Alabama § 22-52-9 - Conduct of Hearings.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 22-52-9 — Conduct of Hearings., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 22-52-9. Conduct of Hearings.
At all hearings, including probable cause hearings, conducted by the probate judge in relation to a petition to involuntarily commit a respondent, the following rules shall apply:
(1) The respondent shall be present unless, prior to the hearing, the attorney for the respondent has filed in writing a waiver of the presence of the respondent on the ground that the presence of the respondent would be dangerous to the respondent’s physical or mental health or that the respondent’s conduct could reasonably be expected to prevent the hearing from being held in an orderly manner, and the probate judge has judicially found and determined from evidence presented in an adversary hearing that the respondent is so mentally or physically ill as to be incapable of attending such proceedings. Upon such findings an order shall be entered approving the waiver.
(2) The respondent shall have the right to compel the attendance of any witness who may be located anywhere in the State of Alabama and to offer evidence including the testimony of witnesses, to be confronted with the witnesses in support of the petition, to cross-examine them and to testify in his own behalf, but the respondent shall not be compelled to testify against himself. The attorney representing the respondent shall be vested with all of the rights of said respondent during all of the hearings if the respondent is not present in court to exercise his rights.
(3) The probate judge shall cause the hearing to be transcribed or recorded stenographically, mechanically or electronically and shall retain such transcription for a period of not less than three years from the date the petition is denied or granted and not less than the duration of any commitment pursuant to such hearing.
(4) All hearings shall be heard by the probate judge without a jury and shall be open to the public unless the respondent or his attorney requests in writing that the hearings be closed to the public.
(5) The rules of evidence applicable in other judicial proceedings in this state shall be followed in involuntary commitment proceedings.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 22-52-9
What does Code of Alabama § 22-52-9 cover?
Section 22-52-9 ("Conduct of Hearings.") 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 § 22-52-9?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 22-52-9" (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 § 22-52-9 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.