Rhonda McLeod

The Chief Justice delivered a report to the Alaska Legislature covering the State of the Judiciary, noting the 40th anniversary of Alaska statehood and the court system. Key discussion points included the significant growth in case filings over 40 years, reflecting increased litigation and population growth, and societal changes reflected in judicial demographics. The report detailed trends in trial court caseloads, specifically increases in felony filings and children's cases, and changes in misdemeanor caseloads, including rising domestic violence filings. The Chief Justice also provided updates on appellate court performance improvements, the establishment of Delay Reduction Committees to set case time standards, and the work of various standing and special committees addressing topics like indigency guidelines and access to civil justice. Furthermore, progress on mediation and alternative dispute resolution programs, including juvenile diversion initiatives like the Anchorage Youth Court, was highlighted. The budget section addressed a request for courthouse security funding and deferred requests for new judgeships. Finally, updates were given on construction projects for new court buildings in Fairbanks and Palmer, and a recent change in the Supreme Court membership.

This policy brief presents the final report of the Alaska Civic Learning Assessment Project, evaluating the state of K-12 civic learning in Alaska. It identifies a significant disparity between the high value placed on civic education and its current implementation, citing challenges such as limited resources, competing priorities, and a widespread lack of civic knowledge. The document proposes ten key recommendations to address these issues, including establishing a sustainable statewide coordinating entity, systematically integrating civics across all grade levels, providing comprehensive teacher professional development, connecting civic learning to core subjects like reading and math, fostering community outreach, adopting outcome evaluation methods, ensuring equitable opportunities, and emphasizing Alaska-specific civic knowledge. The overall aim is to cultivate informed, active, and engaged citizens.

The address, presented to a Joint Session of the Alaska State Legislature by the Chief Justice, detailed the successes, problems, and goals of the Alaska Court System. Key discussion points included the trial court workload, noting 81,657 cases filed in 1973, with 60% being traffic violations. The Supreme Court handled a record 123 opinions in 1973, reducing the interval between appeal acceptance and decision. Efforts to update court rules, including Bar Rules, Civil Rules, and Probate Rules, were highlighted. Administrative progress involved hiring an Administrative Director and drafting comprehensive Personnel Rules. Significant focus was placed on expanding judicial services to rural areas via the creation of the Bethel Service Area and plans for a Barrow Service Area, alongside securing funding for modular judicial facilities in several villages. Capital improvements included occupying the new courthouse in Anchorage and ongoing construction in Juneau, with critical requests for new facilities in Bethel and Barrow due to inadequate space. The judiciary also presented proposals for increased judicial salaries and discussed criminal law reforms, such as requiring pre-sentence investigations in felony cases to better address recidivism.

The strategic plan aims to improve the Child in Need of Aid (CINA) process and outcomes for all participants. It focuses on four key priority areas: ensuring quality court hearings, enhancing timeliness and permanency for children in state custody, improving the quality of legal representation for parents and children, and utilizing data to inform decision-making and support safe and timely permanency.

This strategic plan, titled "Transforming Child Welfare Outcomes for Alaska Native Children Strategic Plan 2016-2020," addresses the disparities experienced by Alaska Native children in the child welfare system. Its guiding vision is that 'Alaska Native culture keeps Alaska Native children safe'. The plan emphasizes a collaborative approach involving Tribal, state, and community partners. Key strategic priorities include fostering respectful government-to-government collaboration and partnership, promoting self-governance, embracing and implementing the spirit of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), aligning state government efforts, engaging communities, and providing culturally specific services and supports. The plan aims to reduce disproportionality and promote children being served within their tribal and cultural contexts.