GENERAL RULE 9

RULE AMENDMENT COVER SHEET

Suggested Amendments to WASHINGTON STATE COURT RULES:

CIVIL RULES FOR COURTS OF LIMITED JURISDICTION (CRLJ)

Amend CRLJ 56(c) SUMMARY JUDGMENT

1.       Proponent Organization: District and Municipal Court Judges’ Association (DMCJA)

2.       Spokespersons: Judge Jeffrey R. Smith, President DMCJA; Judge Catherine McDowall, Co-Chair DMCJA Court Rules Committee; Judge Wade Samuelson, Co-Chair DMCJA Court Rules Committee.

3.       Purpose of Proposed Rule Amendment: The DMCJA is requesting an amendment to CRLJ 56.  The amendment would require parties to include a copy of rule CRLJ 56 in any motion for summary judgment.  Civil cases in courts of limited jurisdiction frequently include pro se litigants who are not well versed in the rules of civil procedure. When served with a motion for summary judgment, pro se litigants are often not aware of how to appropriately respond and they either file inadequate responses to the motions or do not respond at all. This can result in delay and often requires a court to reset the motion hearing. Including the rule with a summary judgment motion increases access to justice by informing pro se litigants how to appropriately respond to summary judgment motions.

4.       Hearing: A hearing is not recommended.

5.       Expedited Consideration: Expedited consideration is not requested.