RCW 2.50.040 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 50 / Section 040
RCW 2.50.040: Declaration of necessity by board of county commissioners.
Status: in_force

The board of county commissioners (hereinafter called the county board) is empowered to find by resolution the existence of a necessity in such county for organized legal aid. Such resolution shall specify the amount of county funds thereby to be allocated for and expended in the operation of a legal aid bureau during the period of the fiscal year or the remainder thereof. Within ten days after the passage of such a resolution, the commissioners shall cause a certified copy to be transmitted to the board of governors of the Washington State Bar Association (hereinafter called the bar board).
RCW 2.20.010 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 20 / Section 010
RCW 2.20.010: Magistrate defined.
Status: in_force

A magistrate is an officer having power to issue a warrant for the arrest of a person charged with the commission of a crime.
RCW 2.56.240 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 56 / Section 240
RCW 2.56.240: Reconciling duplicate or conflicting no-contact or protection orders.
Status: in_force

(1) The administrative office of the courts shall develop guidelines by December 1, 2011, for all courts to establish a process to reconcile duplicate or conflicting no-contact or protection orders issued by courts in this state. (2) The guidelines developed under subsection (1) of this section must include: (a) A process to allow any party named in a no-contact or protection order to petition for the purpose of reconciling duplicate or conflicting orders; and (b) A procedure to address no-contact and protection order data sharing between court jurisdictions in this state. (3) By January 1, 2011, the administrative office of the courts shall provide a report back to the legislature concerning the progress made to develop the guidelines required by this section.
RCW 2.60.030 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 60 / Section 030
RCW 2.60.030: Practice and procedure.
Status: in_force

Certificate procedure shall be governed by the following provisions: (1) Certificate procedure may be invoked by a federal court upon its own motion or upon the motion of any interested party in the litigation involved if the federal court grants such motion. (2) Certificate procedure shall include and be based upon the record and may include a supplemental record. (3) Certificate procedure costs shall be equally divided between plaintiff and defendant, subject to reallocation as between or among the parties by the federal court involved. (4) The appellant or moving party in the federal court shall file and serve upon its adversary its brief on the question certified within thirty days after the filing of the record in the supreme court. The appellee or responding party in the federal court shall file and serve upon its adversary its brief within twenty days after receipt of appellant's or moving party's brief and a reply brief shall be filed within ten days. Time for filing record, supplemental record or briefs may be extended for cause. (5) Oral argument as in other causes on the merits may be had upon request of the supreme court or upon application of any interested party in the certificate procedure. (6) The supreme court shall forward to the federal court utilizing certificate procedure its opinion answering the local law question submitted. (7) The supreme court may adopt rules of practice and procedure to implement or otherwise facilitate utilization of certificate procedure.
RCW 2.12.030 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 12 / Section 030
RCW 2.12.030: Amount and time of payment—Surviving spouse's benefit.
Status: in_force

Supreme court, court of appeals, or superior court judges of the state who retire from office under the provisions of this chapter other than as provided in RCW 2.12.012 shall be entitled to receive monthly during the period of their natural life, out of the fund hereinafter created, an amount equal to one-half of the monthly salary they were receiving as a judge at the time of their retirement, or at the end of the term immediately prior to their retirement if their retirement is made after expiration of their term. The surviving spouse of any judge who shall have heretofore retired or may hereafter retire, or of a judge who was heretofore or may hereafter be eligible for retirement at the time of death, if the surviving spouse had been married to the judge for three years, if the surviving spouse had been married to the judge prior to retirement, shall be paid an amount equal to one-half of the retirement pay of the judge, as long as such surviving spouse remains unmarried. The retirement pay shall be paid monthly by the state treasurer on or before the tenth day of each month. The provisions of this section shall apply to the surviving spouse of any judge who dies while holding such office or dies after having retired under the provisions of this chapter and who at the time of death had served ten or more years in the aggregate as a judge of the supreme court, court of appeals, or superior court or any of such courts, or had served an aggregate of twelve years in the supreme court, court of appeals, or superior court if such pension rights are based upon RCW 2.12.012 .The judge of the family court may transfer any case before the family court pursuant to this chapter to the department of the presiding judge of the superior court for assignment for trial or other proceedings by another judge of the court, whenever in the opinion of the judge of the family court such transfer is necessary to expedite the business of the family court or to insure the prompt consideration of the case. When any case is so transferred, the judge to whom it is transferred shall act as the judge of the family court in the matter.
RCW 2.32.330 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 32 / Section 330
RCW 2.32.330: Criers and bailiffs.
Status: in_force

Every court of record shall have the power to appoint a crier and as many bailiffs as may be necessary for the orderly and expeditious dispatch of the business.
RCW 2.04.250 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 04 / Section 250
RCW 2.04.250: Judge pro tempore—Remuneration.
Status: in_force

(1) A judge of the court of appeals or of the superior court serving as a judge pro tempore of the supreme court as provided in RCW 2.04.240 shall receive, in addition to his or her regular salary, reimbursement for subsistence, lodging, and travel expenses in accordance with the rates applicable to state officers under RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060 . (2) A retired judge of a court of record in this state serving as a judge pro tempore of the supreme court as provided in RCW 2.04.240 shall receive, in addition to any retirement pay he or she may be receiving, the following compensation and expenses: (a) Reimbursement for subsistence, lodging, and travel expenses in accordance with the rates applicable to state officers under RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060 . (b) During the period of his or her service as a judge pro tempore, an amount equal to the salary of a regularly elected judge of the court in which he or she last served for such period diminished by the amount of retirement pay accrued to him or her for such period. (3) Whenever a superior court judge is appointed to serve as judge pro tempore of the supreme court and a visiting judge is assigned to replace him or her, subsistence, lodging, and travel expenses incurred by such visiting judge as a result of such assignment shall be paid in accordance with the rates applicable to state officers under RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060 , upon application of such judge from the appropriation of the supreme court. (4) A justice appointed as judge pro tempore of the supreme court under RCW 2.04.240 (2) shall continue to receive compensation in accordance with the rates applicable to the justice immediately before the expiration of the term. (5) The provisions of RCW 2.04.240 (1) and 2.04.250 (1) through (3) shall not be construed as impairing or enlarging any right or privilege acquired in any retirement or pension system by any judge or his or her dependents.
RCW 2.48.190 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 48 / Section 190
RCW 2.48.190: Qualifications on admission to practice.
Status: in_force

No person shall be permitted to practice as an attorney or counselor at law or to do work of a legal nature for compensation, or to represent himself or herself as an attorney or counselor at law or qualified to do work of a legal nature, unless he or she is a bona fide resident of this state and has been admitted to practice law in this state: PROVIDED, That any person may appear and conduct his or her own case in any action or proceeding brought by or against him or her, or may appear in his or her own behalf in the small claims department of the district court: AND PROVIDED FURTHER, That an attorney of another state may appear as counselor in a court of this state without admission, upon satisfying the court that his or her state grants the same right to attorneys of this state.
RCW 2.36.110 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 36 / Section 110
RCW 2.36.110: Judge must excuse unfit person.
Status: in_force

It shall be the duty of a judge to excuse from further jury service any juror, who in the opinion of the judge, has manifested unfitness as a juror by reason of bias, prejudice, indifference, inattention or any physical or mental defect or by reason of conduct or practices incompatible with proper and efficient jury service.
RCW 2.30.060 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 30 / Section 060
RCW 2.30.060: Authorization for therapeutic courts existing on July 24, 2015.
Status: in_force

Any therapeutic court meeting the definition of therapeutic court in RCW 2.30.020 and existing on July 24, 2015, continues to be authorized.
RCW 2.48.040 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 48 / Section 040
RCW 2.48.040: State bar governed by board of governors.
Status: in_force

The state bar shall be governed by the board of governors which shall be charged with the executive functions of the state bar and the enforcement of the provisions of RCW 2.48.010 through 2.48.180 and all rules adopted in pursuance thereof. The members of the board of governors shall receive no salary by virtue of their office.
RCW 2.68.060 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 68 / Section 060
RCW 2.68.060: Duties of the administrative office of the courts.
Status: in_force

The administrative office of the courts, under the direction of the judicial information system committee, shall: (1) Develop a judicial information system information technology portfolio consistent with the provisions of RCW 43.105.341 ; (2) Participate in the development of an enterprise-based statewide information technology strategy; (3) Ensure the judicial information system information technology portfolio is organized and structured to clearly indicate participation in and use of enterprise-wide information technology strategies; (4) As part of the biennial budget process, submit the judicial information system information technology portfolio to the chair and ranking member of the ways and means committees of the house of representatives and the senate, the office of financial management, and Washington technology solutions.
RCW 2.04.230 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 04 / Section 230
RCW 2.04.230: Report to governor.
Status: in_force

The judges of the supreme court shall, on or before the first day of January in each year, report in writing to the governor such defects and omissions in the laws as they may believe to exist.
RCW 2.42.050 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 42 / Section 050
RCW 2.42.050: Oath.
Status: in_force

Every qualified interpreter appointed under this chapter in a judicial or administrative proceeding shall, upon receiving the interpreter's initial qualification from the office of the deaf and hard of hearing, take an oath that a true interpretation will be made to the person being examined of all the proceedings in a manner which the person understands, and that the interpreter will repeat the statements of the person being examined to the court or other agency conducting the proceedings, to the best of the interpreter's skill and judgment.
RCW 2.04.031 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 04 / Section 031
RCW 2.04.031: Court facilities.
Status: in_force

If proper rooms in which to hold the court, and for the accommodation of the officers thereof, are not provided by the state, together with attendants, furniture, fuel, lights, record books and stationery, suitable and sufficient for the transaction of business, the court, or any three justices thereof, may direct the clerk of the supreme court to provide the same; and the expense thereof, certified by any three justices to be correct, shall be paid out of the state treasury out of any funds therein not otherwise appropriated. Such moneys shall be subject to the order of the clerk of the supreme court, and be by him or her disbursed on proper vouchers, and accounted for by him or her in annual settlements with the governor.
RCW 2.08.110 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 08 / Section 110
RCW 2.08.110: Apportionment between counties in joint judicial district.
Status: in_force

Where there is only one judge of the superior court for two or more counties, the auditors thereof, acting together, shall apportion among or between such counties, according to the assessed valuation of their taxable property, the amount of such judge's salary that each county shall pay.
RCW 2.04.040 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 04 / Section 040
RCW 2.04.040: Effect of adjournments.
Status: in_force

Adjournments from day to day, or from time to time, are to be construed as recesses in the sessions, and shall not prevent the court from sitting at any time.
RCW 2.06.100 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 06 / Section 100
RCW 2.06.100: Retirement.
Status: in_force

Judges shall retire at the age, and under the conditions and with the same retirement benefits as specified by law for the retirement of justices of the supreme court.
RCW 2.70.120 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 70 / Section 120
RCW 2.70.120: Law student rural public defense program.
Status: in_force

(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the office of public defense shall administer a law student rural public defense program. The program shall coordinate with one or more law schools to place law students who are eligible to practice as a licensed legal intern under Washington state admission and practice rule 9 and/or recent law school graduates as legal interns with experienced public defense attorneys located in underserved areas and rural areas of the state. The program must allow the intern to gain real-world public defense experience under the mentorship of the experienced public defense attorney, including active representation and litigation opportunities, with the purpose of encouraging the intern to consider, or not be deterred from pursuing, employment opportunities in public defense in underserved areas and rural areas of Washington state. The internship may be structured to correspond with time periods relevant to the academic calendar. Eligible internship placements shall include government and nonprofit public defense agencies as well as private firms that contract to provide public defense services. (2) Contracts established by the office of public defense under this section shall include monthly compensation and housing stipends for program participants. Contracts may include partial reimbursement for the supervising attorney.
RCW 2.48.035 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 48 / Section 035
RCW 2.48.035: Board of governors—Membership—Effect of creation of new congressional districts or boundaries.
Status: in_force

The terms of office of members of the board of governors of the state bar who are elected from the various congressional districts shall not be affected by the creation of either new boundaries for congressional districts or additional districts. In such an event, each board member so elected may continue to serve in office for the balance of the term for which he or she was elected or appointed: PROVIDED, That the board member continues to reside within the boundaries of the congressional district as they existed at the time of his or her election or appointment. Vacancies which occur in a board member position during the balance of any such term shall be filled pursuant to RCW 2.48.030 , as now or hereafter amended, by a successor who resides within the boundaries of the congressional district from which the member whose office was vacated was elected as they existed at the time of his or her election. At the election immediately preceding expiration of the term of office of each board member provided for in this section following the creation of either new boundaries for congressional districts or additional districts, and thereafter, a successor shall be elected from the congressional district which corresponds in number with the congressional district from which the incumbent was appointed or elected.
RCW 2.42.140 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 42 / Section 140
RCW 2.42.140: Intermediary interpreter, when.
Status: in_force

If the communication mode or language of the hearing impaired person is not readily interpretable, the interpreter or hearing impaired person shall notify the appointing authority who shall appoint and pay an intermediary interpreter to assist the qualified interpreter.
RCW 2.32.110 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 32 / Section 110
RCW 2.32.110: Reporter's duties.
Status: in_force

He or she shall prepare such decisions for publication by giving the title of each case, a syllabus of the points decided, a brief statement of the facts bearing on the points decided, the names of the counsel, and a reference to such authorities as are cited from standard reports and textbooks that have a special bearing on the case, and he or she shall prepare a full and comprehensive index to each volume, and prefix a table of cases reported.
RCW 2.40.040 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 40 / Section 040
RCW 2.40.040: Attorney of record not entitled to witness fee in case.
Status: in_force

No attorney in any case shall be allowed any fees as a witness in such case.
RCW 2.10.200 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 200
RCW 2.10.200: Hearing prior to judicial review—Conduct.
Status: in_force

A hearing shall be held by the department of retirement systems, or an authorized representative, in the county of the residence of the claimant at a time and place designated by the director. Such hearings shall be de novo and shall conform to the provisions of chapter 34.05 RCW. The retirement system may appear in all such proceedings and introduce testimony in support of the decision. Judicial review of any final decision by the director is governed by the provisions of chapter 34.05 RCW.
RCW 2.14.010 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 14 / Section 010
RCW 2.14.010: Purpose.
Status: in_force

(1) The purpose of this chapter is to provide a supplemental retirement benefit to judges who are elected or appointed under chapter 2.04 , 2.06, or 2.08 RCW and who are members of the public employees' retirement system for their service as a judge. (2) This chapter may be known and cited as the judicial retirement account act.
RCW 2.48.220 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 48 / Section 220
RCW 2.48.220: Grounds of disbarment or suspension.
Status: in_force

An attorney or counselor may be disbarred or suspended for any of the following causes arising after his or her admission to practice: (1) His or her conviction of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, in which case the record of conviction shall be conclusive evidence. (2) Willful disobedience or violation of an order of the court requiring him or her to do or forbear an act connected with, or in the course of, his or her profession, which he or she ought in good faith to do or forbear. (3) Violation of his or her oath as an attorney, or of his or her duties as an attorney and counselor. (4) Corruptly or willfully, and without authority, appearing as attorney for a party to an action or proceeding. (5) Lending his or her name to be used as attorney and counselor by another person who is not an attorney and counselor. (6) For the commission of any act involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, or corruption, whether the same be committed in the course of his or her relations as an attorney or counselor at law, or otherwise, and whether the same constitute a felony or misdemeanor or not; and if the act constitute a felony or misdemeanor, conviction thereof in a criminal proceeding shall not be a condition precedent to disbarment or suspension from practice therefor. (7) Misrepresentation or concealment of a material fact made in his or her application for admission or in support thereof. (8) Disbarment by a foreign court of competent jurisdiction. (9) Practicing law with or in cooperation with a disbarred or suspended attorney, or maintaining an office for the practice of law in a room or office occupied or used in whole or in part by a disbarred or suspended attorney, or permitting a disbarred or suspended attorney to use his or her name for the practice of law, or practicing law for or on behalf of a disbarred or suspended attorney, or practicing law under any arrangement or understanding for division of fees or compensation of any kind with a disbarred or suspended attorney or with any person not a licensed attorney. (10) Gross incompetency in the practice of the profession. (11) Violation of the ethics of the profession.
RCW 2.36.063 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 36 / Section 063
RCW 2.36.063: Compilation of jury source list, master jury list, and selection of jurors by electronic data processing.
Status: in_force

The judge or judges of the superior court of any county may employ a properly programmed electronic data processing system or device to compile the jury source list, and to compile the master jury list and to randomly select jurors from the master jury list.
RCW 2.06.090 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 06 / Section 090
RCW 2.06.090: Practice of law, seeking nonjudicial elective office prohibited.
Status: in_force

No judge, while in office, shall engage in the practice of law. No judge shall run for elective office other than a judicial office during the term for which he or she was elected.
RCW 2.28.310 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 28 / Section 310
RCW 2.28.310: Immigration and citizenship information—Federal immigration authorities.
Status: in_force

(1) Judges, court staff, court security personnel, prosecutors, and personnel of the prosecutor's office: (a) Shall not inquire into or collect information about an individual's immigration or citizenship status, or place of birth, unless there is a connection between such information and an investigation into a violation of state or local criminal law; provided that a judge may make such inquiries as are necessary to adjudicate matters within their jurisdiction. The court may enter orders or conditions to maintain limited disclosure of any information regarding immigration status as it deems appropriate to protect the liberty interests of victims, the accused, civil litigants, witnesses, and those who have accompanied victims to a court facility; and (b) Shall not otherwise provide nonpublicly available personal information about an individual, including individuals subject to community custody pursuant to RCW 9.94A.701 and 9.94A.702 , to federal immigration authorities for the purpose of civil immigration enforcement, nor notify federal immigration authorities of the presence of individuals attending proceedings or accessing court services in court facilities, unless required by federal law or court order. (2) RCW 2.28.300 through 2.28.330 do not limit or prohibit any state or local agency or officer from: (a) Sending to, or receiving from, federal immigration authorities the citizenship or immigration status of a person, or maintaining such information, or exchanging the citizenship or immigration status of an individual with any other federal, state, or local government agency, in accordance with 8 U.S.C. Sec. 1373; or (b) Complying with any other state or federal law.
RCW 2.10.144 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 144
RCW 2.10.144: Payment of accumulated contributions or retirement allowance upon death—Election.
Status: in_force

