In the United States, courts are generally divided into Federal and State categories. Federal law refers to the laws that govern the United States, whereas State Law is specific to each State and the State Legislature that enacted the law through legislation.
Alaska is no different. Residents of the State are governed by two separate and distinct legal structures. Process servers frequently serve process related to state-based civil actions, while law enforcement authorities typically facilitate the service of criminal summons and complaints.
The same applies to service of process within Federal jurisdictions. Many times, in Alaska, litigation participants will instantiate litigation through the federal courts by service of process through the United States Marshal. Filers use this power tactic to portray judicial dominance: the idea that the civil process can be facilitated by a sworn federal law enforcement officer offers the parties credibility.
Comparably, in matters surrounding State law or administrative code, the Alaska State Troopers do not facilitate process. In other words, sheriff departments facilitate the civil process for a fee in jurisdictions such as those in many of Alaska’s more southern peers. This presents a unique opportunity for process servers in Alaska.