reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 05. The Supreme Court › Sec. 22.05.070. Qualifications of justices.

A justice of the supreme court shall be a citizen of the United States and of the state, a resident of the state for five years immediately preceding appointment, have been engaged for not less than eight years immediately preceding appointment in the active practice of law, and at the time of appointment be licensed to practice law in the state. The active practice of law includes
(1) sitting as a judge in a state or territorial court;
(2) being actually engaged in advising and representing clients in matters of law;
(3) rendering legal services to an agency, branch, or department of a civil government within the United States or a state or territory of the United States, in an elective, appointive, or employed capacity;
(4) serving as a professor, associate professor, or assistant professor in a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 05. The Supreme Court › Sec. 22.05.080. Vacancies.

(a) The governor shall fill a vacancy or appoint a successor to fill an impending vacancy in the office of supreme court justice within 45 days after receiving nominations from the judicial council, by appointing one of two or more persons nominated by the judicial council for each actual or impending vacancy. An appointment to fill an impending vacancy becomes effective upon the actual occurrence of the vacancy.
(b) The office of a supreme court justice, including the office of chief justice, becomes vacant 90 days after the election at which the justice is rejected by a majority of those voting on the question or for which the justice fails to file a declaration of candidacy. Upon the occurrence of (1) an actual vacancy; (2) the certification of rejection following an election; or (3) the election following failure of a justice to file a declaration of candidacy, the judicial council shall meet within 90 days and submit to the governor the names of two or more persons qualified for the judicial office; except that this 90-day period may be extended by the council with the concurrence of the supreme court. In the event of an impending vacancy other than by reason of rejection or failure to file a declaration of candidacy, the council may meet at any time within the 90-day period immediately preceding the effective date of the vacancy and submit to the governor the names of two or more persons qualified for the judicial office.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 05. The Supreme Court › Sec. 22.05.100. Approval or rejection.

Each supreme court justice is subject to approval or rejection as provided in AS 15 (Alaska Election Code). The judicial council shall conduct an evaluation of each justice before the retention election and shall provide to the public information about that justice and may provide a recommendation regarding retention or rejection. The information and any recommendation shall be made public at least 60 days before the retention election. The judicial council shall also provide the information and any recommendation to the office of the lieutenant governor in time for publication in the election pamphlet under AS 15.58.050. If a majority of those voting on the question rejects the candidacy, the rejected justice may not be appointed to fill any vacancy in the supreme court, court of appeals, superior court, or district courts of the state for a period of four years thereafter.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 05. The Supreme Court › Sec. 22.05.120. Impeachment.

A supreme court justice is subject to impeachment by the legislature for malfeasance or misfeasance in the performance of official duties. Impeachment shall originate in the senate and shall be approved by a two-thirds vote of its members. The motion for impeachment must list fully the basis for the proceeding. Trial on impeachment shall be conducted by the house of representatives. A supreme court justice designated by the court shall preside at the trial. Concurrence of two-thirds of the members of the house is required for a judgment of impeachment. The judgment may not extend beyond removal from office, but does not prevent proceedings in the courts on the same or related charges.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 05. The Supreme Court › Sec. 22.05.130. Restrictions.

A supreme court justice while holding office may not practice law, nor engage in the conduct of any other profession, vocation, or business for profit or compensation, which conduct would interfere with the performance of the judicial duties of the justice, nor may a justice hold office in a political party, or hold any other office or position of profit under the United States, the state, or its political subdivisions. A supreme court justice filing for another elective public office other than delegate to a constitutional convention of this state or the United States forfeits the judicial position.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 05. The Supreme Court › Sec. 22.05.140. Compensation.

(a) Except as provided in (d) of this section, the monthly base salary of the chief justice is $13,808, and for each other justice, the monthly base salary is $13,767.
(b) A salary disbursement may not be issued to a justice of the supreme court until the justice has filed with the state officer designated to issue salary disbursements an affidavit that no matter referred to the justice for opinion or decision has been uncompleted or undecided by the justice for a period of more than six months.
(c) In addition to the monthly salary, each justice is entitled to receive a geographic cost-of-living adjustment each year on $100,000 of the justice's annual base salary for that year, based on the location of the primary office assignment. The commissioner of administration shall calculate the geographic cost-of-living adjustment based on the geographic pay differentials established under AS 39.27.020(a). Retirement contributions and benefits shall be computed only on the monthly base salary not including the geographic cost-of-living adjustment.
(d) Beginning July 1, 2006, if the monthly basic salary for Step E, Range 28, of the salary schedule set out in AS 39.27.011 increases, the monthly base salary of the chief justice and the other justices shall increase by the same percentage. The increase takes effect when the salary increase under AS 39.27.011 takes effect and may be retroactive if consistent with the change in AS 39.27.011. The commissioner of administration shall, by regulation, establish the percentage at which the salary is increased and the increased salary amount.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 07. The Court of Appeals › Sec. 22.07.020. Jurisdiction.

