The State Courts and Alaska Politics: Independence, Public Accountability, and Political Influence

Abstract

From the chapter introduction: "How does the Alaska political and governmental process deal with the tension between the need for judicial independence, public accountability, and the court system’s role in politics and public policy making? The following two sections explore the influences that have shaped the Alaska court system and its organization. The next section explains the devices that work to promote independence and impartiality. Then we explore in more detail six aspects of the role of the courts in Alaska politics and policy making.