reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.04 - Supreme Court. › 2.04.150 - Apportionment of business—En banc hearings.

RCW 2.04.150
Apportionment of business—En banc hearings.
The chief justice shall from time to time apportion the business to the departments, and may, in his or her discretion, before a decision is pronounced, order any cause pending before the court to be heard and determined by the court en banc. When a cause has been allotted to one of the departments and a decision pronounced therein, the chief justice, together with any two associate judges, may order such cause to be heard and decided by the court en banc. Any four judges may, either before or after decision by a department, order a cause to be heard en banc.
[ 2011 c 336 § 10; 1909 c 24 § 4, part; RRS § 9.]
NOTES:
Rules of court: SAR 4.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.04 - Supreme Court. › 2.04.180 - Rules of practice and forms of process in supreme court.

RCW 2.04.180
Rules of practice and forms of process in supreme court.
The supreme court may from time to time institute such rules of practice and prescribe such forms of process to be used in such court and in the court en banc and each of its departments, and for the keeping of the dockets, records and proceedings, and for the regulation of such court, including the court en banc and in departments, as may be deemed most conducive to the due administration of justice.
[ 1909 c 24 § 8; 1890 p 323 § 12; RRS § 13.]
NOTES:
Rules of court: Cf. Title 1 RAP and RAP 18.10.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.04 - Supreme Court. › 2.04.190 - Rules of pleading, practice, and procedure generally.

RCW 2.04.190
Rules of pleading, practice, and procedure generally.
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.
[ 1987 c 202 § 101; 1925 ex.s. c 118 § 1; RRS § 13-1.]
NOTES:
Rules of court: Cf. Title 1 RAP.
Intent—1987 c 202: "The legislature intends to:
(1) Make the statutes of the state consistent with rules adopted by the supreme court governing district courts; and
(2) Delete or modify archaic, outdated, and superseded language and nomenclature in statutes related to the district courts." [ 1987 c 202 § 1.]
Court of appeals—Rules of administration and procedure: RCW 2.06.030.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.04 - Supreme Court. › 2.04.200 - Effect of rules upon statutes.

RCW 2.04.200
Effect of rules upon statutes.
When and as the rules of courts herein authorized shall be promulgated all laws in conflict therewith shall be and become of no further force or effect.
[ 1925 ex.s. c 118 § 2; RRS § 13-2.]
NOTES:
Rules of court: Cf. CR 81(b), RAP 1.1(g).
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.04 - Supreme Court. › 2.04.210 - Supplementary superior court rules.

RCW 2.04.210
Supplementary superior court rules.
RCW 2.04.190 through 2.04.210 shall not be construed to deprive the superior courts of power to establish rules for their government supplementary to and not in conflict with the rules prescribed by the supreme court.
[ 1925 ex.s. c 118 § 3; RRS § 13-3.]
NOTES:
Rules of court: Cf. CR 83(a); Cf. RAP 1.1.
Rules for government of superior courts: RCW 2.08.230, 2.16.040.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.04 - Supreme Court. › 2.04.215 - Adoption of rules for settlement conferences in civil cases.

RCW 2.04.215
Adoption of rules for settlement conferences in civil cases.
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.
[ 1981 c 331 § 5.]
NOTES:
Court Congestion Reduction Act of 1981—Purpose—Severability—1981 c 331: See notes following RCW 2.32.070.
Adoption of rules for discovery in civil cases in courts of limited jurisdiction: RCW 3.02.050.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.04 - Supreme Court. › 2.04.220 - Effect of supreme court judgments.

RCW 2.04.220
Effect of supreme court judgments.
The judgments and decrees of the supreme court shall be final and conclusive upon all the parties properly before the court.
[ 1890 p 323 § 8; RRS § 14.]
NOTES:
Rules of court: SAR-Rule 3.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.04 - Supreme Court. › 2.04.230 - Report to governor.

RCW 2.04.230
Report to governor.
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.
[ 1890 p 324 § 16; RRS § 11042.]
NOTES:
Annual report to governor: State Constitution Art. 4 § 25.
Court of appeals—Reporting defects or omissions in the laws: RCW 2.06.110.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.04 - Supreme Court. › 2.04.240 - Judge pro tempore—Declaration of policy—Appointment—Oath of office.

