First woman Washington Supreme Court justice honored
The Legacy Project recently honored former Washington State Supreme Court Justice Carolyn Dimmick for her role as the first woman to serve on the state Supreme Court. Carolyn Dimmick has served as a judge since 1965. The state’s first female governor, Dixy Lee Ray, elevated Dimmick to the Supreme Court in 1981. In 1985, President Ronald Reagan appointed Dimmick to the U.S. District Court in Seattle, where she serves on senior status at the age of 79.
The Legacy Project publishes oral histories and biographies of individuals instrumental in shaping Washington state history.
In a separate ceremony on March 27, a plaque was unveiled in Olympia to mark the 100th anniversary of the state Legislature's decision to give women the right to vote. A vote by an all-male electorate in 2010 ratified the Legislature's authorization. Justice Debra Stephens, the newest member of the Supreme Court, spoke at the event. "The fight for women's suffrage is a reminder that all things worth fighting for take hard work, passion and time," she said.
