Watch argument on Public Records Act in Yakima County v. Yakima Herald
In case you have a fetish for following open government law, like we do, here's the video from yesterday's oral argument in Yakima County v. Yakima Herald Republic.
Today's arguments - March 9, 2010
Today the Court will hear four arguments concerning criminal evidence, public records and due process. (Docket, briefs)
Morning session, starting at 9:00 a.m.
State v. Ibarra-Cizneros, No. 82219-1. The question before the Court is whether prosecutors can use criminal evidence uncovered via a cell phone seized illegally by police.
Gilberto Ibarra-Cisneros called his brother's cell phone, not knowing that his brother had been arrested and the phone seized by police. The police answered the phone and arranged to meet with Gilberto. At the meeting, undercover officers found drugs on him and arrested him.
Later a court determined that the search leading to the brother's arrest (and thus the seizure of the cell phone) was illegal. Gilberto argues that since the police only turned their attention to him because of the cell phone, all the evidence from their meeting is “fruit of the poisonous tree” barred by the exclusionary rule. The Walla Walla Superior Court disagreed, holding that the link between the phone and the evidence was “too attenuated” to impact Gilberto’s conviction.
The Division Three Court of Appeals upheld the conviction.
Yakima County v. Yakima Herald-Republic, No. 82229-8. This case concerns whether the Public Records Act compels disclosure of sealed billing records concerning fees paid by Yakima County to public defense attorneys.
Yakima County appointed lawyers to represent two indigent murder defendants, paying them approximately $2 million. As part of the payment process, a judge who was not otherwise involved in the case reviewed the lawyers' bills to decide whether they should be paid.
The Yakima Herald-Republic filed a request under the Public Records Act for spreadsheets and other files related to the bills. The County withheld the records, claiming that they were exempt from the Public Records Act under Nast v. Michels because they are judicial records. The Herald-Republic argues that Nast only exempts “court case files,” not administrative records.
The Court recently ruled on a similar issue in Federal Way v. Koenig, affirming Nast and finding that administrative court records were not subject to the PRA, so it will be interesting to see what differentiation the Court makes in this case.
Afternoon session, starting at 1:30 p.m.
State v. Nason, No. 82333-2. The issue before the Court is whether Spokane County's policy of imposing jail time on offenders who fail to pay court costs violates due process.
James Nason was convicted of burglary, sentenced to community service, and ordered to pay certain court costs. He did not pay, and the court subsequently modified his sentence to impose jail time. (Spokane County has a policy allowing the courts to order jail time when a defendant refuses to pay his obligations.) Nason argues on appeal that this violated his due process rights in various ways, including the lack of a separate hearing and the fact that he was not given credit against his financial obligations for the time served in jail.
The Division Three Court of Appeals upheld his sentence.
State v. Stubbs, No. 81650-6. This case concerns whether a stabbing that results in partial paralysis satisfies the requirement for an exceptional sentence for first degree assault, and whether the requirement itself is unconstitutionally vague.
Troy Stubbs stabbed Ryan Goodwin in the neck, severing his spinal cord and paralyzing him from the waist down. Stubbs was convicted of first degree assault and given an exceptional sentence due to his victim's injuries. Such sentences are allowed where the injuries “substantially exceed the level of bodily harm necessary to satisfy the elements” of a crime.
Stubbs argues that since one element of first degree assault is the infliction of “great bodily harm,” Goodwin's extreme injuries are an element of the crime. The court disagreed, holding that the jury could find that Goodwin's injuries substantially exceeded the great bodily harm element.
Stubbs also argues that the test for an exceptional sentence, found in RCW 9.94A.535(3)(y), is unconstitutionally vague.
Today's oral arguments - February 23, 2010
The court is back in session today to hear three oral arguments, two this morning and one this afternoon. (Docket, briefs)
Morning session (starting at 9:00 a.m.)
State v. Adams, No. 822107. Another in a recent line of cases concerning warrantless automobile searches, this case presents the specific issue of whether police can make a warrantless search of a locked car in connection with an arrest.
Coryell Adams had just pulled into a Taco Bell parking lot when a sheriff's deputy pulled in behind him with her flashing lights on. Adams got out of the car and started yelling at the deputy, who told him to get back in the car. Instead of doing so, Adams slammed the car door, locked it, and moved several feet away. After backup arrived the deputy arrested Adams and placed him in handcuffs in the back of her car. She then took Adams' keys, unlocked his car, and searched it, finding cocaine.
Adams challenged the search as unlawful, since the car was locked and there was little danger of him getting a weapon or destroying evidence. The court disagreed, holding that Adams was close enough to be in “immediate control” of the car, and that this justified a search "incident to arrest."
The case is on appeal from Division One Court of Appeals, and originated in King County Superior Court.
Port Angeles v. Our Water-Our Choice, No. 822255. The question before the court is whether citizen initiatives to reverse a city council's decision to fluoridate its water supply are valid.
Port Angeles' City Council decided to put flouride in the city water supply, but two citizen groups filed local initiatives to restrict their ability to carry out the plan. A trial court reviewed the initiatives and determined they were invalid for three reasons: they were administrative rather than legislative, they interfered with the council's legislatively-delegated authority to regulate the water supply, and because they exceeded the council's legislative authority.
Division Two Court of Appeals upheld the trial court ruling on appeal.
Afternoon session (starting at 1:15 p.m.)
State v. Bunker (consolidated with State v. Williams), No. 819211. This case concerns the interpretation of an old version of the statute criminalizing violations of domestic violence no-contact orders.
Leo Bunker and Donald Williams were both convicted of violating domestic violence no-contact orders. They appealed, claiming that RCW 26.50.110 only criminalized certain types of violations and did not apply to theirs.
The statue as then written was somewhat ambiguous- the court stated that “the statute at issue... is unfortunately not a virtuosic specimen of legislative drafting.” But after analyzing it, the court held that it applied to all domestic violence no-contact order violations, including those of Bunker and Williams.
Both cases arose out of King County, and the convictions were upheld in Division One Court of Appeals.
Today's arguments, Jan. 28, 2010
The Supreme Court will hear arguments in three cases today (docket, briefs):
In the morning session:
Broom v. Morgan Stanley, No. 82311-1. Michael, Kevin, and Andrea Broom sued Morgan Stanley DW, Inc. for mismanaging an investment account. Their claims were rejected by an arbitration panel because they were barred by the statute of limitations. The Brooms appealed to King County Superior Court, and the court held that statute of limitations in Washington do not apply to claims in arbitration. The court vacated the arbitration panel’s decision as an error of law. The Court of Appeals (Div. 1) affirmed. Morgan Stanley argues both that statutes of limitations do apply to arbitration, and that courts cannot vacate arbitration decisions because of “errors of law.”
State v. Regan, No. 82476-2. Francis Regan was convicted of fourth degree assault. Most of his sentence was suspended and he received 24 months of probation. One of the conditions of probation was that he commit “no criminal violations of the law.” During the probationary period, Regan was accused of another assault. He was brought to court for trial and a probation hearing. A jury acquitted him, but the judge at the probation hearing believed that Regan had committed the assault and revoked Regan’s probation.
Probation violations normally have a lower burden of proof than criminal trials. But Regan argues that the term “no criminal violations of the law” requires criminal conduct, and that criminal conduct must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Since he was not found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, he says his probation should not have been revoked. The Grays Harbor Superior Court reversed the probation ruling, but the Court of Appeals (Div. 1) reversed the superior court. Defendant now appeals to the Supreme Court.
Then in the afternoon session:
McGuire v. Bates, No. 82659-5. Whether a settlement for “all claims” includes attorney fees. Julianne McGuire hired Robert Bates to remodel her kitchen. After it was done, she claimed that he had done the work improperly and sued him. The case went to mandatory arbitration, but before the arbitration the parties settled “all claims” for $2180.
RCW 18.27.040 allows the prevailing party in a suit by a homeowner against a contractor to recover attorney fees. McGuire moved for attorney fees based on this statute. The arbitrator denied the motion because the parties had agreed to settle “all claims.” However, the courts held that attorney fees are a cost, not a claim, and were thus not included in the settlement agreement. Bates appealed, and also argues that McGuire is not a “prevailing party” because the case was settled.
Today's oral arguments - January 26, 2010
Today the Court will hear its normal four arguments, two in the morning and two in the afternoon. (Docket, briefs)
Morning session
Hudson v. Hapner, No. 82409-6. At what point can a party withdraw a request for a civil trial? That's the procedural question before the Court in this case.
Clifford Hapner rear-ended Lea Hudson, and Hudson sued for damages. T
he case went to mandatory arbitration where Hudson was awarded $14,538. After mandatory arbitration a party can request a trial before the superior court, which Hapner did. But the jury awarded Hudson $292,298. Hapner appealed, and the appellate court remanded the case for a new trial.
After discovery for the second trial, but before the trial took place, Hapner filed a notice of withdrawal of his motion for a trial. This would allow him to pay only the arbitration award, plus Hapner's court costs. The trial court struck the withdrawal at Hudson's request, but the Division Two Court of Appeals reversed, disagreeing with Hudson's argument that court rules include a time limit for withdrawal after a trial takes place.
State v. Osman, No. 82671-4. The question before the Court is what legal standard superior courts should use to review lower court rulings on the importance of missing trial records.
Abdinasir Osman was arrested and convicted for DUI. After the trial, Osman's attorney discovered that part of the trial had not been recorded. The missing portion included part of Osman's cross examination, objections to an exhibit, attorney arguments, and the judge's findings and conclusions.
A party in a district court is entitled to a new trial if a “significant or material portion” of the electronic recording is lost. Osman appealed to the superior court for a new trial, which remanded the question of whether the missing record was material back to the district court. The district court found that the missing portion was not material.
The superior court fully reviewed the district court's decision, concluded that the missing portion was material, and ordered a new trial. The state appealed, and the Division One Court of Appeals reversed the superior court, concluding that the superior court should only have looked at whether the district court overstepped its bounds in making the decision (abuse of discretion), rather than taking a whole new look at the question of materiality.
Afternoon session
State v. Hall, No. 82558-1. This case concerns whether multiple attempts to tamper with a witness can be prosecuted as multiple crimes.
Isiah Hall was charged with burglary, and Desirae Aquiningoc was called as a witness. Before the trial, Hall called Aquiningoc several times from prison and tried to get her to lie at the trial or to go into hiding. Hall was convicted of multiple counts of witness tampering.
Hall argues on appeal that all of his calls were part of a single case of witness tampering, and that convicting him multiple times violates double jeopardy. The Division One Court of Appeals disagreed, holding that each attempt to get Aquiningoc to lie or hide was a separate case of tampering.
State v. Jones, No. 82613-7. In this case, the Court will consider whether the rape shield statute bars testimony about contemporaneous sexual behavior for the purpose of proving consent.
Kashauna Dixon claimed that she was raped by her uncle, Christopher Jones. Jones admitted to having sex with her, but claimed that she consented. According to Jones, they were having a party with several others that included alcohol, sex, and drugs.
Based on Washington's rape shield statute, the trial court barred Jones from testifying about the party. Jones appealed, arguing that the statute only prohibits testimony about “past sexual behavior,” and that he wanted to testify about sexual behavior contemporaneous with the alleged rape. The Division Three Court of Appeals held that past behavior can refer even to the very recent past, and that even if the rape shield statute didn't apply the evidence would have been inadmissible because it would have unduly prejudiced the jury against Dixon.
Jones also appealed on other due process grounds, including the prosecutor's statement to the jury that Jones refused to submit to warrantless DNA testing.
Today's arguments - January 21, 2010
Today the Court is hearing three arguments, two in the morning and one this afternoon. (Docket, briefs)
Morning session
State v. Turner/Faagata, No. 81626-3. These consolidated cases present the question of whether two crimes can be merged for sentencing without completely wiping out any potential future sentencing on the lesser crime.
Both defendants are charged with two crimes (Turner for assault and robbery, Faagata for two murders) that arose out of the same facts, so it would be a violation of double jeopardy if a court convicted them of each crime separately. In both cases, the trial court merged the two crimes for sentencing, but stated that the lesser of the two crimes was still valid (i.e. separate) for future sentencing if the conviction for the greater crime was invalidated on appeal.
The cases originated in Pierce County Superior Court, and were appealed to Division Two Court of Appeals. The defendants lost at the appellate level.
Seglaine v. Washington Department of Labor & Industries, No. 81931-9. This case concerns whether L&I has statutory immunity from charges of malicious prosecution for complaints to the police about an individual.
Due to arguments between Seglaine and East Wenatchee L&I employees, the department staff served Seglaine with a "no trespass" notice, ordering him to not enter the building. Seglaine later tried to come back, staff called the police and Seglaine was arrested. Charges were later dropped, but Seglaine sued L&I for malicious prosecution, among other things.
Under RCW 4.24.510, a person who complains to a government agency, like the police, is immune to prosecution for the complaint. The trial court ruled for L&I based on this statue. Seglaine argues that L&I is not a "person," that it doesn't apply to malicious prosecution claims, and that L&I must prove it acted in good faith.
Summary judgment for the defendant was granted by Thurston County Superior Court and upheld by Division Two Court of Appeals.
