Local Mandatory Arbitration Rule 1.1
                             APPLICATION OF RULES


   The purpose of mandatory arbitration of civil actions under RCW 7.06 as
implemented by the Mandatory Arbitration Rules is to provide a simplified and
economical procedure for obtaining the prompt and equitable resolution of
disputes involving claims not exceeding fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).  The
Mandatory Arbitration Rules as supplemented by these local rules are not
designed to address every question which may arise during the arbitration
process and the rules give considerable discretion to the arbitrator.  The
arbitrator should not hesitate to be informal and expeditious, consistent with
the purpose of the statute and rules.


[Adopted Effective September 1, 1996; Amended Effective March 1, 1997,
September 1, 2003, January 1, 2006]