Justice Lyn Stuart for Supreme Court

Perdido Elementary School 4th Graders

2006-05-31T05:35:00.000-05:00

After a little rest over the weekend, I got to make one of my favorite types of speeches on Monday. It was a talk about the Alabama Supreme Court and our state court system to students in the 4th grade who are studying Alabama History. I spoke to three classes of 4th graders. They were so well-behaved and are such good listeners. This school is a very small rural school located on the Baldwin/Escambia County line. It is special to me because it is the first school where my mother taught when she returned to work when I was in the sixth grade after 12 years as a homemaker. My mother loved that school and always said the sixth grade students she taught there were among the very best she ever taught. As another aside, my husband's grandfather, Baldwin County Probate Judge Ramsey Stuart, who was also a contractor on the side during his years as Baldwin County Sheriff, built the original Perdido School. (It burned a number of years ago and they now have a beautiful new school.) I take props when I speak to students -- my robe, a picture of the current Alabama Supreme Court, and a small statute of Lady Justice which my husband, George, gave me when I first became a judge in 1989. I talked about the Court, why judges wear black robes and what color judges used to wear, why Lady Justice carries a set of balance scales and a sword, and why she is blindfolded. Equal Justice Under Law is the theme of this speech. What fun!!!

Missed Event

2006-05-31T05:31:00.000-05:00

I missed an event I really wanted to attend -- the Chilton County Golf Tournament. A small accident in Huntsville caused me to miss it. Thank goodness no one was hurt. All of us candidates are on the road so much. I've heard of a few other minor accidents and close calls. Please keep us all in your prayers for safety in our travels.

Madison County Men's Breakfast at the Order of Eagles Lodge

2006-05-31T05:16:00.001-05:00

Elbert Peters is the President of the largest men's breakfast club in the state. It meets monthly at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge in Huntsville. Typical breakfasts in the past have had 200 plus attendees. This breakfast being so close to the primary was huge. I believe there were 300 plus attendees. I was disappointed Governor Riley wasn't there to speak (but I well understand scheduling conflicts on the campaign trail) but Roy Moore was there and gave a good speech. Lot's of candidates were present and there was plenty of time for shaking hands and passing out literature. I really love Huntsville. I was thrilled to see old friends. I got to sit at the Head Table between former Chief Justice Perry Hooper and Representative Howard Sanderford. A receiving line is the official closing protocol.

Last Editorial Board Meeting

2006-05-31T05:12:00.000-05:00

My last Editorial Board Meeting prior to the primary was with the Huntsville Times. They were a very cordial group. More questions this time than in 2000. Because I'm staying in Huntsville for an event tomorrow there's time for a little shopping, work ( the Chief Justice reaches me by phone to discuss some cases), more work ( I've got lots of cases I brought with me to read), and a little rest.

Geneva County Executive Committee

2006-05-19T07:49:00.000-05:00

I worked most of the day on General Conference "clean-up" and new writings for circulation to the June Conferences. I picked Kelly up from school, dropped her off at home with George and Tucker, grabbed my bags and headed to Geneva to Carol's Steak and Seafood for the Geneva County Executive Committee meeting. Carol's served a delicious fried catfish buffet with my favorite -- cheese grits. Barbara Ann Hamic, the Chairman, ran a very organized meeting. They have some hotly contested local Republican Primary races. After I spoke I was asked about having attended Auburn and Alabama. I explained I love both and that I believe attending both makes me "ultimately politically correct" in Alabama. Geneva County reminds me so much of my home county, Escambia County. Both are on the Florida line and have just a few small towns or cities. Like Escambia County a few years back when the oil and gas boom became a drizzle, Geneva County is presently experiencing difficult economic times. They have great people, however, and I know that they like Escambia County will persevere and make a great come back.

Summer Evenings

2006-05-19T07:45:00.000-05:00

Shepard is working 10 hours a day and then has an hour drive home. When he gets home (amazingly) he and Tucker go into town to the Wellness Center to work out. When they get home we have supper together. Tonight it's a light supper because I'm so tired -- Chicken Taco Salad. The kids and I love it. George is not so pleased. He's a "meat and potatoes" kind of man. I say his mother spoiled him.

Campaign Countdown

2006-05-19T07:43:00.000-05:00

It is less than two weeks to the June 6th Primary. My television commercials are up statewide and the radio commercials are up as well. The Countdown is on.

General Conference and Oral Argument

2006-05-19T07:37:00.000-05:00

Wednesday was a busy day for the Court. We had another very businesslike General Conference and we also had Oral Argument for one case in the afternoon. We try to accommodate the attorneys and parties and try to get cases heard as promptly as possible. I hope we will not make this a routine practice. I prefer having Oral Argument on a separate day. I like to have the time after General Conference to do the "clean up" work that is necessary with my staff -- returning materials to the other Justices' offices, re-circulating corrections and additions to opinions and getting opinions to the Reporter of Decisions Office for reading or to the Clerk's Office for release. Also, we normally only have one week between General Conference and the next month's Circulation Deadline so there's already a hectic week ahead.

American Idol Fan

2006-05-19T07:30:00.000-05:00

O.K. I admit it. I'm an American Idol fan. Actually I'm a huge Taylor Hicks fan. I didn't get to watch it Tuesday night because of campaigning. Friends taped it for me though and I will watch it. I was so exhausted on Wednesday night I watched the hometown visits (Hurray for B'ham and Hoover) but fell asleep before the singer going home was announced. I had to get up very early and rush out to the street to get the Mobile Press-Register to see if Taylor was still in. I knew he would be but I just had to know for sure. I've always thought he would win and I became absolutely convinced of it when Chris was sent home. Taylor represents Alabama so well. I'm sure we're going to have another Alabama American Idol. Go Taylor !!!

Up Early

2006-05-17T05:24:00.000-05:00

It is General Conference day and we are not only having G.C. but we are also having Oral Argument in the afternoon. I have already been reading special writings and memos. I've also been catching up on my blogging.

Federalist Society and Coffee County Executive Committee Meeting

2006-05-17T05:16:00.000-05:00

Brownie and I headed for Montgomery for final preparations for General Conference. There are always lots of special writings and memorandums concerning cases to read just before G.C. I attended the Montgomery County Federalist Society where Justice Bernard Harwood spoke about the behind the scenes going-ons surrounding Franklin Delano Roosevelt's "Court Packing Plan". In the afternoon I headed to Enterprise for the Coffee County Executive Committee Meeting. The group is lead by Al Patterson, son of former Governor and Judge John Patterson. It was great seeing the ladies from the Coffee County Republican Women's Club one of the largest and best clubs in the State Federation. It is the home club of Virginia Howard, State Federation of Republican Women President. Robin Foy is their program chairman and I will have the privilege of speaking to that group in June. More about their tremendous leadership then...

General Conference Votes

2006-05-17T05:13:00.000-05:00

I have finished almost all my General Conference votes. There are some I have read but have my staff doing a little bit of extra research for me before I enter my votes. I attended Eastern Shore Republican Women in Fairhope. The State Auditor candidates were the speakers. We have four incredibly qualified candidates for this office. It will be hard to decide who to vote for. All four would make great state officials and should make all G.O.P'ers proud.

Mother's Day

2006-05-17T05:07:00.000-05:00

Saturday, Kelly and I went shopping for graduation gifts and a Mother's Day gift for George's mother. I lost my mother to cancer 18 months ago. It amazes me sometimes how deeply I still feel her loss. Saturday shopping for Mother's Day was harder than Mother's Day itself although it was bittersweet. It was wonderful having the whole family together in church, and I enjoyed being taken out to lunch at the Banana Docks Cafe in Mobile. The afternoon was a quiet time of rest. Much needed rest. A very busy week is ahead.

