The Alaska Supreme Court
The Alaska Supreme Court is the highest court in the state of Alaska. Its decisions are binding on all other Alaska state courts, and the only court its decisions may be appealed to is the Supreme Court of the United States.
Location
The Alaska Supreme Court hears oral arguments in cases on a monthly basis in Anchorage, approximately each quarter in Fairbanks and Juneau, and occasionally in other Alaskan communities. The court prefers to hear oral arguments in the city where the case was heard in the trial court.
Composition
The court consists of five justices, one of whom is internally chosen to serve as chief justice for a three-year term. The justices are appointed by the governor of Alaska from slates of candidates approved by the Alaska Judicial Council, an independent commission of Alaskan lawyers and lay citizens. Each justice faces a judicial retention election after their third year of service and once every ten years thereafter.
Jurisdiction
The Alaska Supreme Court has final state appellate jurisdiction in both civil and criminal law matters. It must accept appeals from final decisions by the superior court in civil cases, including cases that originated in administrative agencies.
Procedure
The court meets after oral argument and on a bi-weekly basis to confer on cases argued orally and on cases submitted on the briefs.
Sources
- Court System Information – Alaska Court System
- Alaska Supreme Court – Wikipedia
- Court Directory – Alaska Court System
FAQs
Where is the Alaska Supreme Court located?
The Alaska Supreme Court is located in Anchorage, Alaska.
Where does the Alaska Supreme Court hear oral arguments?
The Alaska Supreme Court hears oral arguments in cases on a monthly basis in Anchorage, approximately each quarter in Fairbanks and Juneau, and occasionally in other Alaskan communities.
How many justices are on the Alaska Supreme Court?
There are five justices on the Alaska Supreme Court.
How are justices on the Alaska Supreme Court appointed?
Justices on the Alaska Supreme Court are appointed by the governor of Alaska from slates of candidates approved by the Alaska Judicial Council, an independent commission of Alaskan lawyers and lay citizens.
What is the jurisdiction of the Alaska Supreme Court?
The Alaska Supreme Court has final state appellate jurisdiction in both civil and criminal law matters.
How often do justices on the Alaska Supreme Court face retention elections?
Justices on the Alaska Supreme Court face judicial retention elections after their third year of service and once every ten years thereafter.
What is the term of office for the chief justice of the Alaska Supreme Court?
The chief justice of the Alaska Supreme Court serves a three-year term.