Washington Courts: Press Release Detail

Washington Supreme Court to Hear Oral Argument at Western Washington University October 16th

In a community visit on October 16th, the Washington State Supreme Court will call Western Washington University home, hearing arguments in a total of three cases at the University's Old Main Theater.

Starting at 9 a.m., Chief Justice Gerry Alexander and Justices Charles W. Johnson, Barbara A. Madsen, Richard B. Sanders, Faith Ireland, Bobbe J. Bridge, Tom Chambers, Susan Owens and Mary Fairhurst will hear the following oral arguments:

In the morning, the court will consider State v. Downing and a companion case, State v. Willis. In both cases, the court will consider whether jurors understand the suggestibility of children to various interview techniques, and whether expert testimony on the subject is admissible.

In the afternoon, the court will consider State v. Thomas. In this case, the court will consider the appropriate sentence of a defendant convicted of multiple crimes that would typically result in concurrent sentences. The state argues that the sentence enhancements should be served consecutively, which could result in a total sentence that exceeds the statutory maximum for any of the crimes.

Immediately following arguments on the first two cases, the justices will answer questions from the audience, then conference on the cases in private until noon. The Court will recess for a luncheon event, and re-convene at 1:30 p.m. to hear arguments on the last case of the day.

Upon their arrival in Bellingham on October 15th, justices of the court will meet with WWU faculty and student leaders, and will participate in class room discussions. They will also present a continuing legal education session on "Appellate Practice" to the bar associations of Whatcom, Skagit and Island Counties at 4 p.m. in Old Main 483.

The Washington Supreme Court has made community visits throughout the state since 1985, which are open to the public. 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.

Written opinions are rendered approximately three to six months after oral argument. For further information regarding the Court, visit the Washington Courts website at www.courts.wa.gov.

CONTACT: Chief Justice Gerry Alexander, Washington Supreme Court 360-357-2029.

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Please note: Persons requiring disability accommodation for the court session should contact Nicole Goodman at (360) 650-7410, TTY (360) 650-7696 or nicole.goodman@wwu.edu.

For a parking permit, stop at the south campus Visitor Center, open from 7:15 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays. Parking meters at various campus locations also cost $2 an hour.

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