Alaska's Bootlegging Plane Case Heads to Supreme Court | Anchorage News

Alaska’s bootlegging laws are headed to the U.S. Supreme Court in a high-stakes battle over whether seizing a bush plane as punishment is excessive. Former pilot Ken Jouppi argues the penalty doesn’t fit the crime, but the Alaska Legislature and Governor Dunleavy have united to defend the state’s position—hiring an outside lawyer to file a “friend of the court” brief. The case hinges on balancing tough penalties against fairness, with lawmakers emphasizing the historical toll of alcohol abuse in remote communities and the vital role bush planes play in rural Alaska. The Supreme Court will decide how far states can go in deterring bootlegging when it involves critical transportation—and whether these harsh measures are constitutional.

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