Having the Boys Home

2006-05-17T05:03:00.000-05:00

It is wonderful having the boys home for the summer. Shepard is working for a large construction company in Orange Beach. Tucker is working for George as he has done since he was 5 years old. Kelly is getting used to having to share her parents’ attention again but she enjoys having her brothers home as well. I'm having to adjust my cooking (the limited amount I get to do) again from cooking small meals for three to very large meals for five including two still growing boys.

Montgomery County Campaign Countdown

2006-05-17T04:53:00.000-05:00

The Montgomery County Executive Committee held its Campaign Countdown event on May 11 at the RSA Activities Center. The Center was packed with state and local candidates and their supporters and Republicans interested in getting to know their candidates. Most candidates set up booths with their campaign materials available for interested persons to pick up. My booth was decked out in red, white and blue bunting and balloons. A large banner hung over the booth. I had the opportunity to meet many new voters. The barbeque meal was prepared by the RSA Food Services Division headed by Ed Xides. Mr. Xides is the former owner of the Elite Cafe and a friend of George's family. The Elite will always hold a special place in my heart because when George and I were newly married and living on College Court in Montgomery, we had a standing Friday night date for dinner at the Elite. Every time I see Mr. Xides it brings back very fond memories. George and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in March so those memories are old but very special.

Supreme Court Bible Study

2006-05-17T04:46:00.000-05:00

The Supreme Court has a Bible Study each Tuesday morning at 7:00 A.M. It is open to all employees in the Judicial Building. It was begun by Chief Justice Nabers when he was appointed to the Supreme Court. We have teachers from all different denominations and they teach on a biblical passage of their choosing. We also pray for the leaders of all levels of government, the members of our military services, and individuals with needs who are brought to the attention of the group. I don't get to attend every week because I'm not always in Montgomery on Tuesday mornings but I have been able to attend a lot during this past year because the campaign has resulted in me spending the night in my Montgomery apartment more often. I thoroughly enjoy the Bible studies. They have been especially inspiring and encouraging to me during the campaign. They have also provided great stories and background information that I have used in teaching my Sunday School class back home. They are a great way to start a new day.

Winston County Executive Committe

2006-05-12T10:54:00.000-05:00

Sarah and I had a lovely drive through the Sipsey Wilderness Area from Decatur to Double Springs. We arrived early at the Winston County Courthouse, a beautiful old stone courthouse. It reminds me of the original Baldwin County Courthouse in Bay Minette (although it was brick). Harold Sachs ran a most efficient meeting which was important because they have so very many local candidates. They had a packed courtroom. I was the featured speaker but other candidates were given 3 minutes to speak. Several of the folks who were there had seen my commercial. (It had just gone up that day). Bonnie Sachs is the strong woman behind the man in charge. They are certainly a complimentary pair. Winston Countians serve homemade goodies as refreshments half-way through their meeting. Some of the ladies packed me and Sarah a to-go bag of goodies. It was a long drive back to Birmingham to drop off Sarah and then on back to Montgomery. It was 11:30 P.M. before I got back. It was a very long but very satisfying day.

Lagniappe Café

2006-05-12T05:09:00.000-05:00

Sarah and I had some time to kill before heading to Winston County and wanted to get a very late lunch and find internet access so I could catch up on my blogging. I’m sorry I get behind and have to catch up. Court work comes first and there are campaign activities which also have priority. I write the blog entries “in my head” contemporaneously with events and then just have to wait until I have time to get them on paper. Tom Wright, the Editor of the Decatur Daily, gave us directions to the Lagniappe Café. We spent several hours on the internet and had a delicious lunch. I had the Santa Fe Chicken Wrap and Sarah had a Turkey Melt. Our hosts were most gracious. I highly recommended this as a stop if you are ever in Decatur.

Decatur Daily Editorial Board

2006-05-09T12:29:00.001-05:00

I enjoyed my visit with the Decatur Daily Editorial Board. As I told them, it was much more pleasant than my visit in 2000. It was very conversational. They were interested in what I considered my most significant case. It’s one I didn’t write the majority opinion in but a very important one nonetheless. We call it the “Baby Sam case”. Custody cases are always very important to me but this one dealt with issues that will affect many cases in the future. They were also interested in the timeliness of opinions, technology within the Court and the value of oral argument. They’ve been writing news articles based on their Editorial Board Meetings with candidates so we’ll see what they write.

Back to North Alabama

2006-05-09T12:27:00.000-05:00

It was another early morning -- into the office in Montgomery to pick up cases going from Division to General Conference to read. Then it was off to Birmingham. I took some big signs to the storage unit in Hoover and then picked up Sarah. She seemed to have rested up from the Straw Poll. We headed off to Decatur.

Welcome Home Tucker and Shepard

2006-05-09T12:25:00.000-05:00

Shepard arrived home Saturday night late and Tucker arrived on Sunday afternoon. It is great to have them home. It means changes, of course, in the household. They’ll be working this summer, leaving very early in the mornings and getting home in the afternoons. Hopefully, they’ll have time to play some golf and maybe even help with the campaign.

Shelby County Straw Poll!!!

2006-05-09T12:14:00.000-05:00

I was up and off to Shelby County on Saturday morning. It took 3 ½ or 4 hours to reach the Old Baker Farm outside of Harpersville where the Fair was held. It was a beautiful drive. Driving the back roads of this state has been one the true joys of this campaign. Rural Shelby County reminds me of what Baldwin County was like when I moved there 23 years ago. My, times have changed. Sarah and Scott already had our booth set up with a table and tent. We had bottled water for the attendees as well as candy for the children. There were lots of young families there with many children in strollers. It was fun visiting with folks. The best part was the Straw Poll results. I beat my opponent 2 to 1 in votes (190 to 95). I received the fourth highest vote total of all the candidates on the ballot. It was a long but happy drive back to Bay Minette. I arrived in time to help Kelly get ready for her first semi-formal Cotillion dance. She wore a pretty pink dress with a fluttery hem and a few small pink roses in her hair. This is one of the real pleasures of being the mother of a daughter.

Division Vote Deadline

2006-05-09T12:13:00.000-05:00

I had completed my voting earlier in the week because I knew it was going to be a very busy week for me. Nevertheless, 10:00 A.M. on the Friday Division Vote Deadline is a hectic time. Everyone checks the votes on their cases. Staffs prepare cases which have passed conference with five concurring votes for release or review by the Reporter of Decisions Office.

Steelwood Fundraiser

2006-05-09T12:12:00.000-05:00

For several weeks the campaign staff has been working on a Baldwin County fundraiser. We have waited until now to do this because of the devastation to our county and neighboring counties and states by the hurricanes of last year. Baldwin Countians have been so generous in sending aid to those in need. Finally, the county is getting back to normal. Bob Wills, Allan Chason and Dr. Barry Booth were key sponsors and helped with recruiting hosts for the event. We ended up with more than 100 couples and organizations as hosts. Not all responses were received in time to make it on the host list on the invitation, so we had two large boards with all the names of hosts posted in two locations at the party. Steelwood is a beautiful location and the weather was perfect. It was sunny, but there was a wonderful breeze. We were able to enjoy the indoor dining room as well as the “outdoor ballroom.” Sunny Corte assisted with selecting flowers for the event. It was fabulous to see so many friends and supporters. I was able to share some great news with them about the campaign. It was great to just relax with friends. The fundraiser was a huge success.

