Wright v. City of Mobile, [Ms. 2130156, Oct. 24, 2014] __ So. 3d __ (Ala. Civ. App. 2014). An administrative
tribunal hearing a personnel matter cannot address constitutional issues.
An appeal to circuit court from a ruling of that tribunal presents only
limited issues, not including any constitutional issues. The Alabama Administrative
Procedure Act gives broader authority to agencies, but it does not apply
to counties, municipalities, or any agencies of local government. Instead,
constitutional issues relating to administrative proceedings outside the
scope of the AAPA can be raised only in a subsequent, independent proceeding.
Thus, Wright's due-process challenges to the order suspending her
from the City of Mobile Police Department presented nothing for review.
The Court also rejected her argument that the City did not comply with
the pertinent local rule.
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