Fritz Pettyjohn: How do you explain Judge Zeman?

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Judge Adolf Zeman

By FRITZ PETTYJOHN

How do you explain a judge like Superior Court Judge Adolf Zeman? How can he justify a decision to overturn the elected representatives of the people, and outlaw a correspondence program relied on my tens of thousands of Alaska parents?  He claims to be following the Constitution, but that’s nonsense. The delegates to the constitutional convention left a clear record of their intentions, which he chose to ignore.  

Behind his black robe disguise Zeman is just another politician. He has his ideas about public policy, but instead of running for office he just issues orders.  

His power grab is on appeal, and the Alaska Supreme Court will have the final say. If the people of Alaska vote to remove Zeman from office, they will send a powerful message to the court.  

Interpreting the Constitution is the court’s job, but it needs to be deferential to the will of the people. Unless there is a clear violation of the constitution, it needs to show restraint, and allow the political process to function.

Otherwise, we don’t live in a constitutional republic, we are subjects in a judicial tyranny.

Vote no on the retention of Adolf Zeman.  If he wants to decide public policy let him run for office.

Fritz Pettyjohn’s first venture in politics was working for Goldwater for President in 1964. He served in the Alaska Legislature in the 1980s and writes the blog ReaganProject.com.

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17 COMMENTS

    • All you left-wing types HATE it when the law is followed, you just go on your “Feelings” or I am offended or it makes it harder for me!

      Put on your big-boy pants and act like an adult, not a spoiled child!

      Working for goldwater sez it all!

  3. I would not be surprised to learn that this judge and most others on the Alaska bench pray before an idol of Jay Rabinowitz at least weekly. Many lawyers in Alaska, and this is where all the judges are spawned, treat Justice Rabinowitz as a deity with an expansive and growing view of individuals rights independently arising under the Alaska Constitution. This perspective consumes all checks and balances and ignores individual responsibilities. Lawyers and judges with power and influence support those that have similar views and the “independence” of the judiciary grows. The ONLY way citizens can express their disapproval is by voting on the retention of judges. If judges don’t like the increasing percentage of “no” votes, I would urge some serious self-reflection.

  4. Not all judges believe that Rabinowitz should be idolized. He was jealous and resented the many lawyers who made more money than he did. Many of his decisions were to show that he was more powerful and in some cases were simply bad law. He never was a practicing lawyer having always served as a public employee with the Dept of law and as a judge. He never had to explain to a client what their rights were or to explain to a client why they lost a case. He considered himself better than all other judges and lawyers. The court system had been better off without him.

  6. Got my vote in today, in person, after waiting outside in the snow. The wait was over 20 minutes to get inside the Campbell polling place. Voted NO on the judge, only because there wasn’t a HELL NO!!! Option. Wrote in n own name for my AK state House District choice, because mother options were a Democrat or a Democrat Stooge in nonpartisan drag

  8. MRA failed reading comprehension, and fails to understand that the Alaska Constitution is clear.

    Section 1. Public Education

    The legislature shall by general law establish and maintain a system of public schools open to all children of the State, and may provide for other public educational institutions. Schools and institutions so established shall be free from sectarian control. No money shall be paid from public funds for the direct benefit of any religious or other private educational institution.

    Even Dunleavy understood it back when he was a senator, he then found an end run around it by using a 3rd party as a pass through to direct the funds to pay for private school tuition.

    Today’s GOP we will do whatever the hell we want, and whine and cry about in the press when challenged on it.

  12. The US Constitution and other founding documents are written in clear, plain English. They do not need to be interpreted. The US Constitution needs to be defended and secured. That’s it.

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