Afternoon session
State v. Peterson, No. 82089-9. The question before the court is whether the state has to prove which time limit requirement a sex offender falls under in order to convict them of failing to register.
Sex offenders are required to register with the county sheriff when they change addresses. The statute requiring this registration gives different time limits depending on where the offender is moving: 72 hours for a fixed address, 42 hours for homeless, 10 days for out of county. Sex offender Michael Peterson left his residence and failed to register with the state for over a month.
Peterson was convicted of failure to register. On appeal, he argues that the time limit is an element of the crime, and that the differing time limits create alternative methods of committing the crime. Since the state doesn't know where he was during the time he failed to register, it can't prove which time limit applies, and thus can't convict Peterson of any form of failure to register.
The Division One Court of Appeals disagreed, holding that the time limits “do not define the elements or create alternative means of committing the crime of failure to register as a sex offender. For a sex offender, like Peterson, there is only one means of committing a crime--knowingly failing to register[.]”
Today's arguments, Jan. 19, 2010
The Supreme Court will hear arguments in four cases today.
In the morning session:
Bellevue School District v. E.S., No. 83024-0 (briefs). Whether a child has the right to be represented by counsel at an initial truancy hearing. A student in the Bellevue School District, “E.S.,” missed 73 of the first 100 days of school, and the District filed a truancy petition. E.S., who was not represented by counsel at the truancy hearing, was found truant. E.S.’s lawyer moved to dismiss because E.S. had not been represented at the truancy hearing.
The school district argues that E.S. had no right to appointed counsel because she couldn’t actually be sanctioned at the initial truancy hearing. King County Superior Court ruled for the school district, but on appeal the Court of Appeals (Div. 1) held that “[a] child’s interests in her liberty, privacy, and education are in jeopardy at an initial truancy hearing, and she is unable to protect these interests herself. Due process demands she be represented in the initial truancy hearing.”
Kelley v. Centennial Contractors, No. 82474-6 (briefs). Phillip and Monica Blackshear sued Centennial Contractors Enterprises for injuries caused when a steel beam was dropped on Phillip. After they won the suit, they filed a complaint for loss of consortium on behalf of their three children. The complaint stated that it would have been impractical to include their claims with their parents’ suit. George Kelly was appointed guardian ad litem for the children.
At trial, the children’s case was dismissed because the court said their claims should have been joined with their parents’ claims. The Court of Appeals (Div. 2) reversed, holding that since the children did not yet have a guardian ad litem it would have been impossible to join them to the suit, and that it would have been impractical for them to bring their claims until the results of their father’s surgery were known. (For financial reasons, the parents’ suit was brought while the results of the surgery were still unknown.)
In the afternoon session:
Freeman v. Freeman, No. 82283-2 (briefs). What must be proved for a trial court to terminate a permanent protection order? Robin Freeman got a permanent protection order against Rob Freeman due to domestic violence. Rob, a member of the military, has since moved away. He lost a hand in Iraq, and this made it necessary to retrain and change careers within the military. However, he needed a security clearance and could not get one because of the permanent protection order.
Rob moved to terminate the protection order. The trial court denied the motion, finding that Robin is currently in reasonable fear of Rob. The Court of Appeals reversed, finding that Rob had not been in Washington or had contact with Robin since 1998, that he had violated neither the protection order nor any law, and that “due to time and distance, there is no evidence to support a current fear” of physical harm.
Skinner v. Civil Serv. Comm’n of City of Medina, No. 82306-5 (briefs). Whether the time limit for appealing a Commission’s decision ran from the initial appeal or the motion for reconsideration. Roger Skinner appealed his dismissal from the City of Medina police force to the Medina Civil Service Commission (Commission). The Commission upheld his dismissal, and denied his subsequent motion for reconsideration. Skinner filed an appeal in King County Superior Court, and the trial court dismissed, saying Skinner had failed file his appeal of the initial order within 30 days as required by law. The Court of Appeals (Div. 1) reversed, holding that Roger Skinner had appealed within 30 days of the court’s denial of his motion for reconsideration.
Today's arguments, Jan. 14, 2010
The Supreme Court will hear arguments in four cases today.
In the morning session:
In Re the Honorable Judith Raub Eiler, No. 200,701-5 (briefs). Judge Judith Eiler is a district court judge in King County. Based on a number of complaints, disciplinary proceedings were brought against her for treating litigants in an “angry, abusive, and condescending manner.” Eiler argues that there was not enough evidence, that the penalty is too high, and that punishing her for her demeanor violates her freedom of speech. Eiler appeals a disciplinary recommendation that she be suspended for 90 days without pay.
South Tacoma Way v. State, No. 82212-3 (briefs).The State Department of Transportation (DOT) sold an alley to Sustainable Urban Development #1, LLC (Sustainable). DOT failed to notify other adjacent property owners as required by law. South Tacoma Way, LLC, which also owns property next to the alley, sued DOT and Sustainable to void the contract as an ultra vires act outside DOT's authority. The trial court held that DOT was authorized to sell the property and that the failure to give notice was merely a procedural error. The Court of Appeals (Div. 2) reversed, holding that DOT is only authorized to sell property after giving notice.
In the afternoon session:
State v. Shultz, No. 80653-5 (briefs). Whether the warrantless search was justified as an “emergency.” Officers Malone and Hill went to an apartment to investigate a possible domestic disturbance. Outside, they heard a man and a woman speaking loudly. When they knocked on the door, Patricia Schultz answered. She initially told the officers that there was no one else in the apartment, but when pressed she called Sam Robertson to the door. Officer Hill took Robertson outside to question him, and Officer Malone went inside to question Shultz. Shultz did not give Malone permission to enter, but did not object either.
Shultz was moving around inside the apartment, and Malone threatened to handcuff her if she did not “sit still.” Shortly afterward, Officer Hill entered the apartment. Shultz moved something, uncovering a gun and a marijuana pipe, and Hill saw them. The officers searched the apartment, found drugs, and arrested Shultz.
Shultz unsuccessfully moved to suppress the evidence as the fruit of an illegal search. In upholding the trial court, the Court of Appeals found that the “emergency exception” to the warrant requirement applied based on the argument, Shultz's appearance, and the fact that Shultz lied about Robertson's presence.
State v. Harvill, No. 82358-8 (briefs). Whether the trial court should have instructed the jury on duress. Joshua Harvill was caught selling drugs to an informer. At trial, he claimed that he sold the drugs because he was afraid of the informer. The trial court refused to instruct the jury on the defense of duress because there was no evidence that the informer had threatened Harvill. The trial court did instruct the jury on the defense of entrapment, and the jury rejected the defense.
On appeal, the Court of Appeals (Div. 2) noted that if the elements of duress had been proved, then the contested elements of entrapment would also have been proved. Since the jury rejected entrapment, it would also have rejected duress even had the instruction been given. Thus, even if the lack of a duress instruction was in error, it did not prejudice Harvill.
Oral arguments today - January 12, 2010
We're jumping back in the saddle today, with the first oral arguments of the new year. The Court is starting off with a full load, two arguments in the morning and two this afternoon. (Docket, briefs)
Morning Session
Cudney v. ALSCO Inc., No. 83124-6. The Supreme Court is being asked to answer two questions by the U.S. District Court for Eastern Washington, concerning the impact of state public safety laws on a wrongful termination dispute.
Matthew Cudney worked for ALSCO's Spokane branch. He saw one of his superiors drunk while at work and while driving a company vehicle, so he made an internal report. He was fired shortly thereafter. Cudney sued ALSCO for wrongful termination, claiming he was fired for the report, which ALSCO denied.
Wrongful termination is designed to protect public policies (like promoting workplace safety) by preventing employer retaliation for employee reports. A required element of the claim is that there is no alternative means of protecting the public policy in question. ALSCO argues that the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act and Washington's DUI laws are adequate to protect the public policies of promoting workplace safety and protecting the public from drunk drivers.
Lummi Indian Nation v. State, No. 81809-6. This case concerns the constitutionality of parts of the Municipal Water Law of 2003, which the plaintiffs claim violates the separation of powers doctrine and due process.
In 1988 the Supreme Court ruled In Department of Ecology v. Theodoratus that it was improper to issue a water rights certificate to a private developer based on system capacity rather than on actual use. In response to uncertainty resulting from the decision, the legislature passed the Municipal Water Law.
Certain MWL definitions differ from the Supreme Court's interpretation in Theodoratus, and since the definitions are applied retroactively the tribes argue that the MWL is essentially overruling Theodoratus. They argue the legislature was taking a judicial action by saying that the law means something different from what the high court found it to mean. The trial court agreed that portions of the MWL violated separation of powers.
The MWL also allows municipal water suppliers to change the “place of use” of their water rights. Plaintiffs argue this allows municipalities to expand their water rights at the expense of third party rights, without giving the third parties any say in the matter, violating due process.
Lummi originated in King County Superior Court, and was appealed directly to the Supreme Court.
Afternoon session
Proctor v. Huntington, No. 82326-0. This case is likely to become required reading in land surveyor courses, as part of the class on "Why Mixing up Property Lines is Bad." The Court is being asked in what circumstances a landowner can order the removal of a structure mistakenly built on his property.
The Proctors and the Huntington's purchased adjacent undeveloped parcels of land, and the Huntington's built a house. Unfortunately, when they asked their surveyor to point out the property line, he indicated the wrong marker, and the Huntington's ended up building their house entirely on the Proctor's land.
Proctor sued to eject the Huntington's and remove their house. The trial court disagreed, finding that the Huntington's acted in good faith, and that removal would cause unnecessary hardship. Instead the court ordered the Huntington's to pay the Proctors for the value of the land under the house.
The case originated in Skamania County, and was appealed to District Two Court of Appeals.
State v. Afana, No. 82600-5. This case concerns whether a police officer's warrantless request for the ID of a passenger in a parked car constituted an unlawful seizure, and whether his subsequent search of the car was an unlawful search.
Mark Afana was parked with a friend, Jennifer Bergeron, in his car. A police officer approached them, asked what they were doing, and requested ID. Upon checking the ID the officer discovered a warrant against Bergeron and arrested her. In a search incident to the arrest the officer found drugs in the car.
At Afana's trial, the court held that the request for ID was an illegal stop and suppressed the drug evidence. The court of appeals reversed, holding that the request for ID was mere social contact.
The case originated in Spokane County and was appealed to Division Three Court of Appeals. The Appeals Court upheld the search, but since then the allowable scope of vehicle searches was changed by the U.S. Supreme Court in Arizona v. Gant, and by the state Supreme Court in State v. Patton.
Today's oral arguments - Nov. 17, 2009
Today is the last day of arguments in the Fall 2009 session. Arguments will resume in the Winter 2010 session on January 12. The Court will hear three cases today, two in the morning and one in the afternoon. (Docket, briefs)
In the morning session, starting at 9:00 a.m., the Court will hear:
Sound Infiniti v. Snyder, No. 81923-8. On appeal from Division One Court of Appeals, this case originated in Ki
ng County Superior Court. It concerns what remedies are available to a minority shareholder who's shares are taken away, and whether that shareholder can bring a derivative suit against the corporation after he has lost his shareholder status.
Richard Snyder, David Hannah, and Afshin Pisheyar were joint owners (as shareholders) of Sound Infiniti and Infiniti of Tacoma. They had a falling out, and Pisheyar sued the others individually and on behalf of the corporation (a derivative suit). Snyder and Hannah set up a reverse stock split to take away all of Pisheyar's stocks. The trial court allowed the split to proceed after an initial injunction, and dismissed Pisheyar's derivative suit because he was no longer a shareholder.
The Court of Appeals confirmed the ruling, and found that the sole remedy for all Pisheyar's claims is the appraisal process, in which he can obtain fair market value for the shares that were taken away. The Association of Washington Businesses filed an amicus brief supporting Snyder.
G-P Gypsum Corp. v. WA Dept. of Revenue, No. 81995-5. This case originated in Thurston County Superior Court, and was appealed through Division Two Court of Appeals. It concerns whether Tacoma may levy a natural gas tax on anyone who consumes it inside the city limits.
G-P manufactures wallboard in the city of Tacoma, a process that requires large volumes of natural gas. The company pipes the gas in from Sumas or Sumner. Tacoma taxed G-P for use of the gas in the city, but G-P argues that the tax should not apply because of how the word "use" is defined by statute. The relevant definition states that the term has its "ordinary meaning, and shall mean the first act within this state by which the taxpayer takes or assumes dominion or control." Because the gas first comes under G-P's control in Sumas or Sumner, the Tacoma tax shouldn't apply. But the Department of Revenue argues that the "ordinary meaning" of "use" is consumption, and thus the tax applies because G-P is consuming it within the city limits.
The trial court agreed with the Department of Revenue, but the Court of Appeals reversed.
In the afternoon session, starting at 1:30 p.m., the Court will hear:
Columbia Physical Therapy v. Benton Franklin Orthopedic Associates, No. 81734-1. This case originated in Benton County Superior Court, and was certified on appeal to Division Three Court of Appeals. Both parties also moved for discretionary review, but the review was denied by the appellate court. The question before the Court is whether that denial of review was in error.
