Courts
RSSCourts in Alaska is the network of state and federal judicial bodies that decide cases affecting the state. It spans the Alaska Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Superior and District Courts, the Judicial Council and federal courts, covering lawsuits, sentencings and judicial retention votes.
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Week of Apr 27
How to challenge your property assessment in Fairbanks North Star Borough
Fairbanks North Star Borough property owners have 30 days from their January assessment notice to appeal the assessed value, with unresolved disputes decided by a public Board of Equalization hearing.
by Alaska Newsadded 6mo ago2 min read
Senate panel advances two nominees to Alaska Violent Crimes Compensation Board
Alaska Senate Judiciary Committee advanced two nominees to the Violent Crimes Compensation Board, which processes about 1,000 payment requests yearly for crime victims' funerals and medical care.
by Alaska News6mo ago3 min read
Week of Apr 20
Senate Finance hears bill expanding civil rights protections to nonprofits
A bill heard Monday would grant 44,000 nonprofit workers state discrimination protections. It closes a gap for those outside Anchorage and Juneau.
by Alaska Newsadded 6mo ago4 min read
Alaska judicial conduct commission to hold rare probable cause hearing this spring
Alaska's judicial conduct commission will hold a rare public hearing this spring to decide whether misconduct charges against an unnamed judge should advance to formal proceedings.
by Alaska News6mo ago3 min readHouse Judiciary Advances Bill Restoring PFDs for Wrongfully Convicted
House Judiciary advanced a bill Wednesday allowing Alaskans whose convictions were overturned to claim missed Permanent Fund Dividends, including the Fairbanks Four.
by Alaska Newsadded 6mo ago4 min read
Senate panel advances Salazar to Human Rights Commission
Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Grace Salazar's nomination to the Alaska State Commission on Human Rights to a joint session for confirmation.
by Alaska Newsadded 6mo ago2 min read
Alaska lawmakers urge federal reclassification of 911 dispatchers
Alaska lawmakers are urging Congress to reclassify 911 dispatchers as first responders to give them access to federal training, grants, and mental health resources.
by Alaska News6mo ago3 min readWeek of Apr 13
Bristol Bay tribes fight to defend EPA veto of Pebble Mine in court
Bristol Bay tribes asked a federal court to defend the EPA's veto of the Pebble Mine, which would threaten the world's largest sockeye salmon fishery worth $2 billion annually.
by Alaska News6mo ago2 min readMore from Courts
Alaska Senate Panel Weighs Tougher Hit-and-Run Penalties
The Alaska Senate Judiciary Committee is considering House Bill 239 to set four to seven year prison terms for fatal hit and run crashes.
by Alaska Newsadded 7mo ago3 min readAlaska OT Law Limits Patient Recovery, Licensing Board Says
Alaska's occupational therapy law limits therapists to helping patients cope with disabilities rather than recover function, a gap House Bill 110 would close to match federal standards.
by Alaska Newsadded 7mo ago2 min readWeek of Apr 6
Alaska Senate considers tougher penalties for hit-and-run deaths
Alaska Senate committee heard testimony on a bill making fleeing a fatal accident a Class A felony with 7 to 11 years prison time, instead of treating it the same as injury hit-and-runs.
by Alaska News7mo ago2 min readComing up
Alaska Commission on Judicial Conduct Special Public Meeting
Online only: Zoom (Meeting ID 992 469 9010; call-in 1-206-337-9723)
Hearing
Alaska Supreme Court oral argument: Governor Michael J. Dunleavy, in his official capacity v. Alaska Legislative Council, on behalf of the Alaska State Legislature
Hearing
Alaska Supreme Court oral argument: David Gottstein v. Robert Mintz; and The Restated Barnard J. Gottstein Revocable Trust (As Amended), by and Through its Co-Trustees Laird Norton Trust Company, Robert Mintz, and David Le Clair
Hearing
Alaska Supreme Court oral argument: John P. Shannon Jr., D.C. v. Peter Nelson and State of Alaska, Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs
Hearing
Alaska Supreme Court oral argument: Kay Rieck v. Kaiser-Francis Oil Company and Aurora-KF, LLC
Hearing
About Courts
Courts in Alaska take in the state and federal judicial bodies that decide cases arising in the state. The state system runs from the District and Superior Courts through the Court of Appeals to the Alaska Supreme Court, and federal cases go to the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Judges hear criminal prosecutions and sentencings, civil lawsuits, divorce and custody disputes, and appeals of state agency decisions. Recurring questions include election and voting disputes, the rights of people under arrest, taxes, and fights over land and resources.
The Alaska Judicial Council evaluates judges, who face retention votes. Court rulings connect to crime and public safety, elections and government, as they shape how laws are applied and how state agencies work.