Section 13A-12-200.7

Civil action to enjoin violations; hearing; procedures; precedence over other matters.

(1) When there is reason to believe that any person is violating or is about to violate any of the provisions of this division, the Attorney General or district attorney may initiate a civil action in the circuit court in the name of the State of Alabama against such person for preliminary and permanent injunctive relief, to prevent or enjoin the violation. The Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure shall apply to the extent that such rules are not inconsistent with this section; provided, however, that no temporary restraining order shall be issued pursuant to this section. No bond shall be required of the official bringing the action and the official, the political subdivision and the officers, agents, and employees of the political subdivision shall not be liable for costs or damages, other than court costs, by reason of injunctive orders not being granted or where judgment is entered in favor of the defendant by the trial or an appellate court.

(2) The court shall hold the hearing on the preliminary injunction at the earliest possible time after service of the complaint and motion for preliminary injunction upon the defendant. The defendant shall be given an opportunity to present evidence prior to the issuance of any preliminary injunction. It shall be the duty of the State of Alabama at the hearing to prove by clear and convincing evidence that the violation is being or is about to be committed. The court shall then issue an order granting or denying the preliminary injunction at the earliest possible time after the conclusion of the hearing.

(3) The defendant shall have the right to demand a trial on the merits to begin within 30 days after issuance or denial of the preliminary injunction. The finding of the court regarding the question of whether the material is obscene or harmful to minors at the preliminary injunction stage shall not be binding upon the final order on the merits at trial on the permanent injunction. The court shall reserve the right to reconsider its preliminary findings based upon the evidence or testimony which may be introduced at such trial. The defendant shall be given an opportunity to present evidence prior to the issuance of any permanent injunction. It shall be the duty of the State of Alabama at trial to prove by clear and convincing evidence that the violation is being or is about to be committed. The court shall then issue an order granting or denying the permanent injunction at the earliest possible time after the conclusion of the trial.

(4) If the court enters a final order denying the permanent injunction on the basis that the material is not obscene or harmful to minors, as the case may be, then no contempt shall be found for violation of any preliminary injunction relating thereto. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to authorize a prior restraint of speech in violation of the United States Constitution. Hearings and determinations required pursuant to this section shall take precedence over all other matters, and, in any event such hearings shall be held and determinations made within time limits mandated by the United States Constitution.

(Acts 1989, No. 89-402, p. 791, §9.)