Justice in Action: Alaskan’s Constitutional Rights Case Moves Forward
Contributed by Dustin Thomas House Darden
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." - Martin Luther King Jr.
In a testament to America's enduring commitment to constitutional principles and citizen access to justice, a significant civil rights case is set to advance in Anchorage's Nesbett Courthouse. The case stems from events at the 2021 Alaska State Fair, where the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services was operating a booth offering COVID-19 vaccines while promoting a weekly incentive program of $108,000 in prizes, including $49,000 college accounts for children 12-17, $10,000 cash for parents, and $49,000 cash prizes for those 18 and up, running for eight weeks.
On September 4, 2021, a citizen who was expressing concerns about informed consent and referencing the Nuremberg Code's protections against medical experimentation was involved in a physical confrontation. The incident resulted in the individual being tackled by the throat and restrained in a manner that restricted breathing, raising serious questions about civil liberties and the right to peaceful expression of concerns.
"Nobody can give you freedom. Nobody can give you equality or justice or anything. If you're a man, you take it." - Malcolm X
What makes this case particularly noteworthy is the plaintiff's dedication to navigating the legal system independently, demonstrating that our courts remain accessible to all citizens, regardless of legal representation. This embodies the democratic principle that justice should be available to everyone, not just those who can afford attorneys.
Judge David A. Nesbett will preside over a trial scheduling conference on February 20, 2025, at 3:00 PM in Courtroom 303. In keeping with our justice system's commitment to transparency, the proceedings will be open to the public, with both in-person and remote attendance options available.
The public is invited to observe this example of American democracy in action at the Nesbett Courthouse in downtown Anchorage. Those unable to attend in person can participate via telephone by calling 1-888-788-0099 and entering Meeting ID: 872 410 5492.
This case serves as a reminder that our constitutional system provides peaceful, legal channels for addressing grievances and seeking justice. It demonstrates how our courts continue to serve as forums where important public issues can be deliberated with dignity and due process.
As our nation moves forward, cases like this underscore the importance of maintaining open dialogue while respecting our legal institutions and constitutional principles that unite us all in the pursuit of justice and truth.