On Wednesday, May 21, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced the appointment of Brundidge native Judge Benjamin M. Bowden to the Alabama Court of Civic Appeals. 

Bowden will fill the vacancy on the Alabama Court of Civic Appeals left by Judge Bill Lewis, who was appointed earlier this week to the Alabama Supreme Court. Bowden’s appointment is effective immediately.
“Judge Bowden’s impressive record as a legal scholar is matched by his exemplary performance as an attorney, prosecutor and judge,” Ivey said. “He has steadfastly demonstrated a dedication to justice and fairness under the law.  I have the utmost confidence that he will serve with the highest integrity.”

Bowden is a native of Brundidge and 1985 graduate of Pike Liberal Arts School. After graduating from Pike, he earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama and a juris doctor from the Alabama School of Law. He also received an officer’s commission through the U.S. Air Force ROTC Program and entered the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps in 1992.

“I am humbled by the confidence Governor Ivey has shown in allowing me to serve on the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals,” said Bowden.  “Angie and I are thrilled at this new opportunity.  I’m a public servant at heart and I look forward to serving the people of Alabama in this important and exciting way.  Can’t wait to get started.”

After leaving active duty in 1997, Bowden joined the law practice of Albrittons, Clifton, Alverson, Moody and Bowden, P.C., in Andalusia. He maintained a general litigation practice while also serving as the Municipal Prosecutor for the City of Andalusia and as an Assistant District Attorney. He prosecuted two capital murder cases during his career as a prosecutor, one of which was the longest jury trial in Covington County history. 

Bowden served as a Probate Judge in Covington County from 2008 until 2016 and went on to serve as the Circuit Judge of the 22nd Judicial Circuit in Covington County until being appointed to the Court of Civic Appeals. Bowden also remained a member of the Air Force Reserves until retiring in 2023 with the rank of Colonel.