Alaska Statutes
Alaska Stat. § 22.30.011 (2026)
Powers and duties of the commission
✓ current as of July 2026
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Sec. 22.30.011. Powers and duties of the commission.
(a) The commission shall on its own motion or on receipt of a written complaint inquire into an allegation that a judge
(1) has been convicted of a crime punishable as a felony under state or federal law or convicted of a crime that involves moral turpitude under state or federal law;
(2) suffers from a disability that seriously interferes with the performance of judicial duties and that is or may become permanent;
(3) within a period of not more than six years before the filing of the complaint or before the beginning of the commission's inquiry based on its own motion, committed an act or acts that constitute
(A) wilful misconduct in office;
(B) wilful and persistent failure to perform judicial duties;
(C) conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice;
(D) conduct that brings the judicial office into disrepute; or
(E) conduct in violation of the code of judicial conduct; or
(4) is habitually intemperate.
(b) After preliminary informal consideration of an allegation, the commission may exonerate the judge, informally and privately admonish the judge, or recommend counseling. Upon a finding of probable cause, the commission shall hold a formal hearing on the allegation. A hearing under this subsection is public. Proceedings and records pertaining to proceedings that occur before the commission holds a public hearing on an allegation are confidential, subject to the provisions of AS 22.30.060(b).
(c) A judge appearing before the commission at the hearing is entitled to counsel, may present evidence, and may cross-examine witnesses.
(d) The commission shall, after a hearing held under (b) of this section,
(1) exonerate the judge of the charges; or
(2) refer the matter to the supreme court with a recommendation that the judge be reprimanded, suspended, removed, or retired from office or publicly or privately censured by the supreme court.
(e) [Repealed, § 3 ch 135 SLA 1990.]
(f) [Repealed, § 3 ch 135 SLA 1990.]
(g) If the commission exonerates a judge, a copy of the proceedings and report of the commission may be made public on the request of the judge.
(h) If a judge has been publicly reprimanded, suspended, or publicly censured under this section and the judge has filed a declaration of candidacy for retention in office, the commission shall report to the judicial council for inclusion in the statement filed by the judicial council under AS 15.58.050 each public reprimand, suspension, or public censure received by the judge
(1) since appointment; or
(2) if the judge has been retained by election, since the last retention election of the judge.
(a) The commission shall on its own motion or on receipt of a written complaint inquire into an allegation that a judge
(1) has been convicted of a crime punishable as a felony under state or federal law or convicted of a crime that involves moral turpitude under state or federal law;
(2) suffers from a disability that seriously interferes with the performance of judicial duties and that is or may become permanent;
(3) within a period of not more than six years before the filing of the complaint or before the beginning of the commission's inquiry based on its own motion, committed an act or acts that constitute
(A) wilful misconduct in office;
(B) wilful and persistent failure to perform judicial duties;
(C) conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice;
(D) conduct that brings the judicial office into disrepute; or
(E) conduct in violation of the code of judicial conduct; or
(4) is habitually intemperate.
(b) After preliminary informal consideration of an allegation, the commission may exonerate the judge, informally and privately admonish the judge, or recommend counseling. Upon a finding of probable cause, the commission shall hold a formal hearing on the allegation. A hearing under this subsection is public. Proceedings and records pertaining to proceedings that occur before the commission holds a public hearing on an allegation are confidential, subject to the provisions of AS 22.30.060(b).
(c) A judge appearing before the commission at the hearing is entitled to counsel, may present evidence, and may cross-examine witnesses.
(d) The commission shall, after a hearing held under (b) of this section,
(1) exonerate the judge of the charges; or
(2) refer the matter to the supreme court with a recommendation that the judge be reprimanded, suspended, removed, or retired from office or publicly or privately censured by the supreme court.
(e) [Repealed, § 3 ch 135 SLA 1990.]
(f) [Repealed, § 3 ch 135 SLA 1990.]
(g) If the commission exonerates a judge, a copy of the proceedings and report of the commission may be made public on the request of the judge.
