Alabama Constitution Section 88 - Counties to provide for maintenance of the poor
Alabama Constitution – Section 88: Counties to provide for maintenance of the poor
Section 88 of the Alabama Constitution states:
"It shall be the duty of the several counties within this state to make adequate provision for the maintenance of the poor of such counties who are unable to take care of themselves."
Explanation:
This section places a legal duty on each county in Alabama to ensure that poor and indigent residents who cannot care for themselves are provided with adequate support. Here's a breakdown:
"Several counties": Each county is independently responsible; this is not a state-centralized function.
"Adequate provision": While the Constitution doesn't define "adequate," it implies that assistance must meet basic needs like food, shelter, and medical care.
"Poor who are unable to take care of themselves": Refers to individuals who lack financial resources and physical or mental ability to support themselves.
Implications:
Counties may establish or fund poorhouses, welfare programs, housing assistance, or healthcare services.
This provision does not mandate how counties should provide aid—just that they must.
It can serve as a legal basis for local programs aimed at homelessness, elderly care, or public assistance.
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