doc_type: court-rule

jurisdiction: wa

title: Seal

text: SAR 1 SEAL The seal of the Supreme Court shall be the vignette of General George Washington, with the words, "SEAL OF THE SUPREME COURT--STATE OF WASHINGTON," surrounding the vignette. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969.]

license: public-domain-government-work

citation: sar SAR 1

rule_set: sar

rule_number: SAR 1


title: Style of Process

text: SAR 2 STYLE OF PROCESS Process of the Supreme Court shall run in the name of the "State of Washington," bear attest in the name of the Chief Justice, be signed by the clerk of the court, dated when issued, sealed with the seal of the court, and made returnable according to such rules or orders as are prescribed by the court. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969.]

citation: sar SAR 2

rule_number: SAR 2


title: Judgments

text: SAR 3 JUDGMENTS The judgments and decrees of the Supreme Court shall be final and conclusive upon all the parties properly before the court. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969.]

citation: sar SAR 3

rule_number: SAR 3


title: Terms and Sessions of the Supreme Court

text: SAR 4 TERMS AND SESSIONS OF THE SUPREME COURT The regular terms of the Supreme Court shall be held in the Supreme Court, the Temple of Justice, at the capital, beginning on the second Monday of January, the second Monday of May, and the second Monday of September each year. The court will not sit for the regular hearing of cases in July and August. Sessions of the court shall commence at 9 a.m. or at such other time as the court may order. At the direction of the Chief Justice, sessions of the Supreme Court may be held outside Olympia at other locations in the state of Washington. The times and places of such sessions will be designated by the court. Hearings en banc, rehearings, and special hearings may be set by the court in its discretion at such other times as the court may order. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969; Amended effective January 20, 1984.]

citation: sar SAR 4

rule_number: SAR 4


title: Adjournments

text: SAR 5 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 sitting at any time. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969.]

citation: sar SAR 5

rule_number: SAR 5


title: Two Departments--Assignment of Justices

text: SAR 6 TWO DEPARTMENTS--ASSIGNMENT OF JUSTICES The court may be divided into two departments for the hearing of motions and such other matters as the Chief Justice may designate. The Chief Justice shall assign four of the associate Justices to each department, and such assignment may be changed by the Chief Justice from time to time, provided that the associate Justices shall be competent to sit in either department and may interchange with one another by agreement among themselves, or, if no such agreement is made, as ordered by the Chief Justice. The Chief Justice shall sit in both departments and shall preside when so sitting. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969; Amended effective June 1, 1999.]

citation: sar SAR 6

rule_number: SAR 6


title: Reserved

text: SAR 7 [RESERVED]

citation: sar SAR 7

rule_number: SAR 7


title: Chief Justice, Choice of--Duty

text: SAR 8 CHIEF JUSTICE, CHOICE OF--DUTY A. Quadrennial Nomination and Election of Chief Justice Commencing in November 1996 and continuing every four years thereafter, the Supreme Court shall select from among its membership a Chief Justice who will serve a four-year term. The term of the person so elected shall commence on the second Monday in January next succeeding the election. All members of the court at the time of the election, except those Justices who it is known will not be members of the court on the second Monday in January next, shall be eligible for election to the position, including the incumbent Chief Justice and Justices who have less than four years to serve on their current term of office. Nominations for the position of Chief Justice shall be made orally at the meeting of the court at which the election is conducted. All Justices on the court at the time the election is held are eligible to vote. The vote shall be by secret ballot and the Justice receiving a majority of the votes of the full court shall be deemed elected to the position. B. Resignation of a Chief Justice and Election of a Successor The Chief Justice may resign at any time from that position without resigning from the court. In that event or in the event of the death, resignation, or removal of the Chief Justice, the remaining Justices of the court shall elect a successor to the position of Chief Justice in the same manner as the quadrennial election of a Chief Justice. The Justice so elected shall serve the remainder of the term of the Chief Justice that Justice replaces. The Chief Justice shall be the executive officer of the court, preside at all sessions of the Supreme Court and shall do and perform those duties required of the Chief Justice by the constitution and laws of the State of Washington and the rules of this court, and shall serve as coordinator between the two departments. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969; Amended effective June 1, 1999.]

citation: sar SAR 8

rule_number: SAR 8


title: Associate Chief Justice

text: SAR 9 ASSOCIATE CHIEF JUSTICE The position of Associate Chief Justice shall be held by the senior Justice of the court, other than the Chief Justice. In the event the senior Justice declines to serve in that position, the next most senior Justice shall be designated as Associate Chief Justice. The Associate Chief Justice shall perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Chief Justice during the absence or inability of the Chief Justice to act. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969; Amended effective June 1, 1999.]

citation: sar SAR 9

rule_number: SAR 9


title: Right of Senior Justice To Act

text: SAR 10 RIGHT OF SENIOR JUSTICE TO ACT In the absence or inability of both the Chief Justice and the Associate Chief Justice, the senior Justice present at the capitol shall act as Chief Justice. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969; Amended effective June 1, 1999.]

citation: sar SAR 10

rule_number: SAR 10


title: Seniority of Justices

text: SAR 11 SENIORITY OF JUSTICES Seniority among the Justices of the Supreme Court shall be determined by length of continuous service on the court. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969; Amended effective June 1, 1999.]

citation: sar SAR 11

rule_number: SAR 11


title: Acts in Contempt of Court

text: SAR 12 ACTS IN CONTEMPT OF COURT It shall be contempt of this court for anyone to divulge to others than the Justices and employees of this court working upon an opinion, the results of any proceeding or the identity of the assignment Justice prior to the time the opinion is filed by the Clerk of the Supreme Court. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969; Amended effective June 1, 1999.]

citation: sar SAR 12

rule_number: SAR 12


title: Minutes--Court Business Meetings

text: SAR 13 MINUTES—COURT BUSINESS MEETINGS The court will cause to be recorded in a book kept for that purpose minutes of all business meetings. The Justice junior in length of service shall act as secretary. Minutes relating to case conferencing are confidential. Minutes relating to the general business of the court may be made public at the discretion of the court. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969; Amended effective June 1, 1999.]

citation: sar SAR 13

rule_number: SAR 13


title: Opinions--When Filed

text: SAR 14 OPINIONS—WHEN FILED All opinions filed with the clerk of this court shall be signed except per curiams. All opinions in any case shall be filed at the same time, and the time of filing shall be determined by the Chief Justice. Original opinions shall not be taken from the clerk's office. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969.]

