Court

Alaska Supreme Court Justice Jennifer Henderson is seen on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, in Juneau. Alaska’s Supreme Court will likely soon have three female and two male justices, making it majority-women for the first time. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

Alaska Supreme Court positioned to be majority-women for first time

Seven attorneys have thrown their name in the ring for a judicial position in Alaska’s Supreme Court. All seven candidates are women, meaning that –… Continue reading

 

Alaska U.S. District Court Judge Joshua Kindred during his U.S. Senate confirmation hearing. (Screenshot from Senate Judiciary Committee video)

Federal judge Joshua Kindred resigns after reprimand for judicial misconduct involving law clerks

Trump appointee, 46, created hostile work environment, had “inappropriately sexualized relationship.”

 

Alaska Supreme Court Justice Peter Maassen receives applause from his fellow justices and members of the Alaska Legislature during the annual State of the Judiciary address on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023, at the Alaska State Capitol. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

Gov. Dunleavy will be asked to pick fourth state Supreme Court justice

Applications being accepted to replace Peter Maassen, who reaches mandatory retirement age next year

 

The Alaska State Capitol and Dimond Courthouse are seen on Thursday morning, Jan. 18. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

Judicial Council recommends Alaskans keep all judges, including figure behind correspondence ruling

The Alaska Judicial Council has voted to recommend that state voters retain all 19 judges on the November election ballot, but the recommendation didn’t come… Continue reading

The Alaska State Capitol and Dimond Courthouse are seen on Thursday morning, Jan. 18. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
An aerial view of Fairbanks, Alaska, is seen in summer in an undated photo. An Alaska State Troopers photo of the yard of a house in more rural area north of the city was the subject of an Alaska Supreme Court ruling. (Photo by Jacob Boomsma via Getty Images Plus)

Alaska Supreme Court bars police zoom-lens aerial photos of residents’ lawns without warrants

Justices focus on privacy; Department of Public Safety doesn’t see ruling affecting current programs.

An aerial view of Fairbanks, Alaska, is seen in summer in an undated photo. An Alaska State Troopers photo of the yard of a house in more rural area north of the city was the subject of an Alaska Supreme Court ruling. (Photo by Jacob Boomsma via Getty Images Plus)
The Alaska Supreme Court is seen on Thursday, Feb. 8, in Juneau. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

Alaska Supreme Court decides key question: Who is an Alaskan?

An Alaskan is someone physically present in the state who intends to remain permanently and make a home here, the Alaska Supreme Court concluded in… Continue reading

The Alaska Supreme Court is seen on Thursday, Feb. 8, in Juneau. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Prosecutors Daniel K. Shorey and Kate Tallmadge (foreground) confer, as defense attorney Rex Butler and Sonya Taton await proceedings during Taton’s trial Thursday on murder and other charges at Superior Court in Juneau. (Meredith Jordan / Juneau Empire)

Jury begins deliberations in fillet knife murder case

Closing arguments conclude Thursday afternoon after two week-plus trial.

Prosecutors Daniel K. Shorey and Kate Tallmadge (foreground) confer, as defense attorney Rex Butler and Sonya Taton await proceedings during Taton’s trial Thursday on murder and other charges at Superior Court in Juneau. (Meredith Jordan / Juneau Empire)
The Boney Courthouse building in Anchorage holds the Alaska Supreme Court chambers. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Nonattorney advocates to represent Alaskans in court under new waiver

This story has been updated to correct a numerical and an organization title. Alaska’s Supreme Court, with support from the state’s bar association, approved a… Continue reading

The Boney Courthouse building in Anchorage holds the Alaska Supreme Court chambers. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
Maine man arrested in Fairbanks cold case contests extradition

Maine man arrested in Fairbanks cold case contests extradition

Steven Downs, 44, is charged in 1993 sexual assault and killing of 20-year-old Sophie Sergie.

Maine man arrested in Fairbanks cold case contests extradition
Alaska Supreme Court strikes down ‘medically necessary’ abortion law

Alaska Supreme Court strikes down ‘medically necessary’ abortion law

The court, in a 4-1 decision, upheld a 2015 lower court ruling.

Alaska Supreme Court strikes down ‘medically necessary’ abortion law