Law Day 2006 Escambia County, Alabama

2006-05-09T11:46:00.000-05:00

Each year the Escambia County Bar Association celebrates Law Week in a unique fashion. They bring all the seniors from the five High Schools in the county to the Escambia County Courthouse in Brewton for a Law Day Program and to participate as jurors and spectators in two actual criminal trials. Two schools come on one day and three schools on the next. Charles Godwin of Atmore is the Chairman of this event. He is the most organized person I know. I have been one of the guest speakers for the past five (?) years. Usually I get to speak on the day the students from my alma mater, Escambia County High School, attend. This year’s theme was Separation of Powers which happens to be the topic of one of the speeches that I often give to civic clubs so it was perfect for me. This program has been recognized by the Alabama State Bar and the American Bar Association for promotion of respect for the law and civic responsibility. It is a pleasure to participate each year.

Pig Out in the Park

2006-05-09T11:44:00.000-05:00

My Kiwanis club has an annual spring fund raiser – Pig Out in the Park. Due to my work and campaign responsibilities I am not able to do too much this year. Kelly and I did go help season the 150 Boston Butts we are barbequing and helped get the first 50 or so on the grills. (We have six huge grills on a trailer -- Grillzilla.) Between the sale of whole Boston Butts and barbeque sandwiches we made approximately $1,800.00 for our annual scholarships for high school seniors. It is a fun and worthwhile project.

Mobile Press Register Editorial Board

2006-05-08T16:21:00.000-05:00

Wednesday I met with the Mobile Press Register Editorial Board. It was a good meeting. They were very interested in my thoughts on Alabama's capital punishment statutes and judicial override of jury recommendations of death or life without parole. I am a supporter of capital punishment. I also believe there are many positives to our capital punishment scheme. Having prosecuted and tried capital cases as a trial judge and having considered numerous capital punishment issues as an appellate judge, I felt I had a lot of experience and expertise to share with them.

Division Vote Week

2006-05-08T16:12:00.000-05:00

Monday was a normal work day in the Bay Minette Office. Few days are routine anymore. I often have to read briefs and writings at night, in the wee hours of the morning and on weekends. Tuesday I was off to Montgomery. Our cases for oral argument have been rescheduled due to conflicts of the attorneys, but we had a court meeting. In the afternoon I met with the Editorial Board of the Montgomery Advertiser. Then it was home again.

Alabama Federation of Women's Clubs Convention

2006-05-08T16:04:00.000-05:00

Approximately 200 women from all over the State of Alabama assembled in Orange Beach for the Annual Convention of the Alabama Federation of Women's Clubs. Geneva Messer of Ariton, Alabama presided. We had great speakers including First Lady Patsy Riley and Alexis Jones, Miss Alabama 2006. Volunteer efforts of all sorts were recognized and rewarded with awards in various categories. These busy ladies are the "worker bees" of numerous communities across the State. They are also my dear friends. I have been a member of a women's club for more than 20 years. It has been one of the truly rewarding experiences in my life. When giving speaches, I often use the quote, "Service to others is the rent we pay for being alive." I don't know who said it first but I believe it.

Speaking to Home Folks

2006-05-08T15:59:00.000-05:00

The Baldwin County League of Women Voters and all six of the Baldwin County Chambers of Commerce sponsored a political forum at Blakely State Park. The forum was for state and local candidates and Republicans, Democrats and one Libertarian spoke. It was a late afternoon event because of no electricity. Although it was billed as an "On the Stump" rally we actually spoke from a gazebo. It was early enough that I was able to eat dinner with George and Kelly before driving to Orange Beach for my next event.

Home Again

2006-05-08T15:56:00.000-05:00

Wednesday morning. Home again. Lots of work to do from the Bay Minette office. It's good to be home with George and Kelly. I'm already counting the days until Tucker and Shepard come home from college for the summer.

Morgan County Executive Committee Meeting

2006-05-08T15:41:00.000-05:00

From Birmingham, it was off again to just outside of Decatur for the Morgan County Executive Committee meeting. This was one of the best attended, most enthusiastic groups I have spoken to all year. Adonis Bailey, their program chairman, was a great hostess. Luther Strange, candidate for Lt. Governor, and I were the speakers. Lots of members carried my yard signs home with them to put up. You can tell its getting close to the primary. It was a long drive back to Montgomery. In a little over 24 hours, I have been from Montgomery to Dothan to Montgomery to Anniston to Birmingham to Decatur and back to Montgomery. Such is the life of an (itinerant) politician.

Anniston Rotary Club

2006-05-08T15:34:00.000-05:00

After spending the night in my Montgomery apartment, I headed north in the morning to speak to the Anniston Rotary Club. It was great to visit with a law school classmate, Brenda Smith Stedham. I spoke on "Separation of Powers – It’s an Alabama Thing". As always, I enjoyed answering questions from the audience. It is always interesting to see what is on their mind. I responded to questions about eminent domain, the Alabama Constitution of 1901, and expungment of criminal cases. Afterwards it was off to Birmingham to meet with the Birmingham News Editorial Board.

Houston County Executive Committee Meeting

2006-05-08T15:27:00.000-05:00

On Monday, I headed to Montgomery to work. Thursday is the Circulation deadline for Division and General Conference cases. This week of each month is busy mostly with writing and editing Stuart cases for both conferences. In the evening I headed to Dothan for the Houston County Executive Committee meeting. It was well attended. There were four speakers: myself, Judge Mark Anderson, Roy Moore, and Glenn Murdock. They were very efficient, but with four speakers, the meeting ran over their usual one hour time period. I spoke not to long ago to the Houston County Republican Women. Many of those same ladies were present. It was great to see Patsy Morgan, Joyce Long and Martha Foy. These ladies and their spouses were true pioneers in Republican politics in Alabama.

Indoor Picnic

2006-05-08T15:16:00.000-05:00

From the Republican Assembly, I was able to scoot over to Riverchase to an indoor picnic with members of my sorority, Gamma Phi Beta. It had rained the night before (a real blessing in our near drought conditions) so inside was perfect. I was able to visit with friends from college and with two of my mentors, Elise Berthon and Norma Zimmerman. (As an aside, Norma is the mother of United States Olympic Pairs skater, John Zimmerman.)

Alabama Republican Assembly

2006-05-08T14:56:00.000-05:00

The Alabama Republican Assembly held its endorsement convention on Saturday, April 22 at the Wynfrey Hotel in Birmingham. This Republican group has labeled itself the "Republican Wing of the Republican Party". I enjoyed talking with this group of conservatives. We agree on almost all issues. I didn't tell them everything they wanted to hear but I told them the truth. They are owed the honesty of every candidate. Real Republicans are not a bunch of "yes people."

Mobile County Landowners’ Association Forum

2006-04-28T11:09:00.000-05:00

This forum was the first I’d been to that had both Democratic and Republican candidates speaking. They started at the top of the ballot and worked down. It was one and one-half hours after they started that I got to speak. My Democratic opponent spoke before me and my Republican opponent spoke after me. It was the first time I had seen Alan Zeigler in 26 years -- since I finished law school. There were at least another 50 candidates scheduled to speak after me.

