Foss High School in Tacoma will host the Washington State Court of Appeals, Division II, on Thursday, June 6. A panel of appellate judges will hear oral arguments in cases open to the public. Attendees are invited to participate in a Q&A session following the proceedings to learn more about the court's role and operations.
The hearings will commence at 9:05 am in the school theater at Foss High School, located at 2112 S. Tyler Street, Tacoma. Public attendees must check into the Main Office before attending the proceedings. The oral arguments will be livestreamed and recorded by TVW.
“We are grateful to Foss High School for hosting our court and providing the opportunity to engage with the community. This experience allows students to witness firsthand the law in action and aids in demonstrating the ways it impacts daily lives,” said Division II Chief Judge Anne Cruser. “We hope the experience will also encourage civic participation and foster an understanding of the legal system. We truly appreciate this chance to go into the community and actively work to further these principles.”
Judge Bradley Maxa, Judge Linda Lee, and Judge Meng Li Che will hear arguments in two cases:
- State of Washington v. Steven Keith Nelson (Case No. 574454)
- State of Washington v. Theodore Russell Bonaparte (Case No. 578557)
Each argument is expected to last approximately 30 minutes. Briefs and other filings for these cases can be accessed on the Washington Appellate Court Public Document Portal.
The Court of Appeals, Division II is based in Tacoma and hears appeals from trial courts across several counties including Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Skamania, Thurston, and Wahkiakum.
Further information about the history, members, and operations of all three divisions of the Washington Court of Appeals is available on their official website.
For additional details:
- Derek Byrne (Court Clerk): (253) 593-2970 or derek.byrne@courts.wa.gov
- Wendy K. Ferrell (Judicial Communications Manager): 360-705-5331 or wendy.farrell@courts.wa.gov
- Lorrie Thompson (Communications Officer): 360-705-5347 or lorrie.thompson@courts.wa.gov