(h) If a judge has been publicly reprimanded, suspended, or publicly censured under this section and the judge has filed a declaration of candidacy for retention in office, the commission shall report to the judicial council for inclusion in the statement filed by the judicial council under AS 15.58.050 each public reprimand, suspension, or public censure received by the judge
(1) since appointment; or
(2) if the judge has been retained by election, since the last retention election of the judge.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 17
cases (1 in the last 5 years), 1988–2024 · leading case: In Re Cummings, 211 P.3d 1136 (Alaska 2009).
In Re Cummings, 211 P.3d 1136 (Alaska 2009). “to distribute similar notes to both parties created an appearance of impropriety, in violation of AS 22.30.011(a)B8)(A), (C), (D), and (E), and Canons 1, 2(A) and (B), 8(B)(2)(a) and (b), and 3(E) of the Alaska Code of Judicial Conduct.”
State v. Jeffery, 170 P.3d 226 (Alaska 2007). “The statement shall reflect the evaluation of each justice or judge conducted by the judicial council according to law and shall contain a brief statement describing each public reprimand, public censure, or suspension received by the judge under AS 22.30.011(d) during the…”
Alaska Right to Life Political Action Comm. v. Feldman, 504 F.3d 840 (9th Cir. 2007). “” Only the Alaska Supreme Court may impose sanctions against judges for violations of the Code, see Alaska Stat. §§ 22.30.011 (d)(l)(2), 22.30.”
Inquiry Concerning a Judge, 822 P.2d 1333 (Alaska 1991). “The Judicial Conduct Commission filed a formal complaint against petitioner, after an initial investigation, pursuant to AS 22.30.011(a) and Rule 9C(4) of the Commission rules.”
In Re Inquiry Concerning a Judge, 788 P.2d 716 (Alaska 1990). “It further concluded that Appellant’s conduct was prejudicial to the administration of justice and brought the judicial office into disrepute, in violation of AS 22.30.011(a)(3)(C) and (D). Additionally, it determined that Appellant violated Canons 1 and 2A of the Code of…”
In Re Inquiry Concerning a Judge, 762 P.2d 1292 (Alaska 1988). “However, the question before the court is not, as the Commission argues, whether the powers granted the Commission by AS 22.30.011 appeal to common sense. Instead, the question is whether the powers are constitutional.”
In the Disciplinary Matter Involving Dooley, 376 P.3d 1249 (Alaska 2016). “Dooley, a superior court judge in Nome 1 After an investigation and shortly before a formal Commission hearing, Judge Dooley stipulated that five different statements he had made while on the bench violated AS 22.30.011(2)(8)(C), (D), and (E) 2 and Canons 1, 2A, 3B(4), and 3B(5)…”
In Re the Proceeding Under AS 22.30.070(c) in Relation to Johnstone, 2 P.3d 1226 (Alaska 2000). “Judge Johnstone argues that the six-year limitation period of AS 22.30.011(a)(8) refers to "how far back the Commission can look in considering a judge's actions," but does not define the seope of the commission's jurisdiction.”
In Re Cummings, 292 P.3d 187 (Alaska 2013). “5 We have explained that the plain meaning of AS 22.30.011(a)(8) "authorizes the [Clommission to retain jurisdiction over a retired judge whose alleged misconduct occurs during a period of active judicial service and who remained an active judge when the [Clommission began its…”
In re Estelle, 336 P.3d 692 (Alaska 2014). “What Ethical Duty did Judge Estelle Violate? Judge Estelle admitted that he violated AS 22.30.011(a)@8)(C), (D), and (E), and Canons 1, 2A, 8C(1), and 3B(8) of the Alaska Code of Judicial Conduct,.”
In Re Curda, 49 P.3d 255 (Alaska 2002). “CURDA, Judge of the Superior Court, Fourth Judicial District, at Bethel, Alaska, Petitioner.”
In the Disciplinary Matter Involving Honorable Vanessa White, Superior Court Judge, 463 P.3d 169 (Alaska 2020). “2 AS 22.30.011(a) provides: The commission shall on its own motion or on receipt of a written complaint inquire into an allegation that a judge .”