Columbia sued Benton on several grounds, all related to whether a physician-owned company providing orthopedic services can employ physical therapists. Both parties agree on the facts of the case, but differ on the applicable laws and cases. The trial court issued summary judgment on some of the issues and certified them to the Court of Appeals, and the parties asked for discretionary review. The Court refused the review, stating that the parties disagreed on what issues they wanted the Court to review.
The parties appeal to the Supreme Court, arguing that the denial of review departed so far from the "accepted and usual course of judicial proceedings as to call for the exercise of revisory jurisdiction" by the high court.
Today's arguments, Nov. 16, 2009
Today the Court will hear three cases, two in the morning and one in the afternoon. (Docket, briefs)
In the morning session, starting at 9:00 a.m., the Court will hear:
Tobin v. Department of Labor and Industries, No. 81946-7. Jim Tobin was permanently disabled after being hit by a crane boom at work. He began collecting worker’s compensation benefits and sued the crane operator, settling for $1.4 million in damages. The majority of the damages were for pain and suffering. Under RCW 51.24.060, an injured worker is required to distribute a portion of a third-party recovery to the Department of Labor and Industries to reimburse the agency for worker’s compensation benefits. L&I claims that this includes a percentage of pain and suffering damages, since the statute says that “‘recovery’ includes all damages except loss of consortium.” Tobin argues statute was designed to reimburse L&I for benefits paid, and L&I does not pay benefits for pain and suffering.
Salas v. Hi-Tech Erectors, No. 80653-5. Alex Salas, a construction worker, fell off a scaffolding ladder and sued the company that set up the scaffold. At trial, the court allowed evidence that Salas is an illegal alien as he sought damages for lost future wages. On appeal Salas argues the trial court abused its discretion. The Court of Appeals affirmed the lower court decision.
In the afternoon session, starting at 1:30 p.m., the Court will hear:
State v. Schaler, No. 81864-9. Glen Schaler called Okanogan Behavioral Health Care after having a nightmare, stating that he thought he had killed his neighbor. He continued to talk with OBHC staff, at one point stating that he hoped he hadn't killed his neighbor with a knife because he wanted to do it with his bare hands. He was eventually taken in to the hospital. He continued to state his intention to kill his neighbors, and was later charged with two counts of felony harassment. Crimes like harassment that regulate pure speech must comply with the First Amendment by showing that the defendant's speech was unprotected. In the case of harassment, this can be done by showing that the speech was a “true threat”—a threat a reasonable person would take seriously. At trial, the judge instructed the jury on the definition of “threat,” but not “true threat.” Schaler appealed, claiming that this violated his First Amendment rights. The Court of Appeals held that it was harmless error.
Today's oral arguments - Nov. 10, 2009
Today the Court will hear four cases, two in the morning and two in the afternoon. (Docket, briefs)
In the morning session, starting at 9:00 a.m., the Court will hear:
Parmelee v. O'Neel, No. 82128-3. This case arises out of Division Two Court of Appeals, and originated in Clallam County. It concerns whether a prisoner is entitled to attorney fees if he gets an appellate court to vacate an infraction complaint against him and declare the underlying law unconstitutional.
Allan Parmelee, who is currently incarcerated, wrote a letter to the Department of Corrections calling the superintendent of the Clallam Bay Corrections Center a "man-hater lesbian." The DOC issued a serious infraction order against Parmalee for violating the state's libel law. Parmalee sued the department for free speech violations and retaliation. The trial court dismissed his suit.
But the Court of Appeals ruled for Parmalee, finding the libel statute unconstitutional and vacating the infraction order. The Court also reversed the dismissal of Parmalee's suit, and sent it back down to the trial court for further proceedings. Parmalee claims attorney fees, but the Department argues that only one of many issues has been decided, and therefore the elements for an award of attorney fees are not yet satisfied.
McCurry v. Chevy Chase Bank, No. 81896-7. Originating in King County Superior Court, this case is on appeal from Division One Court of Appeals. It concerns whether bank fees charged in relation to a Washington home loan are governed by the federal Home Owners Loan Act.
The McCurry's had a mortgage through Chevy Chase, which they fully paid off. When they did so, the bank charged them a $20 fax fee and a $2 notary fee before signing the house over to them. The McCurry's paid the fees and then filed a class action suit under state law against the bank for illegal fees. The trial court dismissed it because the state law is preempted by the federal Home Owners Loan Act. The McCurry's argue that the facts of the case don't fall under the federal law.
In the afternoon session, starting at 1:30 p.m., the Court will hear:
Kelly v. Culp, No. 81855-0. This is a land-use case from Chelan County, in which the Court must determine whether the time limit for using a building permit is extended if the permit is terminated by a trial court and then appealed.
A developer (Culp) obtained a two-year conditional use permit in Chelan County for a development project, but several neighbors, including Jeff Kelly, filed a land use petition against him. The trial court sided with Kelly and terminated the permit. During the proceedings the two-year time limit ran out. When Culp appealed the decision, Kelly moved for dismissal on grounds of mootness because the permit was invalid. Culp argues that the time limit was paused automatically during the court challenge, but the Court of Appeals found that he could have asked for a stay. By not doing so he allowed the time to expire.
Tracfone Wireless, Inc. v. WA Department of Revenue, No. 82741-9. This case originated in Thurston County and was appealed to Division Two Court of Appeals. It concerns whether pre-paid wireless providers must pay the E-911 tax.
Tracfone sells prepaid wireless cards and phones. They paid the Department of Revenue the appropriate E-911 tax for the phone services, but then determined that was an error, claiming that the tax does not apply to prepaid wireless. Even if it does, Tracfone argues that because it does not sell service directly to consumers it has no duty to collect the tax. Tracfone is suing for a refund of the tax paid to the department. T-Mobile and CTIA-The Wireless Association filed an amicus brief supporting Tracfone's position.
Today's arguments, October 29, 2009
Today the Court will hear argument in four cases (docket, briefs).
In the morning session, beginning at 9:00 a.m., the Court will hear:
In Re PRP of Rainey, No. 81244-6. Shawn Rainey was convicted of first degree kidnapping after kidnapping his daughter to inflict extreme emotional distress on his wife. A lifetime no-contact order with his child was imposed as part of his sentence. Rainey argues this order exceeds the standard sentencing range, which is not allowed without aggravating factors. The Court of Appeals disagreed, holding that “[c]rime related no-contact orders may last for the statutory maximum,” which is life for first degree kidnapping.
Lake v. Woodcreek Homeowners Association, No. 81873-8. Sandra Lake and Glen Clausing are neighbors at Woodcreek Condominiums. Clausing, with Woodcreek's approval, built a “bonus room” over his garage. This converted common area (the airspace over the garage) into apartment area. It also interfered with Lake's view. Lake sued Clausing and Woodcreek, claiming that the law requires unanimous consent by the condominium owners to convert common area to apartment. Woodcreek and Clausing argue that unanimous consent is only required if the condominium declaration is amended, which did not happen here.
Then in the afternoon session, beginning at 1:30 p.m., the Court will hear:
State v. Kelly, No. 82111-9. Whether a firearm sentence enhancement is constitutional where use of a firearm is an element of the underlying crime. Dustin Kelly approached a couple, threatened to kill them both, and then shot at them, killing the man. In addition to murder, he was convicted of second degree assault (intentional assault with a deadly weapon). The court imposed firearm sentence enhancements on both crimes.
Kelly argues that since the use of the firearm is already an element of second degree assault, imposing the sentence enhancement on the assault essentially punishes him twice for using the firearm. He says that this violates the double jeopardy provisions of the state and federal constitutions.
State v. Aguirre, No. 82226-3. Daniel Aguirre was convicted in Thurston County Superior Court of assault and rape. He unsuccessfully appealed to the Court of Appeals (Div. 2), arguing that a number of errors occurred at trial, including a deadly weapon sentence enhancement (similar to the issue presented in State v. Kelly).
Today's oral arguments - Oct. 27, 2009
Today the Court will hear argument in only two cases, both criminal matters. (Docket, briefs)
In the morning session, starting at 9:00 a.m., the Court will hear:
State v. Kintz, No. 81688-3. On appeal from Division One Court of Appeals, this case originated in Whatcom County Superior Court. It concerns whether multiple contacts with a person over a short period of time constitute "separate occasions" for the crime of stalking.
Kintz followed female pedestrians on several occasions, passing them in his van and then turning around to pass them again. He stopped one woman several times to ask for directions and whether she needed a ride. He was convicted for stalking in Superior Court, but argues that the multiple passes in his van constitute single occasions, not satisfying the requirement for "two or more separate occasions" of following or harassing. The Court of Appeals confirmed Kintz's conviction.
In the afternoon session, starting at 1:30 p.m., the Court will hear:
State v. Erickson, No. 81594-1. This case originated in Snohomish County Superior Court, and went up to Division One Court of Appeals. Issuing an arrest warrant normally requires probable cause, and the issue in this case is whether a warrant for failure to appear at a probationary hearing requires probable cause that probation has been violated, or if it can rest on evidence of the underlying crime that led to incarceration/probation.
Erickson was convicted of fourth degree assault and released on probation, but his probation officer claimed that he violated the terms of his probation agreement. Erickson was summoned to a probation hearing, failed to appear, and an arrest warrant was issued. Upon arrest he was found with drugs on him and convicted of possession. He appealed, claiming the arrest warrant was invalid because there was no probable cause that he had violated probation (only the officer's word). But the Court of Appeals decided the warrant was valid because it was for failure to appear and related back to the original crime of assault, for which there was certainly probable cause.
Today's Arguments - October 22, 2009
Today the Court will hear oral argument in three cases, two in the morning and one in the afternoon. (Docket, briefs)
In the morning session, starting at 9:00 a.m., the Court will hear:
Shoemake v. Ferrer, No. 81812-6. On appeal from Division One Court of Appeals, this case originated in King County Superior Court. It concerns whether damages in a legal malpractice claim should be reduced because of a contingency fee agreement, and whether attorney fees can be awarded for acts of bad faith that happen prior to the start of litigation.
Andrea Shoemake was hit by a drunk driver and retained Douglas Ferrer to file a lawsuit for her, agreeing to give him a 40% contingency fee (i.e. Ferrer would get 40% of any damages). Ferrer filed the complaint, failed to appear for trial, and the case was dismissed. For eight years he told Shoemake that the case was simply backlogged in court. She eventually discovered the truth and sued for malpractice.
The Superior Court awarded damages to Shoemake for malpractice, but reduced the award by the 40% she would have paid to Ferrer. She also received attorney fees for the malpractice suit costs because Ferrer had acted in bad faith. The Court of Appeals reversed these two decisions, finding that Shoemake was not fully compensated if she had to pay Ferrer's 40% plus the costs for her new attorney, and finding that attorney fees cannot be awarded for bad faith acts that occur prior to the start of litigation.
Clayton v. Wilson, No. 81920-3. On appeal from Division One Court of Appeals, this case also originated in King County Superior Court. It concerns whether a couple's community property is liable for the intentional wrongful sexual acts of one spouse perpetrated on someone employed to take care of the community property.
Without his wife's knowledge, Mr. Wilson repeatedly sexually abused a neighbor boy, Andrew Clayton, whom he was paying to do yard work at the Wilson's home. When Mrs. Wilson found out she obtained a divorce and 90% of the community property. Clayton sued, and the entire community was found liable because the assaults occurred while Clayton was working for the community.
The trial court also found evidence of fraud in the extremely lopsided division of marital property, and voided the transfer.
In the afternoon session, starting at 1:30 p.m., the Court will hear:
Renner v. City of Marysville, No. 81959-9. On appeal from Division One Court of Appeals, this case originated in Snohomish County Superior Court. The primary issue is whether a lawsuit can be dismissed if the originating party failed to include in his claim all the information required by the filing statute.
Renner was fired for misconduct from his job as Network Administrator for the City of Marysville. He sued for wrongful termination, but failed to include 1) a specific damage amount, and 2) his address for the prior six months. The City successfully moved to dismiss the case for failure to comply with the filing requirements. The Court of Appeals reversed, finding the Renner had substantially complied with the rules.
Today's Arguments - October 20, 2009
Today the Court will hear arguments in four cases, two in the morning and two in the afternoon. (Docket, briefs)
In the morning session, starting at 9:00 a.m., the Court will hear:
Kustura v. Department of Labor, No. 81478-3. The appellants challenged several decisions by the Department of Labor & Industries, all of which were decided in the Department's favor by Division One Court of Appeals and consolidated on appeal to the Supreme Court. The question before the Court is whether L&I is constitutionally required to provide interpreters to persons with limited proficiency in English.
Kustura and the other appellants are all workers with limited English skills who had hearings before L&I. Interpreters were provided for some parts of the hearings, but not all, such as for communication with attorneys. Kustura claims this violated his due process rights. The Court of Appeals disagreed, determining that L&I is not required by statute to provide interpreters and finding no evidence of actual harm from the lack of interpreters.
This case attracted lots of attention, with amicus briefs filed by the ACLU, Washington State Assoc. for Justice, Washington State Court Interpreter and Translator Society, Washington Self-Insurer Association, Washington State Trial Lawyers Association Foundation, and the Northwest Justice Project.
