AGOVA - Victim Info-Snippets

Victim’s Rights at Execution

In the 1996 Regular Session of the State Legislature, the Attorney General’s Office submitted legislation allowing members of a victim's family to witness the execution of the person(s) convicted of killing their family member. This bill passed the Legislature, was signed by Governor James and is now law. Since passage of this bill, the state has had three executions where family members have been present. AGOVA is responsible for this notification to victim's families and coordinates the viewing with the Department of Corrections.

Below is the current statute of the Alabama Code listing who is allowed at an execution. Section (8) is the new language giving victims’ families the right to be present at an execution.

§15-18-83 of the Code of Alabama (1975)

(a) The following persons may be present at an execution and none other-

1. The executioner and any persons necessary to assist in conducting the execution.
2. The Commissioner of Corrections or his or her representative.
3. Two physicians, including the prison physicians.
4. The spiritual advisor of the condemned.
5. The chaplain of Holman prison.
6. Such newspaper reporters as may be admitted by the warden.
7. Any of the relatives or friends of the condemned person that he or she may request, not exceeding two in number.
8. Any of the immediate family of the victim, not to exceed two in number; provided that, if there was more than one victim, the number and manner of selection of victims' representatives shall be as determined by the Commissioner of Corrections.

(b) No convict shall be permitted by the prison authorities to witness the execution.