(a) The court of appeals has appellate jurisdiction in actions and proceedings commenced in the superior court involving
(1) criminal prosecution;
(2) post-conviction relief;
(3) matters under AS 47.12, including waiver of jurisdiction over a minor under AS 47.12.100;
(4) extradition;
(5) habeas corpus;
(6) probation and parole; and
(7) bail.
(b) Except as limited in AS 12.55.120, the court of appeals has jurisdiction to hear appeals of unsuspended sentences of imprisonment exceeding two years for a felony offense or 120 days for a misdemeanor offense imposed by the superior court on the grounds that the sentence is excessive, or a sentence of any length on the grounds that it is too lenient. The court of appeals, in the exercise of this jurisdiction, may modify the sentence as provided by law and the Constitution of the State of Alaska.
(c) The court of appeals has jurisdiction to review (1) a final decision of the district court in an action or proceeding involving criminal prosecution, post-conviction relief, extradition, probation and parole, habeas corpus, or bail; and (2) the final decision of the district court on a sentence imposed by it if the sentence exceeds 120 days of unsuspended incarceration for a misdemeanor offense. In this subsection, “final decision” means a decision or order, other than dismissal by consent of all parties, that closes a matter in the district court.
(d) An appeal to the court of appeals is a matter of right in all actions and proceedings within its jurisdiction except that
(1) the right of appeal to the court of appeals is waived if an appellant chooses to appeal the final decision of the district court to the superior court; and
(2) the state's right of appeal in criminal cases is limited by the prohibitions against double jeopardy contained in the United States Constitution and the Alaska Constitution.
(e) The court of appeals may in its discretion (1) review a final decision of the superior court on an appeal from a district court in an action or proceeding involving criminal prosecution, post-conviction relief, extradition, probation and parole, habeas corpus or bail; (2) review the final decision of the superior court on appeal of a sentence imposed by the district court. In this subsection, “final decision” means a decision or order, other than a dismissal by consent of all parties, that closes a matter in the superior court.
(f) The court of appeals may issue injunctions, writs, and all other process necessary for the complete exercise of its jurisdiction.
(g) A final decision of the court of appeals is binding on the superior court and on the district court unless superseded by a decision of the supreme court.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 07. The Court of Appeals › Sec. 22.07.030. Review by supreme court.

A party may apply to the supreme court for review of a final decision of the court of appeals in accordance with AS 22.05.010 and rules adopted by the supreme court. Review is in the discretion of the supreme court as set out in AS 22.05.010(d). In this section, “final decision” means a decision or order, other than a dismissal by consent of all parties, that closes a matter in the court of appeals.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 07. The Court of Appeals › Sec. 22.07.040. Qualifications of judges.

A judge of the court of appeals shall be a citizen of the United States and of the state, a resident of the state for five years immediately preceding appointment, have been engaged for not less than eight years immediately preceding appointment in the active practice of law, and at the time of appointment be licensed to practice law in the state. For purposes of this section, the active practice of law is the same as defined for the justices of the supreme court in AS 22.05.070.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 07. The Court of Appeals › Sec. 22.07.060. Approval or rejection.

Each judge of the court of appeals is subject to approval or rejection as provided in AS 15 (Alaska Election Code). The judicial council shall conduct an evaluation of each judge before the retention election and shall provide information to the public about the judge and may provide a recommendation regarding retention or rejection. The information and any recommendation shall be made public at least 60 days before the election. The judicial council shall also provide the information and any recommendation to the office of the lieutenant governor in time for publication in the election pamphlet as required by AS 15.58.050. If a majority of those voting on the question rejects the candidacy of a judge, the rejected judge may not for a period of four years thereafter be appointed to fill a vacancy in the supreme court, the court of appeals, the superior court, or the district court of the state.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 07. The Court of Appeals › Sec. 22.07.070. Vacancies.