Affiliated FM Insurance Company v. LTK Consulting Services, No. 82738-9. This case originated in King County Superior Court, from where it was removed to federal district court, appealed to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and finally certified to the state supreme court. It concerns whether the monorail operating agreement between the City of Seattle and Seattle Monorail Services made the latter enough of an "owner" of the monorail to sue a third party for damages caused to the monorail in a fire.
Affiliated FM provides insurance for the Seattle Monorail Services, which operates the monorail under an agreement with the monorail's owner, the City of Seattle. In May 2004 a fire broke out under a "Blue Line" train, allegedly caused by an electrical short that occurred because of improper wiring performed by LTK Consulting in 2002. Affiliated sued LTK for negligence.
The federal district court dismissed the claim for two reasons. First, because the agreement between the City and the Monorail Services did not make Monorail Services enough of an owner of the monorail to have legal standing to sue a third party for damages to it. Second, because the court found that the economic loss doctrine applied to the case, meaning that Affiliated cannot sue for a tort like negligence, but only for a contractual breach.
In the afternoon session, starting at 1:30 p.m., the Court will hear:
State v. McCuistion, No. 81644-1. On appeal from Division Two Court of Appeals, this case originated in Pierce County Superior Court. It concerns whether a statute that prescribes the type of evidence sexually violent predators can use to show they qualify for a release hearing is constitutional.
McCuistion is a sexually violent predator who is committed indefinitely to a mental institution. State law permits him to have a release hearing (to determine if he is eligible for release) if he can clearly demonstrate (show prima facie evidence) that he is no longer a sexually violent predator. The types of evidence that can be used are limited, and the state is allowed to rely on annual psychiatric reviews. McCuistion appeals the evidence restrictions as unconstitutional.
John Lallas v. Skagit County, No. 81672-7. On appeal from Division One Court of Appeals, this case arose in Skagit County Superior Court. It concerns whether a sheriff's deputy has immunity from being sued for damages caused by a prisoner in her charge.
Lallas worked as a security guard at the Skagit County Courthouse. Sheriff's Deputy Deanna Randall was escorting a prisoner at the courthouse who ran away after she failed to handcuff him. Lallas tried to block the prisoner and got injured in the process. He sued the county, who claimed quasi-judicial immunity for Randall because she was carrying out a judge's orders to escort the prisoner. The Court of Appeals reversed, holding that immunity did not apply because Lallas was suing Randall for how she carried out the order, not for the order itself.
Today at the Court - October 13, 2009
The Court will hear four cases today, two in the morning and two in the afternoon. (Docket, briefs)
In the morning session, starting at 9:00 a.m., the Court will hear arguments for:
In re the Personal Restraint Petition of James Grantham, No. 82194-1. This case is up from Division Two Court of Appeals, and concerns whether the Department of Corrections violated Grantham's due process rights by refusing to give him access to evidence used against him in a prison disciplinary hearing.
Grantham is an inmate at McNeil Island prison, and was charged with violating rules when a correctional officer was caught smuggling tobacco and marijuana to him. The evidence against him included a report of suspicious comments he was overheard making to his brother on the phone. Grantham was given notice of the disciplinary hearing where he was charged, but the notice didn't contain the dates and times of his alleged violations. He also requested a copy of the phone record on which the charges were based, which was refused. He appeals for violation of due process due to this lack of evidence.
The Court of Appeals denied Grantham's petition, but the Supreme Court granted discretionary review.
State v. Rhone, No. 80037-5. This case is on appeal from Division Two Court of Appeals and originated in Pierce County Superior Court. It concerns whether using a peremptory challenge to remove the sole minority member of a jury is racially discriminatory on its face without any other evidence.
Rhone, a black man, was charged with robbery and drug possession. The jury selected to hear his trial contained only two black members. One was dismissed "for cause" with the agreement of both parties, but the second was excused with a peremptory (without cause) challenge by the State. Rhone challenged the panel, arguing that the peremptory challenge showed racial discrimination on its face. The trial court disagreed based on the lack of other evidence of intent to discriminate. The appeals court also disagreed with Rhone.
In the afternoon session, starting at 1:30 p.m., the Court will hear arguments in:
State v. Boss and Pelts, No. 81897-5. On appeal from Division One Court of Appeals, this case originated in King County Superior Court. It concerns whether the defendant was prejudiced by two errors made by the judge in his instructions to the jury.
Child Protective Services obtained an order to take custody of Cynthia Boss's daughter due to "imminent risk of harm," but Boss refused to cooperate and moved to Texas. She was eventually found and charged with custodial interference. One element of this crime is that the other party (CPS in this case) has a legal right to the child, which CPS showed by offering the original order giving them custody of the child. The judge told the jury that CPS had a legal right to the girl, but Boss argued this was in error because the validity of the order had not been proven. The Court of Appeals agreed with Boss, but held it was a harmless error.
Boss also argues that her knowledge of CPS' legal right to custody is an element of the crime, but the judge did not include that in his instruction to the jury.
In re the Dependency of Colton Singleton, No. 81720-1. On appeal from Division Three Court of Appeals, this case originated in Ferry County Superior Court. It concerns whether there is sufficient evidence to terminate parental rights.
Amy Singleton has a son diagnosed with ADHD and other behavioral problems. She has a history of drug and alcohol abuse and is under the supervision of social workers. She continues to have substance abuse issues, although evidence was introduced that she is improving. The state filed a third party custody action and the court terminated her parental rights. She argues that the evidence is insufficient to justify the court's determination.
Oral arguments today - Sept. 22, 2009
Today the Court will hear arguments in four cases dealing with criminal procedure, public records, preemption, and the Growth Management Act. (docket, case briefs)
In the morning session, starting at 9:00 a.m., the Court will hear:
State v. Magee, No. 81746-4. On appeal from the Division Two Court of Appeals, this case originated in Pierce County Superior Court. The case concerns whether a police officer had authority to issue a ticket for a traffic infraction that was not committed in the officer's presence.
In driving to help a friend whose car had stalled on a freeway, Andrew Magee made a U-turn on an on-ramp, parking his car backwards on the shoulder to be nose-to-nose with the other car. A state trooper responded to a report of a car driving backwards, and upon seeing Magee's car she assumed it was him, issuing him a traffic citation. Magee argued there was insufficient evidence to prove the infraction, and that the trooper had no authority to issue the ticket because she didn't see him driving backwards. Both the Superior Court and Appeals Court upheld the conviction.
Yousoufian v. Ron Sims, No. 80081-2. An open records case that has gone up and down the court system for the past ten years, the final issue in Yousoufian was settled by the Court in January. But Justice Sanders, who wrote the majority opinion, was determined to have a conflict of interest and King County asked for this rehearing. Both Sanders and Justice Stephens are recused from the argument.
The Court will review the appropriate level of penalties for King County's gross negligence in providing public records to Yousoufian. Justice Sanders' original decision also provided a long-desired framework for how judges should set penalties in public records cases. He was joined by five other justices in this part of his decision.
In the afternoon session, starting at 1:30 p.m., the Court will hear:
Gold Star Resorts v. Futurewise and Whatcom County, No. 80810-4. This case is on appeal from Division One Court of Appeals, originating from a Growth Management Hearings Board decision reviewed by the Whatcom County Superior Court. The questions before the Court concern whether the doctrines of res judicata and collateral estoppel (preventing litigation of the same question twice) apply in land use cases, and whether the Growth Management Board improperly established a bright-line rule about the density of homes allowed in rural residential areas.
Futurewise challenged Whatcom's land use plan as noncompliant with the Growth Management Act, arguing that the rural density levels were too high and that some limited areas of "intensive rural development" were too large. Gold Star would have been harmed if Futurewise won, so it intervened in the case, arguing that the "intensive rural development" issue had already been found to comply with the Growth Management Act in a prior Futurewise case, and that Futurewise was barred from re-litigating the same issue again (violating res judicata).
Gold Star also argues that the Growth Management Board cannot impose a bright-line standard for permissible rural densities, since local governments are given broad discretion in the Growth Management Act to tailor their plans to the particular needs of their communities.
Lawson v. City of Pasco, No. 81636-1. This case is on appeal from Division Three Court of Appeals, and arose in Franklin County Superior Court. The question before the Court is whether the Manufactured/Mobile Home Landlord-Tenant Act preempts a city's ordinance banning the use of recreational vehicles as permanent homes in mobile home parks.
Paul Lawson owns a mobile home park in Pasco, and has at least one tenant who uses a fifth-wheel as a permanent home. Pasco has an ordinance preventing this use of a recreational vehicle, and ordered Lawson to evict all such tenants. Lawson defends on the basis that the Landlord-Tenant Act allows the use, and that the Act preempts the City's ordinance.
Today's oral arguments, Sept. 15, 2009
The Supreme Court commences oral arguments today with four cases, two in the morning and two in the afternoon. (Docket, case briefs)
During this morning's session, starting at 9:00 a.m., the Court is hearing:
State v. Grenning, No. 81449-0. This case is on appeal from Division Two Court of Appeals, and originated in Pierce County Superior Court. It concerns whether restricting the defense counsel's access to hard drives that contained some of the evidence used against Mr. Grenning meant that he was deprived of the "effective assistance of counsel."
Neil Grenning was charged with seventy-one counts of child rape, possession of child pornography and related crimes, including sexually abusing a child he babysat named B.H. Part of the state's evidence against Grenning was content from his computer's hard drives, which contained nearly 40,000 images of child pornography, including pictures of B.H.
Grenning's counsel requested copies of the drives, but the court restricted him to accessing the drives in a secure location to prevent any spread of the pictures of B.H. The defense counsel argues that the restricted access prevented him from effectively representing Grenning. The Court of Appeals agreed, reversing twenty of the counts against Grenning.
In re Detention of D.F.F., No. 81687-5. This case arises out of Division One Court of Appeals, and concerns the constitutionality of Mental Proceedings Rule 1.3, which requires psychiatric commitment proceedings to be closed to the public.
D.F.F. was committed to a psychiatric facility for 90 days by a Whatcom County Superior Court, and pursuant to MPR 1.3, the proceeding was closed to the public. She appealed, arguing that the rule violates Article I, Section 10 of the Washington State Constitution, which requires justice to be administered openly.
The Court of Appeals agreed, finding MPR 1.3 unconstitutional because it included no requirement to examine the situation to determine if shutting out the public was necessary.
Briefs for this case are not available on the court's website, but the citation for the appellate court decision is 183 P.3d 302 (2008).
During the afternoon session, starting at 1:30 p.m., the Court will hear:
In re Stephen Cramer, No. 200,674-4. This is an appeal of a recommendation by the Washington State Bar that Cramer be disbarred. According to the Bar, Cramer failed to pay taxes and had his business license revoked. So he formed a new company, transferred the assets from the old company to the new, and continued doing business without registering the new company with the Washington Department of Revenue.
State v. Madsen, No. 81450-3. This case is on appeal from Court of Appeals Division One, and arose in King County Superior Court. The question before the Court is whether a trial court may deny a defendant's request to represent himself ("pro se").
Madsen was charged with three felony counts after he violated a no-contact order by calling his former girlfriend three times in one night. During the trial Madsen repeatedly complained about his attorney, acted disruptively, and demanded that the court listen to his motions and allow him to represent himself. But it wasn't clear to the court if he was unequivocally asking to represent himself or if he was just upset with his attorney, so the court appointed a series of new attorneys in an attempt to address his concerns.
After being convicted, Madsen's latest attorney asked for a new trial on grounds this his request for self-representation was denied. The court said no, on grounds that Madsen had never actually made an "explicit, unequivocal request to proceed pro se."
The Court will also review whether it was an abuse of discretion for the trial court to treat each of Madsen's phone calls as a separate felony for sentencing purposes. Madsen argues that the calls were all part of one act of criminal conduct.
Do minors have a constitutional right to possess guns?
Argument recap: State v. Sieyes, No. 82154-2.
A fascinating gun rights case was argued today before the Supreme Court of Washington involving a tangle of state and federal issues. In 2007, Christopher Sieyes, a 17 year old, was charged and convicted with unlawful possession of a firearm. State law (RCW 9.41.040(2)(a)(iii)) prohibits minors from possessing firearms (with certain exceptions). While the case was on appeal to the Court of Appeals (Div. II), the U.S. Supreme Court issued its landmark ruling in District of Columbia v. Heller, striking down D.C.’s handgun prohibition. The Court of Appeals asked the litigants in Sieyes to supply additional briefing to address Heller, and then the court transferred the case to the state Supreme Court.
One of the major unanswered questions in Heller is relevant here—whether the Second Amendment applies to states. Since Heller, several federal circuits have ruled on this issue. The Second and Seventh Circuits have said the Second Amendment does not apply against individual states, while the Ninth Circuit says it does. This circuit split (plus the specific issue involved) all but guarantees that the U.S. Supreme Court will address this issue its next term.
Additionally, there’s the question of the Washington Constitution, which says, “The right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself, or the state, shall not be impaired . . . .” (Art. I, Sec. 24). In the past the state Supreme Court has upheld “reasonable regulation” of this right, generally upholding restrictions that are necessary to uphold public safety, health, and general welfare. The question today is whether, in light of Heller’s endorsement of the individual right to bear arms, the Supreme Court should apply a stricter standard of review to any regulations that impair gun rights. (More after the jump.)