citation: sar SAR 14

rule_number: SAR 14


title: Commissioner of the Supreme Court

text:
SAR 15 COMMISSIONER OF THE SUPREME COURT (a) Appointment. To promote the effective administration of justice, the Justices of the Supreme Court will appoint a commissioner of the court. The salary of the commissioner will be fixed by the court. The commissioner may be removed at the pleasure of the Supreme Court. (b) Deciding Motions. The commissioner will hear and decide those motions authorized by the Rules of Appellate Procedure and any additional motions that may be assigned to the commissioner by the court. The commissioner will determine whether to accept cases certified by the Court of Appeals to the Supreme Court. (c) Screening for the Court. The commissioner will screen petitions for review and direct appeals to the Supreme Court and recommend whether Supreme Court review should be granted. Except for motions to modify a ruling of the commissioner, the commissioner will also screen motions which are to be decided by the Justices and recommend to the court an appropriate disposition for each motion. When necessary, screening memoranda will contain an evaluation sufficiently comprehensive to assist each Justice in independently deciding the matter being screened. (d) Assisting Chief Justice. The commissioner will assist the Chief Justice with motions to file amicus curiae briefs. (e) Judicial Law Clerks. Assisted by any senior law clerks, the commissioner and senior law clerks will present an annual orientation for the new law clerks. The commissioner will prepare and periodically revise a manual for use by the judicial law clerks. (f) Improving Administration of Justice. The commissioner will make recommendations to the court regarding procedures. The commissioner will serve on court committees when appointed thereto by the Chief Justice. (g) Central Staff. The commissioner will employ and train staff attorneys and other personnel to assist the commissioner in carrying out the duties of the commissioner's office. These employees shall serve at the pleasure of the commissioner. To the extent appropriations permit, the court will authorize the commissioner to employ sufficient staff to assist the court in expeditiously fulfilling its duties to promptly fulfill the duties of the office. (h) Duties To Benefit Full Court. All duties performed by the commissioner are for the benefit of the court as a whole. The court may alter or add to the duties of the commissioner. (i) Qualifications. The commissioner must be a member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association and, prior to appointment, have at least 5 years of experience in the practice of law or in a judicially related field. (j) Oath of Office. Before entering upon the duties of the office, the commissioner will take and file an oath of office in the form prescribed by order of the Supreme Court. The oath will include a requirement that the commissioner adhere to the Code of Judicial Conduct. (k) Prohibition From Practice of Law. The commissioner and the attorneys employed by the commissioner are prohibited, during term of office, from acting as an attorney unless a staff attorney is acting as a reserve judge advocate within the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) in such a capacity as not to create a conflict with the staff attorney’s duties with the Washington Supreme Court. (l) Deputies. The commissioner may have one or more deputies, to be appointed by the commissioner in writing, to serve during the commissioner’s pleasure. The deputies shall have

the power to perform any act or duty relating to the commissioner’s office that the commissioner has, and the commissioner is responsible for their conduct. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969; Rescinded effective July 1, 1976; New SAR 15 adopted effective January 1, 1979; Amended effective June 1, 1999; January 3, 2006; July 27, 2021; April 6, 2023.]

citation: sar SAR 15

rule_number: SAR 15


title: Clerk of the Supreme Court--Appointment--Powers--Duties

text: SAR 16 CLERK OF THE SUPREME COURT—APPOINTMENT--POWERS--DUTIES (a) Appointment. The Justices of the Supreme Court shall appoint a clerk of that court, who may be removed at their pleasure. The clerk shall receive such compensation by salary only as shall be fixed by the court. (b) Deputies. The Clerk of the Supreme Court may have one or more deputies, to be appointed by the clerk in writing, to serve during the clerk’s pleasure. The deputies shall have the power to perform any act or duty relating to the clerk's office that their principal has, and their principal is responsible for their conduct. (c) Prohibited Activity. The clerk and deputies are prohibited, during their continuance in office, from acting as an attorney. (d) Oath. Before entering upon the duties of office, the clerk and each deputy clerk shall take an oath of office, which oath shall be deposited with the Secretary of State. (e) Hours. The clerk shall keep the clerk’s office at the seat of government open at such hours as the court shall require. (f) Powers and Duties. The Clerk of the Supreme Court is given the power and shall have such other powers as are authorized by the court or by statute. It is the duty of the clerk-(1) To keep the seal of the court and affix it in all cases where the clerk is required by law; (2) To record the proceedings of the court (3) To keep the records appertaining to the court, which may be kept electronically/digitally when authorized by the court (4) To file all papers delivered in any action or proceeding in that court, except when the rules of court direct otherwise. (g) The clerk shall do and perform any and all other duties as may be prescribed by the Supreme Court. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969; Amended effective June 1, 1999.]

citation: sar SAR 16

rule_number: SAR 16


title: Reporter--Appointment--Duties

text: SAR 17 REPORTER—APPOINTMENT—DUTIES (1) The Justices of the Supreme Court shall appoint a reporter for the opinions of the court, who shall be removable at their pleasure. The reporter shall receive such annual salary as shall be fixed and determined by the Supreme Court. (2) The reporter shall provide for publication of the rules of court as directed by the court. (3) The reporter shall be a member of the Washington Court Reports Commission and shall perform any and all other duties as may be prescribed by the Supreme Court or by statute. (4) The reporter shall provide for publication of opinions in advance sheets and in permanent volumes of the Washington Reports and the Washington Appellate Reports. The opinions shall be published chronologically, unless otherwise directed by the court. Publication of opinions shall include the title of each case, a list of the precedential holdings in the opinion, a summary of the nature of the action and prior court proceedings, and the names of counsel. Each advance sheet shall contain a table of cases and a subject index. The last advance sheet of a volume shall contain a cumulative table of cases and subject index. Before publishing the permanent volume, the advance sheet material shall be revised by adding volume and page numbers for recent citations and dispositions of motions for reconsideration, petitions for review, and other post filing dispositions. The reporter shall also make corrections for typographical errors noted in the advance sheets, revisions of language directed by modification orders, and changes otherwise directed by the courts. Opinions withdrawn shall be deleted, and tables and indexes shall be revised accordingly. Additional material such as memorials and rolls of attorneys shall be inserted in the permanent volume as directed by the courts or in the discretion of the reporter. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969; Amended effective January 1, 1988; December 5, 1995.]

