Section 12-16-73 - Execution and return of order to summon jurors by sheriff(a) Every order to summon jurors, except as otherwise provided in this article, shall be executed by the sheriff by either of the following methods at the election of the sheriff: (1) By giving personal notice to every such person or by leaving a written notice at the place of residence of the summoned juror with some family member of the juror or with some person residing at the same residence, at least two days before the day appointed for the service of the juror in court; or(2) By placing a written notice to a person named in the order to summon jurors in the United States mail, first class, postage prepaid and addressed to the residence of the person summoned. The envelope in which such notice is mailed shall indicate the return address of the sheriff and shall bear a proper notice that if it cannot be delivered at the indicated address it shall be returned to the sheriff. Such notice must be deposited in the United States mail not less than 15 days before the day appointed for the service of the juror in court. If such notice shall not be returned to the sheriff, the mailed notice shall be considered to be legal service. If any such mailed notice shall be returned to the sheriff more than three days before the day appointed for the service of the juror in court, then such notice may be served in the manner provided in subdivision (1) of this subsection. Any juror whose mailed notice shall be returned to the sheriff three days or less before the day appointed for the service of the juror in court shall be reported by the sheriff as "Not Found."(b) Orders to summon jurors instanter may not be served by United States mail but shall be served in the manner provided in subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of this section.(c) The order to summon jurors shall be returned to the clerk of the court whence it issued, with the proper return thereon, showing the manner of service by the sheriff, on or before the day appointed for appearance of the jurors.Ala. Code § 12-16-73 (1975)
Acts 1909, No. 227, p. 305; Code 1923, §8619; Code 1940, T. 30, §33; Acts 1980, No. 80-640, p. 1208, §1.