Ala. Code § 45-27-80.60: Excusal of Jurors.

In all capital cases where trial by jury is held before the circuit court in the Twenty-first Judicial Circuit of Alabama, the judge presiding over the empanelment of the jury venire in the capital case is authorized to excuse any prospective juror outside the presence of the defendant provided the juror has a legal excuse for being excused and it shall be within the discretion of the judge to determine whether the prospective juror’s excuse is legal; provided that in no case shall there be a smaller number of jurors to select from in the capital case than provided by statutes not in force and effect.