NCJ Number
72474
Date Published
Unknown
Length
89 pages
Annotation
This 1979 annual report concerning judicial administration in Washington presents narrative reports and statistics for State appellate courts, trial courts, and support services and organizations.
Abstract
The report is intended for use by members of the judicial community, other governmental entities, and the public. Washington's court system includes the State supreme court, the court of appeals, 28 superior courts, 73 district courts, 241 municipal courts, and 1 justice of the peace. About 85 percent of the total cases filed in State courts are filed in courts of limited jurisdiction. For the supreme court, total filings during 1979 were 20 percent greater than filings in 1978. Caseload included 184 appeals, 412 petitions for review, 27 personal restraint petitions, 160 motions for discretionary review, and 2 disciplinary proceedings. The workload of the court of appeals also increased. The addition of four new judges in 1978 and an increased use of settlement conferences enabled the court to keep pace with its record intake. During 1979, 148,380 cases were filed in Washington superior courts, a 9 percent increase from 1978. The numbers of both civil and criminal cases increased. Finally, the year's activities of the State's support services and organizations are described. Extensive tables presenting each court's caseload and dispositions; descriptions of each court's organization, jurisdiction, and personnel; and an appendix presenting additional tables are included.