citation: sar SAR 17

rule_number: SAR 17


title: State Law Library

text:
SAR 18 STATE LAW LIBRARY The following rules shall govern the operation of the State Law Library: (a) State Law Library—General. The primary function of the State Law Library shall be to maintain a legal research library at the state capital for the use of all state officials and employees, equipped to serve them effectively with legal research materials required by them in connection with their official duties. Specifically included, but not limited to, are members, staff, and employees of the: (1) Supreme Court (2) Office of Administrator for the Courts (3) Attorney General (4) Legislature (5) Governor's Office (6) Commissions, agencies, and boards of all branches of state government. (b) Public Use. In addition to the groups provided in section (a), the library shall be open to the public each day of the week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Saturdays, Sundays, and those legal holidays provided in RCW 1.16.050. (c) After-Hours Use. In addition to the hours for public use as provided in section (b), and when required by them in connection with their official duties, those persons provided for in section (a) may, upon application to the law librarian, have access to the library collection during evenings, weekends, and holidays. (d) State Law Librarian--Appointments. The court will appoint a law librarian who may be removed at its pleasure. (e) State Law Librarian--Duties. The state law librarian shall: (1) Maintain as complete and up-to-date law library as possible; (2) Administer the library in accordance with the best professional standards and protect library property from loss or damage; (3) Do legal research for any Supreme Court Justice when he or she requests it; (4) Establish, develop, and maintain legal research libraries for each division of the Court of Appeals; (5) Upon request, advise and consult with boards of trustees, or other administrative bodies, of county law libraries in the development, improvement, arrangement, and maintenance of county law library collections and services; (6) Promote improved statewide law library service to all citizens of the state of Washington by lending of legal materials and providing reference assistance in any manner not inconsistent with the primary responsibility of the State Law Library as set forth in section (a); (7) Make distribution of legislative journals, session laws, Washington Reports, and

Washington Appellate Reports as required by statute; (8) Perform any and all other duties as may be prescribed by the Supreme Court or by statute. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969; Amended effective June 1, 1999.]

citation: sar SAR 18

rule_number: SAR 18


title: Bailiff--Appointment--Duties

text: SAR 19 BAILIFF—APPOINTMENT—DUTIES The court will appoint a bailiff whose duties shall be to attend all sessions of the court, maintain official hearing records, ensure that proper courtroom procedures are observed and do and perform such other duties as may be required by the court. Additionally, the bailiff is chief security officer for the court, providing and coordinating security on site and when the court travels. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969.]

citation: sar SAR 19

rule_number: SAR 19


title: Memorial Exercises

text: SAR 20 MEMORIAL EXERCISES During the week before the beginning of the May term of each year, the court will conduct suitable memorial exercises for members or former members of the Supreme Court who have died within the preceding year. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969.]

citation: sar SAR 20

rule_number: SAR 20


title: Justices Pro Tempore

text:
SAR 21 JUSTICES PRO TEMPORE (a) Generally. If one or more justices recuse on a case which reduces the court to an even number, a pro tempore justice shall be selected by the Clerk of the Court and appointed by the Chief Justice according to the procedures set forth in the Supreme Court Internal Rules. (b) Qualifications. If a pro tempore justice is to be selected, the proposed selection shall be made in the manner set forth hereafter by the Chief Justice, or at the Chief Justice’s option by the Clerk of the Court, from a list of active and eligible retired court of appeals judges and eligible superior court judges. The list shall be approved on an annual basis by a majority of the Court. All retired appellate judges will be included on the list, except those who prefer not to be on the list or who are (1) incapacitated, (2) litigants whose cases have been in this court or will likely come to this court, (3) over 75 years of age (the mandatory judicial retirement age in this state), or (4) practicing law as a sole practitioner, member of a law firm, or of counsel to a law firm, or legal counsel for any private, nonprofit, or government entity. Superior Court judges are eligible if they volunteer and review orientation materials provided by the Supreme Court. (c) Selection. When a pro tempore justice is to serve in a case, the names on the relevant pro tempore list will be put on separate slips and drawn by the Clerk to ensure that selection is random. There shall be two lists; one list of active and eligible retired court of appeals judges and one list of eligible superior court judges and the Clerk shall alternate appointments between the two lists. A pro tempore justice so selected who agrees to serve will serve on all the cases, where a pro tempore justice is needed, on a given court day. A separate drawing will be held for each day. (d) Oath. A justice pro tempore shall take the oath of office required by article 4, section 28 of the state constitution. The oath of office, together with the original order of appointment, shall be filed forthwith in the office of the Secretary of State. A copy of the oath and order of appointment shall be filed in the office of the Clerk of the Supreme Court. (e) Duties of the Justice Pro Tempore.

(1) A justice, while serving pro tempore, shall have the same power and authority as a Justice of the Supreme Court, and the pro tempore justice shall perform such duties as the court may direct. Justices pro tempore shall author majority opinions at the discretion of the Chief Justice. (2) A justice pro tempore will function promptly on opinions and motions for reconsideration on which the pro tempore justice is qualified to function. When such opinions are received by the pro tempore justice after the period of the appointment has expired, the original period of office as a justice pro tempore shall be deemed to exist in order for the pro tempore justice to function and to accomplish the ministerial act of filing the opinion. (f) Publication of Opinions. (1) Dissents and Concurrences. Dissents or concurrences written by a justice pro tempore shall be published in regular form, except that a reference symbol shall be placed after the name, directing attention to a footnote which shall read: "Justice _______________ is serving as a justice pro tempore of the Supreme Court pursuant to Const. art. 4, section 2(a) (amend. 38)." (2) Opinions signed by a justice pro tempore shall be published in the regular form, except that the name of the justice pro tempore shall follow the names of the Justices of the Supreme Court signing such opinion, with the designation "Pro Tem." after the signature. (3) There shall appear, in each bound volume of the Washington Reports, on the page following the page listing the Justices of the Supreme Court, the names and terms of office of the justices pro tempore who served during the period covered by the published volume. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969; Amended effective June 1, 1999; June 1, 2010, and May 4, 2022.]

citation: sar SAR 21

rule_number: SAR 21


title: Reporting of Criminal Cases

text: SAR 22 REPORTING OF CRIMINAL CASES [Reserved. See RCW.10.97.045.]