General Conference

2006-04-28T11:04:00.000-05:00

This was our first General Conference since the qualifying deadline (General Conference is when all 9 justices meet and discuss cases before the Court). Everyone was very businesslike. This was a heavier conference than we have had in a long time. We pushed hard and worked through into the afternoon. A little clean up and my cases will be gone -- to the Clerk’s Office for release or to the Reporter’s Office for her review. I headed back home in the afternoon. It was actually a pleasure to cook supper and enjoy it with George and Kelly. I actually like campaigning. I just hate the time I am away from my family. I don’t know if it will be easier or harder once the boys get home from college for the summer. George will have twice as many to cook supper for on the evenings I’m away. It’s a good thing he’s a good cook!!

Vote Deadline

2006-04-28T11:01:00.000-05:00

I made it. Barely. I got my last vote entered just before the 10:00 A.M. deadline. After that, it was back home to Baldwin County. There were a few special writings and memorandums to be read in preparation for General Conference. The Forum tonight was in Foley. It is great to be back home (or almost) for a forum. There were few statewide candidates present for this forum. It is well attended though because the Baldwin County Commissioner and Sheriff’s candidates spoke.

Republican Executive Committee of Tuscaloosa County

2006-04-25T15:45:00.000-05:00

After a quick dinner at Applebee's, Sarah and I went the Executive Committee meeting. They had a great turnout. I kept my speech short and answered lots of questions. I actually prefer answering questions to just talking because you get to talk to folks about the issues they are interested in. One topic of interest here was the handling of Capital Murder Cases. I have a whole lot of experience in that area as a prosecutor and as a judge so that was interesting and fun. Afterwards it was back to Birmingham to drop off Sarah and then home to my apartment in Montgomery. Once there it was no rest for the weary as I had to do some reading to get my votes in on time.

First Editorial Board Meeting of 2006

2006-04-25T15:38:00.000-05:00

My first Editorial Board Meeting of 2006 was with the Tuscaloosa News. You must talk about your opponent whether you what to or not. I guess they are just trying to draw comparisons so they can make their endorsement decisions. They are in a beautiful new building. It was wonderful being back in Tuscaloosa. I spent three of the best years of my life there. I'm pushing the University of Alabama School of Law for law school for Sarah either next fall or a year later if she defers. During our down time I showed her a few of my favorite "haunts" in T-Town. We also went to the Law Library at the law school so I could use their wireless internet. The Law Librarian was most helpful. The Law Library was NOT one of my favorite "haunts" in law school.

Western Area Republican Club

2006-04-25T15:33:00.000-05:00

I was the luncheon speaker for the Western Area (Jefferson County) Republican Club. This area is a very Republican area. Sarah went with me and after Scott worked on my new laptop computer, he joined us. The group meets at the Home Plate Diner in Hueytown. It was wonderful food and wonderful company. Probate Judge Mark Gaines was a co-speaker. Judges Huff and Ganius of the Bessemer Division of the Jefferson County Circuit Court were present. I got to meet Scott's mom and dad who live in nearby Pleasant Grove. No wonder their son is so special!!

General Conference Week Voting

2006-04-25T15:31:00.000-05:00

I am still voting on General Conference cases. I have about three more to read by the Tuesday 10:00 A.M. vote deadline.

Easter Sunday

2006-04-17T16:24:00.000-05:00

I was up at five and at Blackburn Park by 6:10 A.M. The folding chairs were already set up so I had rushed for nothing. My Kiwanis Club sponsors Bay Minette's Easter Sunrise Service in conjunction with the North Baldwin Ministerial Association each Easter. I was honored to be asked to bring the official welcome. We had a huge crowd -- big-time standing room only. I think it was because Dr. Henry Cox, pastor of First Baptist Church and President of the Alabama State Convention was bringing the message. Dr. Cox was great! It was the perfect beginning to a wonderful day. Next we had Sunday School and then a fabulous Easter Sunday service. I missed singing the Hallelujah Chorus (it was only played this year). Our church building was damaged by Hurricane Ivan so we meet in the gym of our Family Life Center. I hope we return to singing it when we get our new sanctuary built. We had a special Easter lunch and then I had to drive the boys back to Auburn (one of Shepard's back rear tires had a slit in it and we'll have to get a new tire this week.) I'm glad they discovered it on the way to church and not on the interstate back to school. It meant getting to spend more time with them although they slept much of the way back. They'll be home for the summer in a few weeks! I hope you Easter was as wonderful as mine!!!

Home Again

2006-04-17T16:14:00.000-05:00

It was wonderful to get back home again. Tucker and Shepard arrived home for the first time since New Year's just before I got there. Shepard brought his friend, Chad, with him to spend Easter weekend with us. Chad is from Williamsburg, Virginia, which was too far away to go home for just a regular weekend. He is a nice young man and will be one of Shepard's roommates next year. Kelly and I spent part of Saturday finishing up some Easter shopping. George, the boys and Kelly got a home cooked meal Saturday night. (George joked that this is an extreme rarity these days -- actually it is true as I'm on the road so much). At that, George grilled the meat outside on the grill. I just marinated it and fixed all the side dishes. At any rate, it was mighty good. I would give you the menu but I'd sound like the guy on Southern Sports tonight who advertises for Mary B's biscuits by describing his mouth-watering evening menu every night. I love Southern Sports Tonight (I'm mostly a Paul Finebaum fan however) and my favorite part is his description of his evening menu. It's a great advertisement.

Alabama Lawyers Hall of Fame

2006-04-17T15:51:00.000-05:00

The Alabama State Bar Association held its second induction ceremony for the Alabama Lawyers Hall of Fame. There are now 8 members. The members are elected from nominations by the Alabama Board of Bar Commissioners. This year a Baldwin Countian (from way back) was elected, Judge Harry Toulmin. Judge Toulmin was a federal territorial judge for the Mississippi Territory and then the Alabama Territory (of which Baldwin County, a county older than the state was a part) and was a leader in the movement for statehood. After Alabama became a state, he became one of Alabama's first Circuit Judges. He also wrote the first Alabama Digest, a collection of Alabama court decisions. Sam Crosby, Baldwin County legal historian, reminds us of Judge Toulmin at almost every Baldwin County Court System official function. Sam Crosby, who was two years ahead of me in law school and whom I met as a first year student while serving as a time-keeper for the Moot Court Board of which Sam was a part, is a candidate for President-Elect of the Alabama State Bar. The election is in May. Good luck, Sam!!

Republican Women

2006-04-17T15:41:00.000-05:00

No one should discount the importance of Republican Women in Republican politics in the state of Alabama. They are the workhorses of the party. If you want something done and done well, ask a Republican Woman to do it. All the clubs are strong and have great leaders. They are lead at the state level by numerous stars including state ARFW President, Virginia Howard.

Knollwood Republican Women

2006-04-17T15:34:00.000-05:00

I visited and spoke with the Knollwood Republican Women on April 12. They are a very active group of Republican Women lead by Luci Sheffield. Steve Windom's mother, Connie Windom, and mother-in-law, Ina Becker, are both members of this group. Also in attendance were Chess Bedsole, candidate for State Auditor, George Callahan, nominee for State Senate, and Chief Sam Cochan, candidate for Mobile County Sheriff (I believe there are 12 candidates in that race). It was a great meeting and I enjoyed meeting my new friends and supporters.

Palm Sunday

2006-04-17T15:28:00.001-05:00

We had a huge crowd in church. I love the children processing in with palm branches. Our choir performed its Easter Cantata. It was a great start to Holy Week. This in one of my favorite times of the year.

