Opinion ID: 2630031
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Summary Judgment Is an Appropriate Procedure in PDA Cases

Text: ¶ 34 The Court of Appeals held that summary judgment is incompatible with the statutory scheme of the PDA. 121 Wash.App. at 592, 89 P.3d 319. The court reasoned an evidentiary hearing at the outset of the case is essential and burdens of proof are established by statute. Further, a hearing is provided for in the statutory show cause proceeding. RCW 42.17.340(1). However, a trial court may conduct a hearing based solely on affidavits or in camera review of the documents. RCW 42.17.340(3). Further, we have heard many PDA cases that were decided in the trial court on summary judgment. See, e.g., Hangartner v. City of Seattle, 151 Wash.2d 439, 90 P.3d 26 (2004); Newman v. King County, 133 Wash.2d 565, 947 P.2d 712 (1997); PAWS II, 125 Wash.2d 243, 884 P.2d 592. This procedure is also a proper method to prosecute PDA claims.