RCW 2.04.240
Judge pro tempore—Declaration of policy—Appointment—Oath of office.
(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.
[ 1997 c 88 § 1; 1982 c 72 § 1; 1963 c 40 § 1.]
NOTES:
Rules of court: SAR 21.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.04 - Supreme Court. › 2.04.250 - Judge pro tempore—Remuneration.

RCW 2.04.250
Judge pro tempore—Remuneration.
(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.
[ 1997 c 88 § 2; 1982 c 72 § 2; 1981 c 186 § 1; 1963 c 40 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.06 - Court of Appeals. › 2.06.010 - Court of appeals established—Definitions.

RCW 2.06.010
Court of appeals established—Definitions.
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.
[ 1969 ex.s. c 221 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.06 - Court of Appeals. › 2.06.020 - Divisions—Locations—Judges enumerated—Districts.

RCW 2.06.020
Divisions—Locations—Judges enumerated—Districts.
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.
[ 2009 c 77 § 1; 1999 c 75 § 1; 1993 c 420 § 1; 1989 c 328 § 10; 1977 ex.s. c 49 § 1; 1969 ex.s. c 221 § 2.]
NOTES:
Rules of court: Cf. RAP 4.1(b).
Judicial position contingent on funding—2009 c 77: "The judicial position created by *section 1, chapter 77, Laws of 2009 shall become effective only if that position is specifically funded and is referenced by division and district in an omnibus appropriations act." [ 2009 c 77 § 2.]
*Reviser's note: The judicial position created by section 1, chapter 77, Laws of 2009 was not referenced in a 2009 omnibus appropriations act.
Effective date—1993 c 420: "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 shall take effect immediately [May 15, 1993]." [ 1993 c 420 § 3.]
Intent—1989 c 328: See note following RCW 2.08.061.
Appointments to positions created by the amendment to this section by 1977 ex.s. c 49 § 1: RCW 2.06.075.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.06 - Court of Appeals. › 2.06.022 - Effective date for Snohomish county judicial position—Initial term.

RCW 2.06.022
Effective date for Snohomish county judicial position—Initial term.
The new judicial position for the first division, district 2, Snohomish county created pursuant to the 1989 amendment to RCW 2.06.020 shall become effective January 1, 1990, and shall be filled by gubernatorial appointment.
The person appointed by the governor shall hold office until the general election to be held in November 1990. At the general election, the judge appointed shall be entitled to run for a term of six years or until the second Monday in January 1997, and until a successor is elected and qualified. Thereafter, the judge shall be elected for a term of six years and until a successor is elected and qualified, commencing with the second Monday in January succeeding the election.
[ 1989 c 328 § 11.]
NOTES:
Intent—1989 c 328: See note following RCW 2.08.061.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.06 - Court of Appeals. › 2.06.024 - Effective date for Pierce county judicial position—Initial term.

RCW 2.06.024
Effective date for Pierce county judicial position—Initial term.
The new judicial position for the second division, district 1, Pierce county, created pursuant to the 1999 amendment to RCW 2.06.020 shall become effective July 1, 2000, and shall be filled by gubernatorial appointment.
The person appointed by the governor shall hold office until the general election to be held in November 2000. At the general election, the judge appointed shall be entitled to run for a term of six years or until the second Monday in January 2007, and until a successor is elected and qualified. Thereafter, the judge shall be elected for a term of six years and until a successor is elected and qualified, commencing with the second Monday in January succeeding the election.
[ 1999 c 75 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.06 - Court of Appeals. › 2.06.040 - Panels—Decisions, publication as opinions, when—Sessions—Rules.

RCW 2.06.040
Panels—Decisions, publication as opinions, when—Sessions—Rules.
The court shall sit in panels of three judges and decisions shall be rendered by not less than a majority of the panel. In the determination of causes all decisions of the court shall be given in writing and the grounds of the decisions shall be stated. All decisions of the court having precedential value shall be published as opinions of the court. Each panel shall determine whether a decision of the court has sufficient precedential value to be published as an opinion of the court. Decisions determined not to have precedential value shall not be published. Judges of the respective divisions may sit in other divisions, causes may be transferred between divisions, and the court may hold sessions in cities, as provided by rule.
The court may establish rules supplementary to and not in conflict with rules of the supreme court.
[ 2023 c 184 § 1; 2007 c 34 § 1; 1987 c 43 § 1; 1984 c 258 § 91; 1971 c 41 § 1; 1969 ex.s. c 221 § 4.]
NOTES:
Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.06 - Court of Appeals. › 2.06.050 - Qualifications of judges.