— Alaska Stat. § 22.30.011(2)(8)(C) — 1 case
In the Disciplinary Matter Involving Dooley, 376 P.3d 1249 (Alaska 2016). “Dooley, a superior court judge in Nome 1 After an investigation and shortly before a formal Commission hearing, Judge Dooley stipulated that five different statements he had made while on the bench violated AS 22.30.011(2)(8)(C), (D), and (E) 2 and Canons 1, 2A, 3B(4), and 3B(5)…”
— Alaska Stat. § 22.30.011(a) — 7 cases
In Re Cummings, 211 P.3d 1136 (Alaska 2009). “to distribute similar notes to both parties created an appearance of impropriety, in violation of AS 22.30.011(a)B8)(A), (C), (D), and (E), and Canons 1, 2(A) and (B), 8(B)(2)(a) and (b), and 3(E) of the Alaska Code of Judicial Conduct.”
Inquiry Concerning a Judge, 822 P.2d 1333 (Alaska 1991). “The Judicial Conduct Commission filed a formal complaint against petitioner, after an initial investigation, pursuant to AS 22.30.011(a) and Rule 9C(4) of the Commission rules.”
In the Disciplinary Matter Involving Dooley, 376 P.3d 1249 (Alaska 2016). “Dooley, a superior court judge in Nome 1 After an investigation and shortly before a formal Commission hearing, Judge Dooley stipulated that five different statements he had made while on the bench violated AS 22.30.011(2)(8)(C), (D), and (E) 2 and Canons 1, 2A, 3B(4), and 3B(5)…”
In the Disciplinary Matter Involving Honorable Vanessa White, Superior Court Judge, 463 P.3d 169 (Alaska 2020). “2 AS 22.30.011(a) provides: The commission shall on its own motion or on receipt of a written complaint inquire into an allegation that a judge .”
In re Estelle, 336 P.3d 692 (Alaska 2014). “What Ethical Duty did Judge Estelle Violate? Judge Estelle admitted that he violated AS 22.30.011(a)@8)(C), (D), and (E), and Canons 1, 2A, 8C(1), and 3B(8) of the Alaska Code of Judicial Conduct,.”
— Alaska Stat. § 22.30.011(a)(2) — 1 case
In re Greene, 435 P.3d 915 (Alaska 2019).
— Alaska Stat. § 22.30.011(a)(3)(C) — 2 cases
In Re Inquiry Concerning a Judge, 788 P.2d 716 (Alaska 1990). “It further concluded that Appellant’s conduct was prejudicial to the administration of justice and brought the judicial office into disrepute, in violation of AS 22.30.011(a)(3)(C) and (D). Additionally, it determined that Appellant violated Canons 1 and 2A of the Code of…”
In Re Inquiry Concerning a Judge, 762 P.2d 1292 (Alaska 1988). “However, the question before the court is not, as the Commission argues, whether the powers granted the Commission by AS 22.30.011 appeal to common sense. Instead, the question is whether the powers are constitutional.”
— Alaska Stat. § 22.30.011(a)(3)(D) — 1 case
Inquiry Concerning a Judge, 822 P.2d 1333 (Alaska 1991). “The Judicial Conduct Commission filed a formal complaint against petitioner, after an initial investigation, pursuant to AS 22.30.011(a) and Rule 9C(4) of the Commission rules.”
— Alaska Stat. § 22.30.011(a)(3)(E) — 2 cases
In Re Inquiry Concerning a Judge, 788 P.2d 716 (Alaska 1990). “It further concluded that Appellant’s conduct was prejudicial to the administration of justice and brought the judicial office into disrepute, in violation of AS 22.30.011(a)(3)(C) and (D). Additionally, it determined that Appellant violated Canons 1 and 2A of the Code of…”
In Re Inquiry Concerning a Judge, 762 P.2d 1292 (Alaska 1988). “However, the question before the court is not, as the Commission argues, whether the powers granted the Commission by AS 22.30.011 appeal to common sense. Instead, the question is whether the powers are constitutional.”
— Alaska Stat. § 22.30.011(a)(8) — 3 cases
In Re the Proceeding Under AS 22.30.070(c) in Relation to Johnstone, 2 P.3d 1226 (Alaska 2000). “Judge Johnstone argues that the six-year limitation period of AS 22.30.011(a)(8) refers to "how far back the Commission can look in considering a judge's actions," but does not define the seope of the commission's jurisdiction.”
