General Orders of Division II

RESCINDED - 2020-4 Response by the Court of Appeals, Division 2 to the Public Health Emergency in Washington (Rescinded)

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON, DIVISION II

On February 29, 2020, Governor Inslee proclaimed a state of emergency due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Washington; and

On March 13, 2020, President Trump declared a national emergency due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak across the United States; and

On March 4, 2020 Washington Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Stephens entered an Emergency Order authorizing the Presiding Judges of the Washington courts to take all necessary steps to address the current public health emergency. This Emergency Order incorporates that order by reference.

During this state of emergency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Washington State Department of Health strongly urge all organizations to impose social distancing measures and other restrictions on public gatherings.

Pursuant to the Court’s authority to administer justice and to ensure the safety of court personnel, litigants and the public,

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED:

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED:

Effective March 31, 2020, the courtroom of the Court of Appeals, Division II, will not be accessible to the public during oral arguments on the Commissioners’ motion calendars until May 29, 2020.  The oral arguments will be conducted electronically and will be recorded.  The participants and any other member of the public can request a copy of any recorded oral argument by sending an email request to the Clerk of the Court of Appeals, Division II. 

As soon as is feasible, members of the public may observe and listen to the electronic oral arguments as they occur.  A notice with information about how to observe and listen to oral arguments will be posted on the court’s website as soon as the system is operational.

                                              Dated this 30th day of March, 2020. 

                                                   Chief Judge Bradley A. Maxa

                                                   Court of Appeals, Division 2