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Alaska Supreme Court
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Alaska Supreme Court

Alaska’s highest court, hearing civil appeals and overseeing administration of the state judiciary.

Alaska’s highest state court hears civil appeals and oversees the state judiciary. Five justices choose a chief justice for a three-year term, with no consecutive terms.

Last refreshed: 22 October 2026

Key Question

How does Alaska’s highest court review election-administration decisions?

Timeline for Alaska Supreme Court

#21 16 Oct

Mentioned in: Judge Zeman keeps Alaska voter-list suit

US Midterms 2026
#12 29 Jun

Reinstated Dan J. Sullivan to the 18 August primary ballot

US Midterms 2026: Two Dan Sullivans, one Alaska toss-up
View full timeline →

Background

The Alaska Supreme Court heads the state judiciary. Its five justices hear appeals from lower state courts and oversee administration of the judicial system. They choose a chief justice for a three-year term, and a justice cannot serve consecutive terms in that office.

the Court must accept appeals from final Superior Court decisions in civil cases, including matters that began in administrative agencies. It can choose whether to review other matters, including certain non-final orders and decisions from the Court of Appeals. It also sets rules for civil and criminal court procedure, which the legislature can amend by a two-thirds vote. Its responsibilities therefore combine appellate decisions with rules and administration for the wider state court system.

Common Questions

Reference

What civil appeals must the Alaska Supreme Court hear?
the Court must accept appeals from final Superior Court decisions in civil cases, including cases originating in administrative agencies.Source: https://courts.alaska.gov/main/ctinfo.htm
How many justices sit on the Alaska Supreme Court?
Five justices sit on the Court. They choose a chief justice for a three-year term, without consecutive terms.Source: https://courts.alaska.gov/main/ctinfo.htm
What is the Alaska Supreme Court?
It is Alaska’s highest state court. It hears appeals from lower state courts and administers the state judicial system.Source: https://courts.alaska.gov/main/ctinfo.htm
How did the Alaska Supreme Court's ruling affect the Senate race rating?
Cook Political Report cited the ruling as a factor in moving the Alaska Senate race to Toss-up on 1 July 2026.Source:
What was the Alaska Division of Elections' original decision on Dan J. Sullivan?
It removed him from the ballot, finding he had not filed as a candidate in good faith.Source:
When did the Alaska Supreme Court reinstate Dan J. Sullivan?
On 29 June 2026, it reversed the Alaska Division of Elections and reinstated him to the 18 August primary ballot.Source:
Why did the Alaska Supreme Court reinstate the second Dan Sullivan?
Its 29 June 2026 order required his inclusion on the ballot and returned the name-format question to election officials. A fuller explanation was promised later.Source: https://alaskapublic.org/news/politics/elections/2026-06-29/alaska-justices-sound-skeptical-of-extreme-remedy-in-case-of-2-dan-sullivans
Source Material
Court orders a ballot spot for second Dan SullivanCourt System Information

Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 22 October 2026. Editorial standards.