Qualifying Deadline

2006-04-17T06:32:00.000-05:00

It was no surprise to anyone that the Republican Party has a bevy of candidates for the numerous offices on the ballot this year. It's oblivious we're the party to win with. It will be a very interesting Republican primary. I'm glad I've been out there criss-crossing the state for over a year now campaigning. Now we move into the countdown to the Primary.

Alabama Federation of Republican Women Legislative Days

2006-04-17T06:26:00.001-05:00

This year's Alabama Federation of Women's Clubs Legislative Days was, I believe, the best ever. Fran Whitaker did an excellent job of organizing the event. It is an election year so everyone was there. The Candidate Forum was excellent. My favorite part of the meeting was the luncheon speech by Dr. Diane Hassan. She spoke about pre- and post-liberation Iraq and her gratitude to President George W. Bush, the United States Armed Forces and the American people for freeing her people. I can't wait to read her forth-coming book.

Samford University

2006-04-17T06:18:00.000-05:00

Oral was held in the auditorium at Samford University. We heard one case and the Court of Civil Appeals also heard one case. Dean John Carroll hosted a lovely luncheon for us after the argument at the Cumberland School of Law Great Room. Dean Carroll taught me several valuable lessons many years ago when he was in private practice and I tried a case in which he represented the opposing party. He was a great lawyer and Federal Magistrate Judge and now is doing a tremendous job as Dean of Cumberland. I love the Samford Campus. It is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. Every time I am there I have to drive around the campus just to enjoy the beauty of the architecture. Following the luncheon it was back home to more reading on Division Cases.

Friends Are Friends Forever

2006-04-17T06:04:00.000-05:00

Following the Birmingham Bar Foundation's lovely reception at the Jemison Art Gallery, I went out to dinner with dear friends from my law school days at the University of Alabama School of Law who live in the Birmingham area. We had a great Italian meal and enjoyed catching up on what's been happening in our lives recently. Those friends were: Monie Allen, Joanne Boyd, Judge Patricia (Tricia) Yeager Furhmeister, and Janet Wilson Taylor. I had known Tricia and Janet at Auburn. They were Political Science majors and my roommate was a Poli-Sci minor. I met Tricia at a Poli-Sci party and Janet and my roommate, Lee Ann, were constant study partners. I met Joanne and Monie during the first few weeks of law school. Joanne and Janet, along with Debbie Long were law school housemates of mine. We lived in a great house on 13th Street near the law school. Tricia and Janet were in my wedding. It was wonderful having the opportunity to visit with them.

Oral Argument at Cumberland

2006-04-13T09:44:00.000-05:00

The Court went to Birmingham to conduct oral argument at Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. We were honored with a reception hosted by the Birmingham Bar Foundation at the Jemison Art Gallery downtown. It was lovely and was a great opportunity to see old friends. It was great for me to see my friend, Marda Walters Sydnor, the President of the Birmingham Bar Association. Marda and I worked together in the Attorney General's Office in Montgomery when we first finished law school. We both were engaged and planned our weddings together. Our cohorts beginning our legal careers in the A.G.'s Office in 1980 included: Judge Bucky McMillan, Dudley Motlow, Mike Horsley, Tommy Jones, Mark Ulmer, and Nancy Stoddard. Our boss then is now Presiding Circuit Judge Charles Graddick of Mobile.

Division Vote Week

2006-04-13T09:38:00.000-05:00

April 3-7 This is Division Vote Week. Circulation deadline was last Thursday and votes are due by 10:00 A.M. Friday. That gives us a little over one week to read all the division cases and vote. This month the See Division's circulations are fairly heavy and there's a lot going on this week. It's a good thing our work is transportable. I took a box load of cases with me to read in my room while the Court is in Birmingham.

Campaign Update

2006-04-10T21:17:00.000-05:00

As many of you know, on Friday, the last day to qualify for the Republican primary, Alan Zeigler qualified to run against Justice Stuart. To read the full story, click here.

Justice Stuart is looking forward to highlighting her 25 years experience as a judge and prosecutor against an opponent that has no judicial experience. With Election Day less than 2 months away, our Grassroots Team will soon be gearing up to make sure that our party will have an experienced, conservative and fair justice on the ballot in November. Justice Stuart will continue to campaign across the state and take her message to the voters of Alabama. Click here to view Justice Stuart’s campaign schedule.

Eagle Forum

2006-03-31T22:50:00.000-06:00

I returned to Birmingham tonight to attend the Eagle Forum Annual Dinner. It was extremely well attended. I was honored to be seated at the Briarwood Presbyterian Church- Church and State Committee table. I got to visit with old friends, Eason Balch, Eric Johnston and Joe Thomas, among others. Attending were a political "who's who". It was the first time I had heard the keynote speaker, Phyllis Shlafley, speak. She was terrific. It's no wonder she is referred to as "one of the most powerful women in America." I can't wait to see what tomorrow holds. It's been a very good day!!

Alabama Child Support Guidelines Committee

2006-03-31T22:34:00.000-06:00

The Alabama Child Support Guidelines Committee met today in Montgomery. I am the Supreme Court's representative on this Supreme Court Committee. The group is ably chaired by Judge Jack Hughes, Presiding Family Court Judge of Calhoun County, Anniston, Alabama. The committee members include judges, attorneys, a Department of Human Resources attorney, non-custodial parents and Penny Davis of the Alabama Law Institute. The committee is charged with reviewing the Alabama Child Support Guidelines to determine if they need to be modified or updated. Child support is an issue that is important to me because I served as Baldwin County Child Support Prosecutor for several years when I joined the Baldwin County District Attorney's Office. During my tenure we had the number one Child Support Office in the State. Later when I became a judge I dealt continuously with child support issues as the county's Juvenile Court Judge and later as a Circuit Judge hearing domestic relations cases. I learned early on that payment of child support and regular visitation by a non-custodial parent are crucial to a child's sense of self-worth and belief that he is very important to the people he cares about most, his parents. I strongly believe that child support orders must be fair to both parents and that issues such as visitation and access to information about a child's health and school records are equally important. Courts must work to better the lives and relationships of children and parents who do not live together in one household.

Alabama Society of Health Care Social Workers

2006-03-31T22:25:00.000-06:00

This morning I had the opportunity to speak to the Alabama Society of Health Care Social Workers at the Cahaba Grande (formerly HealthSouth) Conference Center in Birmingham. I was a speaker for their semi-annual continuing education meeting. I got to speak on a new topic, or actually topics, that really interest me. I talked about recent Alabama Supreme Court decisions concerning: arbitration agreements in health care settings, child abuse reporting and immunity, failure to report child abuse, consent to medical procedures, consent for organ transplantation, living wills and the Alabama Advance Health Care Directive Act, and "legal death" vs. "common law death". This group had great questions. I am grateful to Ev'Hendrickson Gunn, their President, for the opportunity to meet and address this great group.

Rotary Clubs

2006-03-31T08:02:00.000-06:00

I spoke to two Rotary Clubs this week -- one in Albertville and one in Talladega. It is amazing how different each club is and yet how they share a spirit of service. I am a Kiwanian but I love Rotary. My paternal grandfather, Sewell Lufkin, was a long time member and president of the Rotary Club of Atmore. He talked about it with such pride. My husband, George, was a member of the Foley Rotary Club. I enjoyed attending as a Rotarianne, a term I learned this week is no longer used by many clubs. They all seem to enjoy having women as full members. Thomas Whitson and J. T. Malone were most gracious hosts.

