CULLMAN, Ala. – The People’s Law School will launch its inaugural class Aug. 16, 2025. The program curriculum has been designed to teach individuals with no legal background about basic court procedures and explain how a case proceeds through the judicial system.
Speakers at the People’s Law School will include Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Sarah Stewart; Director of the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts, Nathan Wilson; Circuit Court Judges Greg Nicholas and Emily N. Johnston; District Court Judges Wells Turner, III and J. Chad Floyd; Cullman County Probate Judge Tammy Brown; Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker; and Cullman County Circuit Court Clerk Lisa McSwain.
“For many people the courts and court procedures can seem a little mysterious and strange”, Judge Nicholas said in a statement. “The People’s Law School curriculum was developed to help explain how courts function so that some of the mystery is removed and to help people better understand their legal rights. The courts belong to the people, so it is only fitting that we do everything we can to make the process more transparent and easier for them to understand. That is especially important for individuals who are selected to serve as jurors in a criminal or civil case. Jurors have a unique and important role in our American judicial system as ‘guardians of justice’. They make some of the most consequential decisions that directly impact not only the legal system but our local communities. The inaugural class of the People’s Law School is dedicated to those individuals serving as jurors who sacrifice their time and talents to see that justice is well served in Cullman County.”
The People’s Law School is intended for educational purposes only and is being offered free to applicants 18 years of age and older. No local court cases will be discussed during the event, and the program speakers are not permitted by law to offer legal advice.
Space is limited so registration is required to attend. Requests for applications may be obtained by emailing Cullmanpeopleslawschool@gmail.com. When an application has been accepted, the attendee will receive notice of their enrollment and additional information regarding the class. Once all available spots have been filled, applicants who are not able to attend the first People’s Law School class may request to be put on a waiting list for enrollment in a future class.
Due to ethical considerations as set forth in the Alabama Canons of Judicial Ethics and the Alabama Rules of Professional Conduct, individuals with a pending court case, or who have a close family member with a pending case before a Cullman County Circuit, District or Probate judge are not eligible for the program until the case has concluded.
