Birmingham, AL, September 14, 2025
News Summary
Teresa Tanner Pulliam, a prominent figure in Alabama’s judicial system and former judge, has passed away at 67. Her dedication to justice and reform for marginalized inmates left a significant impact. As executive director of Redemption Earned, she championed parole reforms and betters conditions for elderly and sick inmates, while also serving as a criminal circuit judge for 18 years. Her legacy will resonate in the ongoing fight for justice in Alabama.
Birmingham, AL – Teresa Tanner Pulliam, a respected figure in Alabama’s judicial system and former Jefferson County judge, has passed away at the age of 67. She died on Friday, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to justice and a commitment to legal reform, particularly for marginalized groups, such as elderly and sick inmates.
Pulliam was notably the executive director of Redemption Earned, a nonprofit organization focused on assisting elderly and sick inmates in earning parole. Her initiatives aimed to rectify injustices within Alabama’s prison system, a cause for which she was widely recognized and respected.
Throughout her esteemed legal career, Pulliam served as a criminal circuit judge in Jefferson County for 18 years. During this time, she handled numerous high-profile cases, demonstrating her deep commitment to upholding justice and ensuring fair trials. Her judicial work included overseeing capital murder cases and engaging in appeals for death row inmates, illustrating her influential role in the statewide legal system.
Born in Huntsville, Alabama, Pulliam graduated from Huntsville High School in 1976, followed by her education at Birmingham Southern College and the University of Alabama School of Law. She began her legal career in the Mobile District Attorney’s Office before joining the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office in 1986. One of her most notable cases during her prosecutorial career was the high-profile prosecution of Thomas Paul Bradley for the 1986 rape and murder of Tracey Diane Schoettlin. This case, which garnered national attention, featured prominently in several true-crime television series.
Throughout her career, Pulliam also prosecuted Leon Albert Prince, a former Sunday school teacher convicted of multiple rapes, ensuring that justice was served even in years following his conviction. Her work exemplified her ethos as a strong advocate for victims and a staunch opposer of wrongful pardons.
She retired from the bench in 2023, subsequently taking on her role at Redemption Earned in 2024. Her colleagues and fellow judges widely admired her for her exceptional skills, kindness, and relentless advocacy for justice within the legal framework. Pulliam’s efforts in reforming prison and sentencing laws in Alabama have been recognized since 2008, where she actively participated in seeking change.
Aside from her legal practice, she served on several influential legal committees, including her role as chairperson of the Alabama Supreme Court Pattern Criminal Jury Instruction Committee. She was a dedicated member of both the Alabama and Birmingham Bar Associations, leaving an indelible mark on the Birmingham legal community.
Survived by her husband, attorney Max Pulliam, and their daughter, Teresa Tanner Pulliam’s contributions to justice and legal reform will be remembered for years to come.
Key Achievements
- Served 18 years as a criminal circuit judge in Jefferson County.
- Executive Director of Redemption Earned, focused on parole reform for elderly and sick inmates.
- Handled high-profile cases, including the prosecution of Thomas Paul Bradley.
Background Information
Pulliam’s commitment to the law began early in her career as a prosecutor. She played a vital role in the Alabama judicial system, not only through her courtroom responsibilities but also via her advocacy for legal reform. Her experience, combined with her active participation in judicial committees, positioned her as a leader in the pursuit of justice.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Teresa Tanner Pulliam |
| Age at Passing | 67 |
| Judicial Career | Criminal Circuit Judge for 18 years |
| Notable Cases | Thomas Paul Bradley prosecution, Leon Albert Prince prosecution |
| Advocacy | Prison reform through Redemption Earned |
| Education | Birmingham Southern College, University of Alabama School of Law |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- AL.com: Longtime Birmingham Judge Lawyer Dies
- Wikipedia: Criminal Justice in the United States
- Trussville Tribune: Update on Jury Finds Chambers Not Guilty
- Google Search: Teresa Tanner Pulliam
- Laughlin Service: Bobby Tanner Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Justice
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