State of Alaska, Petitioner v. Jimmy Jack Korkow, Respondent

Summary

The Alaska Supreme Court held that sentencing courts are not subject to a legal presumption favoring the Parole Board when restricting discretionary-parole eligibility beyond the statutory minimum. Such courts must consider all relevant statutory sentencing factors and articulate reasons supported by substantial evidence. The court concluded that Korkow's 50-year parole restriction was within the permissible range and was not clearly mistaken.