Cases subject to panel jurisdiction are those with sentences totaling 12 or more years set by a superior court judge without a jury. The panel may reduce or suspend sentences, but is prohibited from increasing punishments. The panel reviews sentences upon application of a defendant. Defendants must act within 30 days of the date sentenced by the superior court judge, or after remittitur from the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court affirming that conviction, whichever occurs last. Panel actions are not reviewable.
Orders are binding on the defendant and the superior court that imposed the sentence.
This may partially account for the decline seen in the number of cases reviewed.