Upon the trial the jury must, if it finds for the plaintiff, assess the value of each article separately, if practicable, and also assess damages for its detention. If it finds for the defendant, it must, in like manner, assess the value and, if in the possession of the plaintiff, assess damages for its detention. Judgment against either party must be for the property sued for, or its alternate value, with damages for its detention to the time of trial.
Ala. Code § 6-6-256 (1975)