We have had 25 Alaska Supreme Court justices; only three have been female. We have had 26 state attorneys general; only two of them have been female.Pointing this out is not meant to denigrate the scores of dedicated male judges across the state who strive hard for fairness every single day. They deserve our support and gratitude. However, it would be preposterous to think that the longstanding and significant underrepresentation of women in these positions has not, in some way or another, whether consciously or subconsciously, affected Alaska law, probably for the — much — worse.
Representation matters. When it comes to the hardest and most closely contested issues, representation matters. When it comes to deciding which cases to investigate and prosecute, representation matters. When it comes to “credibility determinations,” like deciding whether to believe victims or their abusers, representation matters.
Whether it be gender discrimination in the workplace, domestic violence, children-in-need-of-aid cases or important questions about fundamental rights, representation matters. It matters whether at least some of the judges who are entrusted with interpreting the law have context — real, lived context — into how half the population actually lives. It also matters for our attorneys general, who can exert tremendous influence on how our state breathes life into its laws — or fails to.
There is a coming vacancy on the Alaska Supreme Court. It should be filled with a woman. Honestly, it should probably be filled with a woman for the next 22 vacancies. At least. Meanwhile, we are in the midst of a baffling series of transitions at the attorney general’s office. These have arisen due to disturbing incidences of misogyny by men. Perhaps next time, the governor ought to consider a woman for this position, too.
Some disgruntled commenter will inevitably accuse me of playing “identity politics,” or falling victim to my guilt as a white male, or perpetuating some sort of “cancel culture.” Yawn. Go away.
I am not writing this for the disgruntled commenter. Instead, I am writing this because I hope to have a daughter one day. And I cannot think of a better place to raise a daughter than this state. But I want her to grow up in an Alaska where she can do anything and be anything, including a Supreme Court justice or attorney general. As importantly, I want her to know — to truly know — that the systems that these people preside over have her squarely in mind, and that they are there to protect and promote her interests, not prey on her.
— Nick Feronti
Anchorage
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