citation: sar SAR 22

rule_number: SAR 22


title: Motion for Reconsideration

text: SAR 23 MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION A Justice who has not participated in an opinion rendered by the Supreme Court shall not be entitled to act on a motion for reconsideration. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969.]

citation: sar SAR 23

rule_number: SAR 23


title: Seal

text: CAR 1 SEAL The seal of the Court of Appeals shall be in the vignette of George Washington, with the words "SEAL OF THE COURT OF APPEALS—STATE OF WASHINGTON" surrounding the vignette. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969.]

citation: car CAR 1

rule_set: car

rule_number: CAR 1


title: Style of Process

text: CAR 2 STYLE OF PROCESS Processes of the Court of Appeals shall run in the name of the "State of Washington," bear attest in the name of the Chief Judge, be signed by the clerk of the court, dated when issued, sealed with the seal of the court, and made returnable according to such rules or orders as are prescribed by the court. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969.]

citation: car CAR 2

rule_number: CAR 2


title: Judgments

text: CAR 3 JUDGMENTS The judgments and decrees of the Court of Appeals shall be final and conclusive upon all parties except when the Supreme Court has assumed jurisdiction of the cause. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969.]

citation: car CAR 3

rule_number: CAR 3


title: Sessions

text: CAR 4 SESSIONS The regular sessions of each division of the Court of Appeals shall be held at the headquarters, or at such other locations within the division as may be designated by order of the Chief Judge of the division. Pursuant to Laws of 1969, 1st Ex. Sess., ch. 221, the first division shall have its headquarters in Seattle; the second division shall have its headquarters in Tacoma; and the third division shall have its headquarters in Spokane. Conferences and ceremonial sessions may be held at any location within the geographical boundaries of any division by order of its Chief Judge. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969; Amended effective January 30, 1978; July 17, 1987.]

citation: car CAR 4

rule_number: CAR 4


title: Adjournments

text: CAR 5 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 sitting at any time. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969.]

citation: car CAR 5

rule_number: CAR 5


title: Authority

text: CAR 6 AUTHORITY The presence of three judges and a concurrence of at least a majority thereof shall be required to dispose of a case, except for dismissal on stipulation of counsel of record. The Chief Judge may function on all procedural matters not affecting the content of the record or argument. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969.]

citation: car CAR 6

rule_number: CAR 6


title: Apportionment of Business

text: CAR 7 APPORTIONMENT OF BUSINESS The Chief Judge shall assign judges to panels and apportion cases fairly among all judges of the division. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969; Amended effective November 1, 2022.]

citation: car CAR 7

rule_number: CAR 7


title: Chief Judge and Acting Chief Judge

text: CAR 8 CHIEF JUDGE AND ACTING CHIEF JUDGE The judges of each division will select its Chief Judge and Acting Chief Judge by a process determined by the judges of the division. The selection process shall take place no less frequently than biennially but can allow for the judges to be retained in the Chief Judge and Acting Chief Judge position for additional terms. The judges of a division may reduce their Chief Judge’s and Acting Chief Judge’s duties as panel members adjust for their management duties, subject to any limitations imposed by the Court of Appeals as a whole. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969; Amended effective January 30, 1978; November 1, 2022.]

citation: car CAR 8

rule_number: CAR 8


title: Acting Chief Judge

text: CAR 9 ACTING CHIEF JUDGE The Acting Chief Judge shall perform the duties assigned to that judge by the judges of the division and exercise the powers of the Chief Judge during the absence or inability of the Chief Judge to act. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969; Amended November 1, 2022.]

citation: car CAR 9

rule_number: CAR 9


title: Right of Senior Judge To Act

text: CAR 10 RIGHT OF SENIOR JUDGE TO ACT In the absence or inability of both the Chief Judge and the Acting Chief Judge, the senior judge present, of the division, shall act as Chief Judge. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969.]

citation: car CAR 10

rule_number: CAR 10


title: Seniority of Judges

text: CAR 11 SENIORITY OF JUDGES Seniority among the judges of the Court of Appeals shall be determined by length of continuous service on the Court of Appeals. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969.]

citation: car CAR 11

rule_number: CAR 11


title: Acts in Contempt of Court

text: CAR 12 ACTS IN CONTEMPT OF COURT It shall be contempt of this court for anyone to divulge to others than the judges or employees of this court any information relative to a case, except that which is of public record. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969.]

citation: car CAR 12

rule_number: CAR 12


title: Minutes--Court Business Meetings

text: CAR 13 MINUTES—COURT BUSINESS MEETINGS The court will cause to be recorded minutes of all business meetings. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969; Amended November 1, 2022.]

citation: car CAR 13

rule_number: CAR 13


title: Opinions--When Filed

text: CAR 14 OPINIONS—WHEN FILED All opinions filed with a clerk of a division shall be signed, except per curiams. All opinions in any one case shall be filed at the same time, and the time of filing shall be determined by the Chief Judge. Original opinions shall be retained in perpetuity. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969; Amended effective April 23, 2019.]

citation: car CAR 14

rule_number: CAR 14


title: Rescinded

text: CAR 15 [RESCINDED] [Rescinded effective July 1, 1976.]

citation: car CAR 15

rule_number: CAR 15


title: Court Personnel

text: CAR 16 COURT PERSONNEL Court of Appeals personnel will be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the division of the court to which they report. (a) Clerk's Office. Each division shall have a clerk and such other personnel for the operation of the office as are authorized by each Division. Before undertaking the duties, the clerk shall file with the Secretary of State an oath of office. (b) Law Clerks and Judicial Assistants. Each judge is entitled to not less than two law clerks and one judicial assistant. (c) Commissioner. To promote the effective administration of justice, the judges of each division of the Court of Appeals will appoint one or more commissioners of the court. The salary of the commissioners will be fixed by the court. (1) Deciding Motions. The commissioners will hear and decide those motions authorized by the Rules of Appellate Procedure and any additional motions that may be assigned to the commissioners by the court. (2) Other Duties. The commissioners shall perform other duties for the benefit of the court as a whole, with such duties to be identified by the judges of the division and assigned by the Chief Judge or Acting Chief Judge, or at their direction. Such duties may include, for example, screening appeals; considering personal restraint petitions; research, drafting, and training duties as may be assigned; presenting an annual orientation for new law clerks; and preparing and periodically revising a law clerk manual. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969; Amended effective January 30, 1978; May 4, 1979; September 1, 1993; November 1, 2022.]

