Washington Supreme Court

Washington Supreme Court. The Washington Supreme Court is the court of last resort and the highest judicial authority in the U.S. state of Washington. Established upon statehood in 1889 under the Washington State Constitution, it primarily reviews decisions from the Washington Court of Appeals and has direct appellate jurisdiction in certain cases including those involving the death penalty or constitutional questions. The court's rulings are binding on all other state courts and it plays a pivotal role in interpreting state law and the Washington State Constitution.

History

The court was formally established with the signing of the Washington State Constitution by President Benjamin Harrison in 1889. Its early sessions were held in the state capitol building in Olympia before moving to its permanent home. Key historical developments include the expansion from an initial three justices to the current nine in 1905, and the landmark 1914 decision in *Culliton v. Chase* which established the principle of judicial review for state statutes. The court's history reflects the state's growth, grappling with issues from railroad regulation in the Progressive Era to civil liberties during the Red Scare and the expansion of environmental law in the late 20th century.

Composition and selection

The court is composed of nine justices, including one Chief Justice who is selected by peer vote for a four-year term. Justices are elected in nonpartisan elections to serve six-year staggered terms, as outlined in the Washington State Constitution. If a vacancy occurs mid-term, the Governor appoints a replacement, who must then stand for election at the next general election. To be eligible, a candidate must be a licensed attorney admitted to practice in Washington. Notable justices have included former United States Senator Slade Gorton, who served as a justice pro tempore, and the first woman justice, Mary E. Fairhurst.

Jurisdiction and powers

The court holds mandatory appellate jurisdiction over all cases where the death penalty has been decreed and over decisions from the Washington Court of Appeals that are in conflict with another Court of Appeals decision or a prior ruling. It has discretionary jurisdiction to review other Court of Appeals decisions via a petition for review. The court also possesses original jurisdiction in cases of quo warranto and habeas corpus, and may issue writs of mandamus and prohibition to lower courts and state officers. Furthermore, it holds exclusive authority to regulate the practice of law and discipline attorneys through the Washington State Bar Association.

Notable decisions

The court has issued several influential rulings that have shaped Washington law. In *State v. Gunwall* (1986), it established a test for when the Washington State Constitution provides broader protections than the United States Constitution. The 1998 decision in *Braam v. State* mandated sweeping reforms to the state's foster care system. In *State v. Sieyes* (2018), it found the state's death penalty statute unconstitutional as applied. More recently, in *Quinn v. Washington* (2020), the court upheld the constitutionality of the state's carbon tax and climate change initiative, and in *Washington v. Blake* (2021), it invalidated the state's strict liability drug possession law.

Courthouse

The court has been housed in the Temple of Justice on the state capitol campus in Olympia since 1920. This Neoclassical building, designed by architects Walter R. Wilder and Harry K. White, also originally contained the Washington State Law Library and the office of the Attorney General. A major renovation was completed in 1989. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features a grand courtroom with a coffered ceiling and portraits of former justices, including one by renowned artist Alden Mason.

Category:Washington (state) state courts Category:1889 establishments in Washington (state)