In Re Cummings, 292 P.3d 187 (Alaska 2013). “5 We have explained that the plain meaning of AS 22.30.011(a)(8) "authorizes the [Clommission to retain jurisdiction over a retired judge whose alleged misconduct occurs during a period of active judicial service and who remained an active judge when the [Clommission began its…”
In Re Landry, 157 P.3d 1049 (Alaska 2007).
— Alaska Stat. § 22.30.011(a)(8)(A) — 2 cases
In Re Cummings, 211 P.3d 1136 (Alaska 2009). “to distribute similar notes to both parties created an appearance of impropriety, in violation of AS 22.30.011(a)B8)(A), (C), (D), and (E), and Canons 1, 2(A) and (B), 8(B)(2)(a) and (b), and 3(E) of the Alaska Code of Judicial Conduct.”
In Re Landry, 157 P.3d 1049 (Alaska 2007).
— Alaska Stat. § 22.30.011(a)(8)(C) — 1 case
In the Disciplinary Matter Involving Dooley, 376 P.3d 1249 (Alaska 2016). “Dooley, a superior court judge in Nome 1 After an investigation and shortly before a formal Commission hearing, Judge Dooley stipulated that five different statements he had made while on the bench violated AS 22.30.011(2)(8)(C), (D), and (E) 2 and Canons 1, 2A, 3B(4), and 3B(5)…”
— Alaska Stat. § 22.30.011(a2)(8)(A) — 1 case
In Re Cummings, 211 P.3d 1136 (Alaska 2009). “to distribute similar notes to both parties created an appearance of impropriety, in violation of AS 22.30.011(a)B8)(A), (C), (D), and (E), and Canons 1, 2(A) and (B), 8(B)(2)(a) and (b), and 3(E) of the Alaska Code of Judicial Conduct.”
— Alaska Stat. § 22.30.011(b) — 5 cases
In Re Curda, 49 P.3d 255 (Alaska 2002). “CURDA, Judge of the Superior Court, Fourth Judicial District, at Bethel, Alaska, Petitioner.”
In Re Cummings, 211 P.3d 1136 (Alaska 2009). “to distribute similar notes to both parties created an appearance of impropriety, in violation of AS 22.30.011(a)B8)(A), (C), (D), and (E), and Canons 1, 2(A) and (B), 8(B)(2)(a) and (b), and 3(E) of the Alaska Code of Judicial Conduct.”
In Re Cummings, 292 P.3d 187 (Alaska 2013). “5 We have explained that the plain meaning of AS 22.30.011(a)(8) "authorizes the [Clommission to retain jurisdiction over a retired judge whose alleged misconduct occurs during a period of active judicial service and who remained an active judge when the [Clommission began its…”
In re Estelle, 336 P.3d 692 (Alaska 2014). “What Ethical Duty did Judge Estelle Violate? Judge Estelle admitted that he violated AS 22.30.011(a)@8)(C), (D), and (E), and Canons 1, 2A, 8C(1), and 3B(8) of the Alaska Code of Judicial Conduct,.”
In Re the Disciplinary Matter Involving a Dist. Court Judge, 392 P.3d 480 (Alaska 2017).
— Alaska Stat. § 22.30.011(c)(2) — 1 case
In Re the Proceeding Under AS 22.30.070(c) in Relation to Johnstone, 2 P.3d 1226 (Alaska 2000). “Judge Johnstone argues that the six-year limitation period of AS 22.30.011(a)(8) refers to "how far back the Commission can look in considering a judge's actions," but does not define the seope of the commission's jurisdiction.”
— Alaska Stat. § 22.30.011(d) — 5 cases
State v. Jeffery, 170 P.3d 226 (Alaska 2007). “The statement shall reflect the evaluation of each justice or judge conducted by the judicial council according to law and shall contain a brief statement describing each public reprimand, public censure, or suspension received by the judge under AS 22.30.011(d) during the…”
In Re Cummings, 211 P.3d 1136 (Alaska 2009). “to distribute similar notes to both parties created an appearance of impropriety, in violation of AS 22.30.011(a)B8)(A), (C), (D), and (E), and Canons 1, 2(A) and (B), 8(B)(2)(a) and (b), and 3(E) of the Alaska Code of Judicial Conduct.”
