Washington Courts: Press Release Detail

Washington Supreme Court to Hear Oral Arguments in Spokane This Week

The Washington Supreme Court will hear oral arguments from a different bench next week in a community visit to the Gonzaga Law School September 22 and 23.

On September 23, beginning at 9 a.m. in Gonzaga’s Barbieri Courtroom, 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:

·                           State of Washington v. Law — Whether a trial court may consider factors personal to the defendant as a reason for imposing a sentence below the standard range; No. 74390-8.

·                           Christensen v. Royal School District 160 — Whether a 13-year-old victim of sexual abuse by her teacher on school premises, who brings a negligence action against the school district and her principal for failure to supervise or for negligent hiring of a teacher, may have contributory fault assessed against her under the Washington Tort Reform Act for her participation in the relationship; No. 75214-1.

Immediately following arguments in the two cases, the justices will answer questions from the audience, then recess to conference on the cases until 12:30 p.m. Justices will then enjoy a barbecue lunch with members of the student body.

On September 22, justices will visit Gonzaga Law School classrooms in the afternoon, meet with law school administrators and members of the faculty, and later present an evening continuing legal education session to members of the Spokane County Bar Association before joining them for dinner.

The Washington Supreme Court has made community visits throughout the state since 1985, and welcomes the public to the oral arguments. 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. For other media arrangements, please contact AOC media relations in advance of the hearings.

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.

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