ACLU supporter –

In light of health and safety measures taken by the Alaska Court System in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the April 15 oral argument in the ACLU of Alaska's lawsuit against Governor Michael J. Dunleavy has been vacated. Superior Court Judge Jennifer Henderson is expected to rule without holding any further hearings.

"Ordinarily, we would prefer the courts hold argument as scheduled. However, these are not ordinary times. We recognize that the limitations placed on our legal system have been implemented in the interest of public health, and we're also aware that such measures burden the Courts," ACLU of Alaska Legal Director Stephen Koteff said.

On March 24, Judge Henderson issued an order to both parties requesting their respective positions on upcoming arguments in the court system veto case.

In the ACLU of Alaska's March 31 response, Koteff expressed the importance of resolving the litigation quickly, since we have asked the court to order a return of the vetoed funds to the court system before the end of the state's fiscal year on June 30.

"Waiting too long would weaken or completely undermine the effectiveness of this remedy, and at this point, no one can be certain when conditions that would allow argument to be held will return," he wrote.

Read more about the court system veto case.

Thanks for sticking with us,

ACLU of Alaska