Alaska Constitution Article IV – The Judiciary
Alaska Constitution – Article IV: The Judiciary
📘 Summary:
Article IV of the Alaska Constitution establishes the judicial branch of the state government. It defines the structure, powers, selection, and responsibilities of the courts in Alaska.
🔑 Key Sections and Highlights:
Section 1 – Judicial Power
Judicial power is vested in a Supreme Court, a superior court, and other courts as established by law.
Section 2 – Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the state.
It has final appellate jurisdiction and administrative authority over all other courts.
Section 3 – Superior Court
The Superior Court serves as the trial court of general jurisdiction.
It can hear any civil or criminal case.
Section 4 – Judicial Council
The Judicial Council screens and nominates candidates for judicial office.
It consists of 7 members: 3 attorneys (appointed by the Bar Association), 3 non-attorneys (appointed by the Governor), and the Chief Justice (as chair).
Section 5 – Commission on Judicial Conduct
This commission investigates complaints and may recommend discipline or removal of judges.
Section 6 – Judicial Qualifications
Judges must be U.S. citizens, have lived in Alaska for a required period, and meet legal practice experience thresholds.
Section 7 – Judicial Selection
Judges are appointed by the governor from a list of nominees provided by the Judicial Council.
After appointment, judges must be approved by voters in retention elections.
Section 8 – Terms of Office
Supreme Court justices: 10-year terms
Superior Court judges: 6-year terms
Section 9 – Judicial Retirement
Mandatory retirement age is 70, but retired judges can be recalled for temporary service.
Section 10 – Rule-Making Power
The Supreme Court has authority to make rules for court procedure and administration, subject to override by a two-thirds vote of the legislature.
🏛️ Purpose:
Article IV ensures judicial independence, merit-based selection, and accountability through nonpartisan processes and public retention votes.
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