Many of these projects require intensive study over several years. This meticulous and proficient study provides a credible basis for the Legislature to consider the Code revision as being technically accurate. Once a revision is complete, hearings are held around the State for further consideration by the Council of the Alabama Law Institute. The membership of the Alabama Law Institute is limited to a maximum of 150 members of the Alabama State Bar Association who are elected for fixed terms, the judges of the Alabama Supreme Court, courts of appeals, and circuit courts, federal judges domiciled in Alabama, full-time law faculty members of Cumberland Law School and the University of Alabama School of Law, all members of the Institute Council and all lawyer members of the Legislature, who are licensed to practice in Alabama. The governing body of the Institute is the Institute Council composed of six practicing attorneys from each congressional district as well as representatives from the appellate courts, Attorney General's office, Alabama State Bar Association, law schools, Legislature, and the Governor's office.
Legislators operate without a staff.
They can receive assistance from the Alabama Law Institute. Law clerks and other experts can do an in-depth study of technical legal problems. Like sums are prevalent in the preparation of all Law Institute revisions. The chief draftsman receives a small stipend while all committee members volunteer their efforts. Wide exposure is given to all bills before they ever reach the Legislature.