Sec. 22.15.010. Establishment of the district court of the State of Alaska.
There is established a district court of the State of Alaska for each of the four judicial districts of the superior court of this state.
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Sec. 22.15.050. Actions not within civil jurisdiction.
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.
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 […]
Sec. 22.15.070. Extent of jurisdiction.
The civil jurisdiction and the criminal jurisdiction of the district court of the State of Alaska extend over the entire state.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Sec. 22.15.150. Jury trials.
The trial jury in the district courts consists of a body of six persons in number.
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 […]
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 […]
Sec. 22.15.180. Oath of office.
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.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]