(1) If a judge dies before the date of retirement, the amount of the accumulated contributions standing to the judge's credit at the time of death shall be paid to the member's estate, or such person or persons, trust, or organization as the judge has nominated by written designation duly executed and filed with the department of retirement systems. If there is no such designated person or persons still living at the time of the judge's death, or if the judge fails to file a new beneficiary designation subsequent to marriage, remarriage, dissolution of marriage, divorce, or reestablishment of membership following termination by withdrawal or retirement, the judge's credited accumulated contributions shall be paid to the surviving spouse as if in fact the spouse had been nominated by written designation or, if there is no such surviving spouse, then to the judge's legal representatives. (2) Upon the death in service of any judge who is qualified but has not applied for a service retirement allowance or has completed ten years of service at the time of death, the designated beneficiary, or the surviving spouse as provided in subsection (1) of this section, may elect to waive the payment provided by subsection (1) of this section. Upon such an election, a joint and one hundred percent survivor option under RCW 2.10.146 shall automatically be given effect as if selected for the benefit of the surviving spouse or dependent who is the designated beneficiary, except that if the judge is not then qualified for a service retirement allowance, the option II benefit shall be based upon the actuarial equivalent of the sum necessary to pay the accrued regular retirement allowance commencing when the deceased judge would have first qualified for a service retirement allowance. However, subsection (1) of this section, unless elected, shall not apply to any judge who has applied for a service retirement and thereafter dies between the date of separation from service and the judge's effective retirement date, where the judge has selected a survivorship option under RCW 2.10.146 (1)(b). In those cases, the beneficiary named in the judge's final application for service retirement may elect to receive either a cash refund or monthly payments according to the option selected by the judge.
RCW 2.04.190 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 04 / Section 190
RCW 2.04.190: Rules of pleading, practice, and procedure generally.
Status: in_force

The supreme court shall have the power to prescribe, from time to time, the forms of writs and all other process, the mode and manner of framing and filing proceedings and pleadings; of giving notice and serving writs and process of all kinds; of taking and obtaining evidence; of drawing up, entering and enrolling orders and judgments; and generally to regulate and prescribe by rule the forms for and the kind and character of the entire pleading, practice and procedure to be used in all suits, actions, appeals and proceedings of whatever nature by the supreme court, superior courts, and district courts of the state. In prescribing such rules the supreme court shall have regard to the simplification of the system of pleading, practice and procedure in said courts to promote the speedy determination of litigation on the merits.
RCW 2.40.030 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 40 / Section 030
RCW 2.40.030: Travel expense in lieu of mileage in certain cases.
Status: in_force

Whenever a juror, witness, or officer is required to attend a court, or travel on official business out of the limits of his or her own county, and entitled to mileage, in lieu thereof he or she may at his or her option receive his or her actual and necessary traveling expenses by the usually traveled route in going to and returning from the place where the court is held, or where the business is discharged. At the close of each term of the district court, the clerk shall ascertain the amount due each juror for his or her mileage and per diem; and he or she shall also certify the amount of fees that may be due to the sheriff of any other county than that in which the court is held, who may have attended the term, having a prisoner in custody charged with or convicted of a crime, or for the purpose of conveying such prisoner to or from the county, which, when approved by the court or judge, shall be a charge upon the county to which the prisoner belongs; and he or she shall also certify the amount which may be due witnesses attending from another county in a criminal case for their fees, which, when approved by the court or judge, shall be a charge upon the county to which the case belongs.
RCW 2.44.060 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 44 / Section 060
RCW 2.44.060: Death or removal of attorney—Proceedings.
Status: in_force

When an attorney dies, or is removed, or suspended, or ceases to act as such, a party to an action for whom he or she was acting as attorney, must, at least twenty days before any further proceedings against him or her, be required by the adverse party, by written notice, to appoint another attorney, or to appear in person.
RCW 2.10.146 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 146
RCW 2.10.146: Election of option for payment of retirement or disability allowance—Retirement allowance adjustment.
Status: in_force

(1) Upon making application for a service retirement allowance under RCW 2.10.100 or a disability allowance under RCW 2.10.120 , a judge who is eligible therefor shall make an election as to the manner in which such service retirement shall be paid from among the following designated options, calculated so as to be actuarially equivalent to each other: (a) Standard allowance. A member selecting this option shall receive a retirement allowance, which shall be computed as provided in RCW 2.10.110 . The retirement allowance shall be payable throughout the judge's life. However, if the judge dies before the total of the retirement allowance paid to the judge equals the amount of the judge's accumulated contributions at the time of retirement, then the balance shall be paid to the member's estate, or such person or persons, trust, or organization as the judge has nominated by written designation duly executed and filed with the department of retirement systems or, if there is no such designated person or persons still living at the time of the judge's death, then to the surviving spouse or, if there is neither such designated person or persons still living at the time of death nor a surviving spouse, then to the judge's legal representative. (b) The department shall adopt rules that allow a judge to select a retirement option that pays the judge a reduced retirement allowance and upon death, such portion of the judge's reduced retirement allowance as the department by rule designates shall be continued throughout the life of and paid to a designated person. Such person shall be nominated by the judge by written designation duly executed and filed with the department at the time of retirement. The options adopted by the department shall include, but are not limited to, a joint and one hundred percent survivor option and a joint and fifty percent survivor option. (2)(a) A judge, if married, must provide the written consent of his or her spouse to the option selected under this section, except as provided in (b) of this subsection. If a judge is married and both the judge and the judge's spouse do not give written consent to an option under this section, the department will pay the judge a joint and fifty percent survivor benefit and record the judge's spouse as the beneficiary. Such benefit shall be calculated to be actuarially equivalent to the benefit options available under subsection (1) of this section unless spousal consent is not required as provided in (b) of this subsection. (b) If a copy of a dissolution order designating a survivor beneficiary under RCW 41.50.790 has been filed with the department at least thirty days prior to a member's retirement: (i) The department shall honor the designation as if made by the member under subsection (1) of this section; and (ii) The spousal consent provisions of (a) of this subsection do not apply. (3)(a) Any member who retired before January 1, 1996, and who elected to receive a reduced retirement allowance under subsection (1)(b) or (2) of this section is entitled to receive a retirement allowance adjusted in accordance with (b) of this subsection, if they meet the following conditions: (i) The retiree's designated beneficiary predeceases or has predeceased the retiree; and (ii) The retiree provides to the department proper proof of the designated beneficiary's death. (b) The retirement allowance payable to the retiree, as of July 1, 1998, or the date of the designated beneficiary's death, whichever comes last, shall be increased by the percentage derived in (c) of this subsection. (c) The percentage increase shall be derived by the following: (i) One hundred percent multiplied by the result of (c)(ii) of this subsection converted to a percent; (ii) Subtract one from the reciprocal of the appropriate joint and survivor option factor; (iii) The joint and survivor option factor shall be from the table in effect as of July 1, 1998. (d) The adjustment under (b) of this subsection shall accrue from the beginning of the month following the date of the designated beneficiary's death or from July 1, 1998, whichever comes last.
RCW 2.06.150 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 06 / Section 150
RCW 2.06.150: Judge pro tempore—Appointment—Oath of office.
Status: in_force

(1) Whenever necessary for the prompt and orderly administration of justice, the chief judge of any division of the court of appeals may appoint any regularly elected and qualified judge of a court of general jurisdiction, any retired judge of the court of appeals, or any active or retired justice of the supreme court of this state to serve as judge pro tempore of the court of appeals to sit within that division: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That no judge pro tempore appointed to serve on the court of appeals under this subsection may serve more than ninety days in any one year. (2) If the term of a judge of the court of appeals expires with cases or other judicial business pending, the chief judge of the division of the court of appeals from which the term expired, may appoint the judge to serve as judge pro tempore of the court of appeals to sit within that division to complete his or her cases or other judicial business. (3) Before entering upon his or her duties as judge pro tempore of the court of appeals, the appointee shall take and subscribe an oath of office as provided for in Article IV, section 28 of the state Constitution.
RCW 2.70.040 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 70 / Section 040
RCW 2.70.040: Employees—Civil service exemption.
Status: in_force

All employees of the office of public defense shall be exempt from state civil service under chapter 41.06 RCW.
RCW 2.50.140 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 50 / Section 140
RCW 2.50.140: Washington State Bar Association not restricted.
Status: in_force

No county funds shall be expended for legal aid except in accordance with this chapter, but nothing in this chapter shall limit the powers of the Washington State Bar Association, or its board of governors, to promote or render legal aid independent of county financial support.
RCW 2.48.160 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 48 / Section 160
RCW 2.48.160: Suspension for nonpayment of fees.
Status: in_force

Any member failing to pay any fees after the same become due, and after two months' written notice of his or her delinquency, must be suspended from membership in the state bar, but may be reinstated upon payment of accrued fees and such penalties as may be imposed by the board of governors, not exceeding double the amount of the delinquent fee.
RCW 2.08.150 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 08 / Section 150
RCW 2.08.150: Visiting judge at request of judge or judges.
Status: in_force

Whenever a like request shall be addressed by the judge, or by a majority of the judges (if there be more than one) of the superior court of any county to the superior judge of any other county, he or she is hereby empowered, if he or she deem it consistent with the state of judicial business in the county or counties whereof he or she is a superior judge (and in such case it shall be his or her duty to comply with such request), to hold a session of the superior court of the county the judge or judges whereof shall have made such request, at the seat of judicial business of such county, in such quarters as shall be provided for such session by the board of county commissioners, and during such period as shall have been specified in the request, or such shorter period as he or she may deem necessary by the state of judicial business in the county or counties whereof he or she is a superior judge.
RCW 2.30.010 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 30 / Section 010
RCW 2.30.010: Findings—Scope of therapeutic court programs.
Status: in_force

(1) The legislature finds that judges in the trial courts throughout the state effectively utilize what are known as therapeutic courts to remove a defendant's or respondent's case from the criminal and civil court traditional trial track and allow those defendants or respondents the opportunity to obtain treatment services to address particular issues that may have contributed to the conduct that led to their arrest or other issues before the court. Trial courts have proved adept at creative approaches in fashioning a wide variety of therapeutic courts addressing the spectrum of social issues that can contribute to criminal activity and engagement with the child welfare system. (2) The legislature further finds that by focusing on the specific individual's needs, providing treatment for the issues presented, and ensuring rapid and appropriate accountability for program violations, therapeutic courts may decrease recidivism, improve the safety of the community, and improve the life of the program participant and the lives of the participant's family members by decreasing the severity and frequency of the specific behavior addressed by the therapeutic court. (3) The legislature recognizes the inherent authority of the judiciary under Article IV, section 1 of the state Constitution to establish therapeutic courts, and the outstanding contribution to the state and local communities made by the establishment of therapeutic courts and desires to provide a general provision in statute acknowledging and encouraging the judiciary to provide for therapeutic court programs to address the particular needs within a given judicial jurisdiction. (4) Therapeutic court programs may include, but are not limited to: (a) Adult drug court; (b) Juvenile drug court; (c) Family dependency treatment court or family drug court; (d) Mental health court, which may include participants with developmental disabilities; (e) DUI court; (f) Veterans treatment court; (g) Truancy court; (h) Domestic violence court; (i) Gambling court; (j) Community court; (k) Homeless court; (l) Treatment, responsibility, and accountability on campus (Back on TRAC) court.
RCW 2.70.025 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 70 / Section 025
RCW 2.70.025: Director—Indigent defense services—Civil commitment of sexually violent predators.
Status: in_force

In providing indigent defense services for sexually violent predator civil commitment cases under chapter 71.09 RCW, the director shall: (1) In accordance with state contracting laws, contract with persons admitted to practice law in this state and organizations employing persons admitted to practice law in this state for the provision of legal services to indigent persons; (2) Establish annual contract fees for defense legal services within amounts appropriated based on court rules and court orders; (3) Ensure an indigent person qualified for appointed counsel has one contracted counsel appointed to assist him or her. Upon a showing of good cause, the court may order additional counsel; (4) Consistent with court rules and court orders, establish procedures for the reimbursement of expert witness and other professional and investigative costs; (5) Review and analyze existing caseload standards and make recommendations for updating caseload standards as appropriate; (6) Annually, with the first report due December 1, 2013, submit a report to the chief justice of the supreme court, the governor, and the legislature, with all pertinent data on the operation of indigent defense services for commitment proceedings under this section, including: (a) Recommended levels of appropriation to maintain adequate indigent defense services to the extent constitutionally required; (b) The time to trial for all commitment trial proceedings including a list of the number of continuances granted, the party that requested the continuance, the county where the proceeding is being heard, and, if available, the reason the continuance was granted; (c) Recommendations for policy changes, including changes in statutes and changes in court rules, which may be appropriate for the improvement of sexually violent predator civil commitment proceedings.
RCW 2.56.230 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 56 / Section 230
RCW 2.56.230: Family and juvenile court improvement grant program—Application process—Program standards.
Status: in_force

(1) A superior court may apply for grants from the family and juvenile court improvement grant program by submitting a local improvement plan with the administrator for the courts. To be eligible for grant funds, a superior court's local improvement plan must meet the criteria developed by the administrator for the courts and approved by the board for judicial administration. The criteria must be consistent with the principles adopted for unified family courts. At a minimum, the criteria must require that the court's local improvement plan meet the following requirements: (a) Commit to a chief judge assignment to the family and juvenile court for a minimum of two years; (b) Implementation of the principle of one judicial team hearing all of the proceedings in a case involving one family, especially in dependency cases; (c) Require court commissioners and judges assigned to family and juvenile court to receive a minimum of thirty hours specialized training in topics related to family and juvenile matters within six months of assuming duties in family and juvenile court. Where possible, courts should utilize local, statewide, and national training forums. A judicial officer's recorded educational history may be applied toward the thirty-hour requirement. The topics for training must include: (i) Parentage; (ii) Adoption; (iii) Domestic relations; (iv) Dependency and termination of parental rights; (v) Child development; (vi) The impact of child abuse and neglect; (vii) Domestic violence; (viii) Substance use disorder, including the risk and danger presented to children and youth; (ix) Mental health; (x) Juvenile status offenses; (xi) Juvenile offenders; (xii) Self-representation issues; (xiii) Cultural competency; (xiv) Roles of family and juvenile court judges and commissioners; (xv) How to apply the child safety framework to crucial aspects of dependency cases, including safety assessment, safety planning, and case planning; and (xvi) The legal standards for removal of a child based on abuse or neglect; and (d) As part of the application for grant funds, submit a spending proposal detailing how the superior court would use the grant funds. (2) Courts receiving grant money must use the funds to improve and support family and juvenile court operations based on standards developed by the administrator for the courts and approved by the board for judicial administration. The standards may allow courts to use the funds to: (a) Pay for family and juvenile court training of commissioners and judges or pay for pro tem commissioners and judges to assist the court while the commissioners and judges receive training; (b) Pay for the training of other professionals involved in child welfare court proceedings including, but not limited to, attorneys and guardians ad litem; (c) Increase judicial and nonjudicial staff, including administrative staff to improve case coordination and referrals in family and juvenile cases, guardian ad litem volunteers or court-appointed special advocates, security, and other staff; (d) Improve the court facility to better meet the needs of children and families; (e) Improve referral and treatment options for court participants, including enhancing court facilitator programs and family treatment court and increasing the availability of alternative dispute resolution; (f) Enhance existing family and children support services funded by the courts and expand access to social service programs for families and children ordered by the court; and (g) Improve or support family and juvenile court operations in any other way deemed appropriate by the administrator for the courts. (3) The administrator for the courts shall allocate available grant moneys based upon the needs of the court as expressed in their local improvement plan. (4) Money received by the superior court under this program must be used to supplement, not supplant, any other local, state, and federal funds for the court. (5) Upon receipt of grant funds, the superior court shall submit to the administrator for the courts a spending plan detailing the use of funds. At the end of the fiscal year, the superior court shall submit to the administrator for the courts a financial report comparing the spending plan to actual expenditures. The administrator for the courts shall compile the financial reports and submit them to the appropriate committees of the legislature.
RCW 2.60.010 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 60 / Section 010
RCW 2.60.010: Definitions.
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter: (1) The term "certificate procedure" shall mean the procedure authorized herein by which a federal court in disposing of a cause pending before it submits a question of local law to the supreme court for answer; (2) The term "federal court" means any court of the United States of America including the supreme court of the United States, courts of appeal, district courts and any other court created by act of congress; (3) The term "supreme court" shall mean supreme court of Washington; (4) The term "record" shall mean: (a) A stipulation of facts approved by the federal court showing the nature of the case and the circumstances out of which the question of law arises or such part of the pleadings, proceedings and testimony in the cause pending before the federal court as in its opinion is necessary to enable the supreme court to answer the question submitted; (b) a statement of the question of local law certified for answer. The record shall contain a certificate under the official seal of the court, signed by the chief judge of a multi-judge federal court or judge of the district court utilizing certificate procedure stating that the record contains all matters in the pending cause deemed material for consideration of the local law question certified for answer; (5) The term "supplemental record" shall mean the original or copies of any other portion of the proceedings, pleadings and testimony before the federal court deemed desirable by the supreme court in the determination of the local law question certified for answer. The supplemental record shall contain a certificate under the official seal of the court signed by the chief judge of such multi-judge federal court or judge of the district court, certifying that the supplemental record contains all additional matters requested; (6) The term "opinion" shall mean the written opinion of the supreme court of Washington and shall include the certificate of the clerk of such court under seal of court stating that the opinion is in answer to the local law question submitted.
RCW 2.10.030 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 030
RCW 2.10.030: Definitions.
Status: in_force