Continue Reading...Today's Arguments - June 30, 2009
Today the Court will hear just three opinions, two in the morning and one in the afternoon. Two of the cases involve criminal procedure questions, and one is about whether a juvenile has the constitutional right to keep and bear arms. (Docket, case briefs)
In the morning session, starting at 9:00 a.m., the Court will hear:
Seattle v. Winebrenner/Seattle v. Quezada, No. 81279-9. These consolidated cases are up on appeal from Division One Court of Appeals, and concern the question of whether current law allows DUI sentences to be increased based on multiple offenses committed within seven years of the present offense, or just those committed in the prior seven years. Both Winebrenner and Quezada had multiple DUI incidents within a seven year period, and their level of sentencing depends on how the law requiring increased sentences for "prior offenses within seven years" is applied.
State v. Christopher Sieyes, No. 82154-2. This case is on appeal from Division Two Court of Appeals, and arose out of Kitsap County Superior Court. Argument will be on the question of whether the Washington law prohibiting minors from possessing guns (with various exceptions) is a violation of the state and federal constitutional rights to keep and bear arms.
Mr. Sieyes was pulled over for speeding, and found to have a gun under the front seat of his car. Being only 17-years-old at the time, Sieyes was charged and convicted of criminal possession of a firearm.
The Wa Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers filed an amicus brief in this case asking the Court to find that the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution applies to states via the Fourteenth Amendment.
In the afternoon session, starting at 1:30 p.m., the Court will hear:
State v. Jacob Gamble, No. 80131-2. This case is on appeal from Second Division Court of Appeals, and was consolidated with four other cases with a similar question. Defendant Gamble hosted a party for his high school friends, during which a fight broke out. During the fight Gamble struck one of the other kids, who later died as a result of his injuries. Gamble was convicted of first degree felony murder and second degree murder, both of which were later reversed. The state then filed a charge against Gamble for first degree manslaughter.
The question before the Court is whether allowing the state to file manslaughter charges after the murder convictions had been reversed violates the mandatory joinder rule (which requires that related offenses be tried together) and/or Gamble's double jeopardy rights.
Tomorrow's arguments, June 25, 2009
The Washington Supreme Court will hear four cases tomorrow.
During the morning session, starting at 9:00 a.m., the court will hear:
Hanson v. Thompson, No. 81311-6. Paul Hanson’s building company bought a number of lots for development, one of which was to be sold to Chad and Heather Thompson. The parties failed to close, however. After the failed sale, Hanson transferred two unrelated lots to himself and his wife, in order to get financing for a loan. The Thompsons sued Hanson under the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act (UFTA) for the value of the transferred lots. The King County Superior Court held that while there was no intent to defraud, there was “constructive fraud” under UFTA and Hanson was liable. Hanson lost an appeal, and now seeks a reversal from the Supreme Court.
Holden v. Farmers Insurance Company of Washington, No. 81487-2. Laura Holden had an insurance policy with Farmers Insurance Company. After a fire, she filed a claim for property loss. According to the policy, claims are to receive the “actual cash value” of the property. Farmers paid Holden the cash value of the property, but refused to pay the value of Washington sales tax on the property. (Farmers offered to pay the replacement cost, including tax, if Holden replaced the property.) Holden sued Farmers for the tax amount. The trial court found that the policy was ambiguous, and granted summary judgment for Holder. The Court of Appeals (Div. I) reversed.
During the afternoon session, starting at 1:30 p.m., the court will hear:
Drum v. State, No. 81498-8. Patrick Drum unlawfully entered a house while he was high on spray paint. Drum entered a drug program and signed a Drug Court Contract, under which he agreed that the court would determine his guilt on the burglary charge if he was terminated from the program. As part of this contract, he waived various rights including the right to testify and the right to a jury trial. Drum left the drug program, and the court found him guilty of burglary. Drum appealed, claiming that there was insufficient evidence to convict him and that the contract did not fulfill due process requirements for a guilty plea. The Jefferson County Superior Court found that Drum had stipulated that the evidence was sufficient, and that the contract did not violate due process because it was not a guilty plea. The Court of Appeals (Div. II) affirmed.
In re the Personal Restraint Petition of Cross, No. 79761-7. Dayva Cross was charged with multiple murders, and entered an Alford plea (a plea denying guilt, but agreeing that a jury would probably convict on the evidence). He was sentenced to death. Cross filed a personal restraint petition. Under common law, a nolo contendere plea is not acceptable in a capital case. Cross claims that an Alford plea is similar in that a defendant can accept sentencing without admitting guilt. Thus, he argues that an Alford plea cannot be entered in a capital case.
Today's Arguments - June 23, 2009
Today the Court will be hearing argument in four cases, two in the morning and two in the afternoon. (Docket, case briefs)
During the morning session, starting at 9:00 a.m., the Court will hear:
In re Fredric Sanai, No. 200,578-1. This case concerns whether a hearing examiner abused his discretion in several of the decisions he made related to his disbarment of Mr. Sanai for frivolous legal actions. All three of the decisions were procedural, including whether Mr. Sanai's brother was properly admitted to represent him, the denial of a continuance he requested for health reasons, and the denial of his request to subpoena three federal judges to explain their reasoning behind adverse rulings.
State v. James Kenyon, No. 81374-4. This case is on appeal from Division Two Court of Appeals, and originated in Mason County Superior Court. The question before the Court is whether a defendant's constitutional right to a speedy trial is violated when his trial is long delayed due to court congestion, and no discussion of whether a pro tempore judge is available was recorded.
Soon after getting out of prison Kenyon was seen carrying a gun on several occasions, and was tried and convicted of seven counts of illegal possession of a firearm. But due to congestion in the court's docket he was made to wait beyond the time limits set in rule (CrR 3.3). Kenyon argues that under the precedent set in a 1978 case (State v. Mack) his case should have been dismissed as violating his right to a speedy trial unless the trial court attempted to determine, on the record, if any pro tempore judges were available to hurry the process along.
During the afternoon session, starting at 1:30 p.m., the Court will hear:
Michael Jones v. State, No. 80787-6. This case is on appeal from Division One Court of Appeals, and originated in Snohomish County Superior Court. The Court will hear argument on the issue of whether a pharmacist whose business has been shut down by the state must exhaust all administrative remedies before bringing a tort action against the state, and whether state officials have absolute or qualified immunity against such a tort action.
Michael Jones owned a pharmacy franchise called the Medicine Shoppe, but after failing two consecutive inspections by the Washington Board of Pharmacy his license was suspended, causing his business to fail. He sued the Board of Pharmacy's Executive Director and the two investigators that gave him the failing scores for negligent supervision and intentional interference with a business expectancy. The state moved for summary judgment, arguing that the Executive Director had prosecutorial immunity, all three defendants had qualified immunity, and that their actions were in accord with state law. The trial court denied the motion for summary judgment, but the Court of Appeals reversed on all three grounds.
Sarah Bradburn v. North Central Regional Library District, No. 82200-0. This case originated in the U.S. District Court for Eastern Washington, but that court certified a question to the Washington State Supreme Court. The question is whether a library's Internet filtering policy violates the free speech protections in Article 1, Section 5 of the Washington State Constitution.
The North Central Regional Library District maintains Internet filters on its computers to block web sites and images considered "harmful to children." Several adult library patrons were blocked from accessing sites on topics such as firearms, art, abuse, dating, and health. They asked the library to unfilter the sites, but were refused. The patrons and a nonprofit whose site was among those blocked sued the library for violating federal and state free speech protections. Since past cases have found that Washington's free speech protections are stronger than their federal counterparts, the U.S. District Court asked the state supreme court to rule before it procedes with the federal claims.
Are salary disparities in school districts unconstitutional?
Argument recap: Federal Way School District 210, et. al, v. State of Washington, et. al., No. 80943-7.
The question in this case, argued before the state Supreme Court yesterday, is whether the Legislature is constitutionally compelled to equalize state allocations to school districts for school employee salaries. In 2006, the Federal Way School District, along with district employees and students, sued the state, arguing that funding disparities violate the duty of a “general and uniform” school system.
Education funding is a complex formula of federal, state, and local funds that are distributed to individual school districts. King County Superior Court Judge Michael Heavey ruled that the state’s funding model violates the “general and uniform” duty, and violated the state’s equal protection clause by paying similarly-situated school employees differently. Judge Heavey pointed out the disparities of state allocations among districts for the 2007-08 school year:
- Classified staff: $30,111 to $35,227
- Administrative staff: $54,405 to $80,807
- Teaching staff: $32,746 to $34,612
Federal Way is at the bottom classification in all three salary allocation ranges.
Continue Reading...Today's arguments, June 11, 2009
Today the Supreme Court of Washington will hear four cases: two in the morning session and two in the afternoon. (Docket, case briefs)
In the morning session, starting at 9:00 a.m., the Court will hear:
McAllister v. Bellevue Firemen’s Pension Board, No. 81187-3. Whether the City of Bellevue properly calculated retiree’s pension benefits. David and Ken McAllister were firefighters in Bellevue, and contributed to a city pension plan. Under this plan, pension benefits were based on firefighters’ salaries, but when calculating benefits, the salaries were considered to be capped at the battalion chief level. David and Ken were Chief and Deputy Chief when they retired, so the pension cap would have applied to them. In 1969, Washington State replaced local pension plans with a single state plan for all firefighters and police. Under this plan salaries are not capped. The state plan provided that if a firefighter would have received higher benefits under a local plan, the local government was responsible to make up the difference.
In accordance with this provision, the City of Bellevue made additional payments to the McAllisters. But in calculating the McAllister’s benefits under the city plan, the city did not cap their salaries as the city plan required. When this was discovered, the city reduced its payments to match what the McAllisters should been receiving, but did not require back payments. The McAllisters sued, and lost at trial and on appeal.
Federal Way School District 210 v. State, No. 80943-7. Whether the Legislature is constitutionally compelled to equalize state allocations to school districts for school employee salaries. The Washington Constitution states that “The legislature shall provide for a general and uniform system of public schools.” Art. IX, § 2. Historically, the state pays different amounts per teacher to different school districts, based in part on the salary levels of those districts when the system was initiated. The Federal Way School District, individual teachers, and students sued the state, claiming that this unequal funding violates the constitution because it is not “general and uniform.” The King County Superior Court agreed, finding that the differences in funding had no relation to differences in education costs. The state counters that its constitutional duty is to create a common education system, not to guarantee precisely equal funding to every district. This case is on direct appeal from superior court.
In the afternoon session, starting at 1:00 p.m., the Court will hear:
In re Fiona A. Crinks Kennedy, No. 200,682-5. The Washington State Bar Association requests an interim suspension of attorney Fiona A. Crinks Kennedy pending cooperation with the Bar’s disciplinary investigation.
State v. Eaton, No. 81348-5. Thomas Eaton was arrested for DUI and taken to the Clark County jail. When he was searched at the jail, the officers found a bag of meth taped to his sock. At trial, Eaton was convicted of DUI and drug possession. The trial court gave him an enhanced sentence based on possession of drugs within a correctional facility. Eaton disputed this enhancement because he had not chosen to take the drugs to jail, but the trial court held that the statute does not require that the possession within prison be voluntary.
The Court of Appeals disagreed, holding that an “element of volition” is required for crimes, and that punishing Eaton for involuntary possession within a prison would be absurd. The state counters that the statute should be read literally, and that volition is not necessary for a sentence enhancement. The state now appeals, and the Supreme Court will determine whether a defendant’s sentence can be enhanced for an involuntary act under RCW 9.94A.533(5)(c).
Are courts subject to the Public Records Act?
Argument recap of Morgan v. Federal Way & Tacoma News, Inc., No. 81556-9 & Koenig v. Federal Way, No. 82288-3.
Two cases argued today before the Supreme Court of Washington present a significant question about public access to court records and could result in a major expansion of the state’s Public Records Act (chap. 42.56 RCW).
The Morgan case involves a complaint filed by an employee of the Federal Way Municipal Court alleging a hostile workplace environment. The City of Federal Way hired attorney Amy Stephson to investigate the allegation. Judge Michael Morgan was the focus of the investigation. The News Tribune filed a public record request for Stephson’s report of investigation. Federal Way determined that the report should be released, and Judge Morgan filed suit against the city, seeking to bar disclosure of the report. The News Tribune also intervened. In March 2008, a trial court determined that the document was subject to the Public Records Act, and could be released to The News Tribune.
In a separate case, David Koenig filed a request for records, including records related to the resignation of Federal Way Municipal Court Judge Colleen Hartl, and correspondence of Judge Morgan. The city determined that several court records were not disclosable, asserting that the municipal court is not subject to the Public Records Act. The King County Superior Court agreed, relying primarily on the case of Nast v. Michels, 107 Wn.2d 300 (1986).
The Public Records Act question in both Morgan and Koenig is whether courts fall under the Act’s broad mandate for disclosure of public records. Generally, a “public record” is a writing related to the conduct of government, which is prepared, owned, used, or retained by any state or local agency. In Nast, the Supreme Court held that courts are not “agencies” under the Public Records Act, and that court case files are not subject to disclosure under the PRA.
