Court News - Supreme Court of Washington Blog

Justice Tom Chambers to step down this year

Michael Reitz — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:16:47 -0800

Justice Tom Chambers, the Supreme Court's Renaissance man, announced recently that he won't seek another term on the high court's bench. The Seattle Times has the story here. We'll have more on his tenure in months to come.

The announcement opens another seat at the rapidly-changing court. Justice Charles Wiggins replaced Richard Sanders last year, and Justice Stephen Gonzalez was sworn in this month to replace retiring Justice Gerry Alexander. By law Gonzalez must run again this fall.

Former Pierce County Executive John Ladenburg and King County Superior Court Judge Bruce Hilyer have both announced their bids to replace Chambers.

Justice Stephen Gonzalez sworn in today

Michael Reitz — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:26:03 -0800

Judge Steven Gonzalez appointed to Supreme Court

Michael Reitz — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:16:04 -0800

Gov. Chris Gregoire has appointed King County Superior Court Judge Steven Gonzalez to the Washington State Supreme Court. Judge Gonzalez will replace Justice Gerry Alexander, who faces mandatory retirement at the end of this year. Read the press announcement here.

In her remarks to those in attendance at the Temple of Justice, Gov. Gregoire noted the experience Judge Gonzalez would bring to the Supreme Court -- as a trial judge and as a practitioner with civil and criminal litigation experience.

Gov. Gregoire and Chief Justice Madsen both took the opportunity to praise Justice Alexander and his decades of service on the bench.

UPDATE: Judge Gonzalez won praise from both leading candidates for governor. Attorney General Rob McKenna, a Republican, extended his congratulations and endorsed the appointment during the selection process. Likewise, Rep. Jay Inslee, a Democrat, congratulated Gonzalez on his Facebook page and also endorsed the judge.

Gov. Gregoire to announce Supreme Court appointment today

Michael Reitz — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:12:47 -0800

Governor Christine Gregoire is appointing a new justice to the State Supreme Court today to replace outing Justice Gerry Alexander, who is required to step down having reached mandatory retirement age. The appointment ceremony will occur at the Temple of Justice in Olympia and will be televised live on TVW.

Freedom Foundation publishes the Washington Constitution

Michael Reitz — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:12:27 -0800

The Freedom Foundation is pleased to announce its latest publication, a pocket-sized edition of the Washington State Constitution accompanied by the United States Constitution.

This unique publication includes a foreword by Washington State Supreme Court Chief Justice Barbara Madsen, an introduction by Freedom Foundation General Counsel Michael Reitz, and an essay by retired Washington Supreme Court Justice Robert Utter.

The constitution tells us: "A frequent recurrence to fundamental principles is essential to the security of individual right and the perpetuity of free government." But how many of us take the time to read our state's founding documents?

To order a copy order online or call the Freedom Foundation at (360) 956-3482.

Justice Fairhurst treated for lung cancer

Michael Reitz — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 17:20:02 -0800

The Associated Press has this story about Justice Mary Fairhurst fighting lung cancer while still maintaining a full schedule on the bench. Our thoughts and prayers are with her.

This week at the Supreme Court, March 14, 2011

Michael Reitz — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 07:35:24 -0800

This week the Supreme Court will hear arguments in cases on Tuesday and Thursday, and may issue opinions on Thursday.

This week at the Supreme Court, Jan. 24, 2011

Michael Reitz — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 09:59:01 -0800

The Supreme Court will hear arguments in several cases on Thursday, and may issue opinions that day as well.

This week at the Supreme Court, Jan. 17, 2011

Michael Reitz — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 13:22:42 -0800

This week the Supreme Court will hear arguments on Tuesday and Thursday, and may issue opinions on Thursday.

Chief Justice Barbara Madsen gave her State of Judiciary Address last week. You can watch the address here.

This week at the Supreme Court, Jan. 10, 2011

Michael Reitz — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 10:00:49 -0800

The Supreme Court begins a new term this week, with newly-seated Justice Charles K. Wiggins. Oral arguments will be held on Tuesday and Thursday. On Wednesday Chief Justice Madsen will deliver the State of the Judiciary Address before the Washington Legislature. Opinions may be issued on Thursday.

Today's inauguration ceremony

Michael Reitz — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 14:36:04 -0800

The inauguration ceremony for Chief Justice Barbara Madsen, Justice Jim Johnson, and Justice Charlie Wiggins is now available on TVW.

This week at the Supreme Court

Michael Reitz — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 15:26:25 -0800

The Supreme Court has no arguments scheduled this week. Opinions may be released on Thursday. On Friday, the court will hold an inauguration ceremony for newly-elected Justice Charlie Wiggins, Chief Justice Barbara Madsen, and Justice Jim Johnson. This event is open to the public.

This week at the Supreme Court, Nov. 1, 2010

Michael Reitz — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 07:57:18 -0800

The Supreme Court will review petitions for review on Tuesday, and will likely issue opinions on Thursday. No arguments are scheduled this week.

If you haven't done so, be sure to vote!

This week at the Supreme Court, Oct. 25, 2010

Michael Reitz — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 09:11:48 -0800

The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on October 26 and 28, and will likely issue opinions on Thursday.

This week at the Supreme Court, July 5, 2010

Michael Reitz — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 09:25:33 -0800

This week the Supreme Court will review new petitions for review on Tuesday and may release opinions on Thursday. No arguments are scheduled.

This week at the Supreme Court, June 14, 2010

Michael Reitz — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 08:32:37 -0800

The Supreme Court may issue opinions this week on Thursday. No arguments are scheduled.

This week at the Supreme Court, May 31, 2010

Michael Reitz — Mon, 31 May 2010 08:06:13 -0800

There are no arguments scheduled this week. The court will consider new petitions for review on June 1 and may issue opinions on June 3.

This week at the Supreme Court, May 24, 2010

Michael Reitz — Mon, 24 May 2010 08:07:27 -0800

This week the Supreme Court will hear arguments in several cases on Thursday and will likely issue opinions on that day as well.

This week at the Supreme Court, May 17, 2010

Michael Reitz — Mon, 17 May 2010 07:40:36 -0800

The Supreme Court is on the road this week visiting Big Bend Community College. The justices will visit today with students at an open forum and will hear arguments at the college on Tuesday, with Q & A sessions after oral arguments. The court will likely issue opinions on Thursday.

And a technical note: we had a problem with the podcast RSS feed, preventing users from getting the latest episode from iTunes. The problem is fixed now. If you're not subscribed to the Supreme Court of Washington Podcast on iTunes you should be.

This week at the Supreme Court, May 10, 2010

Michael Reitz — Mon, 10 May 2010 07:38:26 -0800

The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on Tuesday and Thursday, including a case addressing whether federal law preempts the state Public Records Act, and whether a statute criminalized sex between a school employee and an 18-year-old student and if so whether the statute is unconstitutional.

The Court will likely issue opinions on Thursday.