RCW 2.06.050
Qualifications of judges.
A judge of the court shall be:
(1) Admitted to the practice of law in the courts of this state not less than five years prior to taking office.
(2) A resident for not less than one year at the time of appointment or initial election in the district for which his or her position was created.
[ 2011 c 336 § 11; 1969 ex.s. c 221 § 5.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.06 - Court of Appeals. › 2.06.062 - Salary of judges.

RCW 2.06.062
Salary of judges.
The annual salary of the judges of the court of appeals shall be established by the Washington citizens' commission on salaries for elected officials. No salary warrant may be issued to any judge until the judge files with the state treasurer an affidavit that no matter referred to the judge for opinion or decision has been uncompleted for more than six months.
[ 1986 c 155 § 5; 1984 c 258 § 402.]
NOTES:
Contingent effective date—Severability—1986 c 155: See notes following RCW 43.03.300.
Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
Washington citizens' commission on salaries for elected officials: RCW 43.03.305.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.06 - Court of Appeals. › 2.06.064 - Reimbursement of expenses for travel to and from division headquarters.

RCW 2.06.064
Reimbursement of expenses for travel to and from division headquarters.
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.
[ 2007 c 34 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.06 - Court of Appeals. › 2.06.070 - Original appointments—Election of judges—Terms of office.

RCW 2.06.070
Original appointments—Election of judges—Terms of office.
Upon the taking effect of RCW 2.06.010 through 2.06.100, the governor shall appoint the judges of the court of appeals for each district in the numbers provided in RCW 2.06.020, who shall hold office until the second Monday in January of the year following the first state general election following the effective date of this act. In making the original appointments the governor shall take into consideration such factors as: Personal character; intellect; ability; diversity of background of experience in the practice of the law; diversity of political philosophy; diversity of educational experience; and diversity of affiliation with social and economic groups, for the purpose of establishing a balanced appellate court with the highest quality of personnel. At the first state general election after the effective date of this act there shall be elected from each district the number of judges provided for in RCW 2.06.020. Upon taking office the judges of each division elected shall come together at the direction of the chief justice and be divided by lot into three equal groups; those of the first group shall hold office until the second Monday in January of 1973, those of the second group shall hold office until the second Monday in January of 1975, and those of the third group shall hold office until the second Monday in January of 1977, and until their successors are elected and qualified. Thereafter, judges shall be elected 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: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That if the governor shall make appointments to the appellate court from membership of the superior court, the governor shall, in making appointments filling vacancies created in the superior courts by such action, take into consideration such factors as: Personal character; intellect; ability; diversity of background of experience in the practice of the law; diversity of political philosophy; diversity of educational experience; and diversity of affiliation with social and economic groups, for the purpose of maintaining a balanced superior court with the highest quality of personnel.
[ 1969 ex.s. c 221 § 7.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1969 ex.s. c 221: The effective date of this act [1969 ex.s. c 221] is May 8, 1969, see preface to 1969 session laws.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.06 - Court of Appeals. › 2.06.075 - Appointments to positions created by 1977 ex.s. c 49 § 1—Election—Terms of office.

RCW 2.06.075
Appointments to positions created by 1977 ex.s. c 49 § 1—Election—Terms of office.
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.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 49 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.06 - Court of Appeals. › 2.06.076 - Appointments to positions created by 1993 c 420 § 1—Election—Appointment—Terms of office.

