Washington Courts: Press Release Detail

On the Road Again: Washington Supreme Court to Hear Cases at Bellevue College Next Week

On Monday, November 14 and Tuesday, November 15, the nine justices of the Washington State Supreme Court will travel to Bellevue College to meet with students, hold an open forum on campus and hear oral arguments on three cases. The events are open to the public.

The state’s highest court is located in Olympia in the Temple of Justice on the state capitol grounds. Since 1985, the Court has heard cases “on the road” several times a year in an outreach effort allowing citizens to see the court in action in their local communities.

“The Supreme Court’s Travelling Court program is a chance for the justices to bring the court to the people. We appreciate the invitation from to Bellevue College to visit its campus,” said Chief Justice Barbara Madsen. “In addition to students, we encourage anyone interested in learning more about the judicial branch of government to see the workings of the highest court up close and personal.” 

On Monday, the justices will have lunch with students, make classroom visits and hold an open forum at Bellevue College in Room N201 from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

On Tuesday, November 15th, beginning at 9:00 a.m. in Carlton Theater, Chief Justice Barbara Madsen and Justices Charles W. Johnson, Susan Owens, Mary Fairhurst, Debra Stephens, Charles Wiggins, Steven González, Sheryl Gordon McLoud and Mary Yu will hear the following arguments:

9:00 a.m:  Case # 1  Robert Ingersoll and Curt Freed v. Arlene’s Flowers: May a florist with religious objections to same-sex marriage refuse to provide flowers for a same-sex wedding?

10:15 a.m.:  Case # 2  Cynthia Lee Aiken v. David Wiliam Aiken: Does a father have a right to question his daughter before an order can be issued preventing him from contacting her?

1:30 p.m.:  Case # 3 Deborah Peralta v. State of Washington and WA State Patrol: Does a plaintiff’s admission of being under the influence prevent a jury from considering competing evidence? 

Immediately following arguments in the two cases, the justices will answer questions from the audience, then recess to conference on the cases. They will also answer questions after the last case of the day.

All Washington Supreme Court oral arguments are open to the public, and are broadcasted at a later date via Washington’s Public Affairs network, TVW. The first case of the day, Arlene’s Flowers will be live streamed at www.tvw.org. 

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. TV stations are asked to pool coverage.  

Written opinions are rendered approximately three to six months after oral arguments. For further information regarding the Court, visit the Washington Courts web site at www.courts.wa.gov.