It's hard work

Sure, Tom Parker issued decisions in fewer than half as many cases as any other associate Alabama Supreme Court justice from February through last week, including only one written majority opinion. And yes, the court's computer gives a roughly equal caseload to each associate justice, which might lead one to expect roughly equal output from each.

But as Parker explains, some cases are hard. Besides, the other justices on the all-Republican high court "have disagreed with his ideas" a lot for some reason, even though Parker's ally, ousted Chief Justice and GOP gubernatorial candidate Roy Moore, has praised Parker's opinions for their "great meaning" and "attention ... to issues of 'constitutional import.'"

Yes, Parker is considering a run for chief justice. Why do you ask?