Alaska Statutes
Alaska Stat. § 22.10.020 (2026)
Jurisdiction of the superior court
✓ current as of July 2026
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Sec. 22.10.020. Jurisdiction of the superior court.
(a) The superior court is the trial court of general jurisdiction, with original jurisdiction in all civil and criminal matters, including probate and guardianship of minors and incompetents. Except for a petition for a protective order under AS 18.66.100 — 18.66.180, an action that falls within the concurrent jurisdiction of the superior court and the district court may not be filed in the superior court, except as provided by rules of the supreme court.
(b) The jurisdiction of the superior court extends over the whole of the state.
(c) The superior court and its judges may issue injunctions, writs of review, mandamus, prohibition, habeas corpus, and all other writs necessary or proper to the complete exercise of its jurisdiction. A writ of habeas corpus may be made returnable before any judge of the superior court.
(d) The superior court has jurisdiction in all matters appealed to it from a subordinate court, or administrative agency when appeal is provided by law, and has jurisdiction over petitions for relief in administrative matters under AS 44.62.305. The hearings on appeal from a final order or judgment of a subordinate court or administrative agency, except an appeal under AS 43.05.242, shall be on the record unless the superior court, in its discretion, grants a trial de novo, in whole or in part. The hearings on appeal from a final order or judgment under AS 43.05.242 shall be on the record.
(e) An appeal to the superior court is a matter of right, but an appeal from a subordinate court may not be taken by the defendant in a criminal case after a plea of guilty, except on the ground that the sentence was excessive. The state's right of appeal in criminal cases is limited by the prohibitions against double jeopardy contained in the United States Constitution and the Alaska Constitution.
(f) An appeal to the superior court may be taken on the ground that an unsuspended sentence of imprisonment exceeding 120 days was excessive and the superior court in the exercise of this jurisdiction has the power to reduce the sentence. The state may appeal a sentence on the ground that it is too lenient. When a sentence is appealed on the ground that it is too lenient, the court may not increase the sentence but may express its approval or disapproval of the sentence and its reasons in a written opinion.
(g) In case of an actual controversy in the state, the superior court, upon the filing of an appropriate pleading, may declare the rights and legal relations of an interested party seeking the declaration, whether or not further relief is or could be sought. The declaration has the force and effect of a final judgment or decree and is reviewable as such. Further necessary or proper relief based on a declaratory judgment or decree may be granted, after reasonable notice and hearing, against an adverse party whose rights have been determined by the judgment.
(h) [Renumbered as AS 22.10.025(a).]
(i) The superior court is the court of original jurisdiction over all causes of action arising under the provisions of AS 18.80. A person who is injured or aggrieved by an act, practice, or policy which is prohibited under AS 18.80 may apply to the superior court for relief. The person aggrieved or injured may maintain an action on behalf of that person or on behalf of a class consisting of all persons who are aggrieved or injured by the act, practice, or policy giving rise to the action. In an action brought under this subsection, the court may grant relief as to any act, practice, or policy of the defendant which is prohibited by AS 18.80, regardless of whether each act, practice, or policy, with respect to which relief is granted, directly affects the plaintiff, so long as a class or members of a class of which the plaintiff is a member are or may be aggrieved or injured by the act, practice, or policy. The court may enjoin any act, practice, or policy which is illegal under AS 18.80 and may order any other relief, including the payment of money, that is appropriate.
(a) The superior court is the trial court of general jurisdiction, with original jurisdiction in all civil and criminal matters, including probate and guardianship of minors and incompetents. Except for a petition for a protective order under AS 18.66.100 — 18.66.180, an action that falls within the concurrent jurisdiction of the superior court and the district court may not be filed in the superior court, except as provided by rules of the supreme court.
(b) The jurisdiction of the superior court extends over the whole of the state.
(c) The superior court and its judges may issue injunctions, writs of review, mandamus, prohibition, habeas corpus, and all other writs necessary or proper to the complete exercise of its jurisdiction. A writ of habeas corpus may be made returnable before any judge of the superior court.