citation: car CAR 16

rule_number: CAR 16


title: Reporter

text: CAR 17 REPORTER The opinions of the Court of Appeals shall be published by the reporter of decisions of the Supreme Court, under the supervision of the Washington Court Reports Commission. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969; Amended effective January 3, 2006.]

citation: car CAR 17

rule_number: CAR 17


title: Law Librarian

text: CAR 18 LAW LIBRARIAN The state law librarian shall counsel and advise in the selection of books, periodicals, and all other legal research materials for the use of the Court of Appeals. Acquisition of all such material shall be made through the State Law Library. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969.]

citation: car CAR 18

rule_number: CAR 18


title: Bailiff

text: CAR 19 BAILIFF The clerk of each division may serve as bailiff. The Chief Judge may designate a law clerk to serve as temporary bailiff. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969.]

citation: car CAR 19

rule_number: CAR 19


title: Memorial Exercises

text: CAR 20 MEMORIAL EXERCISES At the beginning of the May term of each year, the court will conduct suitable memorial exercises for members or former members of the Court of Appeals who have died during the preceding year. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969.]

citation: car CAR 20

rule_number: CAR 20


title: Transfer of Judges and Cases--Judges Pro Tempore

text: CAR 21 TRANSFER OF JUDGES AND CASES--JUDGES PRO TEMPORE (a) Generally. A judge of one division of the Court of Appeals may sit in any other division by mutual agreement of the Chief Judges of the two divisions involved. A case may be transferred from one division to another by written order of the Chief Judge of the transferring division, with the concurrence of the Chief Judge of the division to which the case is transferred. (b) For Settlement Conferences. A judge or judge pro tempore of the Court of Appeals may be assigned to expedite the use of settlement conferences provided for under RAP 5.5 as follows: (1) Judge. A judge of one division of the Court of Appeals may sit in any other division as a settlement conference judge or to replace during argument and decision a judge of another division who has acted as a settlement conference judge, by mutual agreement of the Chief Judges of the two divisions involved. (2) Judge Pro Tempore. The Chief Judge of any division of the Court of Appeals may appoint an active or retired judge of a court of general jurisdiction to sit in that division as a settlement conference judge or to replace during argument and decision a judge who has acted as a settlement conference judge. (c) Judges Pro Tempore. When a member of the court is disqualified or unable to function on a case for good cause, or whenever necessary for the prompt and orderly administration of justice, the Chief Judge of any division may by written order designate an active or retired judge of a court of general jurisdiction, or any active or retired justice of the Supreme Court or judge of the Court of Appeals as a judge pro tempore to sit with the court to hear and determine one or more cases. The designating order shall set forth the period of service. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969; Amended effective March 1, 1976; February 28, 1977; May 4, 1979; June 7, 1985; July 4, 1986.]

citation: car CAR 21

rule_number: CAR 21


title: Reserved

text: CAR 22 [RESERVED]

citation: car CAR 22

rule_number: CAR 22


title: Administrator for the Courts

text: CAR 23 ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE COURTS (a) Fiscal Services. Fiscal services for the Court of Appeals shall be provided by the Administrator for the Courts. (b) Budgetary Planning. Each division shall submit to the Administrator for the Courts a proposed budget at such time and in such form as the Administrator for the Courts shall request. The Administrator for the Courts shall, with the advice and assistance of at least one judge from each of the divisions, prepare a proposed budget for the Court of Appeals. (c) Statistics. The Administrator for the Courts, under the supervision of the Supreme Court and the Chief Justice, shall collect and compile statistical and other data reflecting the state of the dockets and any need for judicial assistance, and shall make reports of the business transacted by the Court of Appeals. The clerks of the Court of Appeals and all other officers and employees of the court shall comply with all requests made by the Administrator for the Courts, after approval by the Chief Justice, for information and statistical data bearing upon the business transacted and the judicial accomplishments of that court. (d) Bond. The Administrator for the Courts shall obtain public employee faithful performance bond coverage for all court employees. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969; Amended effective January 30, 1978.]

citation: car CAR 23

rule_number: CAR 23


title: Rescinded

text: CAR 24 [RESCINDED] [Rescinded effective July 1, 1976.]

citation: car CAR 24

rule_number: CAR 24


title: Reporting of Criminal Cases

text: CAR 25 REPORTING OF CRIMINAL CASES On any criminal appeal taken to the Court of Appeals from a determination made by a court of lesser jurisdiction, the court clerk shall, within 5 court days of the filing of a final decision on the merits in the matter, forward to the Washington State Patrol Section on Identification on a form approved by the Administrator for the Courts its disposition of the particular case. In the event that collateral proceedings are brought in the Court of Appeals and the result of those collateral proceedings changes, or otherwise makes inaccurate, the information forwarded on the original disposition report, the court clerk shall prepare and forward to the Section a supplemental disposition report on a form approved by the Administrator for the Courts indicating thereon the information necessary to correct the current status of the disposition of charges against the subject maintained in the records of the section. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969; Amended effective March 1, 1974.]

citation: car CAR 25

rule_number: CAR 25


title: Special Panel of Judges Pro Tempore

text: CAR 26 SPECIAL PANEL OF JUDGES PRO TEMPORE (a) Purpose. As a result of the high number of appeals filed with the court in recent years which have created an excessive case backlog, special panels of the Court of Appeals will be created as provided for in these emergency rules for the purpose of reducing case backlogs to acceptable levels. (b) Generally. When it is determined by a majority of the judges in any division that the assistance of pro tempore judges is necessary to relieve excessive case backlog, the Chief Judge of any division may by written order appoint as judges pro tempore active or retired justices of the Supreme Court or judges of the Court of Appeals or active or retired judges of the superior court or any attorney at law in this state meeting the qualifications hereinafter stated. (c) Attorney Qualification and Compensation. To be qualified for appointment, attorneys at law must be members of the Washington State Bar Association in good standing and have at least 6 years experience in the active practice of law with substantial litigation experience. Attorneys at law will not be compensated for their services as judges pro tempore, but travel expenses will be reimbursed at rates approved by the Administrator for the Courts. (d) Conditions of Appointment. Attorneys at law will not be used as judges pro tempore when active or retired judges are available in sufficient numbers to support a 3-judge panel sitting 1 day each week. Attorneys at law will be used as judges pro tempore only upon stipulation by all parties in the case, and no more than one attorney shall sit as a judge pro tempore on a panel. All parties shall receive written notice of the intent to use an attorney as a judge pro tempore and shall have at least 10 days from the receipt of said notice for filing written objection to the use of said attorney as a judge pro tempore. Failure to file a written objection to the attorney pro tempore within the 10-day period will be deemed a stipulation approving the use of said attorney as a judge pro tempore in said case. In the event an objection to an attorney pro tempore is made, the case shall be removed from the special calendar and returned to its place on the regular hearing calendar. (e) Termination. Authority extended under this rule will automatically terminate 12 months from date of adoption or on July 1, 1987, whichever is later, except for cases under consideration on the termination date. [Adopted effective September 12, 1969; Amended effective July 4, 1986.]

