A publication of the Justice Center	Alaska Justice Statistical Analysis Center

"Alaska Supreme Court Report: Fairness and Access Problems and Recommendations"

The final report of the Alaska Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Fairness and Access examined concerns involving racial and ethnic biases and the operation of the Alaska Court System. This report summarizes results and recommendations of the published study, which was prepared by the Alaska Judicial Council. The committee received few complaints of intentional racial or cultural bias by the court system, but learned about areas of unintentional bias, cultural misunderstandings, inadequate services, and lack of accessibility. Many of the committee's findings have relevance to justice system agencies beyond the court system.

"Minorities Referred at Higher Rates: Analysis of DFYS Data"
by N.E. Schafer and Richard Curtis

In a study of 28,618 referrals to the Alaska juvenile justice system, the Justice Center found considerable disparity between white and minority youth in the rate at which they were referred, the frequency of their referrals, and the types of offenses which brought them to the attention of juvenile justice personnel. This report analyzes referrals from 1992 to 1995 of youth aged 10 to 17 years old who were categorized in one of three racial groups -- white, Alaska Native, and African-American.