Archer v. Eidelson

Alaska Supreme Court
Archer v. Eidelson, 616 P.2d 17 (Alaska 1980)
1980 Alas. LEXIS 608
Connor

Archer v. Eidelson

Opinion of the Court

OPINION

PER CURIAM.

Gary Archer has brought this petition for review from Judge Victor D. Carlson’s denial of a notice of change of judge (peremptory challenge) which was filed against Judge James K. Singleton.

The case was initially assigned to Judge Singleton for motion purposes only. Then, on January 28, 1980, the matter was assigned to Judge Singleton for all purposes including trial. One day later, Archer filed a notice of change of judge. Subsequently, then acting presiding Judge Victor D. Carlson of the Superior Court, Third Judicial District, denied the notice of change of judge on the ground that “the parties have participated in proceedings before the Honorable James. K. Singleton concerning the merits of the action.”1

Archer does not contest that matters involving the merits were heard by Judge Singleton. Rather, he takes the position that this fact alone does not constitute a knowing waiver of his right to challenge Judge Singleton because at the time these proceedings were held he had not been advised that the trial of the case was assigned to Judge Singleton. In Tunley v. Municipality of Anchorage School District, - P.2d -, at -, Op. No. 2160 at 12 (Alaska, Sept. 12, 1980), we held that a waiver under Alaska Civil Rule 42(c)(4)(i) can be found “only where the requisite participation occurs after the party is informed that the judge before whom he or she is appearing is the judge permanently assigned to hear the case or is assign'-d for trial.”

On the basis of Tunley, the superior court’s denial of Archer’s notice of change of judge is Reversed.

CONNOR, J., not participating.

. Alaska R.Civ.P. 42(c)(4)(i) provides:

(4) Waiver. A party waives his right to change a particular judge as a matter of right when he knowingly participates before that judge in:
(i) Any judicial proceeding which concerns the merits of the action and involves the consideration of evidence or of affidavits;

Reference

Full Case Name
Gary ARCHER v. Stewart EIDELSON, Ernest Webb, Teamsters Union Local No. 959
Status
Published