(a) The governor shall fill a vacancy or appoint a successor to fill an impending vacancy in the office of judge of the court of appeals within 45 days after receiving nominations from the judicial council, by appointing one of two or more persons nominated by the council for each actual or impending vacancy. An appointment to fill an impending vacancy becomes effective upon the actual occurrence of the vacancy.
(b) The office of a judge of the court of appeals becomes vacant 90 days after the election at which the judge is rejected by a majority of those voting on the question or for which the judge fails to file a declaration of candidacy. Upon the occurrence of (1) an actual vacancy; (2) the certification of rejection following an election; or (3) the election following failure of a judge to file a declaration of candidacy, the judicial council shall meet within 90 days and submit to the governor the names of two or more persons qualified for the judicial office; however, the 90-day period may be extended by the judicial council with the concurrence of the supreme court. In the event of an impending vacancy other than by reason of rejection or failure to file a declaration of candidacy, the judicial council may meet at any time within the 90-day period immediately preceding the effective date of the vacancy and submit to the governor the names of two or more persons qualified for the judicial office.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 07. The Court of Appeals › Sec. 22.07.075. Impeachment.

A judge of the court of appeals is subject to impeachment by the legislature for malfeasance or misfeasance in the performance of official duties. Impeachment must originate in the senate and must be approved by two-thirds vote of its members. The motion for impeachment must list fully the basis for the proceeding. Trial on impeachment shall be conducted by the house of representatives. A supreme court justice designated by the court shall preside at the trial. Concurrence of two-thirds of the members of the house is required for a judgment of impeachment. The judgment may not extend beyond removal from office, but does not prevent proceedings in a court on the same or related charges.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 07. The Court of Appeals › Sec. 22.07.080. Restrictions.

A judge of the court of appeals while holding office may not practice law, or engage in the conduct of any other profession, vocation, or business for profit or compensation, which conduct would interfere with the performance of the judicial duties of the judge, nor may a judge hold office in a political party, or hold any other office or position of profit under the United States, the state, or its political subdivisions. A judge of the court of appeals filing for another elective public office other than delegate to a constitutional convention of this state or the United States forfeits the judicial position.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 07. The Court of Appeals › Sec. 22.07.090. Compensation.

(a) Except as provided in (c) of this section, the monthly base salary of a judge of the court of appeals is $13,007. The compensation of a judge may not be diminished during the term of office, unless by a general law applying to all salaried officers of the state.
(b) A salary disbursement may not be issued to a judge of the court of appeals until the judge has filed with the state officer designated to issue salary disbursements an affidavit that no matter referred to the judge for opinion or decision has been uncompleted or undecided by the judge for a period of more than six months.
(c) Beginning July 1, 2006, if the monthly basic salary for Step E, Range 28, of the salary schedule set out in AS 39.27.011 increases, the monthly base salary of the judges of the court of appeals shall increase by the same percentage. The increase takes effect when the salary increase under AS 39.27.011 takes effect and may be retroactive if consistent with the change to AS 39.27.011. The commissioner of administration shall, by regulation, establish the percentage at which the salary is increased and the increased salary amount.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 10. The Superior Court › Sec. 22.10.010. Establishment of superior court.

There shall be one superior court for the state. The court shall consist of four districts bounded as follows:
First District: the area within election districts numbered one to six, both inclusive, as those districts are described in art. XIV of the state constitution on March 19, 1959;
Second District: the area within election districts numbered 21 to 23, both inclusive, and those areas of election districts 18 and 20 within the boundaries of the North Slope Borough, as those districts are described in art. XIV of the state constitution on March 19, 1959;
Third District: the area within election districts numbered seven to 15, both inclusive, as those districts are described in art. XIV of the state constitution on March 19, 1959, and the portion of election district 19, as that district is described in art. XIV of the state constitution on March 19, 1959, that is in the Glennallen Venue District on March 1, 2002, described as follows: Beginning at a point on the divide between the watersheds of the Tanana River and the Copper River south of the headwaters of Totschunda Creek; thence southwesterly in a straight line first crossing the Nabesna River to Mt. Allen; thence meandering on the divide mountain peak to mountain peak to a point north of Regal Mountain on the divide separating the Nabesna Glacier from the Chisana Glacier; thence westerly and northwesterly along the divide between the watersheds of the Tanana River and Copper River as it meanders from mountain peak to mountain peak back to a point on the divide south of the headwaters of the Totschunda Creek, the place of the beginning; and
Fourth District: the area within election districts numbered 16, 17, and 24, the areas of election districts numbered 18 and 20 not included in the second district, and the area of election district numbered 19 not included in the third district, as those districts are described in art. XIV of the state constitution on March 19, 1959.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 10. The Superior Court › Sec. 22.10.025. Powers of superior court in action for divorce, separation, or child support.

