Alaska’s Supreme Court has elected Justice Susan M. Carney as its new chief justice, marking a significant leadership transition. Her appointment will take effect on January 10, 2025, just days before the current Chief Justice, Peter Maassen, retires.
The election of Carney to this prestigious position is an important milestone, as she becomes the second woman to hold the title of chief justice in Alaska’s history. Her selection comes at a time of change, with the state’s judiciary poised for a historic shift in its composition.
A New Chapter for Alaska’s Judiciary
As of January 2025, Justice Susan M. Carney will assume the role of administrative head of Alaska’s judicial system. The chief justice has a wide array of responsibilities, including presiding over the Supreme Court hearings and appointing the presiding judges who oversee the state’s lower courts. One of the chief justice’s most visible duties is delivering the annual State of the Judiciary address to the Alaska Legislature.
In addition to this, Carney will chair the Alaska Judicial Council, which plays a key role in nominating judges for appointment by the governor. This leadership position carries great weight, as the chief justice not only manages the judicial branch’s internal operations but also represents the court in its relationship with the legislative and executive branches.
Carney’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the state, as Chief Justice Maassen’s retirement opens the door for fresh perspectives within the Alaska Supreme Court. Her upcoming term will mark the beginning of a new era for the court, with changes that could impact everything from judicial appointments to the way the court handles major legal cases.
Carney’s Impact on Alaska’s Legal Landscape
Justice Carney’s career has been defined by a commitment to fairness, integrity, and public service. Appointed to the Alaska Supreme Court in May 2016 by then-Gov. Bill Walker, Carney has already had a significant impact on the state’s legal landscape.
She has written the majority opinion in a number of high-profile cases. Notably, Carney was part of the court that struck down a state law which restricted abortion access by defining medically necessary abortions. She also penned the opinion that determined the Permanent Fund dividend must be subject to the state’s annual budget process.
Her tenure on the Supreme Court has been marked by her clear, authoritative voice on some of the state’s most contentious legal issues. As chief justice, she is likely to continue advocating for an independent judiciary and addressing the state’s most pressing legal challenges.
A Storied Career in Public Service
Before joining the Supreme Court, Carney’s career was grounded in public service. A native of Worcester, Massachusetts, Carney moved to Alaska in 1987 to serve as a law clerk for Justice Jay Rabinowitz. Her work in the state’s legal system expanded over the years, particularly in public defense, where she served as an assistant public defender in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and several rural Interior villages.
Carney’s career trajectory eventually led her to the Office of Public Advocacy, where she handled criminal defense cases, worked on child protection issues, and advocated for guardianship reforms. Her deep understanding of the challenges facing Alaska’s citizens, particularly in rural areas, has informed her approach to law and her judgments on the Supreme Court.
Beyond her legal career, Carney is known for her community involvement in Fairbanks, where she has lived for decades. She has been active in youth sports, both as a player and coach, and has volunteered at local schools. Her longstanding commitment to public service, particularly in advocating for fairness and diversity, has earned her respect throughout the state.
Historic Shifts in Alaska’s Supreme Court
Justice Carney’s appointment comes just as Alaska’s Supreme Court is about to experience a historic shift in its composition. With Maassen’s upcoming retirement, Governor Mike Dunleavy will appoint a new justice from a shortlist of three nominees: Kate Demarest, Josie Garton, and Aimee Oravec.
The new appointee will join the bench at a critical time. Once the new justice takes their seat, it will mark the first time in Alaska’s history that the majority of the state’s Supreme Court justices are women. This milestone reflects broader trends toward gender equality in the legal profession and could influence the court’s approach to cases in the future.
As Carney prepares to assume the role of chief justice, she is stepping into a leadership position that will require navigating new challenges and opportunities. Her experience, both as a judge and a community advocate, will likely guide her as she manages the court’s administrative duties while also shaping its direction on important legal matters.
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