Dennis Cummings
Dennis P. Cummings was a district court judge for the Fourth Judicial District in Bethel, Alaska.[1] Cummings was appointed on November 30, 2005 by Governor Frank Murkowski.[2] He retired in April 2012 amid a judicial conduct investigation.[3]
Education
Judge Cummings graduated from the University of Alaska, Anchorage in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts in History/Pol-Sci. In 1980 he graduated from the University of Gonzaga with a J.D.[4]
Career
- 2005-2012: Judge, Fourth Judicial District
- 2001-2005: Acting District Attorney, Anchorage, AK
- 1999-2001: Criminal defense, Gorton and Asso
- 1991-1999: Self employed at his own firm
- 1982-1990: Criminal prosecution, Municipality of Anchorage, Department of Law
- 1980-1982: Law clerk and attorney, Wayne Ross and Asso
- 1978-1980: Legal intern, Spokane Co Prosecutors[4]
Ex parte communications
Recommendation for removal
March 16, 2012 A discipline hearing for Judge Dennis Cummings was conducted on March 16, 2012. The Alaska Commission on Judicial Conduct determined that Cummings initiated an improper conversation which appeared to aid the prosecution. The commission recommended the removal of Cummings for improper conduct.[5]
January 18, 2013 Despite Judge Cummings already being retired, the Alaska Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Alaska Commission on Judicial Conduct, removing the Bethel District Court judge for improper conduct. This ruling will prevent Cummings from being appointed again for at least the next three years.[6]
See also
- News: District court judge accused of ethics violation for second time, December 16, 2011
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Alaska Court System: District Court judges
- ↑ Current Alaska Judges
- ↑ KYUK, "Bethel judge retires while being investigated," January 10, 2012
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Dennis Cummings 2005 Judicial Application
- ↑ Alaska Commission on Judicial Conduct, "Recommendation for removal of Dennis Cummings," April 3, 2012
- ↑ The Associated Press, "Alaska Supreme Court removes retired Bethel judge from the bench," January 18, 2013
Federal courts:
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals • U.S. District Court: District of Alaska • U.S. Bankruptcy Court: District of Alaska
State courts:
Alaska Supreme Court • Alaska Court of Appeals • Alaska Superior Court • Alaska District Court
State resources:
Courts in Alaska • Alaska judicial elections • Judicial selection in Alaska
