The United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama announced on Mar. 25 that it is considering the reappointment of United States Magistrate Judge Stephen Michael Doyle, whose current term in Montgomery, Alabama, is set to expire on January 6, 2027.
The court stated that federal law requires a panel of citizens to review and recommend whether Magistrate Judge Doyle should be appointed for another eight-year term. This process includes gathering input from both the legal community and the general public.
Magistrate judges are responsible for a range of duties including conducting preliminary proceedings in criminal cases, presiding over misdemeanor trials and dispositions, managing various pretrial matters and evidentiary hearings as delegated by district judges, and handling civil cases with the consent of all parties involved.
Members of the bar and public are invited to submit written comments regarding whether Judge Doyle should be recommended for reappointment. Comments must be sent by U.S. mail to Trey Granger, Clerk of Court at the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama at One Church Street in Montgomery. All submissions must be received by May 15, 2026.
This call for feedback is part of a standard procedure intended to ensure transparency and community involvement in judicial appointments.
