Washington Courts: Judicial News Report Detail

Washington Supreme Court to hear cases at University of Washington Law School next Tuesday

In a community visit next Tuesday, the Washington State Supreme Court will call the University of Washington's Law School home, hearing oral argument on a total of three cases throughout the day.

The Court will convene at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 16th at the University of Washington School of Law's moot courtroom (room 139) hearing cases until approximately 2:30 p.m., then attending a reception with students and alumni at Condon Hall.

Chief Justice Richard P. Guy and Justices Charles Z. Smith, Charles W. Johnson, Barbara A. Madsen, Gerry L. Alexander, Philip Talmadge, Richard B. Sanders, Faith Ireland and Bobbe J. Bridge will hear arguments on the following cases:

• State of Washington v. Alonzo Bradley-Whether an inmate who claims self-defense to a charge of custodial assault must show actual (rather than reasonably perceived) danger of serious injury from the force used by corrections officers.
• State of Washington v. Timothy Dennis Cronin, et. al- Whether WPIC 10.51, by providing that a person is an accomplice in a crime if he acts with knowledge that his act will promote a crime, incorrectly states the mental element required for accomplice liability.
• In regards to the Personal Restraint Petition of Brent Allen Davis-Whether, under the unit of prosecution rule, growing marijuana simultaneously at two locations constitutes only one count of possession with intent to manufacture or deliver. (Justice Faith Ireland recuses, Court of Appeals Division II Judge J. Robin Hunt will sit as a pro tem.)

Immediately following arguments on the first two cases, the justices will conference on the cases in private until noon. The Court will recess for lunch, reconvening at 1:30 p.m. to hear arguments on the last case of the day.

The Washington Supreme Court has made community visits throughout the state since 1985, including a visit to the Seattle University School of Law in March. Later this year, the court will hold a one-day session at Gonzaga University Law School.

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 will be rendered three to six months after oral argument.

CONTACTS: Justice Gerry Alexander, Washington Supreme Court, (360) 357-2029; Steve Englehorn, Supreme Court Bailiff (360) 357-2074.