What is Employment Law in Alaska?
Map courtesy of Geology.com except where noted.
Alaska is the last of the 50 states, having joined the Union in 1959. Alaska's state nickname is "the Last Frontier". The region was obtained by the U.S. from Russia in the year 1867, in what is known as the "Alaska Purchase".
Today, Alaska retains much of its original character of "the great outdoors". Many of the state's laws and court cases deal with legal issues that aren't found anywhere else in the United States. For example, in Frank v. Alaska (1979), the Alaska Supreme Court protected the interests of groups that were hunting for religious reasons. Another case, Alaska v. Arctic Maid (1961), dealt with the commercial transport of salmon. Thus, a large portion of Alaskan laws involve the protection of the abundant natural resources in the area.
Unlike most other states, the Alaska Supreme Court does not meet in only one location. Most state Supreme Court cases are heard every month in Anchorage. However, on occasion the Supreme Court meets in other places like Juneau, Fairbanks, and other Alaskan communities. This unique feature of the Alaska Supreme Court allows legal issues to be tried in various places. This can be very helpful, since Alaska has the largest geographic area of all the 50 states.
Lawyers in Alaska provide assistance in all kinds of legal fields. Most Alaska lawyers file claims in the state's trial courts, advancing through the appeal system as needed. Attorneys are available in Alaska to help the community with their legal needs.
Find a Employment Attorneys and Law Firms in the Largest AK Cities
At-Will and Contract Employment
Most job relationships in Alaska are on the basis of "at will" employment, but in other cases there may be an employment contract with a set term. "At will" employment implies that either the employee or the employer may end the relationship at any point, so long as the reason for the termination is not illegal. In instances involving an employment contract, Alaska employment law will be used to determine the validity of the clauses contained in the agreement.
The Law of Discrimination in Alaska
Alaska laws prohibiting discrimination generally apply at any stage of the employment process, including hiring, promotions and terminations. The laws of Alaska create various categories against which employers may not discriminate. These may include religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, and race. Discrimination in the workplace can often be difficult to determine. Alaska has many lawyers specializing in workplace discrimination who can be of assistance.
