Hall v. McBride (Ala. 1982)

In Hall v. McBride, 416 So. 2d 986 (Ala. 1982), the Alabama Supreme Court reviewed the constitutionality of gender-specific language in Alabama’s probate statutes. A widow sought to renounce her husband’s will and claim her elective share. The decedent’s sister objected, contending that the statute authorizing such a dissent relied on impermissible gender distinctions that favored widows over widowers. The Court found the provision unconstitutional, determining that classifications based solely on sex violated equal protection principles. By striking down the statute, the Court reaffirmed that state laws governing marital and inheritance rights must apply equally to men and women.