20,000, all criminal prosecutions involving felony offenses, and family court matters. The Circuit Court has concurrent jurisdiction with the District Court in all civil matters where the amount in controversy exceeds $6,000 but does not exceed $20,000, exclusive of interest and costs. Additionally, the Circuit Court exercises appellate jurisdiction over cases appealed from District Court, Probate Court , Covington County's Municipal Courts, and certain administrative and Municipal Boards. District Court Alabama's District Courts, generally, have original jurisdiction over criminal misdemeanors, hold preliminary hearings in felony prosecutions, and can receive guilty pleas in felony cases not punishable by death. The District Judge exercises concurrent jurisdiction with the Circuit Court in juvenile matters and in civil actions where the amount in controversy does not exceed $20,000; furthermore, the District Judge has exclusive jurisdiction over all civil actions where the amount in controversy, exclusive of interest and costs, does not exceed $6,000, which are considered "small claims cases." Judges Court House History Directory

Home page of the 22nd Judicial Circuit of Alabama - Covington County, Alabama. Directions Click here for turn-by-turn directions using Google maps. Traveling from Montgomery Get on I-65 S Follow I-65 S to AL-106 in Georgiana. Take exit 114 from I-65 S Continue straight on AL-55 S Turn left onto US-84 W Turn left onto M L King Jr Expressway Turn right onto N Cotton Street and follow to Court Square Traveling from Mobile Get on I-65 N Follow I-65 N to US-84 E in Conecuh County. Take Exit 93 from I-65 N Turn right onto US-84 W, follow to Andalusia Turn left onto M L King Jr Expressway Turn right onto N. Cotton Street, follow to Court Square Traveling from Dothan Get on US-84 W Follow AL-134 W towards Opp Turn left on US-84 W Turn left on Stanford Road Continue on to E 3 Notch St to Court Square

Home page of the 22nd Judicial Circuit of Alabama - Covington County, Alabama. Alabama State Bar

Home page of the 22nd Judicial Circuit of Alabama - Covington County, Alabama. Administrative Orders An admin order is a court order issued by the presiding judge addressing matters that relate to the operation of the local court system. An admin order is an order of the Court and must be followed like any other court order. The following orders are currently in effect in the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court of Alabama: Dress Code (Attorneys) Dress Code (General Public) Jury Service

Home page of the 22nd Judicial Circuit of Alabama - Covington County, Alabama. Forms

Home page of the 22nd Judicial Circuit of Alabama - Covington County, Alabama. Covington County Courthouse History The Beginnings The Covington County Courthouse has sat in the center of Covington County both physically and symbolically for as long as anyone can remember. The current courthouse is actually the fifth one built in the county, but the first three courthouses burned down and then the county grew out of the fourth. Ironically, the courthouse almost never came to be because of a lawsuit. After the Board of Revenue, the predecessor to the County Commission, voted to purchase land and request bids for the building in 1914, a local citizen was successful in getting a local judge to issue an injunction against further work on the courthouse. The issue ended up going all the way to the Alabama Supreme Court where the decision was overturned in 1915 and plans were allowed to go forward. Design and Construction The courthouse was designed by a very famous architect, Frank Lockwood. Mr. Lockwood was originally from New Jersey, graduated from Princeton University, and came to Montgomery, Alabama, via Columbus, Georgia. He designed many other important buildings around Montgomery, including the two wings on the State Capital and the United States Post Office, which now houses a portion of the Federal Courthouse in Montgomery. He also designed the Avant house down Sanford Road and the First National Bank Building here on the square. Part of the reason for such a magnificent courthouse is that the county leaders were hoping that Andalusia would be the site for a federal courthouse. It was completed, we believe, in July of 1917, at the cost of approximately $91,000. Surprisingly, we can find no record of a big celebration, open house, or any such event recognizing its completion. It is simply noted in the newspaper that the Board of Revenue held its first meeting in the courthouse in July of 1917. The original courthouse has been added onto twice since 1917. Originally, the building was in an “L” shape. A wing was added on the East side in 1939, leaving a little courtyard in the middle. The courtyard was filled in at some later date. A couple of interesting facts about the courthouse. First, there is area at the top of the courthouse that was used for a bunk room for jurors when they were sequestered (not allowed to go home) or if they simply came from someplace far off, and if court lasted more than one day, it was available as a place to spend the night. Also, we have been unable to locate the cornerstone. We have heard that it was removed during one of the additions, but some people have also speculated that it was simply covered by one of the additions. Description In 1988 when the courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places, the following written description was made: The Covington County Courthouse is located on the north side of Court Square in Andalusia. Designed by architect Frank Lockwood, it is an excellent example of the “Beaux Arts” school of the early years of this century. The Courthouse is a rectangular structure of combed granite with a large number of neoclassical motifs and design elements and the high degree of detail typical of the style. The approach to the Courthouse is by a set of granite and tile steps, flanked at the summit by a pair of cast iron lamp posts with proportions and balance with six fluted Corinthian columns supporting a shallow bracketed pediment, at the center of which is an elaborate medallion. The triple-entry doors are flanked by Corinthian pilasters. Semicircular niches surmounted with fluted fans are outside o f the pilasters. The interior space of the Courthouse is very impressive and well preserved. The main entrance leads one to an octagonal 2-story atrium surmounted by a dome with stained glass at its apex. The floor is white marble tile. The space is defined by a series of grey marble walls alternating with paired smooth grey marble column with gold leaf terminals. The solid wall sections have angled pilasters at the corners. There is a wide “y” – shaped staircase at the rear of the atrium with white marble treads and black wrought iron risers and balustrade. Flanking the staircase are a pair of square columns and pilasters. The staircase leads to a gallery around the second story of the atrium, from which offices open. Continuing Legacy The Covington County Courthouse was originally intended to serve the county’s growing administrative needs. In the century of its use, it has certainly lived up to that challenge. It also stands as a symbol of justice and our county’s history.

