Washington Courts: Press Release Detail

“We in the judicial branch have to make sure there is justice in Washington. And we will.” New Chief Justice Mary Fairhurst and reelected justices sworn into office; express gratitude and a look to the future

January 12, 2017

OLYMPIA, WA — A new chief justice and three reelected justices were sworn into their positions on the Washington Supreme Court this week, all expressing deep gratitude for the trust shown in them by voters and colleagues, and saying they have confidence that the three branches of government — in their independent roles — can work together on behalf of the people of Washington.

Chief Justice Mary E. Fairhurst and Justices Barbara A. Madsen, Charles K. Wiggins and Mary I. Yu took their oaths of office at the Temple of Justice in Olympia in a ceremony that was broadcast and recorded by TVW at http://www.tvw.org/watch/?eventID=2017011028. Each had brief comments on the roles of the judicial branch and a look to the future.

“I am humbled and honored to take this seat,” said new Chief Justice Mary Fairhurst. “It is a privilege to be a public servant.”

The Chief Justice is the lead spokesperson and administrative head of the judicial branch, and is elected every four years by the nine justices of the Court. Chief Justice Fairhurst, first elected to the Court in 2002, was elected by her peers as the 56th chief justice, taking over for Madsen, who had served two terms as Chief Justice.

In highlighting the role of the judiciary to uphold the laws of our state and allow the peaceful resolution of disputes during her comments, Fairhurst noted that a lack of civics education may lead to a misunderstanding of the role of the judiciary and how it differs from the executive and legislative branches of government. “Many do not appreciate that each branch of government has a distinct, yet sometimes overlapping role,” said Fairhurst.

She mentioned the high-profile McCleary education funding case as an example and the Supreme Court’s role in upholding the state constitution, noting that, “each branch has a responsibility to act with respect and collegiality, as we carry out our respective duties.”

Though the challenge is significant, Fairhurst highlighted her own personal battle overcoming a diagnosis of stage four cancer, and how that journey has made her believe in miracles and an undeniable hope for the future. “Impossible things happen every day. People with stage four cancer are alive and thriving,” she said. “Those who say it cannot be done, should not interrupt those who are doing it.”

In her comments after being sworn in to a new six-year term and handing over the Chief’s gavel, former Chief Justice Barbara Madsen also said that it is necessary to work with members of the other branches, but how important it is to also remember “that the court system has its own job to do. Making sure the residents of Washington can find justice — can go to court and ask that laws be applied equally and for their rights to be upheld. That is the critical work of our branch,” she said. “The courts must do more than keep the doors open and the lights on. We must make sure that residents can find real justice.”

Justice Charlie Wiggins also referred to the role of the judicial branch and the importance of ensuring that the election process remains fair in the face of increased independent expenditures. He pointed out that over 60% of all campaign spending in the 2016 supreme court elections came from independent expenditures, most of which came from a handful of billionaire families.

Despite this tidal wave of independent spending, all three incumbents were re-elected, which Justice Wiggins attributed to, "the generous support and active assistance from many members of the bench, bar and public." But he cautioned that, "this level of independent election expenditures is inimical to an independent judiciary and dangerous to democracy," and urged the audience to search for a way to insure that independent election spending does not undermine the independence of the judiciary and the right of the people to elect their judges.

Justice Mary I. Yu added in her travels around the state, she found the people of Washington, in all their diversity universally exhibit “expectations and hope” along with a trust in the judicial system. “They expect that we will adhere to the rule of law to decide cases, and to resolve legal issues in an intellectually honest way,” said Yu.

“They also have hope. They have hope because they believe that we will be the branch that protects and defends the rights of individuals, the poor, and the one with the least amount of power to protect themselves,” she said. “Washingtonians care about justice, and they are optimists deep in their heart. We are privileged and honored to serve you, the people of the state of Washington.”

Nick Brown, who serves as counsel in Gov. Jay Inslee’s office, thanked Justice Madsen for her work in “fostering a legitimately warm relationship with the Governor’s office these past years.” He also thanked members of the Court for working to maintain the values of kindness, equity, fairness, and justice in our court system. “I will tell you, these values are not universally held in each state. Keep it up. Keep fighting for those values.”

Fairhurst ended the program promising that members of the judicial branch will do everything they can to carry out the responsibilities of the branch. “Our decisions, and how we reach them, and how those who come to court are treated, matters. Justice matters,” Fairhurst said. “We in the judicial branch must make sure there is justice in Washington, and we will.”

For full biographies the Supreme Court justices, please visit http://www.courts.wa.gov/appellate_trial_courts/SupremeCourt/?fa=supremecourt.justices.


Washington Courts Media Contacts:

Wendy K. Ferrell
Judicial Communications Manager
360.705.5331
e-mail Wendy.Ferrell@courts.wa.gov
Lorrie Thompson
Senior Communications Officer
360.705.5347
Lorrie.Thompson@courts.wa.gov
 

Privacy and Disclaimer NoticesSitemap

© Copyright 2025. Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts.

S3