Judge Morgan argues that the Stephson report is a court record concerning a municipal court judge and is thereby not subject to the PRA. In the other case, Mr. Koenig argues that Nast applied in a limited fashion to case files, but does not exempt a court’s administrative records.
The Office of the Attorney General filed amicus curiae briefs in both cases. In Morgan, the Attorney General argued that the Stephson report falls under the PRA, and disputed Morgan’s claim that the report would be exempt from disclosure under attorney-client privilege or work product. In Koenig, the Attorney General took a more moderate approach, cautioning against a blanket rule on whether courts are “public agencies” under the PRA, and suggesting that the court should offer guidance for when administrative records might be available.
Another wild card in these cases: Justices Sanders and Madsen were both recused, with Judge Joel Penoyar and Judge Kevin Korsmo sitting in as Justices Pro Tem. Justice Sanders has been a consistent vote for open government, and Justice Madsen frequently rules for disclosure, though usually approaching public records cases contextually. I won’t venture a guess on the impact of the two pro tem justices.
The Supreme Court’s ruling in these cases will likely be the final word for some time, considering the fact that the Washington Legislature has not offered any significant clarification on issue in the twenty-two years since the Nast decision.
Video of the arguments after the jump.
Continue Reading...Today at the Court - June 9, 2009
Today the Court will hear four cases, two in the morning session and two in the afternoon. Public records are the big topic of the day, with two cases on the docket about the applicability of the Public Records Act to court records. (Docket, case briefs)
In the morning session, starting at 9:00 a.m., the Court will hear:
State v. Bobenhouse, No. 81413-9. This case is on appeal from Division Three Court of Appeals, and originated in Asotin County. It concerns whether a person can be charged as an accomplice to a crime when the principle actors in the crime are children, and thus legally incapable of committing a crime. Bobenhouse also objects to the jury's failure to specify which act in a sequence of acts was the basis for the charges against him.
Bobenhouse was convicted of three counts of first degree child rape and two counts of first degree incest for raping his son and forcing his son and daughter to commit sexual acts with each other while they were between the ages of 4 and 8. He is appealing his convictions on the grounds that the children were not capable of either criminal rape or incest, being close in age and under 8 years old, and so he cannot be liable as an accomplice. The Court of Appeals upheld his convictions, stating that his culpability is based on "forcing innocent people...to engage in conduct that would constitute a crime if [he] engaged in the same conduct."
In re S. Richard Hicks, No. 200,606-0. This case is an appeal of a recommendation by the Washington State Bar Association to discipline Attorney Richard Hicks with a two-year suspension for misconduct. The misconduct included making an "inaccurate and incomplete" statement to the Bar about his commingling of client funds. The questions before the Court are whether Hicks was ethically obligated to reveal his handling of the funds, and whether the two-year suspension levied by the Bar was excessive.
In the afternoon session, starting at 1:30 p.m., the Court will hear:
Morgan v. Federal Way, et al., No. 81556-9. This case arose when Judge Michael Morgan (Federal Way Municipal Court) filed a petition with the King County Superior Court to prevent the City of Federal Way from releasing an internal investigation report to The News Tribune. The issue before the court is whether such a report is exempt from the Public Records Act because it is attorney work product or protected by an attorney-client relationship.
The report was prepared by an attorney, Amy Stephson, hired by the city to investigate a complaint of a hostile work environment at the municipal court. The News Tribune requested a copy of the report under the Public Records Act, and Judge Morgan filed a petition to prevent its disclosure. He argued that it was protected by the work product and attorney-client privilege exemptions to the Act, and by a general "separation of powers" that prevents the Act from being applied to judicial documents. The Superior Court disagreed, finding that the Act was applicable because the report was commissioned by and in the possession of the City (a non-judicial entity), and that the report did not fall under any of the claimed exemptions.
Federal Way v. David Koenig, No. 82288-3. This case is a direct appeal from a King County Superior Court order finding that the Public Records Act does not apply to the Federal Way Municipal Court. The issue before the court is whether some or all court records are subject to the Public Records Act.
David Koenig filed a number of public records requests with the Federal Way Municipal Court, including records related to the resignation of Judge Colleen Hart. The city attorney asked for a ruling that the Municipal Court is not subject to the Public Records Act. The Superior Court granted the motion, relying on Nast v. Michels. (107 Wn.2d 300) But the trial court judge acknowledged that the issue of the PRA"s applicability to court records is generally in doubt, and encouraged Koenig to appeal directly to the supreme court.
This week at the Supreme Court, June 8, 2009
The Washington Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on June 9 and June 11. The court may issue rulings on June 11.
This week at the Supreme Court, June 2, 2009
The Court will not be hearing oral arguments this week, so the next scheduled argument day is Tuesday, June 9. Today the Justices are considering petitions for review, and we will post the outcome when the results are released in the next couple of days. We'll also update you on whatever opinions the Court releases this week (opinions will likely be out on June 4).
Today's arguments, May 28, 2009
The Supreme Court will hear arguments in four cases today. (Docket and briefs)
In the morning session, starting at 9:00 a.m., the Court will hear:
Carlisle v. Columbia Irrigation District, No. 82035-0. The Columbia Irrigation District went through the process of adding property to its jurisdiction and imposing taxes on the owners. Some of the landowners opposed this claim. The Supreme Court reviews whether the proper procedures were followed in adding plaintiffs’ land to the Columbia Irrigation District and forming a local improvement district, and whether those procedures violate the Washington Constitution.
In re PRP of Brooks, No. 80704-3. Whether the trial court can deliver a sentence where the total time in prison and in community custody potentially exceeds the statutory maximum. Jeffrey Brooks was convicted of 3 counts of attempted first degree robbery and 1 count of residential burglary. These are all class B felonies, with a maximum sentence of ten years in prison. Brooks was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment, followed by a period of community custody of 1.5 - 3 years, for each of the four felonies. Brooks claims that this sentence is unlawful because the total time of imprisonment and community custody exceeds the statutory maximum of ten years.
In the afternoon session, starting at 1:30 p.m., the Court will hear:
Ducote v. DSHS, No. 81714-6. Whether a stepparent can bring an action against DSHS for negligent investigation of an allegation. Kent Ducote was accused of sexual abuse by his stepdaughter. Based on the accusation, DSHS investigated and separated Ducote from his family for eight months. The accusations were later dismissed. Ducote sued DSHS for negligent investigation, but his suit was dismissed for lack of standing. The statutes in RCW 26.44 upon which negligent investigation is based note the “paramount importance” of the “bond between a child and his or her parent, custodian, or guardian” in their purpose clause. The trial court ruled that since the statute does not specifically mention stepparents, Ducote lacked standing to bring suit. The Court of Appeals (Div. I) upheld the dismissal. The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs filed an amicus curiae brief in support of DSHS.
In re the custody of Wilson, No. 81945-9. This case involves a custody dispute between the father and grandparents of a child. JoAnn Grieco and Sachi Wilson had two sons. In 1995, Grieco was diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2002, the couple separated and Wilson moved out of the family home. He later moved to California and started a relationship with another woman. In 2003 Grieco’s illness became disabling, and her parents, Vito and Yasuko Grieco, moved in to help care for the children. Grieco died in 2004, and Vito and Yasuko Grieco continued to care for the boys in the family home.
In 2006, the grandparents filed a nonparental custody action under chapter 26.10 RCW. In order for such an action to proceed, the party bringing the action must show “adequate cause” for the case to proceed. This consists of “an affidavit declaring that the child is not in the physical custody of one of its parents or that neither parent is a suitable custodian and setting forth facts supporting the requested order.” The grandparents showed that the boys had been living with them for several years, and the court considered this sufficient to establish adequate cause. The Court of Appeals (Div. I) disagreed, holding that the grandparents should also have made a prima facie case that Wilson was unfit or that the boys would suffer detriment if placed with him. With no such argument, the appeals court held that adequate cause had not been shown.
Today at the Court - May 26, 2009
Today the Court will be hearing argument in four cases, two in the morning, and two in the afternoon. (Docket, case briefs)
In the morning session, starting at 9:00 a.m., the Court will hear:
Tanya Gregoire v. Oak Harbor, No. 81253-5. On appeal from Division One Court of Appeals, this action for wrongful death was brought by the estate of an inmate who hung himself in the Oak Harbor jail. The question before the court is whether a city can use the defenses of contributory negligence and assumption of risk to defend against a wrongful death action for a jailhouse suicide.
Edward Gregoire, the deceased, exhibited erratic emotional behavior while he was being transported to jail, tried to run, and ten minutes after being placed in his cell hung himself with a bedsheet. The jury found for the City after being instructed on the defenses of contributory negligence and assumption of risk; but Gregoire argues such defenses cannot be used due to the "special relationship" duties owed to an inmate by jail staff.
Fitzpatrick v. Okanogan County, No. 81257-8. This case is on appeal from Division Three Court of Appeals, and presents the Court with the question of whether a landowner may be compensated (via inverse condemnation) for damage caused to his property by a public project.
The damaged property was a log home built by the Fitzpatricks near the Methow River, which was washed away when the river abruptly changed course due to the construction of a dike upstream. The dike was a joint project of the state and county. The trial court granted summary judgment for the county, relying on the Common Enemy Doctrine (a rule allowing landowners to divert surface water, even to the detriment of neighoring landowners), but was reversed by the Court of Appeals.
In the afternoon session, starting at 1:30 p.m., the court will hear:
State v. Kyllo, No. 81164-4. This case arises out of Division Two Court of Appeals, and concerns whether Kyllo received effective counsel in his trial for second degree assault of a fellow inmate. Kyllo appealed on the grounds that his attorney made several errors, primarily related to jury instructions about his self-defense claim.
In re the Personal Restraint Petition of Beito, No. 77973-2. This case arises out of Division Two Court of Appeals, and concerns whether it is a violation of due process for a trial court judge to set an exceptional sentence based on facts which were not proven beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury.
Beito pleaded guilty to first degree murder of a 14-year-old girl, with a maximum penalty of 374 months in prison. The trial court sentenced him to 504 months after finding aggravating circumstances demonstrating he also committed third degree "rape of a child" in connection with the murder. The finding was based on factual statements that were agreed to by Beito, but he did not agree there was a connection between the rape and murder. That was determined by the judge. He filed a Personal Restraint Petition alleging due process and double jeopardy violations. The Court of Appeals dismissed the petition.
Today's arguments, May 21, 2009
The Washington Supreme Court will hear three cases today. (Docket, case briefs)
In the morning session, starting at 9:00 a.m., the court will hear:
In re the Detention of Moore, No. 81201-2. Paul Moore was committed as a sexually violent predator in Snohomish County Superior Court. During the hearing, the parties stipulated to much of the State's evidence. In the present case, Moore was judged marginally competent, but the doctor evaluating him said that his competence could change over time.
The trial court committed Moore as a sexually violent predator. At issue is (1) whether the trial court denied Moore due process by accepting a stipulation of certain fact without conducting an inquiry to determine if he knowingly waived his right to contest the State’s case, (2) whether trial counsel was constitutionally ineffective, and (3) whether due process requires the State to prove Moore would reoffend within the foreseeable future.
State v. Jones, No. 81236-5. Defendant, a twelve-year-old boy, was convicted of first degree child molestation. He pleaded guilty after telling the court that his attorney had read the plea statement to him, he understood it, and he had no questions about it. He is now attempting to withdraw his plea.
Defendant’s appeals team argues he was deprived of effective assistance of counsel. Prior to the trial, his public defender spent less than two hours with him. The lawyer allowed the boy’s parents to be present at the meetings, potentially interfering with a confidential attorney-client relationship. Finally, the lawyer failed to investigate the case and inadequately advised the boy of the consequences of a plea bargain.
In the afternoon session, starting at 1:30 p.m., the Court will hear:
Spokane v. Rothwell, No. 81271-3. The question in this case is whether a district court judge had jurisdiction over municipal court criminal trials. The City of Spokane had a system where, instead of electing separate municipal judges, they “borrowed” judges from Spokane County District Court. These judges were elected as district court judges, and citizens from the entire county voted on their elections. But under Washington law, only city voters may vote for municipal judges.
Henry Smith and Lawrence Rothwell were charged in municipal court with DUI-related offenses. They moved to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction, because Judge Patti Walker was elected in a county-wide election in violation of state law. Judge Walker denied these motions, and was upheld by the superior court.
On appeal, the City argued that it “substantially complied” with the statute because a majority of city voters voted for Judge Walker. The Court of Appeals disagreed, stating that “RCW 3.46.070 is clear and unambiguous. Only city voters shall vote for municipal judges designated as such by the county auditor. We must read the statute literally.” The Court of Appeals overturned the lower court decisions and reversed the convictions. The City now appeals to the Supreme Court.
Today at the Court - May 19, 2009
As Mike mentioned yesterday, the Court is hearing today's arguments at the University of Washington School of Law. Three cases will be heard. (Docket, case briefs)
In the morning session, starting at 9:00 a.m., the court will hear:
Seattle v. Robert St. John, No. 81992-1. This case is on appeal from Division One Court of Appeals, and originated in the Seattle Municipal Court. It concerns the question of whether it is a violation of Washington's Implied Consent law for a police officer to obtain a warrant to test a person's blood alcohol content after the person has refused to be tested.