(d) The superior court has jurisdiction in all matters appealed to it from a subordinate court, or administrative agency when appeal is provided by law, and has jurisdiction over petitions for relief in administrative matters under AS 44.62.305. The hearings on appeal from a final order or judgment of a subordinate court or administrative agency, except an appeal under AS 43.05.242, shall be on the record unless the superior court, in its discretion, grants a trial de novo, in whole or in part. The hearings on appeal from a final order or judgment under AS 43.05.242 shall be on the record.
(e) An appeal to the superior court is a matter of right, but an appeal from a subordinate court may not be taken by the defendant in a criminal case after a plea of guilty, except on the ground that the sentence was excessive. The state's right of appeal in criminal cases is limited by the prohibitions against double jeopardy contained in the United States Constitution and the Alaska Constitution.
(f) An appeal to the superior court may be taken on the ground that an unsuspended sentence of imprisonment exceeding 120 days was excessive and the superior court in the exercise of this jurisdiction has the power to reduce the sentence. The state may appeal a sentence on the ground that it is too lenient. When a sentence is appealed on the ground that it is too lenient, the court may not increase the sentence but may express its approval or disapproval of the sentence and its reasons in a written opinion.
(g) In case of an actual controversy in the state, the superior court, upon the filing of an appropriate pleading, may declare the rights and legal relations of an interested party seeking the declaration, whether or not further relief is or could be sought. The declaration has the force and effect of a final judgment or decree and is reviewable as such. Further necessary or proper relief based on a declaratory judgment or decree may be granted, after reasonable notice and hearing, against an adverse party whose rights have been determined by the judgment.
(h) [Renumbered as AS 22.10.025(a).]
(i) The superior court is the court of original jurisdiction over all causes of action arising under the provisions of AS 18.80. A person who is injured or aggrieved by an act, practice, or policy which is prohibited under AS 18.80 may apply to the superior court for relief. The person aggrieved or injured may maintain an action on behalf of that person or on behalf of a class consisting of all persons who are aggrieved or injured by the act, practice, or policy giving rise to the action. In an action brought under this subsection, the court may grant relief as to any act, practice, or policy of the defendant which is prohibited by AS 18.80, regardless of whether each act, practice, or policy, with respect to which relief is granted, directly affects the plaintiff, so long as a class or members of a class of which the plaintiff is a member are or may be aggrieved or injured by the act, practice, or policy. The court may enjoin any act, practice, or policy which is illegal under AS 18.80 and may order any other relief, including the payment of money, that is appropriate.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 233
cases (35 in the last 5 years), 1963–2026 · leading case: Johnson v. Alaska State Dep't of Fish & Game, 836 P.2d 896 (Alaska 1991).
Johnson v. Alaska State Dep't of Fish & Game, 836 P.2d 896 (Alaska 1991). “255(1) and AS 22.10.020, taken together, appear to constitute express legislative consent for persons to bring particular civil rights actions against the state.”
State v. Am. Civil Liberties Union, 204 P.3d 364 (Alaska 2009). “CONCLUSION We conclude that the actual controversy requirement of AS 22.10.020(g) has not been *374 satisfied because this case is not ripe for decision.”
Veco, Inc. v. Rosebrock, 970 P.2d 906 (Alaska 1999). “220 and AS 22.10.020®? 2. Did the jury instructions err in permitting the jury to award punitive damages against VECO for acts of a supervisor beyond the scope of the supervisor’s employment? 3.”
Hahn v. GEICO Choice Ins. Co., 420 P.3d 1160 (Alaska 2018). “GEICO filed a response to Hahn's Suggestion, arguing that because Hahn had demanded UIM benefits in settlement negotiations there was an actual controversy turning on a purely legal issue that the court had jurisdiction to decide under the provision for declaratory judgments in…”
State, Dep't of Revenue v. Andrade, 23 P.3d 58 (Alaska 2001). “255; AS 22.10.020(). 4 . The court also noted that the Andrade family's request to be awarded 1996 dividends presented disputed questions of fact, and was therefore inappropriate for summary judgment.”
