AK HB171

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

Requires judges to inform juries of their 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 provision requiring specific jury instruction language.

Takes effect only if Section 2 receives a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of the Alaska legislature, as required by Article IV, Section 15 of the Alaska Constitution.