Alabama § 9-19-3 - Penalty for Damage, Litter, Etc.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 9-19-3 — Penalty for Damage, Litter, Etc., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 9-19-3. Penalty for Damage, Litter, Etc.
It shall be unlawful and constitute a misdemeanor for any person, organization, firm or corporation, including an officer, agent or employee of any town or municipality to:
(1) Maliciously break, break off, crack, carve upon, write, burn, damage, or otherwise mar or mark on, remove, or in any other manner destroy, disturb, deface, mar or harm the walls or any speleothem in any cave, except for recognized scientific purposes.
(2) Discard litter or refuse to any degree in any cave.
(3) Break, force, tamper with, remove, or otherwise disturb a lock, gate, door, or other structure or obstruction designed to control or prevent access to any cave, unless such act is specifically ordered by the owner.
(4) Offer for sale any speleothem or export from the State of Alabama speleothems for sale elsewhere.
(5) Remove, kill, harm or disturb any plant or animal life found within any wild cave, except for recognized scientific purposes.
(6) The provisions of subdivisions (1) through (6) of this section shall not apply to a recognized rescue unit operating in response to an emergency or believed emergency.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 9-19-3
What does Code of Alabama § 9-19-3 cover?
Section 9-19-3 ("Penalty for Damage, Litter, Etc.") 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 § 9-19-3?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 9-19-3" (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 § 9-19-3 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.