(1) "Accumulated contributions" means the total amount deducted from the judge's monthly salary pursuant to RCW 2.10.090 , together with the regular interest thereon from July 1, 1988, as determined by the director of the department of retirement systems. (2) "Beneficiary" means any person in receipt of a retirement allowance, disability allowance or any other benefit described herein. (3) "Final average salary" means (a) for a judge in service in the same court for a minimum of twelve consecutive months preceding the date of retirement, the salary attached to the position held by the judge immediately prior to retirement; (b) for any other judge, the average monthly salary paid over the highest twenty-four month period in the last ten years of service. (4) "Index" means for any calendar year, that year's annual average consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers, all items (1957-1959 equal one hundred) — compiled by the bureau of labor statistics, United States department of labor. (5) "Judge" means a person elected or appointed to serve as judge of a court of record as provided in chapters 2.04 , 2.06, and 2.08 RCW. "Judge" does not include a person serving as a judge pro tempore except for a judge pro tempore appointed under RCW 2.04.240 (2) or 2.06.150 (2). (6) "Monthly salary" means the monthly salary of the position held by the judge. (7) "Retirement allowance" for the purpose of applying cost of living increases or decreases includes retirement allowances, disability allowances and survivorship benefit. (8) "Retirement board" means the "Washington judicial retirement board" established herein. (9) "Retirement fund" means the "Washington judicial retirement fund" established herein. (10) "Retirement system" means the "Washington judicial retirement system" provided herein. (11) "Service" means all periods of time served as a judge, as herein defined. Any calendar month at the beginning or end of a term in which ten or more days are served shall be counted as a full month of service: PROVIDED, That no more than one month's service may be granted for any one calendar month. Only months of service will be counted in the computation of any retirement allowance or other benefit provided for in this chapter. Years of service shall be determined by dividing the total months of service by twelve. Any fraction of a year of service as so determined shall be taken into account in the computation of such retirement allowance or benefit. (12) "Surviving spouse" means the surviving widow or widower or surviving state registered domestic partner of a judge. "Surviving spouse" does not include the divorced spouse of a judge or an individual whose state registered domestic partnership with the judge has been terminated, dissolved, or invalidated.
RCW 2.56.220 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 56 / Section 220
RCW 2.56.220: Family and juvenile court improvement grant program—Creation—Purpose.
Status: in_force

Subject to the availability of funds appropriated therefor, the family and juvenile court improvement grant program is created. (1) The purpose of the program is to assist superior courts in improving their family and juvenile court systems, especially in dependency cases, with the goals of: (a) Assuring a stable and well-trained judiciary in family and juvenile law providing consistency of judicial officers hearing all of the proceedings in a case involving one family, especially in dependency cases; and (b) Ensuring judicial accountability in implementing specific principles and practices for family and juvenile court. (2) The administrator for the courts shall develop and administer the program subject to requirements in RCW 2.56.230 . As part of administering the program, the administrator for the courts shall define appropriate outcome measures, collect data, and gather information from courts receiving grants.
RCW 2.32.230 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 32 / Section 230
RCW 2.32.230: One reporter for two lesser districts.
Status: in_force

An official court reporter may be appointed to serve two or more judicial districts, each of which has a total population under twenty-five thousand, if the judges thereof so agree, and the salary of such official reporter shall be determined by the total population of all the judicial districts so served in accordance with the schedule of salaries in RCW 2.32.210 , and shall be apportioned between the several counties of the districts as therein provided. Such reporter, if appointed, must be qualified to serve, under RCW 2.32.180 .
RCW 2.08.061 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 08 / Section 061
RCW 2.08.061: Judges—King, Spokane, and Pierce counties.
Status: in_force

There shall be in the county of King no more than fifty-eight judges of the superior court; in the county of Spokane thirteen judges of the superior court; and in the county of Pierce twenty-four judges of the superior court.
RCW 2.70.090 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 70 / Section 090
RCW 2.70.090: Parents for parents program—Funding, administration—Program advisors.
Status: in_force

(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the parents for parents program shall be funded through the office of public defense and centrally administered through a pass-through to a Washington state nonprofit-lead organization that has extensive experience supporting parent allies. (2) Through the contract with the lead organization, each local program must be locally administered by the county superior court or a nonprofit organization that shall serve as the host organization. (3) Local stakeholders representing key child welfare systems shall serve as parents for parents program advisors. Examples of local stakeholders include the department of children, youth, and families, the superior court, attorneys for the parents, assistant attorneys general, and court-appointed special advocates or guardians ad litem. (4) A parent ally lead shall provide program coordination and maintain local program information. (5) The lead organization shall provide ongoing training to the host organizations, statewide program oversight and coordination, and maintain statewide program information.
RCW 2.08.190 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 08 / Section 190
RCW 2.08.190: Powers of judge in counties of his or her district.
Status: in_force

Any judge of the superior court of the state of Washington shall have power, in any county within his or her district: (1) To sign all necessary orders and papers in probate matters pending in any other county in his or her district; (2) to issue restraining orders, and to sign the necessary orders of continuance in actions or proceedings pending in any other county in his or her district; (3) to decide and rule upon all motions, demurrers, issues of fact, or other matters that may have been submitted to him or her in any other county. All such rulings and decisions shall be in writing and shall be filed immediately with the clerk of the proper county: PROVIDED, That nothing herein contained shall authorize the judge to hear any matter outside of the county wherein the cause or proceeding is pending, except by consent of the parties.
RCW 2.28.200 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 28 / Section 200
RCW 2.28.200: Signage concerning assaults in court facilities during court proceedings.
Status: in_force

(1) Signage shall be posted notifying the public of the possible enhanced penalties under chapter 256, Laws of 2013. (2) The signage shall be prominently displayed at any public entrance to a courtroom. (3) The administrative office of the courts shall develop a standard signage form notifying the public of the possible enhanced penalties under chapter 256, Laws of 2013.
RCW 2.56.038 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 56 / Section 038
RCW 2.56.038: Definition—Single judge court.
Status: in_force

For purposes of this title and Title 3 RCW, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, "single judge court" means a court or judicial district that has only one judge.
RCW 2.36.070 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 36 / Section 070
RCW 2.36.070: Qualification of juror.
Status: in_force

A person shall be competent to serve as a juror in the state of Washington unless that person: (1) Is less than eighteen years of age; (2) Is not a citizen of the United States; (3) Is not a resident of the county in which he or she has been summoned to serve; (4) Is not able to communicate in the English language; or (5) Has been convicted of a felony and has not had his or her civil rights restored.
RCW 2.60.020 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 60 / Section 020
RCW 2.60.020: Federal court certification of local law question.
Status: in_force

When in the opinion of any federal court before whom a proceeding is pending, it is necessary to ascertain the local law of this state in order to dispose of such proceeding and the local law has not been clearly determined, such federal court may certify to the supreme court for answer the question of local law involved and the supreme court shall render its opinion in answer thereto.
RCW 2.08.040 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 08 / Section 040
RCW 2.08.040: Effect of adjournments.
Status: in_force

Adjournments from day to day, or from time to time, are to be construed as recesses in the sessions, and shall not prevent the court from sitting at any time.
RCW 2.56.060 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 56 / Section 060
RCW 2.56.060: Annual conference of judges—Judge's expenses.
Status: in_force

The supreme court of this state may provide by rule or special order for the holding in this state of an annual conference of the judges of the courts of record of this state, judges of the courts of limited jurisdiction, and invited members of the bar, for the consideration of matters relating to judicial business, the improvement of the judicial system and the administration of justice. Each judge attending such annual judicial conference shall be entitled to be reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060 as now existing or hereafter amended, to be paid from state appropriations made for the purposes of this chapter.
RCW 2.42.170 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 42 / Section 170
RCW 2.42.170: Fee.
Status: in_force

A qualified and/or intermediary interpreter appointed under this chapter is entitled to a reasonable fee for services, including waiting time and reimbursement for actual necessary travel expenses. The fee for services for interpreters for hearing impaired persons shall be in accordance with standards established by the department of social and health services, office of deaf services.
RCW 2.43.030 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 43 / Section 030
RCW 2.43.030: Appointment of interpreter—Source of interpreters—Qualifications.
Status: in_force

(1)(a) Credentialed interpreters shall be appointed in legal proceedings involving participation of persons with limited English proficiency, unless good cause is found on the record for appointing a noncredentialed interpreter. (b) For purposes of this chapter, "good cause" includes, but is not limited to, a determination that: (i) Given the totality of the circumstances, including the nature of the proceeding and the potential penalty or consequences involved, the services of a credentialed interpreter are not reasonably available; or (ii) The current list of interpreters maintained by the administrative office of the courts does not include an interpreter credentialed in the language spoken by the person with limited English proficiency. (2) If good cause is found for using an interpreter who is not credentialed, the judicial or presiding officer shall make a preliminary determination on the record that the proposed interpreter is able to interpret accurately all communications to and from the person with limited English proficiency in that particular proceeding. The judicial or presiding officer shall consider testimony and the needs of the person with limited English proficiency in making this determination. (3) After an appropriate colloquy or other process permitted by statute or regulation, the judicial or presiding officer shall satisfy itself and state on the record that: (a) The proposed interpreter is capable of communicating effectively in English and in the non-English language. If the interpreter is assigned to interpret between two non-English languages (relay interpreter), the interpreter shall not be required to communicate in English; (b) The proposed interpreter has read, understands, and will abide by the code of professional responsibility for judiciary interpreters established by court rule. If the interpreter does not meet this requirement, the interpreter may be given time to review the code of professional responsibility for judiciary interpreters; and (c) The person with limited English proficiency can understand the interpreter. (4) The court shall inquire whether the interpreter can accurately interpret: (a) In the consecutive mode, if that mode of interpretation is expected to be used; and (b) In the simultaneous mode, if that mode of interpretation is expected to be used. (5) If the proposed interpreter does not meet the criteria in subsection (3) of this section, another interpreter must be used.
RCW 2.10.210 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 210
RCW 2.10.210: Hearing prior to judicial review—No bond required.
Status: in_force

No bond of any kind shall be required of a claimant appealing to the superior court, the court of appeals, or the supreme court from a finding of the retirement board affecting such claimant's right to retirement or disability benefits.
RCW 2.14.900 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 14 / Section 900
RCW 2.14.900: Construction—Chapter applicable to state registered domestic partnerships—2009 c 521.
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this chapter, the terms spouse, marriage, marital, husband, wife, widow, widower, next of kin, and family shall be interpreted as applying equally to state registered domestic partnerships or individuals in state registered domestic partnerships as well as to marital relationships and married persons, and references to dissolution of marriage shall apply equally to state registered domestic partnerships that have been terminated, dissolved, or invalidated, to the extent that such interpretation does not conflict with federal law. Where necessary to implement chapter 521, Laws of 2009, gender-specific terms such as husband and wife used in any statute, rule, or other law shall be construed to be gender neutral, and applicable to individuals in state registered domestic partnerships.
RCW 2.36.170 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 36 / Section 170
RCW 2.36.170: Failure of juror to appear—Penalty.
Status: in_force

A person summoned for jury service who intentionally fails to appear as directed shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
RCW 2.10.080 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 080
RCW 2.10.080: Funds and securities.
Status: in_force

(1) The state treasurer shall be the custodian of all funds and securities of the retirement system. Disbursements from this fund shall be made by the state treasurer upon receipt of duly authorized vouchers. (2) The state treasurer is hereby authorized and directed to deposit any portion of the funds of the retirement system not needed for immediate use in the same manner and subject to all the provisions of law with respect to the deposit of state funds by such treasurer. All investment income earned by such portion of the retirement system's funds as may be deposited by the state treasurer in pursuance of authority herewith given shall be collected by him or her and placed to the credit of the retirement fund, less the allocation to the state treasurer's service fund pursuant to RCW 43.08.190 . (3) For the purpose of providing amounts to be used to defray the cost of administration, the judicial retirement board shall ascertain at the beginning of each biennium and request from the legislature an appropriation sufficient to cover estimated expenses for the said biennium.
RCW 2.08.060 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 08 / Section 060
RCW 2.08.060: Judges—Election.
Status: in_force

There shall be in each of the counties a superior court. Judges of the superior court shall be elected at the general election in November, 1952, and every four years thereafter.
RCW 2.70.050 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 70 / Section 050
RCW 2.70.050: Transfer to office of appellate indigent defense powers, duties, functions, information, property, appropriations, employees, rules, and pending business—Apportionment—Effect on collective bargaining.
Status: in_force

(1) All powers, duties, and functions of the supreme court and the administrative office of the courts pertaining to appellate indigent defense are transferred to the office of public defense. (2)(a) All reports, documents, surveys, books, records, files, papers, or written material in the possession of the supreme court or the administrative office of the courts pertaining to the powers, functions, and duties transferred shall be delivered to the custody of the office of public defense. All cabinets, furniture, office equipment, motor vehicles, and other tangible property employed by the supreme court or the administrative office of the courts in carrying out the powers, functions, and duties transferred shall be made available to the office of public defense. All funds, credits, or other assets held in connection with the powers, functions, and duties transferred shall be assigned to the office of public defense. (b) Any appropriations made to the supreme court or the administrative office of the courts for carrying out the powers, functions, and duties transferred shall, on June 6, 1996, be transferred and credited to the office of public defense. (c) Whenever any question arises as to the transfer of any personnel, funds, books, documents, records, papers, files, equipment, or other tangible property used or held in the exercise of the powers and the performance of the duties and functions transferred, the director of financial management shall make a determination as to the proper allocation and certify the same to the state agencies concerned. (3) All employees of the supreme court or the administrative office of the courts engaged in performing the powers, functions, and duties transferred are transferred to the jurisdiction of the office of public defense. All employees classified under chapter 41.06 RCW, the state civil service law, are assigned to the office of public defense to perform their usual duties upon the same terms as formerly, without any loss of rights, subject to any action that may be appropriate thereafter in accordance with the laws and rules governing state civil service. (4) All rules and all pending business before the supreme court or the administrative office of the courts pertaining to the powers, functions, and duties transferred shall be continued and acted upon by the office of public defense. All existing contracts and obligations shall remain in full force and shall be performed by the office of public defense. (5) The transfer of the powers, duties, functions, and personnel of the supreme court or the administrative office of the courts shall not affect the validity of any act performed before June 6, 1996. (6) If apportionments of budgeted funds are required because of the transfers directed by this section, the director of financial management shall certify the apportionments to the agencies affected, the state auditor, and the state treasurer. Each of these shall make the appropriate transfer and adjustments in funds and appropriation accounts and equipment records in accordance with the certification. (7) Nothing contained in this section may be construed to alter any existing collective bargaining unit or the provisions of any existing collective bargaining agreement until the agreement has expired or until the bargaining unit has been modified by action of the personnel board as provided by law.
RCW 2.32.270 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 32 / Section 270
RCW 2.32.270: Reporter pro tempore.
Status: in_force

In the event of the absence or inability of the official reporter to act, the presiding judge may appoint a competent stenographer to act pro tempore, who shall perform the same duties as the official reporter, and whose report when certified to, shall have the same legal effect as the certified report of the official reporter. The reporter pro tempore shall possess the qualifications and take the oath prescribed for the official reporter, and shall file a like bond, and shall receive the same compensation.
RCW 2.08.120 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 08 / Section 120
RCW 2.08.120: Vacancy, how filled.
Status: in_force

(1) If a vacancy occurs in the office of judge of the superior court, the governor shall appoint a person to hold the office until the election and qualification of a judge to fill the vacancy, which election shall be at the next succeeding general election, and the judge so elected shall hold office for the remainder of the unexpired term. (2) During any vacancy that occurs pursuant to subsection (1) of this section in a single judge court, a presiding judge pro tempore who has been predesignated pursuant to court rule or appointed pursuant to RCW 2.56.040 (2) may fulfill presiding judge duties, and the authority of the predesignated or appointed presiding judge pro tempore endures until the chief justice appoints someone else to fulfill the presiding judge duties pursuant to RCW 2.56.040 (2)(b), or until a vacancy in the position is filled as provided by law, whichever occurs first.
RCW 2.10.900 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 900
RCW 2.10.900: Construction—Domestic relations terms—2009 c 521.
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this chapter, the terms spouse, marriage, marital, husband, wife, widow, widower, next of kin, and family shall be interpreted as applying equally to state registered domestic partnerships or individuals in state registered domestic partnerships as well as to marital relationships and married persons, and references to dissolution of marriage shall apply equally to state registered domestic partnerships that have been terminated, dissolved, or invalidated, to the extent that such interpretation does not conflict with federal law. Where necessary to implement chapter 521, Laws of 2009, gender-specific terms such as husband and wife used in any statute, rule, or other law shall be construed to be gender neutral, and applicable to individuals in state registered domestic partnerships.
RCW 2.43.070 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 43 / Section 070
RCW 2.43.070: Testing and credentialing of interpreters.
Status: in_force

(1) Subject to the availability of funds, the administrative office of the courts shall establish and maintain a credentialing program for spoken language interpreters and administer comprehensive testing. (2) The administrative office of the courts shall work cooperatively with public or private educational institutions, and with other public or private organizations to establish suitable training programs and engage in recruitment efforts to ensure the availability of credentialed interpreters. Training programs shall be made readily available in both eastern and western Washington locations. (3) The administrative office of the courts shall establish and adopt standards of proficiency, written and oral, in English and the language to be interpreted. (4) The administrative office of the courts shall conduct periodic examinations to ensure the availability of credentialed interpreters. Periodic examinations shall be made readily available in both eastern and western Washington locations. (5) The administrative office of the courts shall compile, maintain, and disseminate a current list of interpreters credentialed by the office. (6) The administrative office of the courts may charge reasonable fees for testing, training, and credentialing. (7) The administrative office of the courts may create different credentials and provide guidance for the selection and use of credentialed and noncredentialed interpreters to ensure the highest standards of accuracy are maintained in all judicial proceedings.
RCW 2.53.900 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 53 / Section 900
RCW 2.53.900: Effective date—2005 c 105.
Status: in_force

This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect July 1, 2005.
RCW 2.56.110 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 56 / Section 110
RCW 2.56.110: Driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug—Enhanced enforcement of related laws—Assignment of visiting district judges—Powers, expenses.
Status: in_force

The administrator for the courts may assign one or more district judges from other judicial districts to serve as visiting district judges in a judicial district which the administrator determines is experiencing an increase in case filings as the result of enhanced enforcement of laws related to driving, or being in physical control of, a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug. The prosecuting, city, or town attorney of the county, city, or town in which a judicial district lies, or the presiding judge of the judicial district, may request the administrator for the courts to designate the district as an enhanced enforcement district and to make assignments under this section. An assignment shall be for a specified period of time not to exceed thirty days. A visiting district judge has the same powers as a district judge of the district to which he or she is assigned. A visiting district judge shall be reimbursed for expenses under RCW 2.56.070 .
RCW 2.43.067 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 43 / Section 067
RCW 2.43.067: Team interpreting.
Status: in_force

