NCJ Number
64977
Journal
Washington Law Review Volume: 48 Dated: (1973) Pages: 811-838
Date Published
1973
Length
28 pages
Annotation
COMPONENTS ARE DISCUSSED OF A PROPOSED JUDICIAL ARTICLE FOR THE WASHINGTON STATE CONSTITUTION DESIGNED TO REFORM THE STRUCTURE AND OPERATIONS OF THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM.
Abstract
THE ARTICLE PROVIDES FOR AN 'ADMINISTRATIVELY UNIFIED' COURT SYSTEM AND DESIGNATES THE COMPONENTS OF SUCH A SYSTEM. A SINGLE-LEVEL TRIAL COURT EMBRACING THE SUPERIOR COURT AND THE DISTRICT COURT MAY BE PROVIDED BY STATUTE FOR THE ENTIRE STATE OR A REGION THEREIN. THE STATE LEGISLATURE WILL PROVIDE FOR THE FUNDING OF THE OPERATIONS OF THE COURTS, REPLACING THE CURRENT DISORGANIZED AND UNDESIREABLE PROCEDURE FOR FUNDING COURT OPERATIONS FROM COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL ALLOCATIONS. ANY JUSTICE OR JUDGE MAY BE SUSPENDED, REMOVED, OR OTHERWISE DISCIPLINED BY THE JUDICIAL QUALIFICATION AND DISTRICTING COMMISSION FOR MISCONDUCT IN OFFICE, WHICH MAY BE DEFINED BY STATUTE OR BY RULE AUTHORIZED BY STATUTE, OR FOR WILLFUL AND PERSISTENT FAILURE TO PERFORM THEIR DUTIES. ADDITIONALLY, THE PROPOSED ARTICLE PLACES RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM IN THE SUPREME COURT, AUTHORIZING THE COURT TO OVERSEE COMMISSIONERS AND OTHER PERSONNEL PURSUANT TO COURT RULE. THE CHIEF JUSTICE WOULD BE THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER, WITH SUPERVISORY POWER OVER THE ENTIRE JUDICIAL SYSTEM. FOOTNOTES ARE PROVIDED. (RCB)