Circulation Deadline Week

2006-03-31T07:56:00.000-06:00

Thursday of this week is the circulation deadline for cases going to Division Conference or General Conference for April 2006. I am a member of the See (Justice Harold See Division). More about divisions later. The focus of this week in my office is reading, writing, re-writing and finalizing cases I plan to circulate to other members of the Court to read and vote on. Since I am traveling this week I am in and out of the office in Montgomery and am taking stacks of cases with me to read. This week's focus is Stuart cases. This will be a large circulation for my office. It has been a busy month.

Kelly's Spring Break

2006-03-30T18:57:00.000-06:00

The waves of Wisteria splash into Alabama.

This week is Kelly's Spring Break. The boys don't have theirs until next week. I have tried to do my reading at night for several days so Kelly and I can spend the days together. We have shopped and cleaned out closets. We have planted flowers in the yard and hung new ferns. Most of all we have just enjoyed being together.

Dothan

2006-03-30T18:54:00.000-06:00

Thursday I had the opportunity to visit and speak with the Houston County Republican Women's Club in Dothan. Joyce Long was my hostess. It was great to see many old friends there including Patsy Morgan. Patsy is a lady who can testify to what I was like as a trial court judge. I am proud to have Patsy supporting me and speaking in my behalf.

Shooting Commercials

2006-03-30T18:53:00.000-06:00

Tuesday was spent shooting television commercials. It is an interesting process and makes for a long day. I hope you like them when we roll them out.

Daughters of the American Revolution

2006-03-30T18:47:00.000-06:00

I spoke to the Fort Stewart Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Foley. Sheila Stone, Regent, was my hostess. They meet at the Gift Horse Restaurant in Foley which is run by the McCloud family. I gave one of my favorite speeches -- "Women and Politics" -- a discussion of the role of women in politics from biblical times to the present with an emphasis on the effort to earn the right to vote and much later the right to participate in that other great responsibility of citizenship -- serving on a jury.

Visit With the Boys

2006-03-30T18:38:00.000-06:00

I left Shelby County driving to Auburn to meet my husband, George, and spend a portion of Parents Weekend with my sons, Tucker and Shepard. George and the boys had played golf Saturday while I was out campaigning. It was great to see them since they haven't been home since Christmas break. Shepard was still celebrating his hitting a "hole in one" earlier in the week at Indian Hills Golf Club. He is taking Golf as a class for credit. I guess that "hole in one" was a bonus.

Shelby County Annual Dinner

2006-03-30T18:19:00.000-06:00

The Shelby County Republican Annual Dinner was held on March 18th at the Riverchase Country Club. This was a special event for me because I got to sit at the table of my dear friend, Tricia, Shelby County Probate Judge Patricia Yeager Fuhrmeister and her husband, Jim. We were joined by several Shelby County Circuit Judges. Tricia and I first met at Auburn. She was a Political Science major as was my college roommate, Lee Ann Fullerton, and another friend, Janet Wilson Taylor. They drug me along to some of their study session/celebrations. Tricia and I became close friends when we both ended up in Tuscaloosa at the University of Alabama School of Law. We each got our first taste of political elections when Tricia was elected Chief Justice of the Honor Court and I was elected Secretary of the Student Bar Association. Our friend, Harold Stephens, of Huntsville was President of the Student Bar Association. Tricia was a bridesmaid in my wedding and quite gracious about wearing that dusty rose bridesmaid's dress. We always have a great time when we get together.

State Treasurer Kay Ivey was the "warm-up act" and Chief Justice Drayton Nabers was the keynote speaker. He gave a great pep talk about our principles and our mission and got everybody fired up about the coming elections.

Northern Alabama

2006-03-29T13:25:00.000-06:00

I traveled to Arab to speak at the Arab Rotary Club. Alan Miller was my host. They meet at the Golden Rule Bar-B-Que Restaurant. We had a great meal. Although the Bar-b-que was tempting, I had meatloaf -- a real favorite of mine. They have an American Idol-style competition to see who can sing the most creative version of "Happy Birthday" to a birthday-celebrating member.
I left Arab and by mistake took the "long route" to Florence -- over the mountain, through Huntsville and across. Luckily, it was an absolutely beautiful day in North Alabama and I wasn't in a hurry so I was able to enjoy the magnificent views.

Early Saturday morning I had the pleasure of breakfast and speaking with a combined meeting of the Republican Women of the Shoals and the Shoals Republican Club (that is where the picture is from). Craig Pittman, incumbent, Alabama Court of Civil Appeals also spoke.

Post General Conference Work

2006-03-29T09:58:00.000-06:00

The days immediately after our monthly General Conference are usually hectic ones for the Justices and our staffs. Cases with sufficient votes are sent to the Reporter of Decisions Office or prepared for release. Other cases are tweaked and re-circulated. Still others are subjected to a major re-write. Some are re-assigned to another justice to be rewritten with the opposite proposed result.

3 speeches in 3 hours

2006-03-29T09:55:00.000-06:00

The last couple of weeks have been extremely busy and left little time for blogging but I do want to go back and mention several events that I really enjoyed being a part of. On March 16th I gave 3 speeches in 3 hours in 3 different locations! Fortunately, all were in Montgomery. The first was with the Baldwin County United Leadership Class at the RSA Plaza and I spoke about the Alabama Supreme Court. Next, I had the pleasure of participating on a panel at the Jones School of Law Federalist Society Law Week event were I focused on appellate brief writing and oral argument. I was honored to speak with Vernon Barnett, Associate Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Corrections and Jack White, a lawyer in private who served as a law clerk for then federal appellate court Judge (now U.S. Supreme Court Justice) Samuel Allito. I gave a perspective from the bench and they gave an advocate's perspective. Their thoughts were fascinating to me.
Then it was back to the Supreme Court courtroom to speak about the Court to a combined group of Leadership Atmore (adults) and Youth Leadership Atmore, both from the town where I was born and grew up.

Alabama Federation of Women's Clubs "Day on the Hill"

2006-03-28T11:43:00.000-06:00

In a renewal of the Alabama Federation of Women's Clubs former Legislative Days, AFWC visited the Alabama Supreme Court on March 15th. More than 100 women from women's clubs all over the state attended. They toured the Heflin-Torbert Judicial Building, had a luncheon at Dexter Avenue United Methodist Church and attended oral argument in the afternoon. AFWC was founded in 1895 and is led by Geneva Messer of Ariton, State President. Randy Matthews of Ozark was chairman of Day on the Hill. AFWC women are a group of community volunteers. Most of the libraries in the state were started by AFWC Clubs. I have been a member for over 22 years am presently a member of two clubs.

Unusual Day at the Supreme Court

2006-03-28T11:37:00.000-06:00

Wednesday, March 15th was an unusual day at the Court. We had our regular monthly General Conference to discuss cases in the morning and in the afternoon we had Oral Argument for March. Fortunately we only had one case for Argument. This is the first time in the five plus years on the Court that we have done both on the same day. It was quite a hectic day!