The court shall appoint a team of interpreters as required by supreme court rule.
RCW 2.56.030 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 56 / Section 030
RCW 2.56.030: Powers and duties.
Status: in_force

The administrator for the courts shall, under the supervision and direction of the chief justice: (1) Examine the administrative methods and systems employed in the offices of the judges, clerks, stenographers, and employees of the courts and make recommendations, through the chief justice, for the improvement of the same; (2) Examine the state of the dockets of the courts and determine the need for assistance by any court; (3) Make recommendations to the chief justice relating to the assignment of judges where courts are in need of assistance and carry out the direction of the chief justice as to the assignments of judges to counties and districts where the courts are in need of assistance; (4) Collect and compile statistical and other data and make reports of the business transacted by the courts and transmit the same to the chief justice to the end that proper action may be taken in respect thereto; (5) Prepare and submit budget estimates of state appropriations necessary for the maintenance and operation of the judicial system and make recommendations in respect thereto; (6) Collect statistical and other data and make reports relating to the expenditure of public moneys, state and local, for the maintenance and operation of the judicial system and the offices connected therewith; (7) Obtain reports from clerks of courts in accordance with law or rules adopted by the supreme court of this state on cases and other judicial business in which action has been delayed beyond periods of time specified by law or rules of court and make report thereof to supreme court of this state; (8) Act as secretary of the judicial conference referred to in RCW 2.56.060 ; (9) Submit annually, as of February 1st, to the chief justice, a report of the activities of the administrator's office for the preceding calendar year including activities related to courthouse security; (10) Administer programs and standards for the training and education of judicial personnel; (11) Examine the need for new superior court and district court judge positions under an objective workload analysis. The results of the objective workload analysis shall be reviewed by the board for judicial administration which shall make recommendations to the legislature. It is the intent of the legislature that an objective workload analysis become the basis for creating additional district and superior court positions, and recommendations should address that objective; (12) Provide staff to the judicial retirement account plan under chapter 2.14 RCW; (13) Attend to such other matters as may be assigned by the supreme court of this state; (14) Within available funds, develop a curriculum for a general understanding of child development, placement, and treatment resources, as well as specific legal skills and knowledge of relevant statutes including chapters 13.32A , 13.34, and 13.40 RCW, cases, court rules, interviewing skills, and special needs of the abused or neglected child. This curriculum shall be completed and made available to all juvenile court judges, court personnel, and service providers and be updated yearly to reflect changes in statutes, court rules, or case law; (15) Develop, in consultation with the entities set forth in RCW 2.56.150 (3), a comprehensive statewide curriculum for persons who act as guardians ad litem under Title 13 or 26 RCW. The curriculum shall be made available July 1, 2008, and include specialty sections on child development, child sexual abuse, child physical abuse, child neglect, domestic violence, clinical and forensic investigative and interviewing techniques, family reconciliation and mediation services, and relevant statutory and legal requirements. The curriculum shall be made available to all superior court judges, court personnel, and all persons who act as guardians ad litem; (16) Develop a curriculum for a general understanding of hate crime offenses, as well as specific legal skills and knowledge of RCW 9A.36.080 , relevant cases, court rules, and the special needs of hate crime offense victims. This curriculum shall be made available to all superior court and court of appeals judges and to all justices of the supreme court; (17) Develop, in consultation with the criminal justice training commission and the commissions established under chapters 43.113 , 43.115, and 43.117 RCW, a curriculum for a general understanding of ethnic and cultural diversity and its implications for working with youth of color and their families. The curriculum shall be available to all superior court judges and court commissioners assigned to juvenile court, and other court personnel. Ethnic and cultural diversity training shall be provided annually so as to incorporate cultural sensitivity and awareness into the daily operation of juvenile courts statewide; (18) Authorize the use of closed circuit television and other electronic equipment in judicial proceedings. The administrator shall promulgate necessary standards and procedures and shall provide technical assistance to courts as required; (19) Develop a Washington family law handbook in accordance with RCW 2.56.180 ; (20) Administer state funds for improving the operation of the courts and provide support for court coordinating councils, under the direction of the board for judicial administration; (21) Administer the family and juvenile court improvement grant program; (22)(a) Administer and distribute amounts appropriated under RCW 43.08.250 (2) for district court judges' and qualifying elected municipal court judges' salary contributions. The administrator for the courts shall develop a distribution formula for these amounts that does not differentiate between district and elected municipal court judges. (b) A city qualifies for state contribution of elected municipal court judges' salaries under (a) of this subsection if: (i) The judge is serving in an elected position; (ii) The city has established by ordinance that a full-time judge is compensated at a rate equivalent to at least ninety-five percent, but not more than one hundred percent, of a district court judge salary or for a part-time judge on a pro rata basis the same equivalent; and (iii) The city has certified to the office of the administrator for the courts that the conditions in (b)(i) and (ii) of this subsection have been met; (23) Subject to the availability of funds specifically appropriated therefor, assist courts in the development and implementation of language access plans required under RCW 2.43.090 .
RCW 2.72.060 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 72 / Section 060
RCW 2.72.060: Office to provide decision-making assistance services, navigator service, and trainings for decision makers and professional guardians.
Status: in_force

(1) Subject to the availability of funds appropriated for this specific purpose, the office shall contract with public or private entities or individuals to provide decision-making assistance services, prioritizing persons who are: (a) Age 18 or older whose income does not exceed 400 percent of the federal poverty level determined annually by the United States department of health and human services or who are eligible to receive long-term care services through the Washington state department of social and health services; (b) In an acute care hospital licensed under chapter 70.41 RCW, a psychiatric hospital licensed under chapter 71.12 RCW, or a state psychiatric hospital licensed under chapter 72.23 RCW, or in a location funded by such a hospital; (c) Medically ready for discharge, or will soon be medically ready for discharge, to a postacute care or community setting; and (d) Without a qualified person who is willing and able to serve as a decision maker. (2) For decision-making assistance services provided pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, the office shall establish a streamlined process to review requests for decision-making assistance for persons who meet the requirement in subsection (1) of this section on a weekly basis. (3) Subject to the availability of funds appropriated for this specific purpose, the office shall establish a navigator service to provide assistance and support for hospitals and persons in hospitals, including assistance to navigate options for guardianship, public conservatorship, decision-making assistance, and estate administration services as appropriate for the person. (4) Subject to the availability of funds appropriated for this specific purpose, the office shall fund training for decision makers regarding considerations for specific populations, including behavioral health, involuntary treatment, disability, family law, and medicaid programs. (5) Subject to the availability of funds appropriated for this specific purpose, the office shall offer low-barrier trainings to certified professional guardians on topics such as aging, mental health, and dementia.
RCW 2.36.100 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 36 / Section 100
RCW 2.36.100: Excuse from service—Reasons—Assignment to another term—Summons for additional service—Certification of prior service.
Status: in_force

(1) Except for a person who is not qualified for jury service under RCW 2.36.070 or who chooses to opt out of jury service under subsection (2) of this section, no person may be excused from jury service by the court except upon a showing of undue hardship, extreme inconvenience, public necessity, or any reason deemed sufficient by the court for a period of time the court deems necessary. (2) A person who is 80 years of age or older may request to be excused from jury service if the person attests that the person is unable to serve due to health reasons. An attestation form must be developed by the court and may not include a requirement that a doctor's note be provided. This request must be granted by the court. (3) At the discretion of the court's designee, after a request by a prospective juror to be excused, a prospective juror excused from juror service for a particular time may be assigned to another jury term within the twelve-month period. If the assignment to another jury term is made at the time a juror is excused from the jury term for which he or she was summoned, a second summons under RCW 2.36.095 need not be issued. This subsection does not apply to people excused from jury service under subsection (2) of this section. (4) When the jury source list has been fully summoned within a consecutive twelve-month period and additional jurors are needed, jurors who have already served during the consecutive twelve-month period may be summoned again for service. A juror who has previously served may only be excused if he or she served at least one week of juror service within the preceding twelve months. An excuse for prior service shall be granted only upon the written request of the prospective juror, which request shall certify the terms of prior service. Prior jury service may include service in superior court, in a court of limited jurisdiction, in the United States District Court, or on a jury of inquest.
RCW 2.48.150 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 48 / Section 150
RCW 2.48.150: Admission fees.
Status: in_force

Applicants for admission to the bar upon accredited certificates or upon examination, not having been admitted to the bar in another state or territory, shall pay a fee of twenty-five dollars and all other applicants a fee of fifty dollars. Said admission fees shall be used to pay the expenses incurred in connection with examining and admitting applicants to the bar, including salaries of examiners, and any balance remaining at the close of each biennium shall be paid to the state treasurer and be by him or her credited to the general fund.
RCW 2.28.120 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 28 / Section 120
RCW 2.28.120: Proceedings may be adjourned from time to time.
Status: in_force

A court or judicial officer has power to adjourn any proceeding before it or him or her from time to time, as may be necessary, unless otherwise expressly provided by law.
RCW 2.50.100 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 50 / Section 100
RCW 2.50.100: Limitation of legal aid.
Status: in_force

No legal aid shall be rendered by or through any bureau as to any matter which, in the opinion of the director or the committee is not a proper subject of legal aid. No legal aid shall be given concerning matters relating to claims or litigation commonly handled on a contingent fee basis, nor to the defense of criminal charges in court.
RCW 2.36.020 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 36 / Section 020
RCW 2.36.020: Kinds of juries.
Status: in_force

There shall be three kinds of juries — (1) A grand jury. (2) A petit jury. (3) A jury of inquest.
RCW 2.04.071 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 04 / Section 071
RCW 2.04.071: Election—Term of office.
Status: in_force

At the next general election, and at each biennial general election thereafter, there shall be elected three justices of the supreme court, to hold for the full term of six years, and until their successors are elected and qualified, commencing with the second Monday in January succeeding their election.
RCW 2.68.010 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 68 / Section 010
RCW 2.68.010: Judicial information system committee—Fees.
Status: in_force

The judicial information system committee, as established by court rule, shall determine all matters pertaining to the delivery of services available from the judicial information system. The committee may establish a fee schedule for the provision of information services and may enter into contracts with any person, public or private, including the state, its departments, subdivisions, institutions, and agencies. However, no fee may be charged to county or city governmental agencies within the state of Washington using the judicial information system for the business of the courts.
RCW 2.76.010 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 76 / Section 010
RCW 2.76.010: Creation—Membership.
Status: in_force

There is created an interbranch advisory committee consisting of the following members: (1) Two legislative members, one from each of the two largest caucuses of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives. One member shall be a member of a committee having jurisdiction over general civil or criminal law matters and the other member shall be a member of a committee having jurisdiction over the state operating budget; (2) Two legislative members, one from each of the two largest caucuses of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate. One member shall be a member of a committee having jurisdiction over general civil or criminal law matters and the other member shall be a member of a committee having jurisdiction over the state operating budget; (3) One person representing the governor's office, appointed by the governor; (4) One person representing the attorney general's office, appointed by the attorney general; (5) One person representing cities, appointed by the association of Washington cities; (6) One person who is an elected county councilmember representing counties, appointed by the Washington state association of counties; (7) One person representing court clerks, appointed by the Washington state association of county clerks; (8) Nine members from the judicial branch, appointed by the chief justice in consultation with the board of judicial administration, supreme court, court of appeals, superior court judges association, association of Washington superior court administrators, Washington association of juvenile court administrators, district and municipal court judges association, district and municipal court management association, administrative office of the courts, and access to justice board; and (9) One person representing the office of public defense and one person representing the office of civil legal aid, who shall serve as nonvoting members. Nonvoting members must be consulted by the interbranch advisory committee as needed.
RCW 2.64.060 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 64 / Section 060
RCW 2.64.060: Administration of oaths—Powers as to witnesses, papers, books, etc.—Subpoenas.
Status: in_force

Each member of the commission, and any special master appointed by the commission, may administer oaths. The commission may summon and examine witnesses and compel the production and examination of papers, books, accounts, documents, records, certificates, and other evidence for the determination of any issue before or the discharge of any duty of the commission. The commission shall also issue subpoenas at the request and on behalf of any judge or justice under inquiry. All subpoenas shall be signed by a member of the commission or a special master appointed by the commission. Subpoenas shall be served and witnesses reimbursed in the manner provided in civil cases in superior court.
RCW 2.40.020 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 40 / Section 020
RCW 2.40.020: Witness fee and mileage in civil cases demandable in advance.
Status: in_force

Witnesses in civil cases shall be entitled to receive, upon demand, their fees for one day's attendance, together with mileage going to the place where they are required to attend, if such demand is made to the officer or person serving the subpoena at the time of service.
RCW 2.56.070 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 56 / Section 070
RCW 2.56.070: Holding court in another county—Reimbursement for expenses.
Status: in_force

For attendance while holding court in another county or district pursuant to the direction of the chief justice, a judge shall be entitled to receive from the county to which he or she is sent reimbursement for subsistence, lodging, and travel expenses in accordance with the rates applicable to state officers under RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060 as now or hereafter amended.
RCW 2.28.139 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 28 / Section 139
RCW 2.28.139: County to furnish courthouse.
Status: in_force

The county in which the court is held shall furnish the courthouse, a jail or suitable place for confining prisoners, books for record, stationery, lights, wood, attendance, and other incidental expenses of the courthouse and court which are not paid by the United States.
RCW 2.48.021 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 48 / Section 021
RCW 2.48.021: New members.
Status: in_force

After the organization of the state bar, as herein provided, all persons who are admitted to practice in accordance with the provisions of RCW 2.48.010 through 2.48.180 , except judges of courts of record, shall become by that fact active members of the state bar.
RCW 2.50.130 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 50 / Section 130
RCW 2.50.130: Revocation of declaration of necessity.
Status: in_force

The county board is empowered to find by resolution the nonexistence of a necessity in such county for organized legal aid. Within ten days after the passage of such a resolution the county board shall cause a certified copy to be transmitted to the bar board. Upon receipt of a certified copy of such resolution the bar board is empowered and, within sixty days thereafter, is obligated to discontinue the legal aid bureau — unless it is subsequently maintained in the discretion of the bar board and financed by funds other than county funds. Nothing in this chapter shall prevent a county board from adopting successive resolutions declaring the existence or nonexistence of a necessity for organized legal aid, but no bureau actually created as a result of such a resolution shall be discontinued by a resolution of revocation within sixty days thereafter.
RCW 2.70.110 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 70 / Section 110
RCW 2.70.110: Identifying information of youth.
Status: in_force

Subject to the rules of discovery, the office of public defense is authorized to collect identifying information for any youth who speaks with a consulting attorney pursuant to RCW 13.40.740 ; provided, however, that such records are exempt from public disclosure.
RCW 2.14.090 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 14 / Section 090
RCW 2.14.090: Funding of plan—Contributions.
Status: in_force

The plan shall be funded as provided in this section. (1) Two and one-half percent shall be deducted from each member's salary. (2) The state, as employer, shall contribute an equal amount on a monthly basis. (3) The contributions shall be collected by the administrator for the courts and deposited in the member's account within the principal account.
RCW 2.48.170 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 48 / Section 170
RCW 2.48.170: Only active members may practice law.
Status: in_force

No person shall practice law in this state subsequent to the first meeting of the state bar unless he or she shall be an active member thereof as hereinbefore defined: PROVIDED, That a member of the bar in good standing in any other state or jurisdiction shall be entitled to appear in the courts of this state under such rules as the board of governors may prescribe.
RCW 2.12.046 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 12 / Section 046
RCW 2.12.046: Monthly benefit—Post-retirement adjustment—Computation.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, effective July 1, 1983, the monthly benefit of each person who either is receiving benefits pursuant to RCW 2.12.020 or 2.12.030 as of December 31, 1982, or commenced receiving a monthly benefit under this chapter as of a date no later than July 1, 1978, shall be permanently increased by a post-retirement adjustment of $.74 per month for each year of creditable service the judge established with the retirement system. Any fraction of a year of service shall be counted in the computation of the post-retirement adjustment. This adjustment shall be in lieu of any adjustments provided under RCW 2.12.037 as of July 1, 1983, or July 1, 1984, for the affected persons.
RCW 2.64.057 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 64 / Section 057
RCW 2.64.057: Investigation of conduct occurring prior to, on, or after December 4, 1980.
Status: in_force

The commission is authorized to investigate and consider for probative value any conduct that may have occurred prior to, on, or after December 4, 1980, by a person who was, or is now, a judge or justice when such conduct relates to a complaint filed with the commission against the same judge or justice.
RCW 2.10.180 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 180
RCW 2.10.180: Benefits exempt from taxation and judicial process—Exceptions—Deductions for group insurance premiums.
Status: in_force

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(1) Except as provided in subsections (2), (3), and (4) of this section, the right of a person to a retirement allowance, disability allowance, or death benefit, the retirement, disability or death allowance itself, any optional benefit, any other right accrued or accruing to any person under the provisions of this chapter, and the moneys in the fund created under this chapter, are hereby exempt from any state, county, municipal, or other local tax and shall not be subject to execution, garnishment, or any other process of law whatsoever whether the same be in actual possession of the person or be deposited or loaned. (2) Subsection (1) of this section shall not be deemed to prohibit a beneficiary of a retirement allowance from authorizing deductions therefrom for payment of premiums due on any group insurance policy or plan issued for the benefit of a group comprised of public employees of the state of Washington. (3) Deductions made in the past from retirement benefits are hereby expressly recognized, ratified, and affirmed. Future deductions may only be made in accordance with this section. (4) Subsection (1) of this section shall not prohibit the department of retirement systems from complying with (a) a wage assignment order for child support issued pursuant to chapter 26.18 RCW, (b) a notice of payroll deduction issued under chapter 26.23 RCW, (c) an order to withhold and deliver issued pursuant to chapter 74.20A RCW, (d) a mandatory benefits assignment order issued pursuant to chapter 41.50 RCW, (e) a court order directing the department of retirement systems to pay benefits directly to an obligee under a dissolution order as defined in RCW 41.50.500 (3) which fully complies with RCW 41.50.670 and 41.50.700 , or (f) any administrative or court order expressly authorized by federal law.
RCW 2.43.010 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 43 / Section 010
RCW 2.43.010: Legislative intent.
Status: in_force

