Judicial selection in Alaska
From Judgepedia
Judicial selection in Alaska relies on what is categorized as merit selection of judges. Sixteen other states and Washington, D.C. use a similar method of judicial selection.
The Alaska Constitution in 1959 established the Alaska Judicial Council (AJC), which solicits and screens applicants for judicial vacancies on all levels of Alaska's state courts. The AJC submits the names of at least two nominees to the governor for appointment.
Composition of the Judicial Council
The judicial council is composed of:
- Three nonlawyer members who are appointed by the governor and confirmed by a majority of the legislature in joint session;
- Three lawyer members who are appointed by the board of governors of the Alaska Bar Association; and
- The chief justice of the Alaska Supreme Court, who serves as the ex officio chair.
The constitution states that appointments to the AJC must be made "with due consideration to area representation and without regard to political affiliation."
Members of the AJC serve staggered six-year terms, except for the chief justice who serves for three years.
External links
- Website of the Alaska Judicial Council
- Judicial selection in the states
- Methods of judicial selection
- Judicial merit selection, current status
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