Inquiry Concerning a Judge, 822 P.2d 1333 (Alaska 1991). “The Judicial Conduct Commission filed a formal complaint against petitioner, after an initial investigation, pursuant to AS 22.30.011(a) and Rule 9C(4) of the Commission rules.”
In Re Inquiry Concerning a Judge, 762 P.2d 1292 (Alaska 1988). “However, the question before the court is not, as the Commission argues, whether the powers granted the Commission by AS 22.30.011 appeal to common sense. Instead, the question is whether the powers are constitutional.”
In Re Cummings, 292 P.3d 187 (Alaska 2013). “5 We have explained that the plain meaning of AS 22.30.011(a)(8) "authorizes the [Clommission to retain jurisdiction over a retired judge whose alleged misconduct occurs during a period of active judicial service and who remained an active judge when the [Clommission began its…”
— Alaska Stat. § 22.30.011(d)(2) — 6 cases
In Re Cummings, 211 P.3d 1136 (Alaska 2009). “to distribute similar notes to both parties created an appearance of impropriety, in violation of AS 22.30.011(a)B8)(A), (C), (D), and (E), and Canons 1, 2(A) and (B), 8(B)(2)(a) and (b), and 3(E) of the Alaska Code of Judicial Conduct.”
Inquiry Concerning a Judge, 822 P.2d 1333 (Alaska 1991). “The Judicial Conduct Commission filed a formal complaint against petitioner, after an initial investigation, pursuant to AS 22.30.011(a) and Rule 9C(4) of the Commission rules.”
In the Disciplinary Matter Involving Dooley, 376 P.3d 1249 (Alaska 2016). “Dooley, a superior court judge in Nome 1 After an investigation and shortly before a formal Commission hearing, Judge Dooley stipulated that five different statements he had made while on the bench violated AS 22.30.011(2)(8)(C), (D), and (E) 2 and Canons 1, 2A, 3B(4), and 3B(5)…”
In Re Inquiry Concerning a Judge, 762 P.2d 1292 (Alaska 1988). “However, the question before the court is not, as the Commission argues, whether the powers granted the Commission by AS 22.30.011 appeal to common sense. Instead, the question is whether the powers are constitutional.”
In re Estelle, 336 P.3d 692 (Alaska 2014). “What Ethical Duty did Judge Estelle Violate? Judge Estelle admitted that he violated AS 22.30.011(a)@8)(C), (D), and (E), and Canons 1, 2A, 8C(1), and 3B(8) of the Alaska Code of Judicial Conduct,.”
— Alaska Stat. § 22.30.011(d)(3) — 3 cases
In Re Inquiry Concerning a Judge, 762 P.2d 1292 (Alaska 1988). “However, the question before the court is not, as the Commission argues, whether the powers granted the Commission by AS 22.30.011 appeal to common sense. Instead, the question is whether the powers are constitutional.”
In Re Inquiry Concerning a Judge, 788 P.2d 716 (Alaska 1990). “It further concluded that Appellant’s conduct was prejudicial to the administration of justice and brought the judicial office into disrepute, in violation of AS 22.30.011(a)(3)(C) and (D). Additionally, it determined that Appellant violated Canons 1 and 2A of the Code of…”
Inquiry Concerning a Judge, 822 P.2d 1333 (Alaska 1991). “The Judicial Conduct Commission filed a formal complaint against petitioner, after an initial investigation, pursuant to AS 22.30.011(a) and Rule 9C(4) of the Commission rules.”
— Alaska Stat. § 22.30.011(h) — 1 case
State v. Jeffery, 170 P.3d 226 (Alaska 2007). “The statement shall reflect the evaluation of each justice or judge conducted by the judicial council according to law and shall contain a brief statement describing each public reprimand, public censure, or suspension received by the judge under AS 22.30.011(d) during the…”
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