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Home page of the 22nd Judicial Circuit of Alabama - Covington County, Alabama. Judges

Home page of the 22nd Judicial Circuit of Alabama - Covington County, Alabama. Welcome to the 22nd Judicial Circuit of Alabama Welcome to the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court of Alabama Welcome to the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court of Alabama Welcome to the 22nd Judicial Circuit of Alabama 1/4 Welcome to the 22nd Judicial Circuit of Alabama - Covington County - Courtroom Dress Code (click here) Do you have a legal problem? Justice 4 AL has information. You may access their website here. Court Calendar Quick Links

Home page of the 22nd Judicial Circuit of Alabama - Covington County, Alabama. Legal Services

Home page of the 22nd Judicial Circuit of Alabama - Covington County, Alabama. Jury Service You have been randomly selected from either Voter Registration records or Motor Vehicle Administration records to serve as a juror in the Circuit Court for Covington County. If you believe you are ineligible to serve as a juror, or unable to serve this term, please call the phone number on the summons you received. A court representative will give you instructions. Most of those selected will serve as Trial Jurors. The term of service for Trial Jurors is usually one week. If a juror reports to the courthouse and is not selected for a trial, that juror will be on call for one week. The length of trials vary, but the current average is two to three days. DO NOT REPORT FOR JURY DUTY IF YOU HAVE TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 AND ARE REQUIRED TO BE IN QUARANTINE OR HAVE BEEN IN CLOSE-CONTACT WITH A PERSON WHO HAS TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19. The Importance of Your Service: Trial by jury is the foundation of the American judicial system. In a civil case, it is the duty of a jury to decide issues of fact in disputes over matters such as property rights, contract rights and damages for personal injury. In a criminal case, it is the individuals who serve on juries that the parties rely upon for the protection of life, liberty and property. The performance of jury service is the fulfillment of a civic obligation. Our system of justice will not work without your participation. The most important function of a juror is to listen to all evidence presented at trial, and to decide the facts of the case. The Judge is there to determine the legal aspects of the case and to keep the trial moving forward. The Jury Selection Process: The names of potential jurors are selected at random from driver and voter registration records. Covington County jurors must be at least 18 years of age, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Covington County. Your summons will indicate whether you have been called to serve on Grand Jury or Trial Jury duty. Grand Jurors usually serve for one week. Grand Jury cases are criminal in nature, and require jurors to determine if there is enough evidence to charge a defendant and bring him or her to trial. Although rare, grand jurors are subject to being recalled to duty if necessary. That period of recall lasts until the next grand jury is sworn in. Jurors summoned to serve on Trial Jury duty in Covington County are on call for one week. That does not mean that a juror will be in court every day. The first morning of Jury Duty serves as a brief orientation. The judge will determine eligibility and qualifications of the prospective jurors and excuse those who cannot serve. At this point, Jurors are asked to do one of the most difficult parts of Jury Duty - wait. Many court proceedings cannot be held without jurors, which is why a pool of potential jurors must be assembled and ready before the court starts its day. However, once assembled a variety of things can occur which can mean delays, (e.g. settlement efforts between parties). After the jurors are all qualified, the judge will call a specific case to try. All jurors will take an oath to answer all questions truthfully, and the Judge will explain the case. At this point, jurors will be questioned by the Judge and the attorneys during the voir dire process. The purpose of voir dire is for the judge and attorneys to make sure you have no prior knowledge of the case, and that you have no personal interest or feelings that could impact your ability to be impartial. These questions are not intended to embarrass jurors - but are essential when selecting an impartial jury which will be best suited to rendering an unbiased decision. Some jurors may never be called for a case. This is especially true should all cases scheduled for a given day end in settlement. Taking a matter to court is a measure of last resort, and the court encourages parties to settle their own differences. Should all cases for a given day settle, jurors will be excused. Other Useful Information: Jurors should wear comfortable but conservative clothing. Any concerns regarding what clothing is appropriate should be referred to the Administrative Order detailing Dress Code . In the event a potential juror is unable to serve, there are two avenues that should be followed to be excused from jury service. The first option is to call and speak with a Judicial Assistant and explain the conflict or circumstances that prevent the ability to serve. The phone number can be found on your jury summons. The second option is to report to jury duty on the Monday that is designated and explain to the Judge the conflict and/or concerns of fulfilling the service. Please click here for Jury Service Administrative Order . Thank you in advance for your service. Charles A. Short Circuit Judge, Place 1 Benjamin M. Bowden Circuit Judge, Place 2