Opinion ID: 2170439
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Although Mandated Discussion of All Ward Factors Law of the Case for this Case, Future Cases to be Analyzed under Totality of the Circumstances.

Text: In the case at hand, the application of Ward is law of the case because the Court of Appeals remanded it for consideration of these factors on the appeal of the initial dismissal; and discretionary review was not sought from the opinion of the Court of Appeals vacating and remanding the initial dismissal. [21] In the future, the trial court must base its decision to dismiss under CR 41.02 upon the totality of the circumstances; and it should take into account all relevant factors, whether or not those factors are listed in Ward . Explicit consideration of each individual factor listed in Ward is not required, although we encourage trial courts to address any factors listed in Ward that are relevant for consideration in that particular case. While such cases as Ward may have been helpful in identifying some of the relevant factors in determining whether dismissal for lack of prosecution is appropriate in a particular case under the totality of the circumstances, perhaps it is also helpful to consider the policies and purposes behind such dismissals in holistically deciding such cases, rather than simply reciting formulaic lists. The basic purposes of dismissals for want of prosecution under CR 41.02 and its federal counterpart, Fed.R.Civ.P. 41(b), are (1) to protect the defendant from the prejudice of being a defendant in a lawsuit for a protracted period (including monetary and psychological costs, as well as problems developing one's defense where delay creates loss of or difficulty obtaining evidence); and (2) to preserve the integrity of the judicial system by encouraging quick resolution of cases, disposing of inactive cases [that] clog the calendar and sanctioning misuse or abuse of the legal system. [22] Trial courts must make explicit findings on the record so that the parties and appellate courts will be properly apprised of the basis for the trial court's rulings; and the appellate courts can assess whether the trial court properly considered the totality of the circumstances in dismissing the case.