Washington Courts: Press Release Detail

Supreme Court Creates Task Force To Review 'Time-For-Trial' Rules

         The Washington Supreme Court issued an order today creating a task force to review rules and procedures governing the state’s ‘Time-For-Trial’ rules. Seattle University School of Law Professor David Boerner will chair the task force. 

Often referred to as the ‘speedy trial’ rule, criminal rules Cr R3.3 and Cr RLJ 3.3 regulate the time for arraignments and trials for criminal defendants in Washington State. The task force is charged with a thorough review of these rules, offering recommendations for change to the Supreme Court and the Board for Judicial Administration by October 1, 2002. 

In announcing the appointment of Professor Boerner as chair, Chief Justice Gerry Alexander stated, “Boerner will bring a well-rounded and historical perspective to this task force.  I cannot think of a more qualified person to guide the important work of this group.”   

In 1971, as King County’s chief criminal deputy prosecutor, Boerner served as a member of the Washington Judicial Council’s Criminal Rules Task Force, which proposed the rule to the Supreme Court.  He currently chairs the Washington State Sentencing Guidelines Commission.  

The order states that the task force shall include eighteen persons in total, including representatives of the Washington State Legislature, Washington State Bar Association, prosecuting attorneys, criminal defense attorneys, and judicial representatives from the Court of Appeals, Superior Court and Courts of Limited Jurisdiction. 

          “I look forward to convening the first meeting of the task force shortly,” said Professor Boerner. “This court rule is of great significance to the citizens of Washington.”

Adopted by the Supreme Court in 1973, the rule states that with certain narrowly confined exceptions, a defendant who remains in jail must be brought to trial within 60 days following arraignment.  The right to a speedy trial is guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article 1, Section 22 of the Washington Constitution.

Further information regarding the task force, including membership lists and meeting dates will be made available on the Washington Courts website at www.courts.wa.gov as they become available.  

CONTACTS:  Chief Justice Gerry Alexander 360-357-2029; David Boerner, Seattle University School of Law 206-398-4016.