Rule 8 - Defense services(A) Determination of indigent defense system for the circuits pursuant to statute. When a majority of the circuit judges in a circuit court having two or more such judges cannot determine the manner in which indigent defense services are to be furnished, the presiding circuit judge, with the advice and consent of the indigent defense commission, shall determine the indigent defense system to be used in each county of the circuit. (B) Reports to administrative director of courts. Indigent defense commissions in each circuit shall make written reports, including, but not limited to, budgetary requirements and costs of furnishing indigent defense services within the circuit, to the administrative director of courts (ABC) at such intervals as the ABC shall require.Amended 9-28-87; eff. 10/1/1987.Comment
This rule should be read in conjunction with Ala. Code 1975, sections 15-12-2 and 12-5-10.
Subdivision (A) of the rule was adopted to provide a method for selecting an indigent defense system in circuits or counties, should a consensus of the majority of circuit judges fail to be obtained as provided in Ala. Code 1975, section 15-12-1.
Subdivision (B) is a restatement of the authority granted the ADC by Ala. Code 1975, section 12-5-10 to require the filing of reports and collection of data for the operation and improvement of the unified judicial system.