Alabama

Alabama lawsuit questions legality of state conspiracy statute

Published

1 year ago

September 2, 2023

Alabama lawsuit questions legality of state conspiracy statute

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – A lawsuit filed against the state of Alabama is bringing attention to the constitutionality of the state’s conspiracy statute in relation to abortion rights. The lawsuit alleges that Attorney General Steve Marshall is violating the civil rights of individuals seeking abortions in states where the procedure remains legal, as well as those who assist them.

The legal action specifically claims that Alabama’s conspiracy statute infringes upon First Amendment rights, including free speech, expression, and association. Plaintiffs argue that the law curtails constitutionally protected activities, such as discussing abortion or providing financial assistance for out-of-state abortions.

Furthermore, the lawsuit argues that Alabama’s conspiracy statute violates the principle of non-extraterritoriality, as it allows the state to prosecute individuals for conduct that occurs outside of Alabama but is legal in the state where it takes place.

The state of Alabama, in defense of the statute, asserts that it is constitutional and does not infringe upon civil rights. Attorney General Marshall has requested the case’s dismissal, emphasizing that conspiring to obtain an abortion outside of Alabama while in the state is a crime, and he is committed to prosecuting such cases.

The lawsuit raises complex constitutional questions.

The case underscores the importance of determining whether Alabama’s conspiracy statute violates the civil rights of those involved and delves into intricate legal questions surrounding abortion rights, the Full Faith and Credit Clause, and constitutional protections. The court’s decision will have far-reaching implications for reproductive rights and interstate legal recognition, according to David Gespass, co-chair, of the National Lawyers Guild Alabama chapter.

“I think that we have a very slippery slope here,” Gespass said. “The question is in this case, is it absurd? And is it illogical to think that some future governor, or even the present governor would want to have a law that says people can’t do X, Y, or Z, and if they go somewhere else where they can do it, they can be prosecuted here when they come back? I think that’s something we should all, you know, at least reflect on and worry about,”

Gespass is not associated with the lawsuit.

“We don’t have a lottery now Alabama. If Alabama makes it unlawful to engage in a lottery or to participate in a lottery, one could argue that going to Florida, five miles from where I’m living could be a violation of law,” he added.

Gespass argues that the application of the Full Faith and Credit Clause in the U.S. Constitution may apply. This clause requires states to recognize the laws of other states but provides exceptions when a law contradicts a state’s public policy. In the context of abortion, it remains unclear whether the clause obliges states to recognize laws legalizing abortion.

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Alabama

Lamont Butler is a game-time decision vs. No. 4 Alabama

Published

6 hours ago

January 18, 2025

Press Room

Lamont Butler is a game-time decision vs. No. 4 Alabama

Kentucky will have to wait until closer to tip-off to find out if it will be at full strength when the Wildcats take the floor against the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday.

Point guard Lamont Butler had been listed as questionable (shoulder) on Friday’s late-night SEC availability report while power forward Andrew Carr was officially listed as probable (shoulder). The latter was removed from the game day report released by the league two hours ahead of tip-off, meaning he is available to play. As for the former, he is considered a game-time decision inside Rupp Arena.

Kerr Kriisa, out since Dec. 7 due to a fractured foot, was once again ruled out, as expected.

As for the Crimson Tide, they will once again be without Latrell Wrightsell Jr., Houston Mallette and Derrion Reid who missed the team’s loss to Ole Miss earlier in the week. Reid was listed as questionable on the initial report while Wrightsell Jr. and Mallette were declared out on Friday.

The SEC’s new basketball policy states that players must be listed as “out” (0% chance to play), “doubtful” (25% chance to play), “questionable” (50% chance to play), or “probable” (75% chance to play) in the first report on the night before conference games. On the final report released ahead of tip-off, players are designated as “available,” “game-time decision” or “out” in an effort to provide additional clarity.

Tip-off between No. 8 Kentucky and No. 4 Alabama is set for Saturday at noon EST on ESPN.

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Alabama

James Spann: Rain to start the weekend in Alabama, snow chances becoming clearer for Tuesday

Published

14 hours ago

January 18, 2025

Press Room

James Spann: Rain to start the weekend in Alabama, snow chances becoming clearer for Tuesday

RAIN ARRIVES TONIGHT: Clouds will continue to increase across Alabama this evening ahead of a disturbance that will bring periods of rain to the state tonight and tomorrow. At this point it looks like the most widespread rain will come overnight tonight, with just lingering showers

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Alabama

How much did Alabama football make, spend in 2024 fiscal year? How did other Crimson Tide teams fare?

Published

22 hours ago

January 17, 2025

Press Room

How much did Alabama football make, spend in 2024 fiscal year? How did other Crimson Tide teams fare?

After operating in a deficit of about $12.1 million during the 2023 fiscal year, that number grew for the University of Alabama athletic department in 2024.

According to Alabama’s NCAA financial report, obtained via open records request by the Tuscaloosa News, the department operated in a deficit of about $28 million in the 2024 fiscal year.

Per an Alabama spokesperson, the net loss was “largely due to one-time expenses associated with the football coaching transition.” Alabama football spent $30.5 million more from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, than in the previous 12 months.

Alabama reported $234.8 million in revenue for the athletic department as a whole in the 2024 fiscal year and $262.8 million in expenses.

Alabama also operated at a $21.2 million deficit in 2019, the only fiscal year between 2005-22 in which the department spent more than it made.

Of the $234.8 million in revenue, Alabama had more than $75 million in contributions provided and used by the athletic department. The department did not report pledges for contributions or contributions set to used for later years.

Of the program’s $262.8 million in expenses, about $65.3 million was spent in coaching salaries.

Alabama football revenue and expenses: How much did Crimson Tide make?

The Crimson Tide football program was responsible for $140.6 million in revenue and $113.8 million in expenses in the 2024 fiscal year.

The leading areas for Alabama football’s revenue were contributions ($53.6 million), ticket sales ($38.3 million) and media rights ($24.9 million).

Alabama football’s $42.2 million surplus was about $3.8 million less than 2023.

Alabama men’s basketball revenue and expenses

Alabama men’s basketball operated in a surplus again in fiscal year 2024. But the number continues to decrease. get smaller and smaller.

After an $8.15 million surplus in fiscal year 2022 and $7.76 million in 2023, the Crimson Tide had about a $6 million surplus in 2024, with $21.3 million in revenue while spending $15.3 million.

Alabama men’s basketball eclipsed $2 million in travel, coming within about $500,000 of the travel budget for the Crimson Tide football team.

Alabama men’s basketball made about $3.3 million in ticket sales, received about $2.8 million in contributions and more than $9 million in media rights.

What did other Alabama sports make in 2024 fiscal year?

In the 2024 fiscal year, the Alabama women’s basketball program operated at about a $4.2 million deficit.

All other Alabama sports lost more than $21 million in the 2024 fiscal year.

Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter.

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