Alabama § 12-16-73 - Execution and Return of Order to Summon Jurors by Sheriff.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 12-16-73 — Execution and Return of Order to Summon Jurors by Sheriff., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12-16-73. Execution and Return of Order to Summon Jurors by Sheriff.
(a) Every order to summon jurors, except as otherwise provided in this article, shall be executed by the sheriff by either of the following methods at the election of the sheriff:
(1) By giving personal notice to every such person or by leaving a written notice at the place of residence of the summoned juror with some family member of the juror or with some person residing at the same residence, at least two days before the day appointed for the service of the juror in court; or
(2) By placing a written notice to a person named in the order to summon jurors in the United States mail, first class, postage prepaid and addressed to the residence of the person summoned. The envelope in which such notice is mailed shall indicate the return address of the sheriff and shall bear a proper notice that if it cannot be delivered at the indicated address it shall be returned to the sheriff. Such notice must be deposited in the United States mail not less than 15 days before the day appointed for the service of the juror in court. If such notice shall not be returned to the sheriff, the mailed notice shall be considered to be legal service. If any such mailed notice shall be returned to the sheriff more than three days before the day appointed for the service of the juror in court, then such notice may be served in the manner provided in subdivision (1) of this subsection. Any juror whose mailed notice shall be returned to the sheriff three days or less before the day appointed for the service of the juror in court shall be reported by the sheriff as “Not Found.”
(b) Orders to summon jurors instanter may not be served by United States mail but shall be served in the manner provided in subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of this section.
(c) The order to summon jurors shall be returned to the clerk of the court whence it issued, with the proper return thereon, showing the manner of service by the sheriff, on or before the day appointed for appearance of the jurors.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 12-16-73
What does Code of Alabama § 12-16-73 cover?
Section 12-16-73 ("Execution and Return of Order to Summon Jurors by Sheriff.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alabama § 12-16-73?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 12-16-73" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alabama law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
How does Alabama § 12-16-73 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.