Ala. Code § 8-1-225 (1975) Pleadings and Motions Under Seal; Notice; Damages

• Library: Alabama Statutes
• Edition: 2023
• Currency: Current with legislation from the 2023 Regular and Special Sessions.
• Year: 2023
• Citation: Ala. Code § 8-1-225 (1975)

(a) A covered contract containing a non-disparagement obligation in writing requires the parties to the covered contract to file under seal all initial and responsive pleadings and motions, including, but not limited to, motions under Alabama Rule of Civil Procedure 65 seeking enforcement of a covered contract.

(b) A court of competent jurisdiction may exercise its judgment regarding what, if any, filings filed under seal pursuant to this section must remain under seal. In making this judgment, the court shall consider the extent to which unsealing any or all parts of the record would cause, perpetuate, or increase any injury to any of the litigants or related third parties.

(c) If any party files a motion to seal the pleadings, motions, or other filings associated with a claim under this article, the court shall seal or continue to seal the pleadings, motions, or other filings absent a showing by the non-moving party of a compelling public interest to partially or completely unseal the pleadings, motions, or other filings.