January 16, 1996

Today’s Cases

Whether the State of Washington or landowners adjacent to parcels formerly used by the Milwaukee Railroad now own those parcels, where the State claims ownership based on a 1981 purchase from the railroad’s bankruptcy trustee, and the adjacent landowners claim ownership through bandonment and reversion.

Petitioner challenges the constitutionality of Initiative 593, codified in RCW 9.94A.120(4) and commonly referred to as the “three strikes law,” which imposes a mandatory life sentence without possibility of parole upon conviction of a third “most serious offense”.

1:30 P.M.

Whether the “three strikes” law (Initiative 593) was enacted in violation of Const. art. II, sec 37 by failing to set forth the statutes amended, or violates substantive or procedural due process, the separation of powers doctrine, or the constitutional prohibitions against cruel punishment.

Whether the “three strikes” law (Initiative 593) was enacted in violation of Const. art. II, sec 37 by failing to set forth the statutes amended, or violates substantive or procedural due process, the separation of powers doctrine, or the constitutional prohibitions against cruel punishment.

These summaries are not formulated by the Court and are provided for the convenience of the public only.