The Alaska Judicial Council will hold a public hearing on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at 11:45 a.m., to receive comments about the applicants for the Alaska Public Defender vacancy. Members of the public are invited to participate in person at the Boney Courthouse, Supreme Court Courtroom, Fifth Floor, 303 K Street, Anchorage, Alaska or by calling toll free 1-888-788-0099 with Meeting ID 570 085 6779.

The Council will meet in Anchorage on August 24-25, 2023, to interview all the applicants and nominate the most qualified for the vacancy, and to discuss administrative matters. The position of Alaska Public Defender will become vacant upon the expiration of the term of the current Public Defender, Samantha Cherot.

Alaska Statute 18.85.030 requires the Alaska Judicial Council to nominate two or more applicants for the Alaska Public Defender position. The governor appoints the Public Defender from the list of nominees. The governor’s appointment is subject to confirmation by the Alaska Legislature. The Public Defender serves a four-year term and may be reappointed for another term by the governor without re-nomination by the Council. Any re-appointment is subject to confirmation by the Legislature. During his or her term, the Public Defender may be removed only for cause by the governor, who must report the reason for removal to the Legislature.

The Alaska Judicial Council has established bylaws to fulfill this duty given to it by the Legislature. The Council’s bylaws require the same process and standards for selecting nominees for the Public Defender as the Council uses for judicial selection. Council bylaws may be found at http://www.ajc.state.ak.us/about/bylaws.html.

The Alaska Judicial Council’s mission is to screen and nominate judicial and Public Defender applicants, evaluate the performance of judges and make evaluation information and recommendations available to the voters, and conduct studies and make recommendations to improve the administration of justice.

For more information, please go to the Council’s website at www.ajc.state.ak.us or call (907) 279-2526.

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