Greater Birmingham Young Republicans

2006-03-17T17:28:00.000-06:00

After a restful remainder of the weekend it was back to work Monday in Montgomery. More reading and voting. I still have cases to read and vote deadline is tomorrow at 10:00 A.M. In the late afternoon I drove to Birmingham to speak to the Greater Birmingham Young Republicans at "Billy's" in English Village. There was a great crowd. Several local candidates were present. Some folks who were not members of the Club also got to hear the speeches. Ashley McCray, the President of the group is an enthusiastic and motivating leader. She is also the Treasurer of the Shelby County Executive Committee.
This group has a ton of activities going and most impressive is the fact that they periodically do community service projects. Perry Hooper, Jr., a candidate for the Public Service Commission, also spoke to the group. We both spoke of the tremendous influence of his father, Chief Justice Perry Hooper, Sr., the first Republican elected Probate Judge and Circuit Judge in Montgomery and the first Republican elected to the Alabama Supreme Court in its turn toward being a conservative court. He spoke about his father's personal influence on him growing up and I talked about Chief Justice Hooper's influence on the Supreme Court. How I admire that perfect Southern gentleman!!!

Gadsden--Etowah County Republican Men's Breakfast

2006-03-17T17:00:00.000-06:00

This has been a crazy week. So much has happened that I need to catch you up on. Saturday I got up early in Montgomery and drove to Gadsden. I am getting to see many beautiful sunrises (and sunsets) across our state. They had a great crowd -- mostly gentlemen but also a few ladies and several young people. Judge Phillip Wood of Autauga County, a candidate for the Court of Civil Appeals, was also present and spoke briefly. I was honored to have former Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation, Jim Martin, present in the audience.
Just to prove that I am a life-long Republican, I'll share a true story that I shared with the Gadsden crowd:
When I was a young child (Commissioner Martin says it was 1962, so I was 7 years old), I went with friends to the Piggly Wiggly where one of my friend's mother (and my mother's best friend), "Miss Edna" was the Assistant Manager. The McKinleys were some of the first Republicans I remember knowing (others in Atmore where I grew up were the Swifts and the Maxwells). We were given a big stack of "Jim Martin for Governor" bumper stickers and no instructions. We had put a bumper sticker (the old fashioned kind that wouldn't come off) on every car in the parking lot before an angry customer came out and wanted to know what we were doing. I thought everyone supported Jim Martin and would want a bumper sticker. We got chastised but I guess it was worth it. Commissioner Martin told me he carried Escambia County that year.

Committees and Rule-Making

2006-03-14T10:29:00.000-06:00

The weather was terrible in Tuscaloosa -- tornadoes -- I was so glad I was spending the night. I got up early Friday morning and drove in thick fog to Montgomery. I had an 8:30 meeting with Justice Smith and others to work on draft rules to submit to the Supreme Court Committee on the Rules of Juvenile Procedure. The issues we are looking at are video detention hearings from remote locations and expediting appeals of juvenile cases. The rule making authority of the Alabama Supreme Court is one of its most important powers. Members of the Court spend many, many hours working on these rules and collaborating with the numerous committees and sub-committees which assist us in these efforts. More about this later. The remainder of Friday was spent reading cases and voting to get ready for General Conference the next week. As I entered the weekend, I still had several cases left to read.

Tuscaloosa

2006-03-14T10:25:00.000-06:00

It has been several days since I have been able to write so I have lots of things I need to catch you up on. Thursday morning was spent reading cases and working on special writings. In the afternoon I drove to Tuscaloosa to attend the Third Annual Women's Leadership Dinner at my alma mater, the University of Alabama School of Law. This was a great event at which the students invite about twenty women from all different fields of law to come and have dinner and network with the women law students. Last year I, along with Justice Patti Smith, was privileged to be their keynote speaker. This year retired Dean Camille Cook was the keynote speaker. She graduated from the law school in 1948, taught business law at Auburn University for many years and then returned to the University as a law professor and later Assistant Dean. She was introduced by Deborah J. Long who finished number one in my class (1980) and was the first woman Editor in Chief of the Alabama Law Review. It was a great evening and I was so impressed with the caliber of the students at the law school. This event just gets better and better each year.

Etowah County Men's Republican Breakfast

2006-03-13T15:12:00.000-06:00

Justice Stuart speaking to the Etowah County Republican Club - The breakfast was scrumptious and the members were very hospitable. Mack Butler ran a wonderful meeting and we were even treated with a solo of "God Bless America" by Mrs. Butler.

Jury Duty-6

2006-03-09T16:54:00.000-06:00

I called in as instructed. Again my panel was not being used. Today has included lots of reading. I still have several cases to read and vote on before General Conference. I am also working on rewriting some special writings in other justices' cases. I have traveled to Tuscaloosa, to the University of Alabama School of Law, for a very important dinner and decided to bring a box of work with me.

The Most "Visiting-est" Bunch

2006-03-07T14:38:00.000-06:00

I spoke at the Republican Women of Huntsville luncheon. They have a great meeting place at Valley Hill Country Club. They are the "visiting-est" (a Stuartism) Republican group I have ever visited. They meet to visit for a half hour before the meeting and many folks stay an hour afterwards visiting. It was great!! They had a wonderful crowd. Frances Taylor, President ran a great meeting. It was great to see old friends--Lynne Matheny, Jeanette Balch, Elbert and Melba Peters, and Jim and Mary Lou Haney. I met lots of new friends and supporters. Mr. Peters gave me an update on the scheduled speakers for the Huntsville Republican Men's Breakfast meetings. It is a huge group and so much fun to visit. I can't wait. Hopefully I can attend several of the breakfasts.

Huntsville

2006-03-07T09:35:00.000-06:00

I was able to eat an early supper last night with George and Kelly before I drove to Montgomery. I was up early this morning, went in the office for a few minutes before driving to B'ham to pick up Sarah, experienced a B'ham traffic jam, and am now headed to Huntsville where I look forward to speaking at the Republican Women of Huntsville luncheon.

Jury Duty - 4

2006-03-06T21:30:00.000-06:00

I was not selected for the civil jury case I was voir dired for. I enjoyed participating in the process. Lots of juries were struck today. It is an efficient way to use jurors. Most won't have to come back again. I am excused for now and must call in Tuesday night to see if I am needed.

Jury Duty-3

2006-03-06T11:05:00.000-06:00

I am on panel number 20. Each panel has 7 members. Panels 18 thru 23 were sent to Judge Reid's courtroom for voir dire on a civil case. We took our third oath. Voir dire was interesting. I know some of the witnesses and all the lawyers involved so I don't think I’ll be selected for this case.

Jury Duty-2

2006-03-06T10:10:00.000-06:00

The Grand Jury has been randomly selected and I was not selected as one of the 18 citizens who will review all the felony criminal cases in the county to determine whether to return indictments. The rest of us have taken our second oath as petit jurors. We have been on our "move your car" break.

Jury Duty-1

2006-03-06T09:25:00.000-06:00

I arrived at 7:50. Check in was easy and very smooth. The orientation was good. We have taken our first oath. Presiding Judge James Reid is taking excuses. I think if people understood the call in system they wouldn't try to get excused.

Calhoun County Saddie Hawkins Dinner

2006-03-05T22:51:00.000-06:00

Justice Stuart with State Auditor Beth Chapman and Calhoun District Court Judge Laura Phillips at the Calhoun County Saddie Hawkins Social.

A Great Day

2006-03-05T06:24:00.002-06:00

I arrived at 12:30 A.M. this morning. -- 5 hours sleep -- then back on the road to Bay Minette and straight to church in time for Sunday school. It was a great day.

Saturday Concluded

2006-03-05T06:24:00.001-06:00

Picked Sarah up in B'ham. She drove us to Jacksonville. It was a beautiful drive. We were amazed when we arrived at "The Barn". It is a hugh three story restaurant. We were on the top floor. Walked in with Beth Chapman. It was great to catch up with what is going on in her life. She is a great friend. Beth worked with my campaign in 2000. She traveled the state with me as Sarah is now. I miss having Beth on the staff but it is going to be great fun running with her on the ticket.