citation: car CAR 26

rule_number: CAR 26


title: Supplemental Court of Appeals Administrative Rule

text:
SUPPLEMENTAL COURT OF APPEALS ADMINISTRATIVE RULE (SCAR) PRESIDING CHIEF JUDGE--EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (a) Executive Committee. There is hereby created an executive committee of the Court of Appeals. It shall be made up of the Chief Judges and Acting Chief Judges of the divisions of the court. (b) Duties of the Executive Committee. The executive committee shall be responsible for administering the affairs of the Court of Appeals. Decisions on the Court’s budget and other important decisions shall be made by the full Court; other decisions affecting the Court as a whole may be made by the executive committee. The full Court may delegate additional authority as appropriate. The committee’s duties shall include the following: (1) Coordinating the judicial work of the court to the end that its case load can be handled expeditiously; (2) Making budget recommendations to the full Court, submitting the approved budget to the Legislature, and administering the budget; (3) Recommending to and implementing policies determined by the Court of Appeals as a whole; (4) Appointing representatives of the Court to serve on judicially related committees or task forces that may require a Court of Appeals representative; (5) Appointing special committees for the court as necessary; and (6) Such other duties as the Court of Appeals as a whole may from time to time direct. (c) Presiding Chief Judge. A Chief Judge of one of the divisions shall serve as Presiding Chief Judge. The term shall be for one year, commencing on the day of the Court’s spring business meeting or, if no spring business meeting is held, on April 1. The Chief Judge of Division One shall assume the position in even-numbered years. The position shall rotate between the Chief Judges from Divisions Two and Three in odd-numbered years. to:

(d) Duties of the Presiding Chief Judge. The duties of the Presiding Chief Judge shall be

(1) Convene and preside at meetings of the executive committee and meetings of the Court of Appeals as a whole as directed by the executive committee. and

(2) Act as a liaison and representative for the Court of Appeals with all other organizations;

(3) Perform such other duties as the executive committee or the Court of Appeals as a whole shall from time to time direct. (e) Meetings and Reports. In connection with meetings of the executive committee and the Court of Appeals as a whole, the Presiding Chief Judge will: (1) Preside; (2) Prepare an agenda and, if possible, forward the proposed agenda to participating members of the Court of Appeals in advance of each meeting; (3) Report to the Court of Appeals with reference to liaison activities with the organizations

set forth above; (4) Arrange for the meeting place or platform; (5) Arrange for the recording of minutes; (6) Arrange for maintenance of the records of all meetings of the court. (f) Voting at Meetings of the Court of Appeals as a Whole. Members who attend a meeting, including by telephone or videoconference, may vote in that meeting. (g) Role of Committees other than the Executive Committee. Committees other than the executive committee report to, and may make recommendations to, the executive committee. Decisions about these recommendations are to be made by the executive committee or the full Court, unless special authority is delegated to a particular committee for a particular purpose. (h) Amendments. Amendments to this rule must be approved by a majority of the members of the Court of Appeals. An Order adopting the amendments shall be signed by the Presiding Chief Judge. The Order shall be filed in the clerk's office of each Division of the Court of Appeals and a copy provided to the Reporter of Decisions. [Adopted effective January 1, 1977; Amended effective December 11, 1981; December 12, 1991; September 22, 1993; January 24, 1994; January 1, 1996; September 8, 1997; January 27, 2009; November 1, 2022; February 13, 2025.]

citation: SCAR SCAR 0

rule_set: SCAR

rule_number: SCAR 0


title: Access to Justice

text:
Access to Justice Technology Principles Preamble The responsible use of technology is central to providing access to justice for all individuals. To that end, we should develop and utilize the technological tools that increase and enhance access to justice. These Principles do not mandate new expenditures, create new causes of action, or repeal or modify any rule. Rather they advocate that justice system decision makers carefully consider these Principles whenever technology is purchased, planned or implemented, to avoid reducing access, and, whenever possible, use technology to enhance access to justice.

Scope The Access to Justice Technology Principles are adopted to:   

Guide the justice system’s use of technology Combat discrimination, unfair treatment, and unjust biases in the justice system, and Ensure that technology does not create unfair results or processes for resolving legal problems.

The Access to Justice Technology Principles apply to everyone involved in administering the justice system including:    

Courts, Clerks of the Court, Administrative Office of the Courts, and Court Administrators.

Definition of Technology “Technology” includes but is not limited to hardware and software, and all mechanisms and means used for the production, storage, retrieval, aggregation, transmission, communication, dissemination, interpretation, presentation, or application of information, including but not limited to data, documents, records, images, video, sound, and other media.

Access to Justice for All

Everyone should have access to the justice system. Use of technology in our justice system should increase and must not diminish:   

equitable access to justice; opportunities for participation; and usability, accountability, efficiency, and transparency.

Technology in our justice system must start with a design for fairness and must be evaluated regularly against these rules. All technology must be designed and used to eliminate discrimination, unfairness, and other unjust systemic biases and practices.

Openness, Privacy and Safety Technology in the justice system must be open to the public and transparent, unless access is limited by law to protect the safety and privacy of the people involved. Technology in the justice system must be designed to:    

assure that confidential information is not introduced into the public domain to the extent possible, ensure that people only have access to the appropriate information that they are allowed to see based on their role in the justice system, assure that information can be viewed, created, changed or deleted only by participants with the appropriate access levels, and assure that confidential information is not introduced into the public domain.

People must have meaningful access to view their own information and have it corrected if inaccurate.