Kott v. State, 678 P.2d 386 (Alaska 1984). “010 defining the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court; [1] and from AS 22.10.020(a) defining the appellate jurisdiction of the superior court.”
Ratcliff v. Sec. Nat'l Bank, 670 P.2d 1139 (Alaska 1983). “[4] AS 22.10.020(c) provides in part: *1142 A person who is injured or aggrieved by an act, practice, or policy which is prohibited under AS 18.”
State v. Lundgren Pac. Const. Co., Inc., 603 P.2d 889 (Alaska 1979). “On appeal, this court affirmed, referring to AS 22.10.020(a) and former Civil Rule 107(a).”
Beegan v. State, Dep't of Transp. & Pub. Facilities, 195 P.3d 134 (Alaska 2008). “130(a)(1); AS 22.10.020@G). 29 . 722 P.2d at 1088 n.”
Greater Anchorage Area Borough v. City of Anchorage, 504 P.2d 1027 (Alaska 1972). “" While Article IV, section 1 of the Alaska Constitution [24] and AS 22.10.020(a) [25] define the general jurisdiction of the superior court, AS 22.”
State v. O'Neill Investigations, Inc., 609 P.2d 520 (Alaska 1980). “" AS 22.10.020(c). The court in Loomis construed the statutory language to encompass both compensatory and punitive damages and noted that these remedies were of the sort traditionally tried before a jury at common law.”
Lowell v. Hayes, 117 P.3d 745 (Alaska 2005). “39 The language of AS 22.10.020(g) suggests that declaratory relief may be allowed in any actual controversy.”
— Alaska Stat. § 22.10.020(2) — 1 case
Harvey v. Antrim, 160 P.3d 673 (Alaska Ct. App. 2007).
— Alaska Stat. § 22.10.020(a) — 56 cases
Kott v. State, 678 P.2d 386 (Alaska 1984). “010 defining the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court; [1] and from AS 22.10.020(a) defining the appellate jurisdiction of the superior court.”
State v. Lundgren Pac. Const. Co., Inc., 603 P.2d 889 (Alaska 1979). “On appeal, this court affirmed, referring to AS 22.10.020(a) and former Civil Rule 107(a).”
Greater Anchorage Area Borough v. City of Anchorage, 504 P.2d 1027 (Alaska 1972). “" While Article IV, section 1 of the Alaska Constitution [24] and AS 22.10.020(a) [25] define the general jurisdiction of the superior court, AS 22.”
John v. Baker, 982 P.2d 738 (Alaska 1999).
Keiner v. City of Anchorage, 378 P.2d 406 (Alaska 1963).
— Alaska Stat. § 22.10.020(b) — 21 cases
Moore v. State, 553 P.2d 8 (Alaska 1976).
State, Dep't of Labor, Wage & Hour Div. v. Univ. of Alaska, 664 P.2d 575 (Alaska 1983).
Jefferson v. Asplund, 458 P.2d 995 (Alaska 1969).
State v. United Cook Inlet Drift Ass'n, 895 P.2d 947 (Alaska 1995).
Ketchikan Retail Liquor Dealers Ass'n v. State, Alcoholic Beverage Control Bd., 602 P.2d 434 (Alaska 1979).
— Alaska Stat. § 22.10.020(c) — 10 cases
Ratcliff v. Sec. Nat'l Bank, 670 P.2d 1139 (Alaska 1983). “[4] AS 22.10.020(c) provides in part: *1142 A person who is injured or aggrieved by an act, practice, or policy which is prohibited under AS 18.”
Johnson v. Alaska State Dep't of Fish & Game, 836 P.2d 896 (Alaska 1991). “255(1) and AS 22.10.020, taken together, appear to constitute express legislative consent for persons to bring particular civil rights actions against the state.”
