Washington Courts: Press Release Detail

Washington Supreme Court to Hear Cases at Seattle University School of Law

SEATTLE, Wash. – On Tuesday, October 18th, the nine justices of the Washington State Supreme Court will travel to Seattle University School of Law to interact with students and hear arguments on three cases, ranging from access to public records to the constitutional right to counsel. The event is open to the public.

The state’s highest court is located in Olympia in the Temple of Justice on the state capitol grounds. Since 1985, the Court has heard cases “on the road” three times a year in an outreach effort allowing citizens to see the court in action in their local communities.

“The Court enjoys visiting our state’s colleges,” says Chief Justice Barbara Madsen. “In addition to the students, we encourage anyone interested in learning more about the judicial branch of government to see the workings of the highest court up close and personal.”

All Washington Supreme Court oral arguments are open to the public, and are broadcasted via Washington’s Public Affairs network, TVW.

Beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 18 in the Law School’s courtroom, Chief Justice Barbara Madsen and Justices Charles W. Johnson, Gerry Alexander, Tom Chambers, Susan Owens, Mary Fairhurst, James M. Johnson, Debra Stephens and Charles Wiggins will hear the following arguments: 

• 9:30-10:10 a.m: Edson Clark v. Smith Bunday Berman Britton PS Does the public have a constitutional right to view documents filed in court even if the judge never reviews them?
• 10:20-11:00 a.m: State v. Johnson Whether a defendant who recruits adults to pose as minors for prostitution may be convicted of attempted promoting of commercial sexual abuse of a minor.
• 1:30-2:15 p.m.: In re: the Dependency of MSR & TSR Luak v. Washington State Department of Social and Health Services A Washington statute authorizes, but does not require, trial judges to appoint attorneys to represent children when a dependency or termination action is filed against their parents. Does due process require an attorney be appointed in every case?

Immediately following arguments in the two cases, the justices will answer questions from the audience, then recess to conference on the cases until 12:00 p.m. Justices will then have lunch with students and reconvene at 1:30 p.m. to hear the last case of the day.

Though cameras and video recorders are generally allowed, the Court asks that no flash, other lights or noisy film advance mechanisms be used during the hearings. Only one television camera will be allowed to film the oral arguments; other TV stations are asked to pool coverage. Written opinions are rendered approximately three to six months after oral arguments.

For further information regarding the Court, visit the Washington Courts web site at www.courts.wa.gov.

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Wendy K. Ferrell Judicial Communications Manager 360.705.5331 e-mail Wendy.Ferrell@courts.wa.gov

Lorrie Thompson Communications Officer 360.705.5347 Lorrie.Thompson@courts.wa.gov