Ala. Code § 17-14-9
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the associate justices of the court shall hold their respective offices for the term of six years from the first Monday after the second Tuesday in January next after their election and until their successors are elected and qualified.
The office of a justice of the Supreme Court shall be vacant if the incumbent dies, resigns, retires, or is removed. A vacancy in the office of a justice of the Supreme Court shall be filled by appointment by the Governor. A justice appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve an initial term lasting until the first Monday after the second Tuesday in January following the next general election held after he or she has completed one year in office. At such election, the office shall be filled for a full term of office beginning at the end of the appointed term.
Ala. Code § 17-14-9 (1975)