It is hereby declared to be the policy of this state to secure the rights, constitutional or otherwise, of persons who, because of a non-English-speaking cultural background, are unable to readily understand or communicate in the English language, and who consequently cannot be fully protected in legal proceedings unless interpreters are available to assist them. It is the intent of the legislature in the passage of this chapter to provide for the use and procedure for the appointment of such interpreters.
RCW 2.48.180 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 48 / Section 180
RCW 2.48.180: Definitions—Unlawful practice a crime—Cause for discipline—Unprofessional conduct—Defense—Injunction—Remedies—Costs—Attorneys' fees—Time limit for action.
Status: in_force

(1) As used in this section: (a) "Legal provider" means an active member in good standing of the state bar, and any other person authorized by the Washington state supreme court to engage in full or limited practice of law; (b) "Nonlawyer" means a person to whom the Washington supreme court has granted a limited authorization to practice law but who practices law outside that authorization, and a person who is not an active member in good standing of the state bar, including persons who are disbarred or suspended from membership; (c) "Ownership interest" means the right to control the affairs of a business, or the right to share in the profits of a business, and includes a loan to the business when the interest on the loan is based upon the income of the business or the loan carries more than a commercially reasonable rate of interest. (2) The following constitutes unlawful practice of law: (a) A nonlawyer practices law, or holds himself or herself out as entitled to practice law; (b) A legal provider holds an investment or ownership interest in a business primarily engaged in the practice of law, knowing that a nonlawyer holds an investment or ownership interest in the business; (c) A nonlawyer knowingly holds an investment or ownership interest in a business primarily engaged in the practice of law; (d) A legal provider works for a business that is primarily engaged in the practice of law, knowing that a nonlawyer holds an investment or ownership interest in the business; or (e) A nonlawyer shares legal fees with a legal provider. (3)(a) Unlawful practice of law is a crime. A single violation of this section is a gross misdemeanor. (b) Each subsequent violation of this section, whether alleged in the same or in subsequent prosecutions, is a class C felony punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW. (4) Nothing contained in this section affects the power of the courts to grant injunctive or other equitable relief or to punish as for contempt. (5) Whenever a legal provider or a person licensed by the state in a business or profession is convicted, enjoined, or found liable for damages or a civil penalty or other equitable relief under this section, the plaintiff's attorney shall provide written notification of the judgment to the appropriate regulatory or disciplinary body or agency. (6) A violation of this section is cause for discipline and constitutes unprofessional conduct that could result in any regulatory penalty provided by law, including refusal, revocation, or suspension of a business or professional license, or right or admission to practice. Conduct that constitutes a violation of this section is unprofessional conduct in violation of RCW 18.130.180 . (7) In a proceeding under this section it is a defense if proven by the defendant by a preponderance of the evidence that, at the time of the offense, the conduct alleged was authorized by the rules of professional conduct or the admission to practice rules, or Washington business and professions licensing statutes or rules. (8) Independent of authority granted to the attorney general, the prosecuting attorney may petition the superior court for an injunction against a person who has violated this chapter. Remedies in an injunctive action brought by a prosecuting attorney are limited to an order enjoining, restraining, or preventing the doing of any act or practice that constitutes a violation of this chapter and imposing a civil penalty of up to five thousand dollars for each violation. The prevailing party in the action may, in the discretion of the court, recover its reasonable investigative costs and the costs of the action including a reasonable attorney's fee. The degree of proof required in an action brought under this subsection is a preponderance of the evidence. An action under this subsection must be brought within three years after the violation of this chapter occurred.
RCW 2.08.210 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 08 / Section 210
RCW 2.08.210: Extent of court's process—Venue.
Status: in_force

The process of the superior courts shall extend to all parts of the state: PROVIDED, That all actions for the recovery of the possession of, quieting the title to, or for the enforcement of liens upon, real estate, shall be commenced in the county in which the real estate, or any part thereof, affected by such action or actions is situated.
RCW 2.06.010 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 06 / Section 010
RCW 2.06.010: Court of appeals established—Definitions.
Status: in_force

There is hereby established a court of appeals as a court of record. For the purpose of RCW 2.06.010 through 2.06.100 the following terms shall have the following meanings: (1) "Rules" means rules of the supreme court. (2) "Chief justice" means chief justice of the supreme court. (3) "Court" means court of appeals. (4) "Judge" means judge of the court of appeals. (5) "Division" means a division of the court of appeals. (6) "District" means a geographic subdivision of a division from which judges of the court of appeals are elected. (7) "General election" means the biennial election at which members of the house of representatives are elected.
RCW 2.10.130 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 130
RCW 2.10.130: Retirement for disability allowance.
Status: in_force

Upon a judge being retired for disability as provided in RCW 2.10.120 , he or she shall receive from the fund an amount equal to one-half of his or her final average salary.
RCW 2.64.094 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 64 / Section 094
RCW 2.64.094: Suspension of judge or justice.
Status: in_force

If the commission adopts a recommendation that a judge or justice be removed, the judge or justice shall be suspended, with salary, from his or her judicial position upon filing of the recommendation with the supreme court and until a final determination is made by the supreme court.
RCW 2.53.020 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 53 / Section 020
RCW 2.53.020: Office of civil legal aid—Director's duties.
Status: in_force

(1) There is created an office of civil legal aid as an independent agency of the judicial branch. (2) Activities of the office of civil legal aid shall be carried out by a director of civil legal aid services. The director of civil legal aid services shall be appointed by the supreme court from a list of three names forwarded by the access to justice board. Qualifications for the director include admission to practice law in this state for at least five years; experience in representation of low-income people in civil matters, which experience may be in the form of volunteer representation; knowledge of and demonstrated commitment to promoting access to the civil justice system for indigent persons; and proven managerial or supervisory experience. The director shall serve at the pleasure of the supreme court and receive a salary to be fixed by the oversight committee. (3) The director shall: (a) Contract with one or more qualified legal aid providers to provide civil legal aid services authorized by RCW 2.53.030 ; (b) Monitor and oversee the use of state funding to ensure compliance with this chapter; (c) Report quarterly to the civil legal aid oversight committee established in RCW 2.53.010 and the supreme court's access to justice board on the use of state funds for legal aid; periodically assess the most prevalent civil legal problems experienced by low-income people in Washington state and the capacity of the state-funded legal aid system to meet the legal needs arising from such problems; and report biennially on the status of access to the civil justice system for low-income people eligible for state-funded legal aid; and (d) Submit budget requests. (4) The office shall not provide direct representation of clients.
RCW 2.28.100 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 28 / Section 100
RCW 2.28.100: Legal holidays—No court—Exceptions.
Status: in_force

No court shall be open, nor shall any judicial business be transacted, on a legal holiday, except: (1) To give, upon their request, instructions to a jury when deliberating on their verdict; (2) To receive the verdict of a jury; (3) For the exercise of the powers of a magistrate in a criminal action, or in a proceeding of a criminal nature; (4) For hearing applications for and issuing writs of habeas corpus, injunction, prohibition, and attachment; (5) For the issuance of any process or subpoena not requiring immediate judicial or court action, and the service thereof. The governor, in declaring any legal holiday, in his or her discretion, may provide in his or her proclamation that such holiday shall not be applicable to the courts of or within the state.
RCW 2.16.050 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 16 / Section 050
RCW 2.16.050: Annual meeting.
Status: in_force

The association shall meet annually at a time established by the association's governing board. At the meeting officers shall be chosen for the ensuing year, and other business transacted as may properly come before the association.
RCW 2.06.020 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 06 / Section 020
RCW 2.06.020: Divisions—Locations—Judges enumerated—Districts.
Status: in_force

The court shall have three divisions, one of which shall be headquartered in Seattle, one of which shall be headquartered in Spokane, and one of which shall be headquartered in Tacoma: (1) The first division shall have twelve judges from three districts, as follows: (a) District 1 shall consist of King county and shall have eight judges; (b) District 2 shall consist of Snohomish county and shall have two judges; and (c) District 3 shall consist of Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom counties and shall have two judges. (2) The second division shall have eight judges from the following districts: (a) District 1 shall consist of Pierce county and shall have three judges; (b) District 2 shall consist of Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason, and Thurston counties and shall have three judges; (c) District 3 shall consist of Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Pacific, Skamania, and Wahkiakum counties and shall have two judges. (3) The third division shall have five judges from the following districts: (a) District 1 shall consist of Ferry, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, and Stevens counties and shall have two judges; (b) District 2 shall consist of Adams, Asotin, Benton, Columbia, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Walla Walla, and Whitman counties and shall have one judge; (c) District 3 shall consist of Chelan, Douglas, Kittitas, Klickitat, and Yakima counties and shall have two judges.
RCW 2.32.090 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 32 / Section 090
RCW 2.32.090: Clerk not to practice law.
Status: in_force

Each clerk of a court is prohibited during his or her continuance in office from acting, or having a partner who acts, as an attorney of the court of which he or she is clerk.
RCW 2.42.130 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 42 / Section 130
RCW 2.42.130: Source of interpreters, qualifications.
Status: in_force

(1) If a qualified interpreter for a hearing impaired person is required, the appointing authority shall request a qualified interpreter and/or an intermediary interpreter through the department of social and health services, office of deaf services, or through any community center for hearing impaired persons which operates an interpreter referral service. The office of deaf services and these community centers shall maintain an up-to-date list or lists of interpreters that are certified by the state and/or by the registry of interpreters for the deaf. (2) The appointing authority shall make a preliminary determination, on the basis of testimony or stated needs of the hearing impaired person, that the interpreter is able in that particular proceeding, program, or activity to interpret accurately all communication to and from the hearing impaired person. If at any time during the proceeding, program, or activity, in the opinion of the hearing impaired person or a qualified observer, the interpreter does not provide accurate, impartial, and effective communication with the hearing impaired person the appointing authority shall appoint another qualified interpreter. No otherwise qualified interpreter who is a relative of any participant in the proceeding may be appointed.
RCW 2.56.140 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 56 / Section 140
RCW 2.56.140: Disposition of school attendance violation petitions—Report.
Status: in_force

The administrator for the courts shall prepare a report for each school year to be submitted to the legislature no later than December 15th of each year that summarizes the disposition of petitions filed with the juvenile court under RCW 28A.225.030 , including the number of contempt orders issued to enforce a court's order under RCW 28A.225.030 .
RCW 2.24.010 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 24 / Section 010
RCW 2.24.010: Appointment of court commissioners, criminal commissioners—Qualifications—Term of office.
Status: in_force

(1) There may be appointed in each county or judicial district, by the judges of the superior court having jurisdiction therein or a presiding judge pro tempore who is fulfilling presiding judge duties for a single judge court pursuant to RCW 2.08.120 (2), one or more court commissioners for said county or judicial district. Each such commissioner shall be a citizen of the United States and shall hold the office during the pleasure of the judges making the appointment. (2)(a) There may be appointed in counties with a population of more than four hundred thousand, by the presiding judge of the superior court having jurisdiction therein, one or more attorneys to act as criminal commissioners to assist the superior court in disposing of adult criminal cases. Such criminal commissioners shall have power, authority, and jurisdiction, concurrent with the superior court and the judges thereof, in adult criminal cases, to preside over arraignments, preliminary appearances, initial extradition hearings, and noncompliance proceedings pursuant to RCW 9.94A.6333 or 9.94B.040 ; accept pleas if authorized by local court rules; appoint counsel; make determinations of probable cause; set, amend, and review conditions of pretrial release; set bail; set trial and hearing dates; authorize continuances; accept waivers of the right to speedy trial; and authorize and issue search warrants and orders to intercept, monitor, or record wired or wireless telecommunications or for the installation of electronic taps or other devices to include, but not be limited to, vehicle global positioning system or other mobile tracking devices with all the powers conferred upon the judge of the superior court in such matters. (b) Criminal commissioners shall also have the authority to conduct resentencing hearings and to vacate convictions related to State v. Blake , No. 96873-0 (Feb. 25, 2021). Criminal commissioners may be appointed for this purpose regardless of the population of the county served by the appointing court. (c) The county legislative authority must approve the creation of criminal commissioner positions.
RCW 2.30.040 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 30 / Section 040
RCW 2.30.040: Funding—Federal funding—Use of state moneys.
Status: in_force

Jurisdictions may seek federal funding available to support the operation of its therapeutic court and associated services and must match, on a dollar-for-dollar basis, state moneys allocated for therapeutic courts with local cash or in-kind resources. Moneys allocated by the state may be used to supplement, not supplant other federal, state, and local funds for therapeutic courts. However, until June 30, 2016, no match is required for state moneys expended for the administrative and overhead costs associated with the operation of a therapeutic court authorized under this chapter.
RCW 2.04.100 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 04 / Section 100
RCW 2.04.100: Vacancy, how filled.
Status: in_force

If a vacancy occurs in the office of a justice of the supreme court, the governor shall appoint a person to hold the office until the election and qualification of a justice to fill the vacancy, which election shall take place at the next succeeding general election, and the justice so elected shall hold the office for the remainder of the unexpired term.
RCW 2.56.260 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 56 / Section 260
RCW 2.56.260: Electronic monitoring with victim notification technology.
Status: in_force

(1) The administrative office of the courts shall: (a) Develop a list of vendors or enter into a contract with a vendor that provides electronic monitoring with victim notification technology. The office shall provide outreach to counties as to how courts may access the vendor or vendors; and (b) Create an informational handout on the opportunity to request electronic monitoring with victim notification technology to be provided to individuals seeking a protection order and for which electronic monitoring with victim notification technology is available. The information must include a description of the technology used, requirements for accessing the technology, any limitations on how the technology may or may not assist the person in maintaining the safety of the victim and the victim's family, and how the person may request electronic monitoring with victim notification technology from the court. (2) An appointed or elected public official, public employee, or public agency as defined in RCW 4.24.470 , or units of local government and its employees, as provided in RCW 36.28A.010 , are immune from civil liability for damages resulting from the utilization of electronic monitoring with victim notification technology, unless it is shown that the official, employee, or agency acted with gross negligence or in bad faith. (3) For purposes of this section, "electronic monitoring" means the same as in RCW 9.94A.030 .
RCW 2.36.050 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 36 / Section 050
RCW 2.36.050: Juries in courts of limited jurisdiction.
Status: in_force

In courts of limited jurisdiction, juries shall be selected and impaneled in the same manner as in the superior courts, except that a court of limited jurisdiction shall use the master jury list developed by the superior court to select a jury panel. Jurors for the jury panel may be selected at random from the population of the area served by the court.
RCW 2.28.040 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 28 / Section 040
RCW 2.28.040: May act as attorney, when.
Status: in_force

A part-time district judge, if permitted by court rule, may act as an attorney in any court other than the one of which he or she is judge, except in an action, suit or proceeding removed therefrom to another court for review.
RCW 2.53.055 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 53 / Section 055
RCW 2.53.055: Kinship care legal aid coordinator.
Status: in_force

(1) Subject to amounts specifically appropriated for this purpose, the role of kinship care legal aid coordinator is hereby created at the office of civil legal aid. The office may contract with a separate nonprofit legal aid organization to satisfy the requirements of this section. (2)(a) The kinship care legal aid coordinator shall consult with the following entities: (i) The kinship care oversight committee as provided for in RCW 74.13.621 ; (ii) The Washington state supreme court access to justice board's pro bono council; (iii) The Washington state bar association moderate means program; (iv) The department of social and health services, aging and long-term support administration; and (v) The office of public defense. (b) The kinship care legal aid coordinator shall work with entities stated in (a) of this subsection to identify and facilitate the development of local and regional kinship care legal aid initiatives, and further efforts to implement relevant recommendations from the kinship care oversight committee as provided for in RCW 74.13.621 . (3) The kinship care legal aid coordinator shall maintain the following duties: (a) Develop, expand, and deliver training materials designed to help pro bono and low bono attorneys provide legal advice and assistance to kinship caregivers on matters that relate to their ability to meet physical, mental, social, educational, and other needs of children and youth in their care; (b) Produce a biennial report outlining activities undertaken by the coordinator; legal aid resources developed at the statewide, regional, and local levels; and other information regarding development and expansion of legal aid services to kinship caregivers in Washington state. Reports are due to the department of children, youth, and families, department of social and health services, and relevant standing committees of the legislature by December 1st of each even-numbered year.
RCW 2.08.230 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 08 / Section 230
RCW 2.08.230: Uniform rules to be established.
Status: in_force

The judges of the superior courts shall, from time to time, establish uniform rules for the government of the superior courts.
RCW 2.14.115 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 14 / Section 115
RCW 2.14.115: Discontinuing plan contributions—One-time irrevocable election.
Status: in_force

Beginning January 1, 2007, through December 31, 2007, any member of the public employees' retirement system eligible to participate in the judicial retirement account plan under this chapter may make a one-time irrevocable election, filed in writing with the member's employer, the department of retirement systems, and the administrative office of the courts, to discontinue future contributions to the judicial retirement account plan in lieu of prospective contribution and benefit provisions under chapter 189, Laws of 2006.
RCW 2.28.340 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 28 / Section 340
RCW 2.28.340: Applicability of courts open to all act.
Status: in_force

RCW 2.28.300 through 2.28.330 apply to the following courts: The supreme court, the courts of appeal, the superior courts, and to the courts of limited jurisdiction of this state, including district and municipal courts.
RCW 2.28.010 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 28 / Section 010
RCW 2.28.010: Powers of courts in conduct of judicial proceedings.
Status: in_force

Every court of justice has power — (1) To preserve and enforce order in its immediate presence. (2) To enforce order in the proceedings before it, or before a person or body empowered to conduct a judicial investigation under its authority. (3) To provide for the orderly conduct of proceedings before it or its officers. (4) To compel obedience to its judgments, decrees, orders and process, and to the orders of a judge out of court, in an action, suit or proceeding pending therein. (5) To control, in furtherance of justice, the conduct of its ministerial officers, and of all other persons in any manner connected with a judicial proceeding before it, in every matter appertaining thereto. (6) To compel the attendance of persons to testify in an action, suit or proceeding therein, in the cases and manner provided by law. (7) To administer oaths in an action, suit or proceeding pending therein, and in all other cases where it may be necessary in the exercise of its powers or the performance of its duties.
RCW 2.08.020 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 08 / Section 020
RCW 2.08.020: Appellate jurisdiction.
Status: in_force

