In 1987 , Don Siegelman issued an opinion in which the Battle Flag derivation is repeated , but concluded that the proper shape is rectangular , as it had been depicted numerous times in official publications and reproductions . In 1987 , the office of Alabama Attorney General Don Siegelman issued an opinion in which the Battle Flag derivation is repeated , but concluded that the proper shape is rectangular , as it had been depicted numerous times in official publications and reproductions ; despite this , the flag is still depicted as being square , even in official publications of the U.S. federal government .