(a) The superior court, in an action for divorce, separation, or child support affecting inalienable stock in a corporation organized under 43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq. (Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act), may order the stock transferred to the spouse, a child, or a guardian or custodian for a child, but may not order it sold on the open market or transferred to other persons.
(b) The superior court, in an action for divorce, separation, or child support, may issue orders to aid in the enforcement of child support, including orders requiring an individual who owes support under an order of support to
(1) make payments according to an approved payment plan;
(2) participate in appropriate work activities if the individual is not incapacitated; or
(3) complete and submit an application for a permanent fund dividend under AS 43.23.015 or provide proof to the agency or the court that the individual is not eligible for a dividend in a given year.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 10. The Superior Court › Sec. 22.10.040. Change of venue.

The superior court in which the action is pending may change the place of trial in an action from one place to another place in the same judicial district or to a designated place in another judicial district for any of the following reasons:
(1) when there is reason to believe that an impartial trial cannot be had;
(2) when the convenience of witnesses and the ends of justice would be promoted by the change;
(3) when for any cause the judge is disqualified from acting, but if the judge of another judicial district is assigned to try the action, no change of place of trial need be made;
(4) if the court finds that the defendant will be put to unnecessary expense and inconvenience, and if the court finds that the expense and inconvenience were intentionally caused, the court may assess costs against the plaintiff.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 10. The Superior Court › Sec. 22.10.050. General powers and sessions.

The superior court shall always be open, except on judicial holidays as determined by rule of the supreme court. Injunctions, writs of prohibition, mandamus, and habeas corpus may be issued and served on holidays and nonjudicial days. The superior court is a court of record and is vested with all power and authority necessary to carry into complete execution all its judgments, decrees, and determinations in all matters within its jurisdiction according to the constitution, the laws of the state, and the common law. The superior court shall hold regular sessions in each district at the times and places as may be designated by rule or order of the supreme court.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 10. The Superior Court › Sec. 22.10.090. Qualifications of judges.

A judge of the superior court shall be a citizen of the United States and of the state, a resident of the state for five years immediately preceding appointment, have been engaged for not less than five years immediately preceding appointment in the active practice of law, and at the time of appointment be licensed to practice law in the state. The active practice of law shall be as defined for justices of the supreme court in AS 22.05.070.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 10. The Superior Court › Sec. 22.10.100. Vacancies.

(a) The governor shall fill a vacancy or appoint a successor to fill an impending vacancy in the office of superior court judge within 45 days after receiving nominations from the judicial council, by appointing one of two or more persons nominated by the council for each actual or impending vacancy. An appointment to fill an impending vacancy becomes effective upon the actual occurrence of the vacancy.
(b) The office of a superior court judge becomes vacant 90 days after the election at which the judge is rejected by a majority of those voting on the question or for which the judge fails to file a declaration of candidacy. Upon the occurrence of (1) an actual vacancy; (2) the certification of rejection following an election; or (3) the election following failure of a judge to file a declaration of candidacy, the judicial council shall meet within 90 days and submit to the governor the names of two or more persons qualified for the judicial office; except that this 90-day period may be extended by the council with the concurrence of the supreme court. In the event of an impending vacancy other than by reason of rejection or failure to file a declaration of candidacy, the council may meet at any time within the 90-day period immediately preceding the effective date of the vacancy and submit to the governor the names of two or more persons qualified for the judicial office.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 10. The Superior Court › Sec. 22.10.120. Number of judges.

The superior court consists of 45 judges, six of whom shall be judges in the first judicial district, three of whom shall be judges in the second judicial district, 28 of whom shall be judges in the third judicial district, and eight of whom shall be judges in the fourth judicial district. At the time of submitting the names of nominees to the governor to fill a vacancy on the superior court bench, the judicial council shall also designate the district in which the appointee is to reside and serve.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 10. The Superior Court › Sec. 22.10.130. Appointment and duties of presiding judges.

The chief justice of the supreme court shall designate a presiding judge for each district. The presiding judge shall, in addition to regular judicial duties,
(1) assign the cases pending to the judges made available within the district;
(2) supervise the judges and their court personnel in the carrying out of their official duties within the district; and
(3) expedite and keep current the business of the court within the district.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 10. The Superior Court › Sec. 22.10.140. Chief justice may assign superior court judges.

