AK HB389

Adds new statute AS 12.45.117 requiring trial court judges to instruct juries they have the right to judge both the law and facts in criminal proceedings.

Requires judges to inform juries they have the power to find a defendant not guilty when a guilty verdict would be manifestly unjust.

Amends Rule 30 of the Alaska Rules of Criminal Procedure indirectly through the new statutory requirements for jury instructions.

Takes effect only if Section 2 receives a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of the Alaska Legislature as required by the Alaska Constitution.