RCW 2.06.076
Appointments to positions created by 1993 c 420 § 1—Election—Appointment—Terms of office.
(1) Any judicial position created by *section 1, chapter 420, Laws of 1993 shall be effective only if that position is specifically funded and is referenced by division and district in an omnibus appropriations act.
(2)(a) The full term of office for the judicial positions authorized pursuant to chapter 420, Laws of 1993 shall be six years.
(b) The authorized judicial positions shall be filled at the general election in the November immediately preceding the beginning of the full term except as provided in (d) and (e) of this subsection.
(c) The six-year terms shall be staggered as follows: In the first division, the initial full terms of six years for the two positions in district 1 shall begin the second Monday in January following the general election held in November 2000. If the effective date for the judicial positions are later than the deadline to include it in the November 2000 election, the initial full term shall begin the second Monday in January following the general election held in November 2006.
(d) Upon becoming effective pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, the governor shall appoint judges to the additional judicial positions authorized in section 1, chapter 420, Laws of 1993. The appointed judges shall hold office until the second Monday in January following the general election following the effective date of the position. The appointed judges and other judicial candidates are entitled to run for the judicial position at the general election following appointment.
(e) The initial election for these positions shall be held in November following the effective date of the position. If the initial election of a newly authorized position is not held on a date which corresponds to the beginning of a full term as specified in (c) of this subsection, the election shall be for a partial term.
[ 1998 c 26 § 1; 1993 c 420 § 2.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: Section 1, chapter 420, Laws of 1993 was not referenced in a 1993 omnibus appropriations act.
Effective date—1993 c 420: See note following RCW 2.06.020.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.06 - Court of Appeals. › 2.06.080 - Vacancy, how filled.

RCW 2.06.080
Vacancy, how filled.
If a vacancy occurs in the office of a judge of the 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 take place at the next succeeding general election and the judge so elected shall hold the office for the remainder of the unexpired term.
[ 1969 ex.s. c 221 § 8.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.06 - Court of Appeals. › 2.06.085 - Oath of judges.

RCW 2.06.085
Oath of judges.
The several judges of the court of appeals, 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 court of appeals 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.
[ 1971 c 81 § 182.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.06 - Court of Appeals. › 2.06.090 - Practice of law, seeking nonjudicial elective office prohibited.

RCW 2.06.090
Practice of law, seeking nonjudicial elective office prohibited.
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.
[ 2011 c 336 § 12; 1969 ex.s. c 221 § 9.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.06 - Court of Appeals. › 2.06.100 - Retirement.

RCW 2.06.100
Retirement.
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.
[ 1969 ex.s. c 221 § 10.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.06 - Court of Appeals. › 2.06.110 - Reporting defects or omissions in the laws.

RCW 2.06.110
Reporting defects or omissions in the laws.
Court of appeals judges shall, on or before the first day of November in each year, report in writing to the justices of the supreme court, such defects and omissions in the laws as their experience may suggest.
[ 1971 ex.s. c 107 § 6.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.06 - Court of Appeals. › 2.06.150 - Judge pro tempore—Appointment—Oath of office.

RCW 2.06.150
Judge pro tempore—Appointment—Oath of office.
(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.
[ 2022 c 63 § 1; 1997 c 88 § 3; 1977 ex.s. c 49 § 2; 1973 c 114 § 1.]
NOTES:
Judge pro tempore appointments: RCW 2.56.170.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.06 - Court of Appeals. › 2.06.160 - Judge pro tempore—Remuneration.

RCW 2.06.160
Judge pro tempore—Remuneration.
(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.
[ 1997 c 88 § 4; 1981 c 186 § 2; 1973 c 114 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.08 - Superior Courts. › 2.08.010 - Original jurisdiction.

RCW 2.08.010
Original jurisdiction.
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.
[ 1955 c 38 § 3; 1890 p 342 § 5; RRS § 15.]
NOTES:
Jurisdiction of superior courts: State Constitution Art. 4 § 6 (Amendment 28).
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.08 - Superior Courts. › 2.08.020 - Appellate jurisdiction.

RCW 2.08.020
Appellate jurisdiction.
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.
[ 1987 c 202 § 102; 1890 p 343 § 6; RRS § 17.]
NOTES:
Rules of court: See Rules for Appeal of Decisions of Courts of Limited Jurisdiction (RALJ).
Intent—1987 c 202: See note following RCW 2.04.190.
Appeals from
district courts: Criminal, chapter 10.10 RCW; civil, chapter 12.36 RCW.
municipal courts: Chapter 35.20 RCW.
Jurisdiction of superior courts: State Constitution Art. 4 § 6 (Amendment 28).
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.08 - Superior Courts. › 2.08.030 - Courts of record—Sessions.

RCW 2.08.030
Courts of record—Sessions.
The superior courts are courts of record, and shall be always open, except on nonjudicial days. They shall hold their sessions at the county seats of the several counties, respectively, and at such other places within the county as are designated by the judge or judges thereof with the approval of the chief justice of the supreme court of this state and of the governing body of the county. They shall hold regular and special sessions in the several counties of this state at such times as may be prescribed by the judge or judges thereof.
[ 1971 ex.s. c 60 § 1; 1890 p 343 § 7; RRS § 18.]
NOTES:
Rules of court: Cf. CR 77(d), (f).
Courts of record: State Constitution Art. 4 § 11.
Open when: State Constitution Art. 4 § 6 (Amendment 28).
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.08 - Superior Courts. › 2.08.040 - Effect of adjournments.

