State Supreme Court to Visit Clark

The Washington State Supreme Court is coming to Clark College for a two-day visit in May to hear oral arguments and make itself available to the public. Chief Justice Barbara Madsen and Justices Charles W. Johnson, Susan Owens, Mary Fairhurst, Debra Stephens, Charles Wiggins, Steven González, and Sheryl Gordon McCloud will also tour Clark’s main campus, visit Clark classrooms, and meet informally with students, faculty, and other members of the Clark College community. Either pro tem justice Joel Penoyar or newly appointed Justice Mary Yu will also be in attendance, depending on whether or not Yu’s swearing-in occurs before the visit.

The visit is scheduled for May 12 and 13. Oral arguments on May 13, as well as two other events held May 12 (see below) are free and open to the public.

“The Supreme Court’s arrival is a wonderful occasion for students in our Paralegal program to gain insight from the top legal authority in our state,” says Layne Russell, director of Clark’s paralegal program. “We’re honored to host such an educational and inspiring visit.”

Since 1985, the state’s highest court, which is located in Olympia, has heard cases “on the road” in an outreach effort allowing citizens to see the court in action in their local communities. The Court also travelled to Everett Community College in February.

“The Court enjoys visiting our state’s colleges in local communities,” says Chief Justice Barbara Madsen. “In addition to the students, we encourage anyone interested in learning more about the judicial branch of government to see the workings of the highest court up close and personal.”

The full roster of public events are:

Monday, May 12
Open Forum
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Gaiser Student Center

Community Reception
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Penguin Union Lounge, PUB 161

Tuesday, May 13
Hearings
Case 1: 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
Case 2, followed by Q&A: 9:55 a.m. – 11:05 a.m.
Case 3, followed by Q&A: 1:30 p.m. – 2:35 p.m.
Gaiser Student Center

All Washington Supreme Court oral arguments are open to the public, and are broadcasted at a later date via Washington’s Public Affairs network, TVW. Written opinions are rendered approximately three to six months after oral arguments.