Juneau’s Dimond Courthouse and the Capitol building are seen in the afternoon light on Jan. 18, 2024. (Photo courtesy Claire Stremple/Alaska Beacon)
Juneau’s Dimond Courthouse and the Capitol building are seen in the afternoon light on Jan. 18, 2024. (Photo courtesy Claire Stremple/Alaska Beacon)


Alaska’s courts have had a backlog of cases since courts shut down for months during the COVID-19 pandemic. The backlog has persisted, in part because of attorney shortages.

The court typically carries many pending cases, but the number of pending cases is currently 27% higher for felonies and about 13% higher for misdemeanors…