RCW 2.08.040
Effect of adjournments.
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.
[ 1890 p 343 § 8; RRS § 26.]
NOTES:
Rules of court: Cf. CR 77(g).
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.08 - Superior Courts. › 2.08.050 - Seal of courts.

RCW 2.08.050
Seal of courts.
The seals of the superior courts of the several counties of the state shall be, until otherwise provided by law, the vignette of General George Washington, with the words "Seal of the Superior Court of . . . . . . County, State of Washington," surrounding the vignette.
[ 1890 p 345 § 17; RRS § 38.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.08 - Superior Courts. › 2.08.060 - Judges—Election.

RCW 2.08.060
Judges—Election.
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.
[ 1951 c 125 § 2; 1949 c 237 §§ 1-5, part; 1945 c 20 § 1, part; 1933 ex.s. c 63 §§ 1-3, part; 1927 c 135 § 1, part; Rem. Supp. 1949 §§ 11045-1f-1i, part; Rem. Supp. 1945 §§ 11045-1d & 1e, part; RRS §§ 11045-1, 1a, 1b, 1c, part. Prior: 1925 ex.s. c 66 §§ 1-3, part; 1925 ex.s. c 132 §§ 1-4, part; 1917 c 97 §§ 1-5, part; 1913 c 17 §§ 1-4, part; 1911 c 40 §§ 1-3, part; 1911 c 62 §§ 1-3, part; 1911 c 76 §§ 1-3, part; 1911 c 129 §§ 1-3, part; 1911 c 131 §§ 1-2, part; 1909 c 10 §§ 1-3, part; 1909 c 12 §§ 1-3, part; 1909 c 52 §§ 1-3, part; 1909 c 94 §§ 1-3, part; 1907 c 79 §§ 1-3, part; 1907 c 106 § 1, part; 1907 c 178 §§ 1-2, part; 1905 c 9 §§ 1-3, part; 1905 c 36 §§ 1-4, part; 1903 c 50 § 1, part; 1895 c 89 § 1, part; 1891 c 68 §§ 1-3, part; 1890 p 341 § 1, part.]
NOTES:
Election, terms, etc., superior judges: State Constitution Art. 4 § 5.
Eligibility of judges: State Constitution Art. 4 § 17.
Impeachment: State Constitution Art. 5.
Judges ineligible to other office: State Constitution Art. 4 § 15.
Judges may not practice law: State Constitution Art. 4 § 19.
Removal from office: State Constitution Art. 4 § 9.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.08 - Superior Courts. › 2.08.069 - Judges—Filling vacancies resulting from creation of additional judgeships.

RCW 2.08.069
Judges—Filling vacancies resulting from creation of additional judgeships.
Unless otherwise provided, upon the taking effect of any act providing for additional judges of the superior court and thereby creating a vacancy, 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.
[ 1955 c 38 § 4; 1951 c 125 § 8.]
NOTES:
Vacancy, how filled: RCW 2.08.120.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.08 - Superior Courts. › 2.08.070 - Terms of office.

RCW 2.08.070
Terms of office.
The judges of the superior court elected under the provisions of RCW 2.08.060 through 2.08.065 shall hold their offices for the term of four years from and after the second Monday in January next succeeding their election, and until their successors are elected and qualified.
[ 1927 c 135 § 2; RRS § 11045-2.]
NOTES:
Election, terms, etc., superior judges: State Constitution Art. 4 § 5.
Forfeiture of office for absence: State Constitution Art. 4 § 8.
Removal of judges: State Constitution Art. 4 § 9.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.08 - Superior Courts. › 2.08.080 - Oath of office.

RCW 2.08.080
Oath of office.
Every judge of a superior court shall, before entering upon the duties of his or her office, take and subscribe an oath that he or she will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the state of Washington, and will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of judge to the best of his or her ability, which oath shall be filed in the office of the secretary of state. Such oath or affirmation to be in form substantially the same as prescribed for justices of the supreme court.
[ 2011 c 336 § 13; 1971 c 81 § 5; 1890 p 344 § 15; RRS § 11051.]
NOTES:
Oath of judges: State Constitution Art. 4 § 28.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.08 - Superior Courts. › 2.08.092 - Salary of judges.