Accountability and Fairness The justice system must maximize the beneficial effects of technology while continuously improving technology to address the needs of people most impacted by or least able to engage effectively with the justice system. Users should have a voice in the acquisition and implementation of technology, including as testers. The justice system must ensure that technology, especially algorithms, are periodically evaluated before, during and after development and implementation, for: 

inequitable processes,

 

unfair outcomes, and unintended negative impacts.

Any proposed technology that would result in unfairness or inequity must not be implemented. Technology that is already implemented that results in unfairness or inequity must be corrected, or if the harm cannot be eliminated, removed from use.

Maximizing Public Awareness and Use The justice system must provide access to knowledge about itself and promote public awareness of its processes and resources. Actors in the justice system must:  

regularly seek input from and listen to the public, and make regular improvements to technology, and the methods of providing information about the technology, based on user needs, experience, and feedback.

Usability Technology in the justice system must be easy to use, affordable, and efficient.

Accessible Formats Court information must be available to the public and should be available in ways that best enable its use. Information and resources must be offered in formats that do not place an undue financial burden upon users.

Plain Language The justice system must strive to create legal information resources for the public in plain language, when possible.

Best Practices Workgroup The technology committee of the Access to Justice Board will establish a workgroup that maintains and shares practical information, resources, definitions, and best practices for implementing the ATJ Technology Court Rules. The workgroup will periodically update periodically update these resources and publish them at: [URL]. The workgroup should

coordinate with Administrative Office of the Courts and will report to the Access to Justice Board and Judicial Information System Committee annually.

Accessibility The justice system must consider, design, and implement technology systems for all persons, including those with disabilities.

Cultural Responsiveness Technology in the justice system should incorporate principles and practices which address and respond to cultural variables and diversity of people and communities.

Human Touch Technology should be used to increase the level of quality of human interaction, and to preserve or increase the humanity of our justice system. Technology should be used to increase the satisfaction of the public’s interaction with the justice system to ensure timely and fair outcomes. Technology should be used to reduce the necessity of the public to physically go to court to resolve conflict.

Language Access Courts should communicate in the preferred languages of people. Technology must be used in ways which enhance communication.

citation: ATJ ATJ ATJTechnologyPrinciples

rule_set: ATJ

rule_number: ATJ ATJTechnologyPrinciples


title: THE SUPREME COURT OF WASHINGTON

text:
THE SUPREME COURT OF WASHINGTON IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION OF ACCESS TO JUSTICE TECHNOLOGY PRINCIPLES

___________________________________________

) ) ) ) ) ) )

ORDE R NO. 25700-B-627

WHEREAS, the responsible use of technology is central to providing access to justice for all individuals, and, to that end, technological tools should be developed and utilized that increase and enhance access to justice. WHEREAS, the Access to Justice Board has developed technology principles that justice system decision makers should carefully consider whenever technology is purchased, planned or implemented, to avoid reducing access, and whenever possible, to use technology to enhance access to justice. WHEREAS, the Access to Justice Technology Principles were considered at the June 28, 2019, meeting of the Judicial Information System Committee, and the committee unanimously passed a motion to endorse the principles for submission to the Washington Supreme Court. WHEREAS, the Access to Justice Technology Principles were considered by the Supreme Court at the June 4, 2020, En Banc Conference, and were approved for adoption. Now, therefore, it is hereby ORDERED: That the Access to Justice Technology Principles attached to this order are hereby approved and adopted for use by justice system decision makers.

Page 2 Order Adopting Access to Justice Technology Principles

DATED at Olympia, Washington this 5th day of June, 2020. For the Court


title: Advisory Case Processing Time Standards

text:
BOARD FOR JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION COURT MANAGEMENT COUNCIL ADVISORY CASE PROCESSING TIME STANDARDS FOR THE GENERAL AND LIMITED JURISDICTION TRIAL COURTS OF WASHINGTON STATE

Endorsed by the Board for Judicial Administration Court Management Council May 15, 1992 Revised September, 1997

PREAMBLE The following Advisory Case Processing Time Standards for the General and Limited Jurisdiction Trial Courts of Washington State are published here for informational purposes as a benefit to the bench and bar. The Board for Judicial Administration has endorsed these standards. [May 15, 1992. Revised September, 1997]

INTENT In the early 1980s the concept of case processing time standards by which trial courts could gauge their performance began to develop. The Conference of State Court Administrators adopted standards in 1983 followed by the American Bar Association in 1984. In 1990 the National Center for State Courts and the Bureau of Justice Assistance released the Trial Court Performance Standards in which Standard 2.1, Case Processing, reads, in part: "The trial court establishes and complies with recognized guidelines for timely case processing . . ." In February 1989, the Board for Judicial Administration (BJA), in response to recommendations by the Court Management Council (CMC), formed the Case Processing Time Standards Committee. The Committee, composed of judges, clerks, administrators, and attorneys, developed standards which address the particular needs of the courts in Washington State. The intent of both the BJA and CMC is to provide the trial courts with advisory standards to assist the courts in developing internal goals that can and should be reached and maintained. Definition of Time Frames Measured Washington States case processing time standards address two phases in the life of a case: (1) the period from filing to resolution, and (2) the period from case resolution to completion. Case "resolution" is defined as the adjudication or settlement of all issues in a case (via plea, trial verdict, notice of settlement, oral order, etc.) Resolution occurs when the case is "tried, settled, or otherwise concluded." Case "completion" is defined as the filing of final dispositive documents with the Clerk. Filing-to-Resolution Standards: The civil, domestic relations, probate, small claims and limited jurisdiction appeal filing-to-resolution time standards measure from the date of filing to the case resolution date by either trial verdict, notice of settlement or dismissal, or other dispositive action. Time during which a case is in a "suspended" status (e.g., awaiting arbitration, discretionary appeal, etc.) is excluded. The criminal and juvenile offender filing-to-resolution time standards measure from the date of filing in the instant court through the date of determination of the judgment whether by plea, verdict, or dismissal. Time during which a case is in a "suspended" status (e.g., discretionary appeal, out on warrant, etc.) is excluded.

Resolution-to-Completion Standards: Resolution-to-completion time standards measure the time following the resolution of the case to the actual completion of the case. For civil cases, "completion" occurs when papers have been filed stating the respective rights and claims of all parties to an action or suit (e.g., judgment, order of dismissal, or when a case is transferred to another jurisdiction for all subsequent adjudication and proceedings). For criminal cases, "completion" occurs with the filing of dispositive papers (e.g., judgment and sentence). For all cases, time during which a case is in a "suspended" status (e.g., out on warrant, appeal, etc.) is excluded.