The chief justice may assign a superior court judge and that judge's court personnel for temporary duty from time to time not to exceed 90 days annually anywhere in the state except to permit completion of hearings in progress. A judge may be temporarily assigned for longer and additional periods with the consent of that judge.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 10. The Superior Court › Sec. 22.10.150. Approval or rejection.

Each superior court judge is subject to approval or rejection as provided in AS 15 (Alaska Election Code). The judicial council shall conduct an evaluation of each judge before the retention election and shall provide to the public information about the judge and may provide a recommendation regarding retention or rejection. The information and any recommendation shall be made public at least 60 days before the retention election. The information shall include the judge's consideration of victims when imposing sentence on persons convicted of felony offenses where the offenses involve victims. The judicial council shall also provide the information and any recommendation to the office of the lieutenant governor in time for publication in the election pamphlet under AS 15.58.050. If a majority of those voting on the question rejects the candidacy of a judge, the rejected judge may not for a period of four years thereafter be appointed to fill any vacancy in the supreme court, court of appeals, superior court, or district courts of the state.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 10. The Superior Court › Sec. 22.10.170. Impeachment.

A superior court judge is subject to impeachment by the legislature for malfeasance or misfeasance in the performance of official duties. Impeachment shall originate in the senate and must be approved by two-thirds vote of its members. The motion for impeachment must list fully the basis for the proceeding. Trial on impeachment shall be conducted by the house of representatives. A supreme court justice designated by the court shall preside at the trial. Concurrence of two-thirds of the members of the house is required for a judgment of impeachment. The judgment may not extend beyond removal from office, but does not prevent proceedings in the courts on the same or related charges.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 10. The Superior Court › Sec. 22.10.180. Restrictions.

A superior court judge while holding office may not practice law, nor engage in the conduct of any other profession, vocation, or business for profit or compensation, which conduct would interfere with the performance of the judicial duties of the judge, nor may a judge hold office in a political party, or hold any other office or position of profit under the United States, the state or its political subdivisions. A superior court judge filing for another elective public office other than delegate to a constitutional convention of this state or the United States forfeits the judicial position.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 10. The Superior Court › Sec. 22.10.190. Compensation.

(a) Except as provided in (d) of this section, the monthly base salary for each superior court judge is $12,730.
(b) A salary disbursement may not be issued to a superior court judge until the judge has filed with the state officer designated to issue salary disbursements an affidavit that no matter referred to the judge for opinion or decision has been uncompleted or undecided by the judge for a period of more than six months.
(c) In addition to the monthly salary, each superior court judge is entitled to receive a geographic cost-of-living adjustment each year on $100,000 of the judge's annual base salary for that year, based on the location of the primary office assignment. The commissioner of administration shall calculate the geographic cost-of-living adjustment based on the geographic pay differentials established under AS 39.27.020(a). Retirement contributions and benefits shall be computed only on the monthly base salary not including the geographic cost-of-living adjustment.
(d) Beginning July 1, 2006, if the monthly basic salary for Step E, Range 28, of the salary schedule set out in AS 39.27.011 increases, the monthly base salary of the judges of the superior court shall increase by the same percentage. The increase takes effect when the salary increase under AS 39.27.011 takes effect and may be retroactive if consistent with the change to AS 39.27.011. The commissioner of administration shall, by regulation, establish the percentage at which the salary is increased and the increased salary amount.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 15. District Courts and Magistrates › Sec. 22.15.020. Number of district judges and magistrates.

(a) Except as hereinafter provided, each district court of the state shall have the number of district judges set out below opposite the name of the judicial district over which the court has jurisdiction:
First Judicial District 3
Second Judicial District 1
Third Judicial District 12
Fourth Judicial District 3
(b) Except as hereinafter provided, each district court of the State of Alaska shall have the number of magistrates set out below opposite the name of the judicial district over which the court has jurisdiction:
First Judicial District 10
Second Judicial District 7
Third Judicial District 19
Fourth Judicial District 17.
(c) The number of district judges or magistrates within each judicial district may be increased or decreased by rule of the supreme court.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 15. District Courts and Magistrates › Sec. 22.15.030. Civil jurisdiction.