Sadie Hawkins Dinner

2006-03-05T06:24:00.000-06:00

The Jacksonville event was a Sadie Hawkins Dinner where the ladies invited the men, and the women candidates were the featured speakers. Tony Moreland, chairman, did a great of organizing. It was a great crowd with lots of Young Repblicans from Jax State. The menu was a man's meal -- delicous and generous portions. Brief speechs were made by seven candidates. Then there was time for mingling and photos. Dropped Sarah off in B'ham, got coffee to go at Waffle House and headed to my apartment in Montgomery.

Saturday Continued

2006-03-04T14:04:00.001-06:00

I had a nice visit with Daddy. It was too short. I'm headed now to Montgomery to my apartment to change clothes, drop off my Sunday things and water plants. I hope I'll have time to go over my Sunday School lesson because it's going to be very late when I get back tonight.

Busy Saturday

2006-03-04T07:25:00.002-06:00

I baked the Sausage and Rice Breakfast Casserole that Kelly and I put together the day before yesterday. It is a favorite family recipe. We have it with Scrambled Eggs every Christmas morning. I took it to a special brunch with friends in Pensacola. It was a fun gathering. Now I'm off to Atmore to visit my father before heading north to Montgomery, Birmingham and Jacksonville.

Saturday...

2006-03-04T04:30:00.000-06:00

After a brief stop in Montgomery I'm off to B'ham to pick up Sarah. We're taking yard signs, push cards, bumper stickers and pins to the Womens' Gala in Jackonsville.

Jury Duty

2006-03-03T11:40:00.001-06:00

I am 50 years old and for the first time I have been summoned for jury duty in Baldwin County on Monday, March 6th. I don't think I'll get selected to serve on a jury but I am looking forward to participating. Trying cases with juries was one of my favorite things about being a Baldwin County Circuit Judge!!

So Nice

2006-03-02T11:04:00.000-06:00

Spring has sprung in Baldwin County. The azaleas are blooming. It's 77 degrees and gorgeous outside. It's too pretty to work inside. I may have to go sit outside to read.

District Attorney David Whetsone Retires

2006-03-01T14:46:00.000-06:00

I arrived back at the Baldwin County Courthouse in Bay Minette for the end of John David Whetstone's press conference announcing his retirement as Baldwin County District Attorney. He had a courtroom full of guests. I was glad I could be there to celebrate with him. Dave gave me my first fulltime job in Baldwin County after George and I moved back here. (My husband George is a Baldwin County native). I worked as an Assistant District Attorney under Dave for four years before I was elected District Judge in 1988. Dave has always been one of my biggest supporters. Dave and I enjoyed reminiscing about a period of several months when he and I were the entire Baldwin County District Attorney's Office legal staff and we ran from courtroom to courtroom covering 5 judges (3 circuit and 2 district) until now Judge Robert Wilters joined us. I tried cases from child support to capital murder and was in the courtroom all the time. It was great experience for which I will always be grateful. I hope I have made Dave proud!

Prayer Breakfast

2006-03-01T12:35:00.000-06:00

This morning I attended the ALCAP Legislative Prayer Breakfast. This wonderful organization headed by Rev. Dan Ireland, Executive Director, has held a Wednesday morning prayer breakfast every week during the legislative session for the past 26 years. I am honored to be one of their guests. The assembled group maintains a list of persons in need of prayer due to illness, injury, or otherwise. They offer intercessory prayer for these persons as well as all leaders of our state and national governments. Governor Riley attended the breakfast today. The speaker this morning was Dr. Bobby Welch, President of the Southern Baptist Convention and Pastor, First Baptist Church of Dayton Beach, FL. He gave an inspiring message about "Leaving the Past Behind, Seizing the Present, and Guarding the Future". What a great way to start the day!!

Congratulations Barry!

2006-03-01T09:31:00.000-06:00

Barry Mask won -- 59-41 percent. Congrats Barry! There sure have been a lot of special elections this year.

Alabama Citizen's Action Program Legislative Reception

2006-03-01T09:29:00.000-06:00

Tuesday night I attended the Alabama Citizen's Action Program (ALCAP) Legislative Reception. They had a huge crowd as they do every year. Rev. Dan Ireland, Executive Director, and Dr. Mike McLemore, Board Chairman, were gracious hosts. This reception is special every year because Rev. Ireland's wife, Polly, makes all the goodies. They were delicious. She told me she started cooking on February 1st and made one kind of sweet a day placing them in the freezer to await the annual event. The buzz was about the Special Election in Elmore/Coosa counties. Folks we're predicting Barry Mask would win by 60-40 percent. ‘Watched the early returns on TV.

St. Clair Rotary Club

2006-02-28T16:32:00.000-06:00

I had a lovely drive to St. Clair County with a stop at the office in Montgomery to drop off a special writing. I spoke to the luncheon meeting of the Pell City Rotary Club. I talked about the Separation of Powers doctrine that is explicitly stated in our Alabama Constitution of 1901 and why the doctrine is important to protecting our freedom under our form of government. There was a very large crowd and several guests from Monroeville (my mother’s, my grandparents', and my great grandparents' hometown). It was great to see Mrs. Jean Whatley, my grandparents' neighbor for many years. They were there because the Mockingbird Players are going to do three performances of "To Kill a Mockingbird" in Pell City at their new Performing Arts Center. The play is terrific and all who see it will have an experience of a lifetime. We also talked about the significance of the all white male jury in the play and the fact that minorities and white women did not have the right to serve on juries until 1966 (although apparently some counties allowed it before that date). The club president recalled that he served on the last all white grand jury in Jefferson County in the mid-sixties. Times have changed for the better and "To Kill a Mockingbird" strongly reminds us of that fact.

Weekend Relaxation with the Family

2006-02-27T16:53:00.000-06:00

The weekend was quiet and restful. George, Kelly and I were disappointed because Tucker didn't get to come home from college for the weekend as we had expected -- he had a project due. It rained part of the weekend and was beautiful the rest. Kelly and I enjoyed a "Girls' Day Out". We shopped and had lunch together. We found her Easter dress -- a beautiful robin's egg blue dress with ruffle at the bottom and a jacket. I worked in my yard. I'm a gardener -- George would say a "wannabe gardener". All four of my grandparents had a green thumb and my father does as well. I inherited their love of gardening if not their talent. I fertilized and weeded and drained the fountain in the backyard. My bright purple Japanese magnolia is blooming magnificently and the Gerber daisies are coming out. I can't wait for the forsythia dogwood trees and azaleas to bloom. Sunday I taught Sunday School, attended church had lunch with the family and rested to prepare for a busy week ahead.

Upcoming Events

2006-02-27T10:01:00.000-06:00

Speak with Justice Stuart at an event near you! Here is a list of her upcoming activities. Feel free to link to "Justice Stuart on the Road" to see the Justice's full calendar.

Feb. 28 St. Clair Rotary Club in Pell City, AL
Feb. 28 ALCAP Legislative Reception in Montgomery, AL
Mar. 4 GOP Ladies Gala in Jacksonville, AL
Mar. 6- 10 Jury Duty
Mar. 7 Republican Women of Huntsville in Huntsville, AL
Mar. 9 University of Alabama School of Law in Tuscaloosa, AL
Mar. 11 Etowah County Men’s Republican Breakfast in Gadsden, AL

For more details about any of these events, please contact me at 205-801-9262.