Alaska Public Defender Agency v. Superior Court

Judge MANNHEIMER.

This case arises out of juvenile delinquency proceedings against J.B., a minor who lives in the village of Marshall. J.B.'s family is indigent, and J.B. is represented by the Public Defender Agency.

J.B. has invoked his right to trial and, under the venue rules, J.B.'s trial is to be held in Bethel. But J.B.'s family has no funds to transport him to Bethel. Moreover, because of J.B.'s youth, his parents take the position that one of them must accompany J.B. to Bethel.

*1222 The superior court has ordered the Public Defender Agency to pay for this travel expense. Quoting the language…