Can you explain, in simple terms, the judiciary system of Alabama that allows Roy Moore to be removed as Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court by the Alabama Court of the Judiciary in 2003, and yet run for, and regain, the Chief Justice position 10 years later in 2012?

It could be that the laws of the State of Alabama don’t specifically disqualify someone who has been removed from office from seeking and regaining said office.

@Yetanotheruser is correct. He wasn’t tossed out for a criminal reason – it was extra-judicial but not criminal.

It’s weird, but certainly legal.

Not sure what allows him to even consider running again But I believe the scientific term for his re-election is called “Stupidity”.

The simplest explanation possible: It’s Alabama!

Seriously, kids, what does “elected” mean for a judge in Alabama?
Is there a public election for chief of the supreme court of Alabama?

Yes, all of the judges on the Alabama Supreme Court—including the Chief Justice—are elected by popular vote. And since Moore was removed by powers above him, his dismissal did not necessarily reflect the sentiments of Alabama voters. Indeed, he still had quite a bit of popular support (as evidenced by his reelection). I also wouldn’t be surprised if the dismissal has galvanized his supporters.

Moore’s judicial career will be coming to an end soon in any case, though, since he is 68 and Alabama law does not allow judges to seek reelection once they turn 70. As Moore was elected to a six-year term in 2012, that means he will be done forever in 2018. And since he has never had any luck running for any other office, that’s likely the last we’ll ever hear of him in any official capacity.

By the way, John Oliver recently did a piece on elected judges if you’re interested. It even starts off with the example of Roy Moore.