St. John was injured in a motorcycle crash on the Alaskan Way viaduct, and was taken to Harborview Medical. While there he was arrested by a state patrol officer for driving under the influence, and was asked to consent to a blood alcohol test, without being told that a warrant would be sought if he refused. St. John did refuse, so the officer obtained a warrant to perform the test. The Implied Consent law (RCW 46.20.308(1)) indicates that once consent has been refused, the test may not be performed. But a competing statute (RCW 46.20.308) indicates that lack of consent does not prevent an officer from obtaining a warrant. The Court is being asked to reconcile these two statutes.
Armantrout v. Carlson & Cascade Orthopaedics, No. 81195-4. This case is a wrongful death claim on appeal from Division One, and presents the Court with the question of whether a child's provision of economically valuable services to her parents can used to prove that the parents were financially dependent on the child.
Eighteen-year-old Kristen Armantrout lived with her blind mother in Washington, and acted as her mother's companion and aide in performing everyday activities. She also contributed her small Social Security check to the family budget, although the majority of the family's money was provided by her father, who was working out-of-state. Kristen died due to a complication following ankle surgery, and her parents sued for wrongful death, claiming they were dependent on Kristen for support. Cascade argued there were insufficient grounds for wrongful death damages, as the parents had not been substantially financially dependent on Kristen. The trial court found for the Armantrout's, but the Court of Appeals reversed, holding that economically valuable services cannot be considered when determining if there was financial dependence.
In the afternoon session, starting at 1:30 p.m., the Court will hear:
In re Larry Botimer, No. 200,625-6. This case was originally schedule for argument on Thursday, May 21, but was moved to today's docket. It concerns a decision by the Washington State Bar to suspend Botimer's license to practice law. The suspension was based upon findings by the Bar that Botimer violated conflict of interest rules, disclosed client confidences and disclosed that a tax return he prepared for a client was discovered later to be fraudulent. (Case briefs)
This week at the Supreme Court, May 18, 2009
This week the Supreme Court will hear arguments on May 19 and 21, and will likely issue opinions on May 21. The court is on the road this week; Tuesday's oral arguments will be heard at the Univeristy of Washington School of Law.
Today's arguments, May 14, 2009
Today the Court will hear argument in three cases. (Docket and case briefs)
During the morning session, starting at 9:00 a.m., the Court will hear:
State v. Jaime, No. 82008-2. James Jaime and Ignacio Ornales got into an argument over a drug deal. Jaime shot Ornales, who later died of his injury. Jaime was convicted of second degree murder and unlawful possession of a firearm. Because of his violent history, threats against witnesses, and previous escape attempts, the trial was held in a courtroom within the jail building. The jury was only told that the use of the jail courtroom was due to scheduling issues. The defense claims that this is the equivalent of making Jaime stand trial in chains or prison clothing, violating his right to a fair trial. The Supreme Court will address (1) whether holding trial in a jail courtroom violates the defendant's right to a fair trial; and (2) whether the judge had the discretion to exclude expert testimony on eyewitness reliability.
State v. Dow, No. 81243-8. Keith Dow was charged with raping a three-year-old girl, but the charge was reduced to first degree child molestation when the girl was deemed incompetent to testify. Without her testimony, the state needed to use statements made by Dow to support its case. A hearing took place to determine whether defendant’s statements could be used pursuant to RCW 10.58.35, which requires a court to consider a number of factors when deciding whether a confession is sufficiently trustworthy. The trial court ruled the state statute violated the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and as the state had no other evidence, charges were dismissed. The state appealed to the Court of Appeals (Div. II), where the trial court was reversed. Defendant now appeals to the Supreme Court.
During the afternoon session, the Court will hear:
In re Bradley Marshall, No. 200,577-2. The Washington State Bar Association is seeking disbarment of Bradley Marshall for multiple violations of the Rules of Professional Responsibility. This is not the first disciplinary issue Bradley Marshall has faced, having been reprimanded and suspended for unrelated actions.
Today at the Court
Today the Court will hear argument on four cases on the topics of... (Docket, case briefs)
During the morning session, starting at 9:00 a.m., the Court will hear:
In re the Detention of Bryan Duncan, No. 81230-6. This case is on appeal from Division Three Court of Appeals, and originated in Benton County Superior Court when the state filed a request to civilly commit Duncan as a sexually violent predator. Three questions are on appeal to the Supreme Court.
First, did the trial court err when it allowed evidence to be presented that Duncan had refused a pre-trial mental examination? Second, did it err by allowing into evidence Duncan's plan to live with a convicted sex offender after being released from prison, but not allowing Duncan to explain that the potential roommate hadn't re-offended since getting out of detention? Third, did the court err by refusing to allow Duncan to provide evidence about the effectiveness of the sex offender treatment program at the Special Commitment Center on McNeil Island?
Bianca Faust, et al. v. Mark Albertson, et al. No. 81356-6. Faust appealed this case after the Division One Court of Appeals overturned a jury award of $14 million for the injuries she and her family sustained after being hit by a drunk driver. She had sued the bar the driver had been drinking at before the crash for "negligent overservice" of alcohol to the driver after he was already drunk. The dispute in the case is over the type and level of evidence needed to establish that the establishment's bartenders negligently continued to serve drinks to someone who was visibly intoxicated. Both the WA Association for Justice Foundation (formerly the Trial Lawyers Association) and Mothers Against Drunk Driving filed amicus briefs in the case.
During the afternoon session, starting at 1:30 p.m., the Court will hear:
State v. Eriksen, No. 80653-5.This case originated in Whatcom County District Court, and concerns whether tribal law enforcement officers have authority to pursue motorists beyond the limits of tribal lands after having observed them commit a traffic infraction on the reservation. Ms. Eriksen was pursued by a tribal police officer for a suspected DUI while on Lummi Reservation in Whatcom County, but the officer didn't actually stop her until they were outside the boundaries of the reservation. Eriksen was convicted for a DUI, and challenged the legality of the stop by the tribal officer.
State v. Rivera-Santos, No. 81445-7. This case arises from an appeal to a Clark County Superior Court decision. The defendant was observed driving under the influence of alcohol in Clark County, and a police chase ensued that didn't end until Oregon officers stopped him in Portland. Rivera-Santos was convicted of a DUI in Oregon, and the question before the court is whether the defendant's constitutional right against double jeopardy prevents him from being convicted for the same crime in Washington state. The trial court believed it was double jeopardy, and dismissed the case, the superior court disagreed. The defendant appealed directly to the Supreme Court, asking for review as a matter of great public interest.
This week at the Supreme Court
The Washington Supreme Court will hear arguments on May 12 and 14, and will likely issue rulings on May 14.
Today's oral arguments
Today is the first day of the Court's spring term, and three criminal law cases are scheduled for oral argument. The cases involve questions on double jeopardy, speedy trials, and the death of a defendant. Two will be argued this morning, and one this afternoon. (Docket, case briefs)
During the morning session, starting at 9:00 a.m., the Court will hear:
State v. Hughes, No. 81270-5. This case is on appeal from Division Three Court of Appeals, and originated in Spokane County Superior Court. It concerns whether separate convictions for second degree rape of a child and second degree rape constitute double jeopardy. In the sad facts of this case, defendant Raymond Hughes was found guilty of having had sex with a 12-year-old girl he had been hired to nurse. The girl was dying of cerebral palsy.
Hughes appealed on the grounds that the two convictions violated his constitutional right against double jeopardy, because both were based on one act of sexual intercourse, and both involve the same basic element (a victim's incapacity to consent). The Court of Appeals upheld the trial court's decision, determining the two crimes are different in that one required proof of age, the other one required proof of mental incapacity.
The Court may also review a second issue on appeal, which concerns whether the trial court judge had the authority to impose an exceptional minimum sentence based on aggravating circumstances. Hughes argues that some type of judicial fact-finding of these circumstances is necessary.
State v. Iniguez, No. 81750-2. This case is also on appeal from the Third Division Court of Appeals, originating in Franklin County Superior Court. The issue before the court is whether an eight-month delay in the defendant's trial violated his constitutional right to a speedy trial. Iniguez was convicted of robbery, but only after his trial was delayed multiple times due to conflicts in schedules, a mistrial and the state's decision to combine Iniguez' trial with that of his partner in the robbery. None of these delays were Iniguez' fault, he objected to them, and the Court of Appeals overturned his conviction.
While the defendant asserts that his Sixth Amendment right has been violated, he also asserts a violation of the speedy trial right in Article 1, Section 22 of the Washington Constitution, and uses a Gunwall analysis to argue for a finding that state constitutional protections are even greater than the federal. The State argues that it would be extraordinary and counter to the present trend to find a violation of the speedy trial right after a delay of only eight months.
During the afternoon session, starting at 1:30 p.m., the court will hear:
State v. Webb, No. 81314-1. On appeal from Division One Court of Appeals and King County Superior Court, the question before the justices is how a criminal case on appeal should be reviewed when the defendant dies while the appeal is pending.
Webb was an internet radio talk show host who was convicted of a false insurance claim, which he appealed. While the appeal was pending Webb was brutally murdered in his home. When his body was finally two months later, his attorney asked the Court of Appeals to abate the conviction or at least review the appeal for meritorious issues. The Court disagreed, affirming the conviction and the accompanying fines, court costs and restitution. Webb's counsel appealed.
This week at the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court's Spring Term opens on May 7 with oral arguments in three cases. The court may also issue opinions on May 7.
Today at the Court, March 26, 2009
The Court today issued opinions in two criminal cases and will hear argument in two cases.
Opinions
State v. Kirwin, No. 80113-4. Police arrested Dennis Kirwin for littering (he tossed a beer can out his truck window), then searched Kirwin's truck and found meth. State law makes littering only a civil infraction, which cannot result in an arrest, but Olympia deems it a misdemeanor. Kirwin challenged the city littering ordinance, arguing that it was unconstitutionally in conflict with the state statute. In a majority opinion by Justice Fairhurst and signed by Justices Alexander, C. Johnson, Chambers, Owens, and J. Johnson, the court upholds the ordinance and hence the arrest and the search. In a concurrence, Justice Madsen suggests that the ordinance may well be invalid under Article I, section 12, of the Washington State Constitution, but would not reach the question because it was not raised by Kirwin. Justice Sanders dissents, agreeing in part with Justice Madsen and disagreeing that the search was a lawful search incident to arrest. (Case briefs and argument.)
State v. Wright, No. 78465-5, & State v. Bryant, No. 78788-3 (consolidated). Justice Madsen writes for a six-member majority and holds that retrying defendants Wright and Bryant for murder is not barred by double jeopardy. "Because the defendants' convictions were reversed on grounds other than insufficient evidence, and because they have not been expressly or impliedly acquitted of intentional murder, they remain in the same jeopardy as attached at the first trial." Justice Sanders dissents, joined by Alexander and Chambers, arguing for a stronger interpretation of the double jeopardy clause. (Case briefs and arguments.)
Oral Arguments (briefs)
Continue Reading...Watch yesterday's oral arguments
Video of the March 24 oral arguments are now available on TVW.
State v. Gonzalez, No. 26070-4. Jeff Goldstein argued for the appellant, Theresa Chen argued for the state.
Links to the other arguments after the jump.
Continue Reading...Today at the Court
Today the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments in four cases. The issues in the cases include community versus separate property, double jeopardy, a Consumer Protection Act claim, and shareholder lawsuits. (Docket schedule, case briefs)
During the morning session, starting at 9:00 a.m., argument will be heard in:
In re the Estate of Borghi, No. 80925-9. This case is on appeal from Division One Court of Appeals, and concerns a probate dispute over whether a parcel of real property is community or separate property. The Court must decide whether real property contracted for before marriage remains the separate property of the purchasing spouse, even though the property deed was issued after the marriage and names both spouses.
State v. Gonzalez, No. 26070-4. On appeal from Division Three Court of Appeals, this case originated in Grant County Superior Court. It concerns a question of double jeopardy, i.e. punishing a person twice for the same crime. The Court must decide whether state statutes allow a restitution order to be amended beyond the statutory period, whether under the state and federal constitutions a restitution order is by nature a criminal "punishment," and if it is, whether the amended order constitutes two separate punishments. (More information on the double jeopardy clause in Article I, Section 9 of the state constitution, from our Constitution Guide.)
During the afternoon session, starting at 1:30 p.m., argument will be heard in:
Ambach v. French County, No. 81107-5. This case is on appeal from Division Three Court of Appeals. It concerns a complaint filed under Washington's Consumer Protection Act for a surgery that went bad. The plaintiff seeks recovery of economic damages, and the question before the Court is whether her damages constitute injury to "business or property" under the Act.
In re F5 Networks, Inc., No. 81817-7. This case is a request for clarification from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. The District Court wants to know how to interpret Washington law for a situation where a group of shareholders brought a lawsuit (a derivative action) on behalf of a corporation against its officers for alleged backdating of stock options and insider trading. The shareholders did not first demand that the corporate board take action, so the question is (1) whether they were excused from making that normally required step if such a demand would have been futile, and (2) would futility be shown by board approval of the backdating?