(a) The district court has jurisdiction of civil cases, including foreign judgments filed under AS 09.30.200 and arbitration proceedings under AS 09.43.170 or 09.43.530 to the extent permitted by AS 09.43.010 and 09.43.300, as follows:
(1) for the recovery of money or damages when the amount claimed exclusive of costs, interest, and attorney fees does not exceed $100,000 for each defendant;
(2) for the recovery of specific personal property, when the value of the property claimed and the damages for the detention do not exceed $100,000;
(3) for the recovery of a penalty or forfeiture, whether given by statute or arising out of contract, not exceeding $100,000;
(4) to give judgment without action upon the confession of the defendant for any of the cases specified in this section, except for a penalty or forfeiture imposed by statute;
(5) for establishing the fact of death or cause and manner of death of any person in the manner prescribed in AS 09.55.020 - 09.55.069;
(6) for the recovery of the possession of premises in the manner provided under AS 09.45.070 - 09.45.160 when the value of the arrears and damage to the property does not exceed $100,000;
(7) for the foreclosure of a lien when the amount in controversy does not exceed $100,000;
(8) for the recovery of money or damages in motor vehicle tort cases when the amount claimed exclusive of costs, interest, and attorney fees does not exceed $100,000 for each defendant;
(9) over civil actions for taking utility service and for damages to or interference with a utility line filed under AS 42.20.030;
(10) over cases involving protective orders for domestic violence under AS 18.66.100 - 18.66.180;
(11) over cases involving cruelty to or seizure, destruction, adoption, or cost of care of animals under AS 03.55.100 - 03.55.190.
(b) Insofar as the civil jurisdiction of the district courts and the superior court is the same, the jurisdiction is concurrent. Except for a petition for a protective order under AS 18.66.100 - 18.66.180, an action that falls within the concurrent jurisdiction of the superior court and the district court may not be filed in the superior court, except as provided by rules of the supreme court.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 15. District Courts and Magistrates › Sec. 22.15.040. Small claims.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, when a claim for relief does not exceed $10,000, exclusive of costs, interest, and attorney fees, and request is so made, the district judge or magistrate shall hear the action as a small claim unless important or unusual points of law are involved or the state is a defendant. The Department of Labor and Workforce Development may bring an action as a small claim under this subsection for the payment of wages under AS 23.05.220 in an amount not to exceed $20,000, exclusive of costs, interest, and attorney fees. The supreme court shall prescribe the procedural rules and standard forms to assure simplicity and the expeditious handling of small claims.
(b) All potential small claim litigants shall be informed if mediation, conciliation, and arbitration services are available as an alternative to litigation.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 15. District Courts and Magistrates › Sec. 22.15.060. Criminal jurisdiction.

(a) The district court has jurisdiction
(1) of the following crimes:
(A) a misdemeanor, unless otherwise provided in this chapter;
(B) a violation of an ordinance of a political subdivision;
(C) a violation of AS 04.16.050 or AS 11.76.105;
(2) to provide post-conviction relief under the Alaska Rules of Criminal Procedure, if the conviction occurred in the district court.
(b) Insofar as the criminal jurisdiction of the district courts and the superior court is the same, such jurisdiction is concurrent.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 15. District Courts and Magistrates › Sec. 22.15.080. Change of venue.

The court in which an action is pending shall change the place of trial of the action from one place to another place in the same judicial district or to a designated place in another judicial district when the court finds any of the following:
(1) there is reason to believe that an impartial trial cannot be had;
(2) the convenience of witnesses and the ends of justice would be promoted by the change;
(3) the judge or magistrate is disqualified from acting, but if another judge or magistrate is assigned to try the action, no change of place of trial need be made;
(4) the defendant will be put to unnecessary expense and inconvenience, and if the court finds that the expense and inconvenience were intentionally caused, the court may assess costs against the plaintiff.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 15. District Courts and Magistrates › Sec. 22.15.090. Sessions and general powers of district court.

(a) The district court shall always be open for the transaction of business, except on judicial holidays as determined by rule of the supreme court. However, the court may at any time
(1) exercise its powers in a criminal action, or in a proceeding of a criminal nature, including the issuance of orders pertaining to bail;
(2) receive a verdict or discharge a jury;
(3) issue writs of habeas corpus;
(4) issue warrants of arrest and summons and search warrants.
(b) The court shall meet in its district at times and places that may be designated by rule or order of the supreme court. The district court has all power and authority necessary to carry into complete execution all its judgments, decrees, and determinations in all matters within its jurisdiction according to the constitution, the laws of the state, and the common law.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 15. District Courts and Magistrates › Sec. 22.15.100. Functions and powers of district judge and magistrate.