FILING-TO-RESOLUTION TIME STANDARDS Superior Court Civil--90% of all civil cases should be settled, tried, or otherwise concluded within 12 months (360 days) of filing, 98% within 18 months (540 days) of filing, and 100% within 24 months (720 days) of filing. Domestic Relations--90% of all domestic relations cases should be settled, tried, or otherwise concluded within 10 months (300 days) of the date of filing, 98% within 14 months (420 days) of the date of filing, and 100% within 18 months (540 days) of the date of filing. Criminal--90% of all criminal cases should be adjudicated within 4 months (120 days) of the date of filing the information, 98% within 6 months (180 days) of the date of filing the information, and 100% within 9 months (270 days) of the date of filing the information. Probate--90% of all probate cases should be settled, tried, or otherwise concluded within 8 months (240 days) of filing, 98% within 18 months (540 days) of filing, and 100% within 36 months (1080 days) of filing. Juvenile Offender--90% of all juvenile offender cases should be adjudicated within 4 months (120 days) of the date of filing the information, 98% within 6 months (180 days) of the date of filing the information, and 100% within 9 months (270 days) of the date of filing the information. Rules for Appeal of Decisions of Courts of Limited Jurisdiction (RALJ) Appeals--90% of all RALJ appeals should be settled, tried, or otherwise concluded within 4 months (120 days) of filing in the superior court, 98% within 5 months (150 days) of filing in the superior court, and 100% within 6 months (180 days) of filing in the superior court.

Note "Days" are defined in Washington Rules of Court [CR 6(a), CRLJ 6(a), CrR 8.1, CrRLJ 8.1, JuCR 11.1, and IRLJ 6.1].

Courts of Limited Jurisdiction Civil--90% of all civil cases should be settled, tried, or otherwise concluded within 3 months (90 days) of filing, 98% within 6 months (180 days) of filing, and 100% within 9 months (270 days) of filing. Criminal--90% of all criminal cases should be adjudicated within 3 months (90 days) of filing of the complaint, 98% within 6 months (180 days) of filing of the complaint, and 100% within 9 months (270 days) of filing of the complaint.

Small Claims--90% of all small claims cases should be settled, tried, or otherwise concluded within one and one-half months (45 days) of filing, 98% within 2 months (60 days) of filing, and 100% within 4 months (120 days) of filing.

Note "Days" are defined in Washington Rules of Court [CR 6(a), CRLJ 6(a), CrR 8.1, CrRLJ 8.1, JuCR 11.1, and IRLJ 6.1].

RESOLUTION-TO-COMPLETION TIME STANDARDS Superior Court Civil (a) Settlement documents or certificate of settlement should be filed no later than 60 days after written notice of settlement. (b) Final orders/judgments should be filed, unless otherwise required, within 60 days after oral decision of the court, verdict of the jury, or award of arbitrator.

Criminal (a) Final orders/judgments which establish sentences, conditions of sentence, and/or financial obligations should be filed, unless otherwise required, within 80 days after oral decision of the court or verdict of the jury. (b) Final orders of restitution should be filed within 180 days of sentencing. (c) Judgments of acquittal should be filed within 7 days of the conclusion of trial.

Domestic Relations (a) Settlement documents or certificates of settlement should be filed no later than 60 days after notice of settlement. (b) Final orders/decrees/judgments should be filed within 60 days after oral decision of the court.

Appeals of Decisions of Courts of Limited Jurisdiction (RALJ) (a) Decisions/dismissal orders should be filed within 30 days after oral decision.

Administrative Law Reviews (Appeals of Administrative Decisions) (a) Final orders/judgments should be filed within 60 days after oral decision of the court or verdict of the jury.

Note "Days" are defined in Washington Rules of Court [CR 6(a), CRLJ 6(a), CrR 8.1, CrRLJ 8.1, JuCR 11.1, and IRLJ 6.1].

Courts of Limited Jurisdiction Civil (a) Settlement documents or certificate of settlement should be filed no later than 30 days after written notice of settlement. (b) Final orders/judgments should be filed, unless otherwise required, within 30 days after oral decision of the court or verdict of the jury.

Criminal (a) Final orders/judgments which establish sentences, conditions of sentence, and/or financial obligations should be filed, unless otherwise required, within 30 days after oral decision of the court or verdict of the jury. (b) Final orders of restitution should be filed within 60 days of sentencing. (c) Judgments of acquittal should be filed within 7 days of the conclusion of trial.

Small Claims (a) Judgment/dismissal orders should be filed within 30 days after oral decision of the court.

Note: "Days" are defined in Washington Rules of Court {CR 6(a), CRLJ 6(a), CrR 8.1, CrRLJ 8.1, JuCR 11.1, and IRLJ 6.1}.

SUMMARY OF CASE PROCESSING TIME STANDARDS Filing-to-Resolution Time Standards Superior Court Civil Domestic Relations Criminal Probate RALJ Juvenile Offender Courts of Limited Jurisdiction Civil Criminal Small Claims

90% 12 mo. 10 mo. 4 mo. 8 mo. 4 mo. 4 mo. 90% 3 mo. 3 mo. 1.5 mo.

98% 18 mo. 14 mo. 6 mo. 18 mo. 5 mo. 6 mo. 98% 6 mo. 6 mo. 2 mo.

100% 24 mo. 18 mo. 9 mo. 36 mo. 6 mo. 9 mo. 100% 9 mo. 9 mo. 4 mo.

Resolution-to-Completion Time Standards Superior Court Civil: Settlement Documents Final Orders/Judgments Criminal: Sentencing Orders/Judgments/Financial Obligations Final Orders of Restitution

60 days 60 days 80 days 180 days

Judgments of Acquittal Domestic Relations: Settlement Documents Orders/Decrees/Judgments RALJ: Decisions/Dismissal Orders Administrative Law Reviews: Final Orders/Judgments Courts of Limited Jurisdiction Civil: Settlement Document Final Orders/Judgments Criminal: Sentencing Orders/Judgments/Financial Obligations Final Orders of Restitution Judgments of Acquittal Small Claims: Judgment/Dismissal Orders

7 days 60 days 60 days 30 days 60 days

30 days 30 days 30 days 60 days 7 days 30 days

citation: BJA BJA TIME

rule_set: BJA

rule_number: BJA TIME