NCJ Number
77491
Date Published
1981
Length
26 pages
Annotation
Activities of the Alaska Judicial Council from 1978 through 1980 are presented in this report; changes in the judicial selection and retention process are emphasized, and major research projects and recommendations of the council are highlighted.
Abstract
The Alaska Judicial Council is composed of three nonattorney members, three attorneys, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Alaska. The nomination of candidates for judgeships constitutes about half of the council's work. The council also performs studies and makes recommendations for the improvement of the administration of justice within the State. In the last 2 years, the council has refined the procedures for application, review of qualifications, and interviews of candidates for judgeships. In 1979, the council assumed responsibility for the administration and analysis of the bar associations survey performed for each judgeship. One judge was appointed in 1978, and two were appointed in 1979. Creation of new judgeships, retirement of several judges, and establishment of the intermediate court of appeals opened up 10 judgeships in 1980. The council is presently reviewing its methods of evaluation which could increase its effectiveness in future judicial retention elections. In addition, the council recommended a change in the rules of criminal procedure to provide the right of a preliminary hearing in all felony cases. In 1980, the supreme court voted not to adopt the revision. Concerning the presumptive sentencing concept, the council continues to monitor felony sentences and will provide new data on misdemeanors for analysis of concept effectiveness. The council completed its study of the effects of the Attorney General's 1975 prohibition of plea bargaining in May 1979. The study received nationwide attention and has been distributed to other States by LEAA and by the council. An appendix is provided in the report.