The Washington Supreme Court is set to visit Sunnyside High School on May 15-16, where the justices will engage with students and faculty, answer public inquiries, and hear two oral arguments starting at 9 a.m. on May 16. This visit forms part of an outreach program that sees the justices travel to two or three communities around Washington each year to hear real cases and interact with community members about the judicial branch.
Justice G. Helen Whitener, co-chair of the Traveling Court Committee, highlighted the importance of reaching out to rural communities like Sunnyside, in addition to major hubs such as Seattle and Tacoma. "The Supreme Court is a court for everybody within the state of Washington and not just folks in Olympia, Pierce County or King County," Whitener said. She emphasized that it's crucial for them to venture into communities that may not have easy access due to logistical reasons, enlighten them about their work, and inspire young individuals towards the legal profession.
On May 16, the nine Supreme Court Justices will hear oral arguments for two cases. Following these arguments, they will hold a Q&A session with the audience. The first case at 9 a.m., Case No. 102401-1 In re the Marriage of Wilcox, questions whether an award of maintenance in a marriage dissolution is proper without finding that the receiving spouse has a need for it. The second case at 10 a.m., Case No. 102402-9 State v. Smith, investigates whether in this criminal prosecution the trial court erred in declining to excuse a prospective juror for cause after showing confusion about the presumption of innocence.
All Washington Supreme Court oral arguments are open to the public and are livestreamed and recorded by Washington’s Public Affairs network, TVW. The Court requests that no flash or other lights or noisy mechanisms be used during hearings.
For more information on the state Supreme Court and other Washington courts, visit https://www.courts.wa.gov/appellate_trial_courts.