Alaska Attorney General Joins Judicial Records Lawsuit
Acting AG Cori Mills filed an amicus brief supporting a challenge against the state’s judicial screening body.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Law
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Acting Alaska Attorney General Cori Mills has filed an amicus brief in support of a lawsuit against the Alaska Judicial Council. The legal action stems from the council’s failure to fulfill a public records request regarding judicial selection practices.
Why it matters
The case centers on whether the Alaska Judicial Council, which screens judicial applicants, must comply with the Alaska Public Records Act. Attorney General Mills argues the transparency law applies to the council, while the body claims it is exempt due to its constitutional status.
The Alaska Judicial Council failed to provide a substantive response to a records request for 89 days, prompting a lawsuit in the Anchorage Superior Court.
The players
Cori Mills
Cori Mills is the Acting Attorney General for the State of Alaska.
Alaska Judicial Council
This constitutional body is responsible for screening applicants for judicial vacancies in Alaska.
American First Legal
This is a non-profit legal organization that initiates litigation regarding public policy and government transparency.
The details
American First Legal initiated the lawsuit on September 2, 2026, after the council allegedly withheld information on the use of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the vetting of judicial applicants. The Alaska Judicial Council evaluates all potential judges before their names can be submitted to the governor for appointment.
Timeline
September 2, 2026: American First Legal sued the Alaska Judicial Council.
October 20, 2026: Acting Attorney General Cori Mills filed an amicus brief.
Political Context
Opponents of the transparency push argue that the Alaska Judicial Council maintains its independence through a specific constitutional status. This resistance reflects a broader debate regarding whether oversight bodies should be held to the same record-keeping standards as executive departments.
The outcome of this case could determine the level of public transparency regarding how judges are selected in the state. Residents may see changes in the accessibility of documents related to the judicial vetting process if the court rules in favor of disclosure.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing tension between constitutional independence and public transparency requirements for state agencies. Observers should monitor the Anchorage Superior Court proceedings for a precedent-setting ruling on administrative record disclosures.
Further reading
For more information on state statutes, visit the Alaska Law section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Must Read Alaska.
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