Each district judge and magistrate has the power
(1) to issue writs of habeas corpus for the purpose of inquiring into the cause of restraint of liberty, returnable before a judge of the superior court, and the same proceedings shall be had on the writ as if it had been granted by the superior court judge under the laws of the state in those cases;
(2) of a notary public;
(3) to solemnize marriages;
(4) to issue warrants of arrest, summons, and search warrants according to manner and procedure prescribed by law and the supreme court;
(5) to act as an examining judge or magistrate in preliminary examinations in criminal proceedings; to set, receive, and forfeit bail and to order the release of defendants under bail;
(6) to act as a referee in matters and actions referred to the judge or magistrate by the superior court, with all powers conferred upon referees by laws;
(7) of the superior court in all respects including contempts, attendance of witnesses, and bench warrants;
(8) to order the temporary detention of a minor, or take other action authorized by law or rules of procedure, in cases arising under AS 47.10 or AS 47.12, when the minor is in a condition or surrounding dangerous or injurious to the welfare of the minor or others that requires immediate action; the action may be continued in effect until reviewed by the superior court in accordance with rules of procedure governing these cases;
(9) to issue a protective order in cases involving
(A) domestic violence as provided in AS 18.66.100 - 18.66.180; or
(B) stalking or sexual assault as provided in AS 18.65.850 - 18.65.870;
(10) to review an administrative revocation of a person's driver's license or nonresident privilege to drive, and an administrative refusal to issue an original license, when designated as a hearing officer by the commissioner of administration and with the consent of the administrative director of the Alaska Court System;
(11) to establish the fact of death or inquire into the death of a person in the manner prescribed under AS 09.55.020 - 09.55.069;
(12) to issue an ex parte testing, examination, or screening order according to the manner and procedure prescribed by AS 18.15.375.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 15. District Courts and Magistrates › Sec. 22.15.110. Additional duties of district judge and magistrate.

(a) Each district judge and magistrate shall
(1) record birth, death, and marriage certificates presented to them for record in the manner prescribed by law;
(2) authorize the burial or disposition of bodies under AS 12.65.100; and
(3) upon application by an appropriate person, appoint the person to assume temporary custody of and preserve the property and estate of deceased persons until disposition of the property is made under AS 13.16 or further order is made by the court.
(b) A district judge may establish a controlled livestock district in accordance with AS 03.35.010.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 15. District Courts and Magistrates › Sec. 22.15.120. Limitations on proceedings which magistrate may hear.

(a) A magistrate shall preside only in cases and proceedings under AS 22.15.040, 22.15.100, and 22.15.110, and as follows:
(1) for the recovery of money or damages only when the amount claimed, exclusive of costs, interest, and attorney fees, does not exceed $10,000;
(2) for the recovery of specific personal property when the value of the property claimed and the damages for the detention do not exceed $10,000;
(3) for the recovery of a penalty or forfeiture, whether given by statute or arising out of contract, not exceeding $10,000;
(4) to give judgment without action upon the confession of the defendant for any of the cases specified in this section, except for a penalty or forfeiture imposed by statute;
(5) to give judgment of conviction upon a plea of guilty or no contest by the defendant in a criminal proceeding within the jurisdiction of the district court;
(6) to hear, try, and enter judgments in all cases involving misdemeanors that are not minor offenses if the defendant consents in writing that the magistrate may try the case;
(7) to hear, try, and enter judgments in all cases involving minor offenses and violations of ordinances of political subdivisions;
(8) for the extradition of fugitives as authorized under AS 12.70;
(9) to provide post-conviction relief under the Alaska Rules of Criminal Procedure for any of the cases specified in (5), (6), or (7) of this subsection if the conviction occurred in the district court; or
(10) to hear, try, and enter judgments in actions for the payment of wages brought by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development as provided in AS 22.15.040(a).
(b) A magistrate may not preside in small claims cases under AS 22.15.040 when service is made on a defendant outside the state under Rule 11(a)(4)(C), District Court Rules of Civil Procedure.
(c) In this section, “minor offense” means
(1) an offense classified by statute as an infraction or a violation;
(2) an offense for which a bail forfeiture amount has been authorized by statute and established by supreme court order; or
(3) a statutory offense for which a conviction cannot result in incarceration, a fine greater than $300, or the loss of a valuable license.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 15. District Courts and Magistrates › Sec. 22.15.140. Process.

