May 14, 2009
Washington Supreme Court comes to UW law school
As part of the Court in the Community Program, the Washington State Supreme Court will visit the UW School of Law on Tuesday, May 19. The justices will hear the following oral arguments in Room 133 of the William H. Gates Building:
- City of Seattle v. Robert St. John, a case dealing with the right to refuse to take a blood alcohol test when arrested for driving under the influence
- Armantrout v. Carlson, a case dealing with the circumstances under which parents of an adult child may recover damages under the wrongful death statutes.
- Larry Botimer, Attorney at Law, a case dealing with a lawyer accused of violating conflict of interest laws.
The doors will open at 8 a.m., with the session beginning at 9 a.m. There will be a break for lunch from noon to 1:30, and the afternoon session will end with a reception for the justices from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
As the state’s “court of last resort,” The Washington State Supreme Court is asked to review more than 1,000 cases each year. Most come from the state Court of Appeals, though cases can be appealed directly from Superior Court.
In the Supreme Court, no witnesses are called or other evidence taken. Rather, the court hears only legal issues, and decides the case based on the factual record developed in the trial court.
Supreme Court sessions are open to the public.
