Alaska Jury Health
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In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall have the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of twelve, except that the legislature may provide for a jury of not more than twelve nor less than six in courts not of record. The accused is entitled to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be released on bail, except for capital offenses when the proof is evident or the presumption great; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
—Alaska Constitution Declaration of Rights; Article 1, Section 11
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the armed forces in time of war or public danger. Indictment may be waived by the accused. In that case the prosecution shall be by information. The grand jury shall consist of at least twelve citizens, a majority of whom concurring may return an indictment. The power of grand juries to investigate and make recommendations concerning the public welfare or safety shall never be suspended.
—Alaska Constitution Declaration of Rights; Article 1, Section 8
In civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds two hundred fifty dollars, the right of trial by a jury of twelve is preserved to the same extent as it existed at common law. The legislature may make provision for a verdict by not less than three-fourths of the jury and, in courts not of record, may provide for a jury of not less than six or more than twelve.
—Alaska Constitution Declaration of Rights; Article 1, Section 16
Legal Resources
- Constitution: Constitution of the State of Alaska
- Code/Statutes: Alaska Statutes
- Legislature: Alaska State Legislature
- Judiciary: Alaska Court System
- U.S. District Courts: District of Alaska
- Rules of Criminal Procedure: Court Rules
- Rules of Civil Procedure: Court Rules
Alaska Jury News
Due in part to the suspension of trial by jury, there are now more people in jail in Alaska who have NOT gone to trial and been convicted than people who have been convicted and sentenced.
With current suspension of jury trials in Alaska going on a year, Benjamin Muse, deputy director at the Alaska Public Defender Agency, points out that impoverished clients are "languishing in prison without any end in sight."
View more Alaska jury-related news.