You can read Mike's "This week at the Court" post from yesterday for further details about these cases.
This week at the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court may release one or more opinions on March 26.
Oral arguments are scheduled for the following cases.
March 24, 2009 (case briefs)
In re the Estate Borghi, No. 80925-9. Does real property purchased by a contract executed before marriage remained the separate property of the purchasing spouse even though the fulfillment deed, issued after the marriage, named both spouses? Robert and Jeannette Borghi were married in March 1975. Prior to her marriage to Mr. Borghi, Jeannette Borghi entered into a real estate contract to purchase property. After their marriage, a statutory warranty deed was issued to both Mr. and Mrs. Borghi, who lived on the property as their primary residence until 1990, and paid off the mortgage in 1999.
Jeannette Borghi died without a will in 2005. Under intestate succession, if the property were classified as “community property,” it would pass to Mr. Borghi. Arthur Gilroy, Mrs. Borghi’s son from a previous marriage, contended that the property was his mother's separate property, and should not pass to Mr. Borghi. The Court of Appeals (Div. I) held that early Washington Supreme Court precedent required a finding that the property was the separate property of Mrs. Borghi, as it was purchased prior to marriage. The court “reluctantly” ruled for Mr. Gilroy.
State v. Gonzalez, No. 81525-9. Does a second order of restitution constitute double jeopardy? This case is a direct appeal from Grant County Superior Court. In 2003 Robert Gonzalez attacked a man with a metal bar, seriously injured the man, and robbed him of his vehicle. As part of a judgment and sentence, Robert Gonzalez was ordered to pay $20,886 in restitution in June 2004. In June 2006, the prosecutor moved for further restitution in the amount of $25,561 to cover additional medical bills, paid from the crime victims fund.
Mr. Gonzalez objected to the second order of restitution, arguing it was beyond the 180 day statutory limit to seek restitution. The State argues that statute allows for modifications to the amount previously ordered by the trial court. Gonzalez also argues that the second order of restitution results in double jeopardy, and violates the Washington Constitution (Art. I, sec. 9) and the Fifth Amendment of U.S. Constitution. The State says a modification of an original judgment does not amount to a multiple punishment.
Ambach v. French County, No. 81107-5. Patient Teresa Ambach brought an action against her surgeon and hospital when her shoulder became infected after a surgical procedure and had to be fused. Her complaint included claims against Dr. French for professional negligence and violations of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). As part of her CPA claim, Ms. Ambach alleged that Dr. French performed medically unnecessary surgeries for financial gain. The trial court ruled in favor of Dr. French and imposed sanctions against Ms. Ambach's attorneys. The Court of Appeals (Div. III) reversed the summary judgment and the attorney sanctions. The issue before the Supreme Court is whether a medical patient’s economic losses attributable to an allegedly unnecessary surgical procedure are recoverable under the Consumer Protection Act.
Justice Stephens has been excused from this case as she sat on the Court of Appeals when the case was heard.
In re F5 Networks, Inc., No. 81817-7. This case comes from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, which seeks clarification on a question of Washington law: Whether a shareholder seeking to bring a derivative action on behalf of a corporation is excused from demanding that the board of directors bring an action if such a demand would have been futile, and whether board approval or acceptance of backdated options shows futility.
March 26, 2009 (case briefs)
State v. Engel, No. 81072-9. Roger Engel was convicted of second-degree burglary. After the Court of Appeals (Div. I) upheld his conviction, he appealed to the Supreme Court arguing that to support a conviction for burglary, the State had to prove that Mr. Engel unlawfully entered a building, which is defined to include a “fenced area.” Mr. Engel was convicted for unlawfully entering the yard of Western Asphalt Company, which was only fenced on one-third of its border. Mr. Engel argues that a yard only partially enclosed by a fence cannot be a “building” as defined by the burglary statutes. See RCW 9A.04.110(5).
State v. McCormick, No. 81193-8. David McCormick, a 61-year-old indigent man confined to a wheelchair, regularly picked up food from the St. Vincent DePaul food bank in Everett. A trial court found that McCormick, by visiting this food bank which was located near a parochial grade school, had violated the conditions of his suspended sentence for first-degree rape of a child by frequenting a place where minors are known to congregate, and by failing to complete a sexual deviancy treatment program. McCormick denied knowing the food bank was near a grade school. Regardless, the trial court revoked his special sexual offender sentencing alternative, and ordered him to serve a 123 month sentence. The Court of Appeals (Div. I) affirmed. The question before the Supreme Court is whether the State must prove that a defendant willfully violated the conditions of his suspended sentence before the trial court can revoke the suspended sentence.
Today at the Court
The Court released opinions in two cases this morning and will hear oral argument today in four others.
Opinions
State v. Fisher, No. 79801-0. A unanimous Court reverses the Court of Appeals and grants criminal defendant Fisher a new trial. The opinion by Justice Fairhurst determines that "prosecutorial misconduct denied Fisher a fair trial." The prosecutor introduced evidence without providing proper notice to the defense and introduced evidence in violation of a pretrial ruling. Fisher had been convicted on four counts of child molestation. Justice Madsen writes a concurrence, sugesting that the real problem with Fisher's trial was the trial court's decision to allow testimony about allegations not directly related to the criminal charges. (State v. Fisher briefs, oral argument)
Brogan & Anensen LLC v. Lamphiea, No. 81825-8. Beware of forms with unchecked boxes. In a per curiam opinion, the Court reverses and remands to the trial court. In a real estate transaction, buyer Brogan & Anensen had orally promised to allow the seller, Lamphiea, to retain posession of the property for a year. The contract form had three options for "possession date," each with a box beside it, but none were checked. Thus, the Court finds the contract ambiguous as to the possession date and holds that the lower court's application of the parol evidence rule to preclude evidence of the oral argreement was improper.
Oral Argument
Continue Reading...Argument recap: SEIU 775NW v. Gregoire
“Counsel, in this case, isn’t the focus really on what does ‘must’ mean?” Justice Mary Fairhurst’s question gets to the heart of SEIU 775NW v. Gregoire.
Petitioners SEIU 775NW claims that state law requires the governor to include in her budget a request for funds any negotiated union contract (if certified as financially feasible) or any award resulting from interest arbitration. SEIU 775NW and the governor’s office were unable to reach an agreement for the 2009-11 budget, and an arbitrator awarded the union’s workers a raise and fringe benefits amounting to $87 million. The governor failed to include the amount in her budget, something the union says the governor “must” do. Arguments yesterday focused on whether “must” in the statute is a mandatory obligation upon the governor, or if it is a permissive suggestion, subject to the governor’s discretion.
The justices are wrestling with the real-world consequences of ruling for either party. If the court rules for SEIU, the court is ordering the governor to return to the drawing board and make significant cuts to her budget. Not only that, but such an order seems to invade the governor’s duties and could be a violation of separation of power. But if the court rules for Gregoire, the plain reading of a statute is muddied.
Continue Reading...Today at the Court
Oral arguments are scheduled today in four cases. (Docket schedule here, briefs for the cases here)
During the morning session (starting at 9:00 a.m.), the Court will hear:
In re Parentage of Frazier, No. 81043-5 This case is on appeal from Division One Court of Appeals, and originated in Snohomish County Superior Court. The question before the court is whether a stepparent qualifies as a common law de facto parent, with the accompanying rights and responsibilities.
The trial court ruled that the petitioner, a stepfather, could and did prove that he qualified as a de facto parent for his teenage stepdaughter, relying in part on precedent from In re Parentage of L.B. 155 Wash.2d 679 (2006), in which cohabiting lesbians who had parented since their child's birth were found to be de facto parents. Court of Appeals reversed, finding that stepparents have other statutory remedies and cannot claim de facto parent status based on the Parentage of L.B. decision.
Ames v. Wash. State Health Dep’t Med. Quality Assurance Comm’n, No. 80644-6. This case is on appeal from Division Three Court of Appeals, and originated from a Department of Health administrative hearing order, later upheld by the Benton County Superior Court. The question before the court is whether expert testimony is necessary in a disciplinary proceeding before the Medical Quality Assurance Commission when the commission panel is not comprised solely of licensed physicians.
The commission in question, comprised of a physician, a physician’s assistant and a member of the public, found the petitioner to have violated several laws by his use of a medical instrument to identify food allergies.
During the afternoon session (starting at 1:30 p.m.), the Court will hear:
Shafer v. Dep’t of Labor & Indus., No. 81049-4. This case is on appeal from Division One Court of Appeals, and originated from a decision by the Department of Labor and Industries to not re-open a disability claim from 2000. The Department's decision was upheld by the Board of Industrial Appeals and King County Superior Court, but reversed by the Court of Appeals. The question before the Court is whether an order closing an industrial insurance claim based on an independent medical examination must be communicated to the worker’s attending physician in order to trigger the time period for administratively appealing the order.
SEIU Healthcare 775NW v. Gregoire, No. 82551-3. This case originates from a writ of mandamus filed with the Supreme Court. The question before the court is whether the governor violated collective bargaining law by failing to include a request for funding for negotiated union contracts in her budget proposal. The petitioner wants the Court to order Governor Gregoire to withdraw her budget and submit a new one that includes a request for funds necessary to fulfill the negotiated contracts.
Check back at 2:15 today for a live blog of the oral arguments in the SEIU case.
Argument preview: SEIU 775NW v. Gregoire
(Scheduling note: be sure to return today at 2:15, when we will live blog today's argument.)
The underlying reality in this case is that Washington state currently faces a major budget crisis, with a projected $8 billion deficit. As a result, Governor Gregoire declined to include in her budget proposal pay increases for several classes of public employees.
SEIU 775NW says the governor violated state law by failing to include the union’s arbitrated agreement in her budget (for a cost of more than $87 million). Gov. Gregoire argues she has discretion to table public employee raises when they are not financially feasible.
Continue Reading...Live blog: Tuesday at 2:15
Tomorrow we are live blogging oral arguments in the case of SEIU Healthcare 775NW v. Gregoire, No. 82551-3. The case deals with the question of whether the governor violated state law by refusing to fund union contracts in her budget proposal.This case could significantly impact state budget discussions.
Arguments will begin between 2:15 p.m. and 2:30. We'll be here covering it for you.
This week at the Supreme Court
Opinions may be released in one or more cases on March 12.
Oral arguments are scheduled for the following cases.
March 10 (briefs for the cases here)
In re Parentage of Frazier, No. 81043-5. Whether a stepparent can be a common law de facto parent with the rights and responsibilities attendant to parentage.
Ames v. Wash. State Health Dep’t Med. Quality Assurance Comm’n, No. 80644-6. Whether expert testimony is necessary in a disciplinary proceeding before the Medical Quality Assurance Commission when the commission panel is not comprised solely of licensed physicians.
Shafer v. Dep’t of Labor & Indus., No. 81049-4. Whether an order closing an industrial insurance claim based on an independent medical examination must be communicated to the worker’s attending physician in order to trigger the time period for administratively appealing the order.
SEIU Healthcare 775NW v. Gregoire, No. 82551-3. Whether the governor violated collective bargaining law by failing to include a request for funding for negotiated union contracts in her budget proposal.
March 12 (briefs for the cases here)
Noble v. Safe Harbor Family Pres. Trust, No. 80873-2. Whether, in an action to condemn a private way of necessity, the trial court may order the condemnee to pay the attorney fees of a third party who the condemnor joined in the suit.
Campbell v. Ticor Title Insurance Company, No. 80999-2. Whether a title insurance policy exclusion for easements not disclosed in the public record relieved an insurer of its duty to defend a lawsuit brought to reform the insured’s deed to include an easement formerly recorded in a neighbor’s title.
State v. Kilgore, No. 81020-6. Whether, on remand after the reversal of two of seven convictions, the defendant was entitled to challenge reimposition of the original exceptional sentence.
State v. Fry, No. 81210-1. Whether a diagnosed condition of severe anxiety, anger, and depression qualified a defendant to use marijuana for medicinal purposes in defense to a charge of unlawful possession of marijuana.
Supreme Court to hear three cases at Pierce College (Puyallup Campus)
The Supreme Court of Washington is hitting the road. The Court hears cases away from the Temple of Justice in Olympia three times a year to allow citizens to see justice in action. Three cases will be argued before the Court at the Pierce College in Puyallup on Feb. 12.
- State v. Pugh: Whether statements in a 911 call constituted testimonial hearsay inadmissible under the federal and state constitutional right of confrontation, and if not, whether the Washington constitution requires the State to show the caller was unavailable as a witness before the caller’s statements can be admitted as excited utterances.
- State v. Garvin: Whether a police officer exceeded the permissible scope of a frisk for weapons pursuant to an investigative stop when he squeezed the defendant’s pocket to determine the nature of objects inside the pocket, discovering narcotics.
- In re Estate of Pamela L. Kissinger: Whether, under the “slayer statute,” which prohibits a person from receiving any property or benefit from someone he “willfully” and “unlawfully” killed, a killing is “unlawful” if the perpetrator is found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity, and whether “willfulness” requires intent and design or only knowledge.
