Structure of the Alaska Court System

The system of Alaska courts is highly centralized, and it is comprised of four levels of state courts that are organized into four judicial districts. They include the Alaska Supreme Court, the Superior Courts, the Court of Appeals and the Alaska District Courts. It is also a system that is entirely state administered and funded.

The Chief Justice in the Supreme Court is the state’s administrative head. This person appoints a Director of Administration with the Supreme Court’s agreement and is also in charge of running all administrative work of the state. Administrative rules and those of the court, for criminal as well as civil cases, are determined by the Supreme Court.

The Court Structure in Alaska and Jurisdiction

Title 22 of the judicial statutes of Alaska defines the respective functions and responsibilities of each of the court levels.

The Supreme Court is above every other legal institution in the State of Alaska. It is in charge of hearing appeals against the rulings of all lower courts (if asked for by the contesting parties). Cases are heard every month in Anchorage in the presence of five judges (one Chief Justice, with four others). Both criminal and civil cases are heard by the Supreme Court of Alaska.

Court of Appeals

Next in the hierarchy is the Court of Appeals in the state. This court host hearings of criminal cases, and appeals in such cases against the decisions of lower courts. Other cases involving juvenile delinquency (also termed as ‘quasi-criminal lawsuits’) are also heard by the Court of Appeals.

In Alaska, the Court of Appeals is comprised of a panel of three judges. The judicial panels hear petitions against the rulings of the district courts or the Superior Court, take in merit appeals, and also welcome original applications as well.

Superior Courts

For general cases of justice in Alaska, the Superior Courts have been established. These courts listen to all cases of domestic problems, and act as the appellate courts of judgments of the district-level courts. Crimes committed by minors are judged at these courts, while property distribution issues are also handled here. These courts also hear criminal and civil lawsuits.

District Courts

The courts at the base level of the court system in Alaska are the district courts. These courts look into cases of misdemeanors, and have the authority to issue warrants (both for arrests as well as for searches). If required, minor criminal cases, as well as appeals related to domestic violence are also heard in the district courts.