Title 22, Judiciary

The jurisdiction of the district courts does not extend to (1) an action in which the title to real property is in question; (2) an action of an equitable nature, except as otherwise provided by law.

(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 un…

The civil jurisdiction and the criminal jurisdiction of the district court of the State of Alaska extend over the entire state.

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…

(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…

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 b…

(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, a…

(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 …

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 r…

The trial jury in the district courts consists of a body of six persons in number.

(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 immedi…

(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 impen…

Each district judge and magistrate, upon entering office, shall take and subscribe to an oath of office required of all officers under the constitution and any further oath or affirmation that may be prescribed by law.

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 tempo…

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 re…

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 basi…

(a) A district 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…

(a) Except as provided in (e) of this section, the monthly base salary for each district court judge is $10,793. (b) Each magistrate shall receive annual compensation including geographic differential pay to be determined by the supreme court. Salary increases shall be determined…

Subject to rule of the supreme court, a district judge or magistrate shall receive a per diem allowance and a transportation allowance commensurate with that authorized for other state employees.

(a) Either party may appeal a judgment of the district court in a civil action to the superior court. (b) The defendant may appeal a judgment of conviction given in the district court in a criminal action to the superior court. When the judgment is given on a plea of guilty, an a…

When by law any fees, fines, forfeitures, or penalties are levied and collected by the district judge or magistrate, the proceeds and all other money collected shall be accounted for and transmitted to the administrative director of the Alaska Court System for transfer to the gen…

All fines, penalties, and forfeitures resulting from violations of ordinances of political subdivisions shall be returned to the political subdivision whose ordinance is involved in the manner provided by rule of the supreme court. Fines, penalties, and forfeitures imposed after …