Terms Used In Alabama Code 12-17-96

  • Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
  • circuit: means judicial circuit. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
  • Indictment: The formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial; it is used primarily for felonies.

The clerk of any circuit court shall, without delay, certify a copy of any indictment in his court against a convict sentenced to the penitentiary or to hard labor for the county to the head of the department having supervision over convicts; and such convict, if pardoned for the offense for which he is sentenced, shall not be discharged until he enters into a recognizance to answer such indictment at the next session of the court in which the same is pending, if the case is bailable, or is otherwise legally discharged from such indictment.