Washington Courts: Judicial News Report Detail

Supreme Court Justice Phil Talmadge to Discuss Future of Judicial System With Wenatchee Attorneys

From: Robert M. Henderson
(360) 705-5319
Bob.Henderson@ courts.wa.gov

Supreme Court Justice Phil Talmadge to Discuss Future of Judicial System With Wenatchee Attorneys

Washington Supreme Court Justice Philip Talmadge will address Wenatchee Bar Association members at a "brown-bag" forum, next Monday, August 23 at the Wentachee Convention Center.

Talmadge will tell local lawyers the state judicial system may soon find itself completely unable to meet it's two, principal objectives: the peaceful resolution of citizen disputes, and protection of constitutionally guaranteed individual rights.

Already, Talmadge will say, the two objectives are met "only sporadically" because of a look of funds, personnel, and the "appropriate organization to accomplish these objectives."

In 1979, the state's 120 superior court judges handled 148 thousand cases. But by 1997, Talmadge says, 163 judges were confronted with more than 243 thousand cases, "a 64 percent increase in cases…but only a 36 percent increase in…judges."

Talmadge says the state court system should "re-engineer for the 21st century," by finding better ways to organize itself handle dispute resolution responsibilities, and adoption of modern management principles and technology.

Talmadge's speech is set to begin at noon, followed by a question and answer session with the audience. He will be available for news interviews before, and after his speech.

The event is sponsored by the Washington Council on Crime and Delinquency and the Wenatchee Bar Association. A copy of Talmadge's speech can be found online at www.wa.gov/press/speech.htm. Faxed copies can be obtained via the phone number noted above.

CONTACT: Justice Philip Talmadge, Washington Supreme Court, (360) 357-2045.