Process of the district court shall be in the name of the State of Alaska, signed by the district judge, magistrate, clerk, or deputy clerk of the district court in the judicial district where the process is issued, dated when issued, sealed with the seal of the court, and made returnable according to rule prescribed by the supreme court and shall run throughout the state.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 15. District Courts and Magistrates › Sec. 22.15.160. Qualifications of district judges and magistrates.

(a) A district judge shall be a citizen of the United States and of the state, at least 21 years of age, a resident of the state for at least five years immediately preceding appointment, and (1) have been engaged in the active practice of law for not less than three years immediately preceding appointment and at the time of appointment licensed to practice law in the State of Alaska; or (2) have served for at least seven years as a magistrate in the state. The supreme court may prescribe additional qualifications.
(b) A magistrate shall be a citizen of the United States and of the state, at least 21 years of age, and a resident of the state for at least six months immediately preceding appointment. The supreme court may prescribe additional qualifications.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 15. District Courts and Magistrates › Sec. 22.15.170. Selection of district judges and magistrates.

(a) The governor shall fill a vacancy or appoint a successor to fill an impending vacancy in an office of district judge within 45 days after receiving nominations from the judicial council by appointing one of two or more persons nominated by the council for each actual or impending vacancy. The appointment to fill an impending vacancy becomes effective upon the actual occurrence of the vacancy.
(b) The presiding judge of the superior court in each judicial district may appoint acting district judges as needed to serve at the pleasure of the presiding judge for a term of no longer than 12 months or until succeeded by an appointment made under (a) of this section, whichever first occurs. An acting district judge shall be a citizen of the United States and of the state, at least 21 years of age, but need not be licensed to practice law in any of the United States and need not have established Alaska residence before appointment. Service as an acting district judge is not considered a judicial service for the purposes of AS 22.25 unless the judge is subsequently appointed under (a) of this section.
(c) The presiding judge of the superior court in each judicial district shall appoint the magistrates for the district court for the judicial district. Each magistrate serves at the pleasure of the presiding judge of the superior court in the judicial district for which appointed.
(d) Vacancies for magistrates shall be filled in the same manner as appointments.
(e) The office of a district court judge becomes vacant 90 days after the election at which the judge is rejected by a majority of those voting on the question or for which the judge fails to file a declaration of candidacy. Upon the occurrence of (1) an actual vacancy; (2) the certification of rejection following an election; or (3) the election following failure of a judge to file a declaration of candidacy, the judicial council shall meet within 90 days and submit to the governor the names of two or more persons qualified for the judicial office; except that this 90-day period may be extended by the council with the concurrence of the supreme court. In the event of an impending vacancy other than by reason of rejection or failure to file a declaration of candidacy, the council may meet at any time within the 90-day period immediately preceding the effective date of the vacancy and submit to the governor the names of two or more persons qualified for the judicial office.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 15. District Courts and Magistrates › Sec. 22.15.190. Assignment of district judges and magistrates.

Each district judge and each magistrate shall hold court at times and places that are assigned by the presiding judge of the superior court of the district. The presiding judge in any judicial district may assign any district judge or magistrate within the district to serve temporarily in any other judicial districts. Rules and procedures for temporary assignment including the emergency situation where a superior court judge is not readily available to assign a district judge or magistrate shall be as prescribed by the supreme court.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 15. District Courts and Magistrates › Sec. 22.15.195. Approval or rejection.

Each district court judge is subject to approval or rejection as provided in AS 15 (Alaska Election Code). The judicial council shall conduct an evaluation of each judge before the retention election and shall provide to the public information about the judge and may provide a recommendation regarding retention or rejection. The information and the recommendation shall be made public at least 60 days before the election. The judicial council shall also provide the information and any recommendation to the office of the lieutenant governor in time for publication in the election pamphlet under AS 15.58.050. If a majority of those voting on the question rejects the candidacy of a judge, the rejected judge may not for a period of four years thereafter be appointed to fill any vacancy in the supreme court, court of appeals, superior court, or district courts of the state.
2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 22. Judiciary › Chapter 15. District Courts and Magistrates › Sec. 22.15.205. Impeachment.

A district judge is subject to impeachment by the legislature for malfeasance or misfeasance in the performance of official duties. Impeachment must originate in the senate and must be approved by two-thirds vote of its members. The motion for impeachment must list fully the basis for the proceeding. Trial on impeachment shall be conducted by the house of representatives. A supreme court justice designated by the court shall preside at the trial. Concurrence of two-thirds of the members of the house is required for a judgment of impeachment. The judgment may not extend beyond removal from office, but does not prevent proceedings in the courts on the same or related charges.