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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2001

Based on the premise that Alaska Natives from rural villages cannot get a fair trial in urban areas, the Alaska Court of Appeals has overturned the conviction of a rural man.

In 1971, the Alaska Supreme Court had ruled on the rural-urban issue, thus creating 25 separate districts. The Court of Appeals has clarified that to mean a Native offender has to be tried closest to his or her village and not in the nearest district that happens to have a sitting judge.

Get the Story:
Court ruling may increase rural trials (AP 11/18)