The superior courts shall have such appellate jurisdiction in cases arising in courts of limited jurisdiction in their respective counties as may be prescribed by law.
RCW 2.56.032 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 56 / Section 032
RCW 2.56.032: Youth-level secure detention data—Uniform data standards—Annual reports.
Status: in_force

(1)(a) All juvenile courts shall transmit youth-level secure detention data and juvenile diversion agreement data to the administrative office of the courts. (b) Data may either be entered into the statewide management information system for juvenile courts or securely transmitted to the administrative office of the courts at least monthly. Juvenile courts shall provide, at a minimum, the name and date of birth for the youth and the referral number or court case number associated with the event. For secure detention events, courts shall provide the reasons for admission to the juvenile detention facility, the date of admission, the date of exit, and the time the youth spent in secure confinement. For diversion agreement events, the courts shall provide the date of the diversion agreement and the outcome of the agreement. (c) Courts are also encouraged to report individual-level data reflecting: (i) Whether a detention alternative, such as electronic monitoring, was used, and the time spent in detention alternatives; and (ii) Informal diversion events where no formal diversion agreement is entered into. (d) The administrative office of the courts and the juvenile court administrators must work to develop uniform data standards for detention and diversion. (2) The administrative office of the courts shall deliver an annual statewide report to the legislature that details the number of Washington youth who are placed into detention facilities during the preceding calendar year. The first report shall be delivered by March 1, 2017, and shall detail the most serious reason for detention and youth gender, race, and ethnicity. The report must have a specific emphasis on youth who are detained for reasons relating to a truancy, at-risk youth, or a child in need of services petition. The report must: (a) Consider the written findings described in RCW 7.21.030 (2)(e)(ii)(B), and provide an analysis of the rationale and evidence used and the less restrictive options considered; (b) Monitor the utilization of alternatives to detention; (c) Track trends in the use of at-risk youth petitions; (d) Track trends in the use of secure residential programs with intensive wraparound services; and (e) Track the race and gender of youth with at-risk petitions. (3) The administrative office of the courts shall deliver an annual statewide report to the legislature that details, disaggregated by age, race, ethnicity, gender, tribal affiliation if known, and county (including the rate per 1,000 youth), the number of Washington youth who enter into a formal diversion agreement each calendar year. The report must indicate: (a) How many diversions are entered into before filing an information and how many diversions are entered into after an information is filed; (b) The number of successfully completed diversions; (c) The rate of successfully completed diversions; (d) The types of alleged offenses referred to diversion; (e) The number and rate of refused diversions and whether the diversion was refused by the youth or the court; (f) The number and type of disposition alternatives granted each calendar year and how many are revoked; (g) The number of law enforcement referrals to a prosecuting attorney alleging the commission of a juvenile offense each calendar year organized by referring agency; and (h) The number of school referrals to a prosecuting attorney alleging the commission of a juvenile offense each calendar year organized by school district.
RCW 2.56.170 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 56 / Section 170
RCW 2.56.170: Judge pro tempore appointments.
Status: in_force

A judge pro tempore may be authorized under RCW 2.06.150 or 2.08.180 whenever a judge of the court of appeals or the superior court serves on a judicial commission, board, or committee established by the legislature or the chief justice of the supreme court. The judge pro tempore shall be compensated as specified in RCW 2.06.160 or 2.08.180 .
RCW 2.64.070 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 64 / Section 070
RCW 2.64.070: Refusal to obey subpoena—Powers of superior court.
Status: in_force

If a person refuses to obey a subpoena issued by the commission or refuses to answer any proper question during a hearing or proceeding, the superior court of any county in which the hearing or proceeding is conducted or in which the person resides or is found shall have jurisdiction, upon application by the commission, to order the person to appear before the commission, to produce evidence if so ordered, or to give testimony concerning the matter under investigation. Failure to obey the order of the court may be punished as contempt.
RCW 2.12.012 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 12 / Section 012
RCW 2.12.012: Partial pension for less than eighteen years service—When authorized, amount.
Status: in_force

Any judge of the supreme court, court of appeals, or superior court of this state who shall leave judicial service at any time after having served as a judge of any of such courts for an aggregate of twelve years shall be eligible to a partial retirement pension in a percentage of the pension provided in this chapter as determined by the proportion his or her years of judicial service bears to eighteen and shall receive the same upon attainment of age seventy, or eighteen years after the commencement of such judicial service, whichever shall occur first.
RCW 2.10.120 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 120
RCW 2.10.120: Retirement for disability—Procedure.
Status: in_force

(1) Any judge who has served as a judge for a period of ten or more years, and who shall believe he or she has become physically or otherwise permanently incapacitated for the full and efficient performance of the duties of his or her office, may file with the retirement board an application in writing, asking for retirement. Upon receipt of such application the retirement board shall appoint one or more physicians of skill and repute, duly licensed to practice their professions in the state of Washington, who shall, within fifteen days thereafter, for such compensation as may be fixed by the board, to be paid out of the fund herein created, examine said judge and report in writing to the board their findings in the matter. If the physicians appointed by the board find the judge to be so disabled and the retirement board concurs in this finding the judge shall be retired. (2) The retirement for disability of a judge, who has served as a judge for a period of ten or more years, by the supreme court under Article IV, section 31 of the Constitution of the state of Washington (House Joint Resolution No. 37, approved by the voters November 4, 1980), with the concurrence of the retirement board, shall be considered a retirement under subsection (1) of this section.
RCW 2.68.050 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 68 / Section 050
RCW 2.68.050: Electronic access to judicial information.
Status: in_force

The supreme court, the court of appeals and all superior and district courts, through the judicial information system committee, shall: (1) Continue to plan for and implement processes for making judicial information available electronically; (2) Promote and facilitate electronic access to the public of judicial information and services; (3) Establish technical standards for such services; (4) Consider electronic public access needs when planning new information systems or major upgrades of information systems; (5) Develop processes to determine which judicial information the public most wants and needs; (6) Increase capabilities to receive information electronically from the public and transmit forms, applications and other communications and transactions electronically; (7) Use technologies that allow continuous access twenty-four hours a day, seven days per week, involve little or no cost to access, and are capable of being used by persons without extensive technology ability; and (8) Consider and incorporate wherever possible ease of access to electronic technologies by persons with disabilities.
RCW 2.08.010 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 08 / Section 010
RCW 2.08.010: Original jurisdiction.
Status: in_force

The superior court shall have original jurisdiction in all cases in equity, and in all cases at law which involve the title or possession of real property, or the legality of any tax, impost, assessment, toll or municipal fine, and in all other cases in which the demand or the value of the property in controversy amounts to three hundred dollars, and in all criminal cases amounting to felony, and in all cases of misdemeanor not otherwise provided for by law; of actions of forcible entry and detainer; of proceedings in insolvency; of actions to prevent or abate a nuisance; of all matters of probate, of divorce and for annulment of marriage, and for such special cases and proceedings as are not otherwise provided for; and shall also have original jurisdiction in all cases and of all proceedings in which jurisdiction shall not have been by law vested exclusively in some other court, and shall have the power of naturalization and to issue papers therefor. Said courts and their judges shall have power to issue writs of mandamus, quo warranto, review, certiorari, prohibition and writs of habeas corpus on petition by or on behalf of any person in actual custody in their respective counties. Injunctions and writs of prohibition and of habeas corpus may be issued on legal holidays and nonjudicial days.
RCW 2.48.020 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 48 / Section 020
RCW 2.48.020: First members.
Status: in_force

The first members of the Washington State Bar Association shall be all persons now [on June 7, 1933] entitled to practice law in this state.
RCW 2.56.040 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 56 / Section 040
RCW 2.56.040: Distribution of work of courts by chief justice—Unavailability of presiding judge in single judge court.
Status: in_force

(1) The chief justice shall consider all recommendations of the administrator for the assignment of judges, and, in the discretion of the chief justice, direct any judge whose calendar, in the judgment of the chief justice, will permit, to hold court where need therefor exists, to the end that the courts in this state shall function with maximum efficiency, and that the work of other courts shall be equitably distributed. It shall be the duty of every judge to obey such direction of the chief justice unless excused by the chief justice for sufficient cause. (2)(a) If due to illness, incapacity, resignation, death, or other unavailability the presiding judge in a single judge court is unable to fulfill the duties of the office, and either (i) no person has been designated by the presiding judge to serve as presiding judge pro tempore or (ii) the previously designated presiding judge pro tempore resigns, is removed from office, or is no longer able to serve, the chief justice may appoint another judicial officer or other person as the presiding judge pro tempore who meets the qualifications of a judge pro tempore, subject to (c) of this subsection, during the remaining period of unavailability or until a vacancy is filled as provided by law. (b) The chief justice may appoint someone other than the previously designated or appointed individual to serve as presiding judge pro tempore whenever the chief justice determines that the administration of justice would be better served by appointment of someone else to fulfill the presiding judge duties, subject to (c) of this subsection, during the remaining period of unavailability or until the vacancy is filled as provided by law. (c) The chief justice, or designee, shall consult with the local legislative and executive authorities before removing or appointing a presiding judge pro tempore under (a) or (b) of this subsection. (d) Nothing in this section is intended to modify the role of the commission on judicial conduct as provided in Article IV, section 31 of the Washington state Constitution and chapter 2.64 RCW.
RCW 2.10.190 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 190
RCW 2.10.190: Hearing prior to judicial review—Required—Notice.
Status: in_force

Any person aggrieved by any final decision of the retirement board must, before petitioning for judicial review, file with the director of the retirement system by mail or personally within sixty days from the day such decision was communicated to such person, a notice for a hearing before the retirement board. The notice of hearing shall set forth in full detail the grounds upon which such person considers such decision unjust or unlawful and shall include every issue to be considered by the retirement board, and it must contain a detailed statement of facts upon which such person relies in support thereof. Such persons shall be deemed to have waived all objections or irregularities concerning the matter on which such appeal is taken other than those records of the retirement system.
RCW 2.64.113 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 64 / Section 113
RCW 2.64.113: Confidentiality—Violations.
Status: in_force

The commission shall provide by rule for confidentiality of its investigations and initial proceedings in accordance with Article IV, section 31 of the state Constitution. Any person violating a rule on confidentiality is subject to a proceeding for contempt in superior court.
RCW 2.48.060 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 48 / Section 060
RCW 2.48.060: Admission and disbarment.
Status: in_force

The said board of governors shall likewise have power, in its discretion, from time to time to adopt rules, subject to the approval of the supreme court, fixing the qualifications, requirements and procedure for admission to the practice of law; and, with such approval, to establish from time to time and enforce rules of professional conduct for all members of the state bar; and, with such approval, to appoint boards or committees to examine applicants for admission; and, to investigate, prosecute and hear all causes involving discipline, disbarment, suspension or reinstatement, and make recommendations thereon to the supreme court; and, with such approval, to prescribe rules establishing the procedure for the investigation and hearing of such matters, and establishing county or district agencies to assist therein to the extent provided by such rules: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That no person who shall have participated in the investigation or prosecution of any such cause shall sit as a member of any board or committee hearing the same.
RCW 2.30.050 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 30 / Section 050
RCW 2.30.050: Courts authorized to work cooperatively.
Status: in_force

Individual trial courts are authorized and encouraged to establish multijurisdictional partnerships and/or interlocal agreements under RCW 39.34.180 to enhance and expand the coverage area of the therapeutic court. Specifically, district and municipal courts may work cooperatively with each other and with the superior courts to identify and implement nontraditional case processing methods which can eliminate traditional barriers that decrease judicial efficiency.
RCW 2.04.080 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 04 / Section 080
RCW 2.04.080: Oath of office.
Status: in_force

The several justices of the supreme court, before entering upon the duties of their office, shall take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be), that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Washington, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of the office of judge of the supreme court of the State of Washington to the best of my ability." Which oath or affirmation may be administered by any person authorized to administer oaths, a certificate whereof shall be affixed thereto by the person administering the oath. And the oath or affirmation so certified shall be filed in the office of the secretary of state.
RCW 2.10.052 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 052
RCW 2.10.052: Retirement board abolished—Transfer of powers, duties, and functions.
Status: in_force

The Washington judicial retirement board established by this chapter is abolished. All powers, duties, and functions of the board are transferred to the director of retirement systems.
RCW 2.42.010 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 42 / Section 010
RCW 2.42.010: Legislative declaration—Intent.
Status: in_force

It is hereby declared to be the policy of this state to secure the constitutional rights of deaf persons and of other persons who, because of impairment of hearing or speech, are unable to readily understand or communicate the spoken English language, and who consequently cannot be fully protected in legal proceedings unless qualified interpreters are available to assist them. It is the intent of the legislature in the passage of this chapter to provide for the appointment of such interpreters.
RCW 2.06.160 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 06 / Section 160
RCW 2.06.160: Judge pro tempore—Remuneration.
Status: in_force

(1) A judge of a court of record serving as a judge pro tempore of the court of appeals, as provided in RCW 2.06.150 , shall receive, in addition to his or her regular salary, reimbursement for subsistence, lodging, and travel expenses in accordance with the rates applicable to state officers under RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060 . (2) A retired judge of a court of record in this state serving as a judge pro tempore of the court of appeals, as provided in RCW 2.06.150 , shall receive, in addition to any retirement pay he or she may be receiving, the following compensation and expenses: (a) Reimbursement for subsistence, lodging, and travel expenses in accordance with the rates applicable to state officers under RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060 ; and (b) During the period of his or her service as judge pro tempore, he or she shall receive as compensation sixty percent of one-two hundred and fiftieth of the annual salary of a court of appeals judge for each day of service: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That the total amount of combined compensation received as salary and retirement by any judge in any calendar year shall not exceed the yearly salary of a full time judge. (3) Whenever a judge of a court of record is appointed to serve as judge pro tempore of the court of appeals and a visiting judge is assigned to replace him or her, subsistence, lodging, and travel expenses incurred by such visiting judge as a result of such assignment shall be paid in accordance with the rates applicable to state officers under RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060 , upon application of such judge from the appropriation of the court of appeals. (4) A judge appointed as judge pro tempore of the court of appeals under RCW 2.06.150 (2) shall continue to receive compensation in accordance with the rates applicable to the judge immediately before the expiration of the term. (5) The provisions of RCW 2.06.150 (1) and 2.06.160 (1) through (3) shall not be construed as impairing or enlarging any right or privilege acquired in any retirement or pension system by any judge or his or her dependents.
RCW 2.10.110 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 110
RCW 2.10.110: Service retirement allowance.
Status: in_force

A member upon retirement for service shall receive a monthly retirement allowance computed according to his or her completed years of service, as follows: Ten years, but less than fifteen years, three percent of his or her final average salary for each year of service; fifteen years and over, three and one-half percent of his or her final average salary for each year of service: PROVIDED, That in no case shall any retired member receive more than seventy-five percent of his or her final salary except as increased as a result of the cost of living increases as provided by this chapter.
RCW 2.50.060 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 50 / Section 060
RCW 2.50.060: Board of governors—Authority.
Status: in_force

Upon receipt of a certified copy of such resolution the bar board is empowered and, within sixty days thereafter, is obligated to create and continue a legal aid bureau as soon and as long as the necessary funds so allocated are made available by the county board, all expenditures for the bureau to be limited to county funds so supplied, except only as hereinafter authorized. The bar board is vested with the ultimate power to control by its rules and regulations such bureau, the immediate supervision of which in actual operation shall be by the bar board itself or by a committee of its selection.
RCW 2.32.130 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 32 / Section 130
RCW 2.32.130: Correction by judges.
Status: in_force

Within thirty days after such proof sheets are furnished, the judges must return the same to the reporter, with corrections or alterations, and he or she must make the corrections or alterations accordingly.
RCW 2.32.260 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 32 / Section 260
RCW 2.32.260: Notes of outgoing reporter may be transcribed—Effect.
Status: in_force

When the official reporter who has taken notes in any cause, shall thereafter cease to be such official reporter, any transcript thereafter made by him or her therefrom, or made by any competent person under the direction of the court, and duly certified to by the person making the same, under oath, as a full, true and correct transcript of said notes, the same shall have full force and effect the same as though certified by an official reporter of said court.
RCW 2.06.064 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 06 / Section 064
RCW 2.06.064: Reimbursement of expenses for travel to and from division headquarters.
Status: in_force

The court of appeals is authorized to adopt rules providing for the reimbursement of work-related travel expenses from a judge's customary residence to the division headquarters of the court and back. Judges elected from or residing in the county in which the division is headquartered are not eligible for reimbursement under this section. The rates of reimbursement are as set forth in RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060 .
RCW 2.43.050 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 43 / Section 050
RCW 2.43.050: Oath of interpreter—Qualification on the record.
Status: in_force

(1)(a) Upon obtaining an interpreter credential with the administrative office of the courts, credentialed interpreters shall take a permanent oath, affirming that the interpreter will make a true interpretation of all the proceedings and that the interpreter will repeat the statements of the person with limited English proficiency to the court or agency conducting the proceedings, in the English language, to the best of the interpreter's skill and judgment. (b) The administrative office of the courts shall maintain the list of credentialed interpreters and a record of the oath in the same manner. (2) Subject to other processes permitted by statute or regulation, before any person serving as an interpreter for the court or agency begins to interpret, the judicial or presiding officer shall require the interpreter to state the interpreter's name on the record and whether the interpreter is a credentialed interpreter. If the interpreter is not a credentialed interpreter, the interpreter must be qualified on the record. (3) Before beginning to interpret, every interpreter appointed under this chapter shall take an oath unless the interpreter is a credentialed interpreter who has taken the oath as required in subsection (1) of this section. The oath must affirm that the interpreter will make a true interpretation to the person being examined of all the proceedings in a language which the person understands, and that the interpreter will repeat the statements of the person being examined to the court or agency conducting the proceedings, in the English language, to the best of the interpreter's skill and judgment.
RCW 2.30.120 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 30 / Section 120
RCW 2.30.120: Early childhood court programs—Evaluation—Provision of assistance.
Status: in_force

(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the administrative office of the courts shall perform, or contract for, an evaluation of the early childhood court program to ensure the quality, accountability, and fidelity of the programs' evidence-based treatment. Any evaluation of the early childhood court program shall be posted on the administrative office of the courts website. (2) The administrative office of the courts may provide, or contract for the provision of, training and technical assistance related to program services, consultation and guidance for difficult cases, and ongoing training for court teams.
RCW 2.50.160 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 50 / Section 160
RCW 2.50.160: Chapter not exclusive—Counties authorized to provide legal aid.
Status: in_force

