Art Hanes

Art Hanes (born Arthur Hanes, Jr., October 11, 1917 – August 27, 1992) was an American lawyer and politician from Alabama. He is best known for serving as the lead defense attorney for Asa Earl Carter, who went by the alias Forrest Carter, in the 1976 defamation trial [Plaintiff] in Gadsden, Alabama, after Carter was publicly identified as the author of The Education of Little Tree.

Hanes was a prominent figure in Alabama politics and law during the mid-20th century. He practiced law in Birmingham and was known for taking on controversial cases. He served in various legal and governmental roles, including as a city attorney. Beyond his legal practice, Hanes was involved in local business and civic affairs. His representation of Carter brought him national attention, particularly due to the controversial nature of Carter's past as a segregationist and alleged Ku Klux Klan leader, coupled with the surprising popularity of The Education of Little Tree.