RCW 2.08.092
Salary of judges.
The annual salary of the judges of the superior court shall be established by the Washington citizens' commission on salaries for elected officials.
[ 1986 c 155 § 6; 1984 c 258 § 403.]
NOTES:
Contingent effective date—Severability—1986 c 155: See notes following RCW 43.03.300.
Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
Salaries of judicial officers: State Constitution Art. 4 § 13, 14; Art. 28 § 1; Art. 30 § 1.
Washington citizens' commission on salaries for elected officials: RCW 43.03.305.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.08 - Superior Courts. › 2.08.100 - Payment of county's portion.

RCW 2.08.100
Payment of county's portion.
The county auditor of each county shall pay superior court judges in the same means and manner provided for all other elected officials.
[ 1997 c 204 § 1; 1939 c 189 § 1; 1893 c 30 § 1; 1890 p 329 § 2; RRS § 10967.]
NOTES:
Distribution of work of courts by chief justice—Unavailability of presiding judge in single judge court: RCW 2.56.040.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.08 - Superior Courts. › 2.08.110 - Apportionment between counties in joint judicial district.

RCW 2.08.110
Apportionment between counties in joint judicial district.
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.
[ 1890 p 329 § 3; RRS § 10968.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.08 - Superior Courts. › 2.08.115 - Judge serving district comprising more than one county—Reimbursement for travel expenses.

RCW 2.08.115
Judge serving district comprising more than one county—Reimbursement for travel expenses.
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.
[ 2011 c 336 § 14; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34 § 1.]
NOTES:
Severability—1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34: "If any provision of this 1976 amendatory act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of this 1976 amendatory act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34 § 182.]
Effective date—1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect on July 1, 1976." [1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34 § 183.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.08 - Superior Courts. › 2.08.120 - Vacancy, how filled.

RCW 2.08.120
Vacancy, how filled.
(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.
[ 2022 c 74 § 3; 1955 c 38 § 5. Prior: 1890 p 342 § 4; 1937 c 15 § 2; RRS § 11049.]
NOTES:
Superior court—Election of judges, terms of, etc.: State Constitution Art. 4 § 5.
Vacancies resulting from additional judgeships: RCW 2.08.069.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.08 - Superior Courts. › 2.08.140 - Visiting judge at direction of governor.

RCW 2.08.140
Visiting judge at direction of governor.
Whenever a judge of the superior court of any county in this state, or a majority of such judges in any county in which there is more than one judge of said court, shall request the governor of the state to direct a judge of the superior court of any other county to hold a session of the superior court of any such county as is first herein above mentioned, the governor shall thereupon request and direct a judge of the superior court of some other county, making such selection as the governor shall deem to be most consistent with the state of judicial business in other counties, to hold a session of the superior court in the county the judge shall have requested the governor as aforesaid. Such request and direction by the governor shall be made in writing, and shall specify the county in which he or she directs the superior judge to whom the same is addressed to hold such session of the superior court, and the period during which he or she is to hold such session. Thereupon it shall be the duty of the superior judge so requested, and he or she is hereby empowered to hold a session of the superior court of the county specified by the governor, at the seat of judicial business thereof, during the period specified by the governor, and in such quarters as the county commissioners of said county may provide for the holding of such session.
[ 2011 c 336 § 15; 1893 c 43 § 1; RRS § 27. Prior: 1890 p 343 § 10.]
NOTES:
Duty to hold court in other county or district: RCW 2.56.040.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.08 - Superior Courts. › 2.08.150 - Visiting judge at request of judge or judges.

RCW 2.08.150
Visiting judge at request of judge or judges.
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.
[ 2011 c 336 § 16; 1893 c 43 § 2; RRS § 28. Prior: 1890 p 343 § 10.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 2 - Courts of Record › Chapter 2.08 - Superior Courts. › 2.08.160 - Sessions where more than one judge sits—Effect of decrees, orders, etc.

RCW 2.08.160
Sessions where more than one judge sits—Effect of decrees, orders, etc.
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.
[ 1893 c 43 § 3; RRS § 29. Prior: 1890 p 341 § 2.]