The provisions of this chapter are not exclusive. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as placing a limitation on the establishment of alternative methods or systems for providing legal aid. Counties are hereby authorized to expend county funds for the establishment of such methods or systems of providing legal aid as shall be deemed in the public interest by the county legislative body.
RCW 2.64.115 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 64 / Section 115
RCW 2.64.115: Application of open public meetings act—Exemptions.
Status: in_force

The commission is subject to the open public meetings act, chapter 42.30 RCW. However, investigations, initial proceedings, public hearings, and executive sessions involving the discipline or retirement of a judge or justice are governed by this chapter and Article IV, section 31 of the state Constitution and are exempt from the provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW.
RCW 2.76.900 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 76 / Section 900
RCW 2.76.900: Expiration date.
Status: in_force

This chapter expires January 1, 2031.
RCW 2.64.080 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 64 / Section 080
RCW 2.64.080: Privilege from suit.
Status: in_force

Members and employees of the commission, including any lawyers or special masters temporarily employed by the commission, are absolutely privileged from suit in any action, civil or criminal, based upon any disciplinary proceedings or upon other official acts as members or employees of the commission. Statements made to the commission or its investigators or other employees are absolutely privileged in actions for defamation. This absolute privilege does not apply to statements made in any other forum.
RCW 2.04.020 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 04 / Section 020
RCW 2.04.020: Court of record—General powers.
Status: in_force

The supreme court shall be a court of record, and shall be vested with all power and authority necessary to carry into complete execution all its judgments, decrees and determinations in all matters within its jurisdiction, according to the rules and principles of the common law, and the Constitution and laws of this state.
RCW 2.20.030 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 20 / Section 030
RCW 2.20.030: Issuance of search warrants by district and municipal court judges—Jurisdiction in more than one county.
Status: in_force

Any district or municipal court judge, in the county in which the offense is alleged to have occurred, may issue a search warrant for any person or evidence located anywhere within the state. If the jurisdiction of a district or municipal court encompasses all or part of more than one county, a judge for that district or municipal court may issue a search warrant for any person or evidence located anywhere within the state as long as the county in which the offense is alleged to have occurred is one of the counties encompassed within that court's jurisdiction.
RCW 2.64.092 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 64 / Section 092
RCW 2.64.092: Administrative procedure act not applicable.
Status: in_force

The adjudicative proceedings, judicial review, and civil enforcement provisions of chapter 34.05 RCW, the administrative procedure act, do not apply to any investigations, initial proceedings, public hearings, or executive sessions involving the discipline or retirement of a judge or justice.
RCW 2.44.030 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 44 / Section 030
RCW 2.44.030: Production of authority to act.
Status: in_force

The court, or a judge, may, on motion of either party, and on showing reasonable grounds therefor, require the attorney for the adverse party, or for any one of several adverse parties, to produce or prove the authority under which he or she appears, and until he or she does so, may stay all proceedings by him or her on behalf of the party for whom he or she assumes to appear.
RCW 2.48.166 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 48 / Section 166
RCW 2.48.166: Admission to or suspension from practice—Noncompliance with support order—Rules.
Status: in_force

The Washington state supreme court may provide by rule that no person who has been certified by the department of social and health services as a person who is in noncompliance with a support order or a *residential or visitation order as provided in RCW 74.20A.320 may be admitted to the practice of law in this state, and that any member of the Washington state bar association who has been certified by the department of social and health services as a person who is in noncompliance with a support order or a residential or visitation order as provided in RCW 74.20A.320 shall be immediately suspended from membership. The court's rules may provide for review of an application for admission or reinstatement of membership after the department of social and health services has issued a release stating that the person is in compliance with the order.
RCW 2.06.075 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 06 / Section 075
RCW 2.06.075: Appointments to positions created by 1977 ex.s. c 49 s 1—Election—Terms of office.
Status: in_force

The new judicial positions created pursuant to section 1, chapter 49, Laws of 1977 ex. sess. shall become effective January 1, 1978 and shall be filled by gubernatorial appointment as follows: (1) Two shall be appointed to the first division, District 1, King county; (2) One shall be appointed to the second division, District 1, Pierce county; and (3) One shall be appointed to the third division, District 1, Ferry, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, and Stevens counties. The persons appointed by the governor shall hold office until the general election to be held in November 1978. Upon taking office the two newly appointed judges in Division 1 shall determine by lot the length of term they will be entitled to run for in the general election of 1977. One term will be for one year or until the second Monday in January 1980, and the other for three years or until the second Monday in January 1982, and until their successors are elected and qualified. Thereafter judges shall be elected for a term of six years and until their successors are elected and qualified, commencing with the second Monday in January succeeding their election. At the general election to be held in November 1978, the judges appointed in Division 2 and Division 3 shall be entitled to run for a term of six years or until the second Monday in January 1985, and until their successors are elected and qualified. Thereafter judges shall be elected for a term of six years and until their successors are elected and qualified, commencing with the second Monday in January succeeding their election.
RCW 2.08.160 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 08 / Section 160
RCW 2.08.160: Sessions where more than one judge sits—Effect of decrees, orders, etc.
Status: in_force

In any county where there shall be more than one superior judge, or in which a superior judge of another county may be holding a session of the superior court, as provided in RCW 2.08.140 through 2.08.170 , there may be as many sessions of the superior court at the same time as there are judges thereof, or assigned to duty therein by the governor, or responding to a request made as provided in RCW 2.08.150 . In such cases the business of the court shall be so distributed and assigned by law, or in the absence of legislation therefor, by such rules and orders of the court as shall best promote and secure the convenient and expeditious transaction thereof. Judgments, decrees, orders and proceedings of any session of the superior court held by one or more of the judges of said court, or by any judge of the superior court of another county pursuant to the provisions of RCW 2.08.140 through 2.08.170 , shall be equally effectual as if all the judges of such court presided at such session.
RCW 2.04.070 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 04 / Section 070
RCW 2.04.070: Number of judges.
Status: in_force

The supreme court, from and after February 26, 1909, shall consist of nine judges.
RCW 2.10.140 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 140
RCW 2.10.140: Survivor's benefits.
Status: in_force

(1) A surviving spouse of any judge holding such office, or if he or she dies after having retired and who, at the time of his or her death, has served ten or more years in the aggregate, shall receive a monthly allowance equal to fifty percent of the retirement allowance the retired judge was receiving, or fifty percent of the retirement allowance the active judge would have received had he or she been retired on the date of his or her death, but in no event less than twenty-five percent of the final average salary that the deceased judge was receiving: PROVIDED, That said surviving spouse had been married to the judge for a minimum of two years at time of death. (2) A judge holding office on July 1, 1988, may make an irrevocable choice to relinquish the survivor benefits provided by this section in exchange for the survivor benefits provided by RCW 2.10.144 and 2.10.146 by indicating the choice in a written declaration submitted to the department of retirement systems by December 31, 1988. (3) The surviving spouse of any judge who died in office after January 1, 1986, but before July 1, 1988, may elect to receive the survivor benefit provided in RCW 2.10.144 (1).
RCW 2.36.072 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 36 / Section 072
RCW 2.36.072: Determination of juror qualification—Written or electronic declaration.
Status: in_force

(1) Each court shall establish a means to preliminarily determine by a written or electronic declaration signed under penalty of perjury by the person summoned, the qualifications set forth in RCW 2.36.070 of each person summoned for jury duty prior to their appearance at the court to which they are summoned to serve. (2) An electronic signature may be used in lieu of a written signature. (3) "Electronic signature" means an electric sound, symbol, or process attached to or logically associated with a document and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the document. (4) Upon receipt by the summoning court of a written declaration stating that a declarant does not meet the qualifications set forth in RCW 2.36.070 , that declarant shall be excused from appearing in response to the summons. If a person summoned to appear for jury duty fails to sign and return a declaration of his or her qualifications to serve as a juror prior to appearing in response to a summons and is later determined to be unqualified for one of the reasons set forth in RCW 2.36.070 , that person shall not be entitled to any compensation as provided in RCW 2.36.150 . Information provided to the court for preliminary determination of statutory qualification for jury duty may only be used for the term such person is summoned and may not be used for any other purpose, except that the court, or designee, may report a change of address or nondelivery of summons of persons summoned for jury duty to the county auditor.
RCW 2.56.200 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 56 / Section 200
RCW 2.56.200: Performance audits.
Status: in_force

The office of the administrator for the courts is encouraged to conduct performance audits of courts under the authority of the supreme court, in conformity with criteria and methods developed by the board for judicial administration that have been approved by the supreme court. In developing criteria and methods for conducting performance audits, the board for judicial administration is encouraged to consider quality improvement programs, audits, and scoring. The judicial branch is encouraged to submit the results of these efforts to the chief justice of the supreme court or his or her designee, and with any other applicable boards or committees established under the authority of the supreme court to oversee government accountability.
RCW 2.44.010 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 44 / Section 010
RCW 2.44.010: Authority of attorney.
Status: in_force

An attorney and counselor has authority: (1) To bind his or her client in any of the proceedings in an action or special proceeding by his or her agreement duly made, or entered upon the minutes of the court; but the court shall disregard all agreements and stipulations in relation to the conduct of, or any of the proceedings in, an action or special proceeding unless such agreement or stipulation be made in open court, or in presence of the clerk, and entered in the minutes by him or her, or signed by the party against whom the same is alleged, or his or her attorney; (2) To receive money claimed by his or her client in an action or special proceeding, during the pendency thereof, or after judgment upon the payment thereof, and not otherwise, to discharge the same or acknowledge satisfaction of the judgment; (3) This section shall not prevent a party from employing a new attorney or from issuing an execution upon a judgment, or from taking other proceedings prescribed by statute for its enforcement.
RCW 2.28.300 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 28 / Section 300
RCW 2.28.300: Definitions—Immigration enforcement and civil arrests.
Status: in_force

The definitions in this section apply throughout this section and RCW 2.28.310 through 2.28.330 unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (1) "Civil arrest" means the arrest of a person for an alleged violation of civil law. It is not an arrest for an alleged violation of criminal law, or for contempt of the court in which the court proceeding is taking place or will be taking place. (2) "Court facility" means any building or space occupied or used by a court of this state, and adjacent property, including but not limited to adjacent sidewalks, all parking areas, grassy areas, plazas, court-related offices, commercial and governmental spaces within court building property, and entrances and exits from said building or space. (3) "Court order" means a directive issued by a judge or magistrate under the authority of Article III of the United States Constitution or Article IV of the state Constitution. A "court order" includes but is not limited to warrants and subpoenas. (4) "Court security personnel" means law enforcement agencies and officers assigned to protect court facilities or to transport in-custody individuals to and from court proceedings and private agents contracted to provide security at court facilities. (5) "Court staff" means any municipal, county, or state employees or contractors assigned to perform duties in court facilities, including but not limited to probation officers, court security personnel, court clerks, court administrators, interpreters, court facilitators, and bailiffs. (6) "Federal immigration authority" means any officer, employee, or person otherwise paid by or acting as an agent of the United States department of homeland security including but not limited to its subagencies, immigration and customs enforcement, and customs and border protection, and any present or future divisions thereof, charged with immigration enforcement. (7) "Immigration or citizenship status" means as such status has been established to such individual under the immigration and nationality act. (8) "Judge" includes justices of the supreme court, judges of the court of appeals, judges of the superior courts, judges of any court organized under Title 3 or 35 RCW, judges pro tempore, court commissioners, and magistrates. (9) "Law enforcement action" includes but is not limited to observation of court proceedings, investigation, questioning, and arrests by law enforcement agents acting in their official capacity. (10) "Nonpublicly available personal information" includes one or more of the following, when the information is linked with or is reasonably linkable, including via analytic technology, to the person's first name or first initial and last name: Location, home address, work address, place of birth, telephone number, social security number, driver's license number or Washington identification card number, electronic mail address, social media handle or other identifying social media information, and any other means of contacting the person. (11) "Prosecutor" means a county prosecuting attorney, a city attorney, or the attorney general. (12)(a) "State law enforcement agency" means any agency of the state of Washington that: (i) Is a general authority Washington law enforcement agency as defined in RCW 10.93.020 ; (ii) Is authorized to operate prisons or to maintain custody of individuals in prisons; or (iii) Is authorized to operate juvenile detention facilities or to maintain custody of individuals in juvenile detention facilities. (b) "State law enforcement agency" does not include any agency, department, or division of a municipal corporation, political subdivision, or other unit of local government of this state.
RCW 2.44.050 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 44 / Section 050
RCW 2.44.050: Notice of change and substitution.
Status: in_force

When an attorney is changed, as provided in RCW 2.44.040 , written notice of the change, and of the substitution of a new attorney, or of the appearance of the party in person, must be given to the adverse party; until then, he or she shall be bound to recognize the former attorney.
RCW 2.56.265 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 56 / Section 265
RCW 2.56.265: Electronic monitoring model standards—Law enforcement policies.
Status: in_force

(1) Subject to funds appropriated for this specific purpose, by June 1, 2024, the Washington courts' board for judicial administration must develop model standards: (a) Establishing best practices for the operation of electronic monitoring with victim notification technology by monitoring agencies, with the goal of improving victim safety; (b) Establishing protocols for implementing court orders that include electronic monitoring with victim notification, including protocols for the installation and removal of monitoring devices to ensure uninterrupted monitoring services following release from detainment or incarceration; and (c) Establishing any additional requirements necessary to promote compliance with RCW 2.56.260 and 9.94A.736 , which may include, but not be limited to, training requirements for court officials, peace officers, 911 dispatchers, local corrections officers and staff, and other appropriate practitioners. (2) In developing the standards required under this section, the Washington courts' board for judicial administration must solicit input from courts of general and limited jurisdiction, local governments, monitoring agencies, and statewide associations representing law enforcement leaders, prosecutors, the department of corrections, domestic violence victims, and domestic violence agencies. (3) Subject to funds appropriated for this specific purpose, the Washington courts' board for judicial administration must develop a model policy on electronic monitoring with victim notification technology based on best practices where the technology is being currently used in Washington. Each law enforcement agency in the state must adopt its own policy based on the model policy. (4) For the purposes of this section: (a) "Electronic monitoring" has the meaning provided in RCW 9.94A.030 ; and (b) "Monitoring agency" has the meaning provided in RCW 9.94A.736 .
RCW 2.70.005 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 70 / Section 005
RCW 2.70.005: Office of public defense established.
Status: in_force

In order to implement the constitutional and statutory guarantees of counsel and to ensure effective and efficient delivery of indigent defense services funded by the state of Washington, an office of public defense is established as an independent agency of the judicial branch.
RCW 2.08.180 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 08 / Section 180
RCW 2.08.180: Judge pro tempore—Appointment—Oath—Compensation.
Status: in_force

A case in the superior court of any county may be tried by a judge pro tempore, who must be either: (1) A member of the bar, agreed upon in writing by the parties litigant, or their attorneys of record, approved by the court, and sworn to try the case; or (2) pursuant to supreme court rule, any sitting elected judge. Any action in the trial of such cause shall have the same effect as if it was made by a judge of such court. However, if a previously elected judge of the superior court retires leaving a pending case in which the judge has made discretionary rulings, the judge is entitled to hear the pending case as a judge pro tempore without any written agreement. A judge pro tempore shall, before entering upon his or her duties in any cause, take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be,) that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Washington, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of judge pro tempore in the cause wherein . . . . . . is plaintiff and . . . . . . defendant, according to the best of my ability." A judge pro tempore who is a practicing attorney or who is a retired judge of a court of the state of Washington, shall receive a compensation of one-two hundred fiftieth of the annual salary of a superior court judge for each day engaged in said trial, to be paid in the same manner as the salary of the superior judge. A judge who is an active full-time judge of a court of the state of Washington shall receive no compensation as judge pro tempore. A judge who is an active part-time judge of a court of the state of Washington may receive compensation as a judge pro tempore only when sitting as a judge pro tempore during time for which he or she is not compensated as a part-time judge. A retired justice or judge may decline to accept compensation.
RCW 2.14.060 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 14 / Section 060
RCW 2.14.060: Judicial retirement principal account—Creation—Transfer of deficiencies—Contributions—Use.
Status: in_force

The judicial retirement principal account is created in the state treasury. Any deficiency in the judicial retirement administrative account caused by an excess of administrative expenses disbursed from that account over earnings of investments of balances credited to that account shall be transferred to that account from the principal account. The contributions under *section 19 of this act shall be paid into the principal account and shall be sufficient to cover costs of administration and staffing in addition to such other amounts as determined by the administrator for the courts. The principal account shall be used to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
RCW 2.56.900 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 56 / Section 900
RCW 2.56.900: Construction—Chapter applicable to state registered domestic partnerships—2009 c 521.
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this chapter, the terms spouse, marriage, marital, husband, wife, widow, widower, next of kin, and family shall be interpreted as applying equally to state registered domestic partnerships or individuals in state registered domestic partnerships as well as to marital relationships and married persons, and references to dissolution of marriage shall apply equally to state registered domestic partnerships that have been terminated, dissolved, or invalidated, to the extent that such interpretation does not conflict with federal law. Where necessary to implement chapter 521, Laws of 2009, gender-specific terms such as husband and wife used in any statute, rule, or other law shall be construed to be gender neutral, and applicable to individuals in state registered domestic partnerships.
RCW 2.28.150 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 28 / Section 150
RCW 2.28.150: Implied powers—Proceeding when mode not prescribed.
Status: in_force

When jurisdiction is, by the Constitution of this state, or by statute, conferred on a court or judicial officer all the means to carry it into effect are also given; and in the exercise of the jurisdiction, if the course of proceeding is not specifically pointed out by statute, any suitable process or mode of proceeding may be adopted which may appear most conformable to the spirit of the laws.
RCW 2.32.210 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 32 / Section 210
RCW 2.32.210: Court reporter salaries—Expenses.
Status: in_force

