Alaska Legal Department Supports Open-Records Case Against Judicial Council Over Judge Selection Process
On October 20, 2026, the Alaska Department of Law filed an amicus brief urging an Anchorage court to reject the Alaska Judicial Council's motion to dismiss a public-records lawsuit.
On October 20, 2026, the Alaska Department of Law filed an amicus brief urging an Anchorage court to reject the Alaska Judicial Council’s motion to dismiss a public-records lawsuit. The suit seeks details on how diversity considerations influence the selection of judges. The state contends that the Judicial Council’s constitutional independence does not exempt it from the Public Records Act.
America First Legal Foundation, which initiated the lawsuit, aims to uncover how the council implements diversity provisions in evaluating judicial candidates. The brief argues that transparency is essential given the council’s significant role in nominating judges, as governors cannot appoint candidates without their approval. The council consists of members appointed both by the Alaska Bar Association and by the governor, highlighting the importance of public insight into its operations.
Comments
Fishing for Food 2026-10-22
Cockroaches hate it when you shine a light on them!
Marla 2026-10-22
If Savannah Fletcher got censured by the Fairbanks Assembly, why didn’t she get her law license suspended? Or get disbarred? Censureship in public office demonstrates dishonest conduct. If she lied and got caught by her fellow Assembly members, she deserves to be punished by the state Bar Assoc. Who is protecting her at the Bar?
Sarah 2026-10-22
One of the three on the AJC is recently appointed Savanna Fletcher, a disgraced radical left-wing attorney. She was censured by her fellow Assembly members up in Fairbanks last year. She is a guaranteed vote for a radical Democrat judge to be retained, or, to obtain a new position on the bench. That’s why the Bar appointed her.
Android Andy 2026-10-22
The Alaska Bar Association appointed them to the AJC. Radical Democrats in control.
Brystol 2026-10-21
Who are the three members of the Judicial Council that were appointed by the Judicial Council to serve? Therein, lies the real problem.
Jule Miller 2026-10-21
Alaska judges should be from Alaska. They should apply the laws evenly to people that commit crimes – a lot don’t. They give career criminals a slap on the wrist.