Veco, Inc. v. Rosebrock, 970 P.2d 906 (Alaska 1999). “220 and AS 22.10.020®? 2. Did the jury instructions err in permitting the jury to award punitive damages against VECO for acts of a supervisor beyond the scope of the supervisor’s employment? 3.”
State v. O'Neill Investigations, Inc., 609 P.2d 520 (Alaska 1980). “" AS 22.10.020(c). The court in Loomis construed the statutory language to encompass both compensatory and punitive damages and noted that these remedies were of the sort traditionally tried before a jury at common law.”
Loomis Elec. Prot., Inc. v. Schaefer, 549 P.2d 1341 (Alaska 1976).
— Alaska Stat. § 22.10.020(d) — 60 cases
Handley v. State, Dep't of Revenue, 838 P.2d 1231 (Alaska 1992).
Osborne v. State, Dep't of Corr., 332 P.3d 1286 (Alaska 2014).
Welton v. State, Dep't of Corr., 315 P.3d 1196 (Alaska 2014).
Brandon v. State, Dep't of Corr., 938 P.2d 1029 (Alaska 1997).
Fairbanks North Star Borough Sch. Dist. v. Bowers Off. Prods., Inc., 851 P.2d 56 (Alaska 1993).
— Alaska Stat. § 22.10.020(e) — 1 case
Marlon Mack v. State of Alaska, 523 P.3d 1235 (Alaska Ct. App. 2023).
— Alaska Stat. § 22.10.020(f) — 2 cases
Allen v. Mun. of Anchorage, 168 P.3d 890 (Alaska Ct. App. 2007).
Hillman v. Mun. of Anchorage, 941 P.2d 211 (Alaska Ct. App. 1997).
— Alaska Stat. § 22.10.020(g) — 37 cases
State v. Am. Civil Liberties Union, 204 P.3d 364 (Alaska 2009). “CONCLUSION We conclude that the actual controversy requirement of AS 22.10.020(g) has not been *374 satisfied because this case is not ripe for decision.”
Hahn v. GEICO Choice Ins. Co., 420 P.3d 1160 (Alaska 2018). “GEICO filed a response to Hahn's Suggestion, arguing that because Hahn had demanded UIM benefits in settlement negotiations there was an actual controversy turning on a purely legal issue that the court had jurisdiction to decide under the provision for declaratory judgments in…”
Lowell v. Hayes, 117 P.3d 745 (Alaska 2005). “39 The language of AS 22.10.020(g) suggests that declaratory relief may be allowed in any actual controversy.”
Summer Sagoonick v. State of Alaska, 503 P.3d 777 (Alaska 2022).
Stand. Alaska Prod. Co. v. State, Dep't of Revenue, 773 P.2d 201 (Alaska 1989).
— Alaska Stat. § 22.10.020(i) — 12 cases
Johnson v. Alaska State Dep't of Fish & Game, 836 P.2d 896 (Alaska 1991). “255(1) and AS 22.10.020, taken together, appear to constitute express legislative consent for persons to bring particular civil rights actions against the state.”
State, Dep't of Revenue v. Andrade, 23 P.3d 58 (Alaska 2001). “255; AS 22.10.020(). 4 . The court also noted that the Andrade family's request to be awarded 1996 dividends presented disputed questions of fact, and was therefore inappropriate for summary judgment.”
Reust v. Alaska Petroleum Contractors, Inc., 127 P.3d 807 (Alaska 2005).
Veco, Inc. v. Rosebrock, 970 P.2d 906 (Alaska 1999). “220 and AS 22.10.020®? 2. Did the jury instructions err in permitting the jury to award punitive damages against VECO for acts of a supervisor beyond the scope of the supervisor’s employment? 3.”
Gilbert v. Sperbeck, 126 P.3d 1057 (Alaska 2005).
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