Opinion ID: 2624223
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: The Majority's Application of Its 16-Part Test

Text: ¶80 Assuming for argument's sake that the majority's new 16-part test will give useful guidance to trial judges, the majority should allow the trial judge here to apply that test, pursuant to his own discretion. Instead, the majority applies the test itself and concludes that a penalty at the high end of the penalty range is clearly require[d]. Majority at 241. ¶81 This approach turns the abuse of discretion standard on its head by requiring the trial judge to approximate a penalty award that we, in our discretion, deem optimal. The trial judge may no longer evaluate the factors as he sees fit, explaining why certain factors have differing relative weight and perhaps adding factors. His only choice now is to mimic our analysis and mirror our conclusion. If he doesn't choose an award amount large enough for our liking, we simply reverse him again, this time with the aid of the predetermined 16-part test analysis set forth in the majority. ¶82 Also, under the majority's characterization of the penalty range, the high end of the range is reserved for only the most egregious conduct. Here, there were no findings that the county acted in bad faith or intentionally withheld any documents; thus, King County's conduct here does not mandate a high end penalty.