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Sponsor Statement for SJR 22
Constitutional Amendment: Judicial Officers' Terms

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to the retention elections for justices of the Alaska supreme court and judges of the superior court.

SJR 22 proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska changing the length of time between retention elections for Supreme Court Justices and Superior Court Judges. It is designed to increase public involvement in the judicial retention process and to increase the judicial branch's accountability to Alaskans.

Currently, each Superior Court Judge and Supreme Court Justice is subject to approval or rejection by the voters at the first general election held more than three years after he or she is appointed. After the initial election, Supreme Court Justices are up for approval or rejection only every tenth year and Superior Court Judges only every sixth year. SJR 22 changes both these intervals to six years for Supreme Court Justices and four years for Superior Court Judges.

Alaskans need more frequent opportunities to assess the performance of those who serve us in the judicial branch of government Unfortunately, our courts are currently failing to make all decisions in a timely manner. There is one court decision that has been pending in the Supreme Court for more than three years. Information like this is critical to ensure public accountability of our judicial officers. Having retention elections more frequently will help ensure that the public is basing their decisions on the most timely information.

There are twenty-two states that select their judges by public elections and another ten states where the legislature either chooses or confirms appointees. Accordingly, in the majority of the United States there is much greater public input than in Alaska, into who becomes a judge. In Alaska, the opportunity for the public's input comes only through the retention election process. Such a low level of accountability is poor public policy, especially when retention elections are so far apart. By allowing Alaskans to evaluate Supreme Court Justices every six years and Superior Court Judges every four years, we will ensure increased public accountability and better job performance.

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