Rules (BJAR)

Preamble

Rule 1. Board for Judicial Administration

Rule 2. Composition

1. Membership. The Board for Judicial Administration shall consist of judges from all levels of court selected for their demonstrated interest in and commitment to judicial administration and court improvement. The Board shall consist of five members from the appellate courts (two from the Supreme Court, one of whom shall be the Chief Justice, and one from each division of the Court of Appeals), five members from the superior courts, one of whom shall be the President of the Superior Court Judges' Association, five members of the courts of limited jurisdiction, one of whom shall be the President of the District and Municipal Court Judges' Association, two members of the Washington State Bar Association (non-voting) and the Administrator for the Courts (non-voting).

2. Selection. Members shall be selected based upon a process established by their respective associations or court level which considers demonstrated commitment to improving the courts, racial and gender diversity as well as geographic and caseload differences.

3. Terms of Office.
   1. Of the members first appointed, one justice of the Supreme Court shall be appointed for a two-year term; one judge from each of the other levels of court for a four-year term; one judge from each of the other levels of court and one Washington State Bar Association member for a three-year term; one judge from the other levels of court and one Washington State Bar Association member for a two-year term; and one judge from each level of trial court for a one-year term. Thereafter, voting members shall serve four-year terms and the Washington State Bar Association members for three year terms commencing annually on June 1. The Chief Justice, the President Judges and the Administrator for the Courts shall serve during tenure.

   2. Members serving on the BJA shall be granted equivalent pro tempore time.

Rule 3. Operation

1. Leadership. The Board for Judicial Administration shall be chaired by the Chief Justice of the Washington Supreme Court in conjunction with a Member Chair who shall be elected by the Board. The duties of the Chief Justice Chair and the Member Chair shall be clearly articulated in the by-laws. The Member Chair shall serve as chair of the Long-range Planning Committee. Meetings of the Board may be convened by either chair and held at least bimonthly. Any Board member may submit issues for the meeting agenda.

2. Committees. Ad hoc and standing committees may be appointed for the purpose of facilitating the work of the Board. Non-judicial committee members shall participate in non-voting advisory capacity only.
   1. The Board shall appoint at least three standing committees: Long-range Planning, Core Missions/Best Practices and Legislative. Other committees may be convened as determined by the Board.

   2. The Chief Justice and the Member Chair shall nominate for the Board's approval the chairs and members of the committees. Committee membership may include citizens, experts from the private sector, members of the legal community, legislators, clerks and court administrators.

3. Voting. All decisions of the Board shall be made by majority vote of those present and voting provided there is one affirmative vote from each level of court. Eight voting members will constitute a quorum provided at least one judge from each level of court is present. Telephonic or electronic attendance shall be permitted but no member shall be allowed to cast a vote by proxy.

Rule 4. Duties

1. The Board shall establish a long-range plan for the judiciary;

2. The Board shall continually review the core missions and best practices of the courts;

3. The Board shall develop a funding strategy for the judiciary consistent with the long-range plan and RCW 43.135.060;

4. The Board shall assess the adequacy of resources necessary for the operation of an independent judiciary;

5. The Board shall speak on behalf of the judicial branch of government and develop statewide policy to enhance the operation of the state court system;

6. The Board shall have the authority to conduct research or create study groups for the purpose of improving the courts.

Rule 5. Staff

Amended January 6, 2000