Each official reporter shall be paid such compensation as shall be fixed, after recommendation by the judges of the judicial district involved, by the legislative authority of the county comprising said judicial district, or by the legislative authorities acting jointly where the judicial district is comprised of more than one county: PROVIDED, That in judicial districts having a total population of forty thousand or more, the salary of an official court reporter shall not be less than sixteen thousand five hundred dollars per annum: PROVIDED FURTHER, That in judicial districts having a total population of twenty-five thousand and under forty thousand, such salary shall not be less than eleven thousand one hundred dollars per annum. Said compensation shall be paid out of the current expense fund of the county or counties where court is held. In judicial districts comprising more than one county the council or commissioners thereof shall, on the first day of January of each year, or as soon thereafter as may be convenient, apportion the amount of the salary to be paid to the reporter by each county according and in proportion to the number of criminal and civil actions entered and commenced in superior court of the constituent counties in the preceding year. In addition to the salary above provided, in judicial districts comprising more than one county, the reporter shall receive his or her actual and necessary expenses of transportation and living expenses when he or she goes on official business to a county of his or her judicial district other than the county in which he or she resides, from the time he or she leaves his or her place of residence until he or she returns thereto, said expense to be paid by the county to which he or she travels. If one trip includes two or more counties, the expense may be apportioned between the counties visited in proportion to the amount of time spent in each county on the trip. If an official reporter uses his or her own automobile for the purpose of such transportation, he or she shall be paid therefor at the same rate per mile as county officials are paid for use of their private automobiles. The sworn statement of the official reporter, when certified to as correct by the judge presiding, shall be a sufficient voucher upon which the county auditor shall draw his or her warrant upon the treasurer of the county in favor of the official reporter. The salaries of official court reporters shall be paid upon sworn statements, when certified as correct by the judge presiding, as state and county officers are paid.
RCW 2.64.055 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 64 / Section 055
RCW 2.64.055: Disciplinary actions authorized.
Status: in_force

The commission is authorized to impose the following disciplinary actions, in increasing order of severity: (a) Admonishment; (b) reprimand; or (c) censure. If the conduct of the judge or justice warrants more severe disciplinary action, the commission may recommend to the supreme court the suspension or removal of the judge or justice.
RCW 2.68.040 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 68 / Section 040
RCW 2.68.040: Judicial information system account—Increase in fines, penalties, assessments—Exception.
Status: in_force

(1) To support the judicial information system account provided for in RCW 2.68.020 , the supreme court may provide by rule for an increase in fines, penalties, and assessments, and the increased amount shall be forwarded to the state treasurer for deposit in the account: (a) Pursuant to the authority of RCW 46.63.110 (3), the sum of ten dollars to any penalty collected by a court pursuant to supreme court infraction rules for courts of limited jurisdiction; (b) Pursuant to RCW 3.62.060 , a mandatory appearance cost in the initial sum of ten dollars to be assessed on all defendants; and (c) Pursuant to RCW 46.63.110 (6), a ten-dollar assessment for each account for which a person requests a time payment schedule. (2) Notwithstanding a provision of law or rule to the contrary, the assessments provided for in this section may not be waived or suspended and shall be immediately due and payable upon forfeiture, conviction, deferral of prosecution, or request for time payment, as each shall occur. (3) The supreme court is requested to adjust these assessments for inflation. (4) This section does not apply to the additional monetary penalty under RCW 46.20.500 . (5) This section does not apply to the additional monetary fine under RCW 46.61.110 , 46.61.145 , 46.61.180 , 46.61.185 , 46.61.190 , and 46.61.205 . (6) This section does not apply to the additional monetary penalties under RCW 46.61.165 . (7) In addition to any amount prescribed by rule under subsection (1)(a) of this section as an assessment on traffic infractions dedicated for the judicial information system, there shall be assessed $2 on each traffic infraction. The additional $2 shall be forwarded to the state treasurer for deposit in the driver licensing technology support account, created under RCW 46.68.067 , to be used to support information technology systems used by the department of licensing to communicate with the judicial information system, manage driving records, and implement court orders.
RCW 2.70.100 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 70 / Section 100
RCW 2.70.100: Parents for parents program—Evaluation—Reports to the legislature.
Status: in_force

(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, a research entity with experience in child welfare research shall conduct an evaluation of the parents for parents program. The evaluation design must meet the standards necessary to determine whether parents for parents can be considered a research-based program. (2) A preliminary report to the legislature must be provided by December 1, 2016. At a minimum, the preliminary report must include statistics showing rates of attendance at court hearings and compliance with court-ordered services and visitation. The report must also address whether participation in the program affected participants' overall understanding of the dependency court process. (3) A subsequent report must be delivered to the legislature by December 1, 2019. In addition to the information required under subsection (2) of this section, this report must include statistics demonstrating the effect of the program on reunification rates and lengths of time families were engaged in the dependency court system before achieving permanency.
RCW 2.70.900 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 70 / Section 900
RCW 2.70.900: Transfer of certain powers, duties, and functions of the department of social and health services.
Status: in_force

(1) All powers, duties, and functions of the department of social and health services and the special commitment center pertaining to indigent defense under chapter 71.09 RCW are transferred to the office of public defense. (2)(a) The office of public defense may request any written materials in the possession of the department of social and health services and the special commitment center pertaining to the powers, functions, and duties transferred, which shall be delivered to the custody of the office of public defense. Materials may be transferred electronically and/or in hard copy, as agreed by the agencies. All funds, credits, or other assets held in connection with the powers, functions, and duties transferred shall be assigned to the office of public defense. (b) Any appropriations made to the department of social and health services for carrying out the powers, functions, and duties transferred shall, on July 1, 2012, be transferred and credited to the office of public defense. (3) Notwithstanding July 1, 2012, if implementation of office of public defense contracts would result in the substitution of counsel within one hundred eighty days of a scheduled trial date, the director of the office of public defense may continue defense services with existing counsel to facilitate continuity of effective representation and avoid further continuance of a trial. When existing counsel is maintained, payment to complete the trial shall be prorated based on standard contract fees established by the office of public defense under RCW 2.70.025 and, at the director's discretion, may include extraordinary compensation based on attorney documentation.
RCW 2.64.020 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 64 / Section 020
RCW 2.64.020: Membership—Terms.
Status: in_force

The commission shall consist of eleven members. One member shall be a judge selected by and from the court of appeals judges; one member shall be a judge selected by and from the superior court judges; one member shall be a judge selected by and from the limited jurisdiction court judges; two members shall be selected by the state bar association and be admitted to the practice of law in this state; and six members shall be nonlawyers appointed by the governor. The term of each member of the commission shall be four years.
RCW 2.56.190 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 56 / Section 190
RCW 2.56.190: Legal financial obligations—Collection—Distribution of funds.
Status: in_force

*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 2178-S.SL ) ***

By October 1, 2003, and annually thereafter, the administrative office of the courts shall distribute such funds to counties for county clerk collection budgets as are appropriated by the legislature for this purpose, using the funding formula recommended by the Washington association of county officials. The administrative office of the courts shall not deduct any amount for indirect or direct costs, and shall distribute the entire amount appropriated by the legislature to the counties for county clerk collection budgets. The administrative office of the courts shall report on the amounts distributed to counties to the appropriate committees of the legislature no later than December 1, 2003, and annually thereafter. The administrative office of the courts may expend for the purposes of billing for legal financial obligations, such funds as are appropriated for the legislature for this purpose.
RCW 2.32.140 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 32 / Section 140
RCW 2.32.140: Opinions available to reporter.
Status: in_force

The reporter may take the original opinions and papers in each case from the clerk's office and retain them in his or her possession not exceeding sixty days.
RCW 2.04.215 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 04 / Section 215
RCW 2.04.215: Adoption of rules for settlement conferences in civil cases.
Status: in_force

By January 1, 1982, the supreme court shall adopt rules for settlement conferences in civil cases in such superior courts and the court of appeals which are amenable to the settlement conference process.
RCW 2.10.100 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 100
RCW 2.10.100: Retirement for service or age.
Status: in_force

Retirement of a member for service shall be made by the retirement board as follows: (1) Any judge who, on August 9, 1971 or within one year thereafter, shall have completed as a judge the years of actual service required under chapter 2.12 RCW and who shall elect to become a member of this system, shall in all respects be deemed qualified to retire under this retirement system upon the member's written request. (2) Any member who has completed fifteen or more years of service may be retired upon the member's written request but shall not be eligible to receive a retirement allowance until the member attains the age of sixty years. (3) Any member who attains the age of seventy-five years shall be retired at the end of the calendar year in which the member attains such age. (4) Any judge who involuntarily leaves service or who is appointed to a position as a federal judge or federal magistrate at any time after having served an aggregate of twelve years shall be eligible to a partial retirement allowance computed according to RCW 2.10.110 and shall receive this allowance upon the attainment of the age of sixty years and fifteen years after the beginning of the member's judicial service.
RCW 2.08.100 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 08 / Section 100
RCW 2.08.100: Payment of county's portion.
Status: in_force

The county auditor of each county shall pay superior court judges in the same means and manner provided for all other elected officials.
RCW 2.10.040 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 040
RCW 2.10.040: System created—Coverage—Exclusions.
Status: in_force

The Washington judicial retirement system is hereby created for judges appointed or elected under the provisions of chapters 2.04 , 2.06, and 2.08 RCW. All judges first appointed or elected to the courts covered by these chapters on or after August 9, 1971, and prior to July 1, 1988, shall be members of this system: PROVIDED, That following February 23, 1984, and until July 1, 1988, any newly elected or appointed judge holding credit toward retirement benefits under chapter 41.40 RCW shall be allowed thirty days from the effective date of election or appointment to such judgeship to make an irrevocable choice filed in writing with the department of retirement systems to continue coverage under that chapter and to be permanently excluded from coverage under this chapter for the current or any future term as a judge. All judges first appointed or elected to the courts covered by these chapters on or after July 1, 1988, shall not be members of this system, but may become members of the public employees' retirement system under chapter 41.40 RCW on the same basis as other elected officials as provided in RCW 41.40.023 (3). Any member of the retirement system who is serving as a judge as of July 1, 1988, has the option on or before December 31, 1989, of becoming a member of the retirement system created in chapter 41.40 RCW, subject to the conditions imposed by RCW 41.40.095 . The option may be exercised by making an irrevocable choice filed in writing with the department of retirement systems to be permanently excluded from this system for all service as a judge. In the case of a former member of the retirement system who is not serving as a judge on July 1, 1988, the written election must be filed within one year after reentering service as a judge.
RCW 2.30.130 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 30 / Section 130
RCW 2.30.130: Early childhood court programs—Transitional provision.
Status: in_force

Any early childhood court program in operation as of July 25, 2021, shall have until January 1, 2022, to adjust its practices to comply with RCW 2.30.100 and 2.30.110 .
RCW 2.53.010 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 53 / Section 010
RCW 2.53.010: Civil legal aid oversight committee.
Status: in_force

(1) There is created a civil legal aid oversight committee consisting of the following members: (a) Three persons appointed by the supreme court from a list of nominees submitted by the access to justice board, one of whom at the time of appointment is income eligible to receive state-funded civil legal aid; (b) Two persons appointed by the board for judicial administration; (c) Two senators, one from each of the two largest caucuses, appointed by the president of the senate; and two members of the house of representatives, one from each of the two largest caucuses, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; (d) One person appointed by the Washington state bar association; and (e) One person appointed by the governor. (2) During the term of his or her appointment, an appointee may not be employed by a state-funded legal aid provider. (3) Members shall each serve a three-year term, subject to renewal for no more than one additional three-year term. The oversight committee shall develop rules that provide for the staggering of terms so that, after the first three years of the committee's existence, the terms of one-third of the members expire each year. Members of the oversight committee receive no compensation for their services as members of the oversight committee, but may be reimbursed for travel and other expenses in accordance with rules adopted by the office of financial management. (4) The oversight committee shall: Oversee the activities of the office of civil legal aid created in RCW 2.53.020 ; review the performance of the director of the office of civil legal aid; and may, from time to time, make recommendations to the supreme court, the access to justice board, and the legislature regarding the provision of civil legal aid funded through RCW 2.53.030 .
RCW 2.14.040 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 14 / Section 040
RCW 2.14.040: Administration of plan.
Status: in_force

The administrator for the courts, under the direction of the board for judicial administration, shall administer the plan. The administrator shall: (1) Deposit or invest contributions to the plan consistent with RCW 2.14.080 ; (2) Credit investment earnings or interest to individual judicial retirement accounts consistent with RCW 2.14.070 ; (3) Keep or cause to be kept full and adequate accounts and records of the assets, obligations, transactions, and affairs of any judicial retirement accounts created under this chapter; and (4) Adopt rules necessary to carry out this chapter.
RCW 2.64.040 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 64 / Section 040
RCW 2.64.040: Compensation and travel expenses.
Status: in_force

Commission members and alternate members shall be compensated in accordance with RCW 43.03.250 and shall be reimbursed for travel expenses under RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060 .
RCW 2.64.030 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 64 / Section 030
RCW 2.64.030: Disqualification—Vacancies—Limitations on terms—Alternates—Removal.
Status: in_force

Commission membership shall terminate if a member ceases to hold the position that qualified him or her for appointment. Vacancies caused by disqualification or resignation shall be filled by the appointing authority for the remainder of the term. No person may serve more than two consecutive four-year terms. A person may be reappointed after a lapse of one year. A member, rather than his or her successor, shall continue to participate in any hearing in progress at the end of his or her term, or when the member ceases to hold the position that qualified him or her for appointment. The appointing authority shall appoint an alternate to serve during a member's temporary disability, disqualification, or inability to serve. No member may otherwise be removed from the commission before the end of his or her term except upon good cause found by the appointing authority.
RCW 2.72.005 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 72 / Section 005
RCW 2.72.005: Intent.
Status: in_force

(1) In establishing an office of public guardianship and conservatorship, the legislature intends to promote the availability of guardianship, conservatorship, and alternate services that provide support for decision making for individuals who need them and for whom adequate services may otherwise be unavailable. The legislature reaffirms its commitment to treat liberty and autonomy as paramount values for all Washington residents and to authorize public guardianship and conservatorship only to the minimum extent necessary to provide for health or safety, or to manage financial affairs, when the legal conditions for appointment of a guardian or conservator are met. It does not intend to alter those legal conditions or to expand judicial authority to determine that any individual may be subject to guardianship or conservatorship. (2) The legislature further recognizes that decision-making assistance for people who have limited capacity can preserve individual liberty and provide effective support responsive to individual needs and wishes. The legislature also recognizes that these services may be less expensive than guardianship and conservatorship for the state, the courts, and for individuals with limited capacity and their families.
RCW 2.08.115 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 08 / Section 115
RCW 2.08.115: Judge serving district comprising more than one county—Reimbursement for travel expenses.
Status: in_force

Whenever a judge of the superior court shall serve a district comprising more than one county, such judge shall be reimbursed for travel expenses in connection with business of the court in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060 as now existing or hereafter amended for travel from his or her residence to the other county or counties in his or her district and return.
RCW 2.76.020 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 76 / Section 020
RCW 2.76.020: Purposes.
Status: in_force

The purpose of the interbranch advisory committee is to foster cooperation, communication, coordination, collaboration, and planning regarding issues of mutual concern among the three branches of state government. An additional purpose of the committee is to suggest ways to provide access to justice and to court services in a just and equitable manner.
RCW 2.14.100 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 14 / Section 100
RCW 2.14.100: Contributions—Distribution upon member's separation—Exemption from taxation and judicial process—Assignability—Exceptions.
Status: in_force

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(1) A member who separates from judicial service for any reason is entitled to receive a lump sum distribution of the member's accumulated contributions. The administrator for the courts may adopt rules establishing other payment options, in addition to lump sum distributions, if the other payment options conform to the requirements of the federal internal revenue code. (2) The right of a person to receive a payment under this chapter and the moneys in the accounts created under this chapter are exempt from any state, county, municipal, or other local tax and are not subject to execution, garnishment, attachment, the operation of bankruptcy or insolvency law, or any other process of law whatsoever and is not assignable, except as is otherwise specifically provided in this section. (3) If a judgment, decree or other order, including a court-approved property settlement agreement, that relates to the provision of child support, spousal maintenance, or the marital property rights of a spouse or former spouse, child, or other dependent of a member is made pursuant to the domestic relations law of the state of Washington or such order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction in another state or country, that has been registered or otherwise made enforceable in this state, then the amount of the member's accumulated contributions shall be paid in the manner and to the person or persons so directed in the domestic relations order. However, this subsection does not permit or require a benefit to be paid or to be provided that is not otherwise available under the terms of this chapter or any rules adopted under this chapter. The administrator for the courts shall establish reasonable procedures for determining the status or any such decree or order and for effectuating distribution pursuant to the domestic relations order. (4) The administrator for the courts may pay from a member's accumulated contributions the amount that the administrator finds is lawfully demanded under a levy issued by the internal revenue service with respect to that member or is sought to be collected by the United States government under a judgment resulting from an unpaid tax assessment against the member.
RCW 2.04.240 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 04 / Section 240
RCW 2.04.240: Judge pro tempore—Declaration of policy—Appointment—Oath of office.
Status: in_force

(1) DECLARATION OF POLICY. Whenever necessary for the prompt and orderly administration of justice, as authorized and empowered by Article IV, section 2(a), Amendment 38, of the state Constitution, a majority of the supreme court may appoint any regularly elected and qualified judge of the court of appeals or the superior court or any retired judge of a court of record in this state to serve as judge pro tempore of the supreme court. (2) If the term of a justice of the supreme court expires with cases or other judicial business pending, the chief justice of the supreme court may appoint the justice to serve as judge pro tempore of the supreme court, whenever necessary for the prompt and orderly administration of justice. No justice may be appointed under this subsection more than one time and no appointment may exceed sixty days. (3) Before entering upon his or her duties as judge pro tempore of the supreme court, the appointee shall take and subscribe an oath of office as provided for in Article IV, section 28 of the state Constitution.
RCW 2.48.130 — Washington Code / Title 2 / Chapter 48 / Section 130
RCW 2.48.130: Membership fee—Active.
Status: in_force

The annual membership fees for active members shall be payable on or before February 1st of each year. The board of governors may establish the amount of such annual membership fee to be effective each year: PROVIDED, That written notice of any proposed increase in membership fee shall be sent to active members not less than sixty days prior to the effective date of such increase: PROVIDED FURTHER, That the board of governors may establish the fee at a reduced rate for those who have been active members for less than five years in this state or elsewhere.