NCJ Number
46151
Date Published
1978
Length
21 pages
Annotation
THE ALASKA JUDICIAL COUNCIL IS CONSTITUTIONALLY CHARGED WITH CONDUCTING STUDIES ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE IN THE STATE; THIS IS THE COUNCIL'S YEAR-END REPORT.
Abstract
THE COUNCIL HAS TRADITIONALLY HAD TWO MANDATED FUNCTIONS, NOMINATING QUALIFIED CANDIDATES FOR JUDICIAL OFFICE, AND OVERSEEING REVIEWS OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL JUSTICE PROCEDURES. AS A RESULT OF LEGISLATIVE ACTION IN 1975, THE COUNCIL IS ALSO CHARGED WITH THE EVALUATION OF EACH DISTRICT AND SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE, SUPREME COURT JUSTICE, AND TO PROVIDE INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC REGARDING THESE EVALUATIONS. THE COUNCIL MAY ALSO RECOMMEND WHETHER SPECIFIC JUDGES OR JUSTICES SHOULD BE RETAINED OR REJECTED. THE COUNCIL CONSISTS OF THE CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE STATE SUPREME COURT, SERVING EX OFFICIO AS CHAIRMAN; THREE LAY MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR, AND THREE ATTORNEY MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE STATE BAR. THIS REPORT CONTAINS NOTES ON FILLING JUDICIAL VACANCIES AND JUDICIAL RETENTION ELECTIONS, AS WELL AS INDICATIVE ABSTRACTS OF STUDIES AND REPORTS SUBMITTED TO THE SUPREME COURT AND THE LEGISLATURE. SUBJECTS COVERED INCLUDE ALASKA PUBLIC DEFENDER AGENCY, REPORT ON COURT FEE STRUCTURES, STUDY OF COURTS LIMITED JURISDICTION, FINAL JUDICIAL DISTRICTING REPORT, BAIL AND SENTENCING STUDIES, THE GRAND JURY IN ALASKA, STANDARDS AND GOALS FOR COURTS, A STUDY OF THE ELIMINATION OF PLEA BARGAINING, THE ANCHORAGE CITIZEN DISPUTE CENTER, THE CITIZEN ACTION PROJECT, AND BUSH JUSTICE (I.E., IN REMOTE RURAL AREAS). (KBL)