(a) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, when a claim for relief does not exceed $10,000, exclusive of costs, interest, and attorney fees, and request is so made, the district judge or magistrate shall hear the action as a small claim unless important or unusual points of law are involved or the state is a defendant. The Department of Labor and Workforce Development may bring an action as a small claim under this subsection for the payment of wages under AS 23.05.220 in an amount not to exceed $20,000, exclusive of costs, interest, and attorney fees. The supreme court shall prescribe the procedural rules and standard forms to assure simplicity and the expeditious handling of small claims.
(b) All potential small claim litigants shall be informed if mediation, conciliation, and arbitration services are available as an alternative to litigation.
Structure Alaska Statutes
Chapter 15. District Courts and Magistrates
Sec. 22.15.010. Establishment of the district court of the State of Alaska.
Sec. 22.15.020. Number of district judges and magistrates.
Sec. 22.15.030. Civil jurisdiction.
Sec. 22.15.050. Actions not within civil jurisdiction.
Sec. 22.15.060. Criminal jurisdiction.
Sec. 22.15.070. Extent of jurisdiction.
Sec. 22.15.080. Change of venue.
Sec. 22.15.090. Sessions and general powers of district court.
Sec. 22.15.100. Functions and powers of district judge and magistrate.
Sec. 22.15.110. Additional duties of district judge and magistrate.
Sec. 22.15.120. Limitations on proceedings which magistrate may hear.
Sec. 22.15.160. Qualifications of district judges and magistrates.
Sec. 22.15.170. Selection of district judges and magistrates.
Sec. 22.15.180. Oath of office.
Sec. 22.15.190. Assignment of district judges and magistrates.
Sec. 22.15.195. Approval or rejection.
Sec. 22.15.230. Additional compensation.
Sec. 22.15.250. Disposition of fines.
Sec. 22.15.270. Retention of fines, etc., by political subdivisions.