Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Courts topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Washington Supreme Court hosts swearing-in for municipal judges; justices and association president praise frontline role of local courts
Summary
Chief Justice Deborah Stevens and Judge Crawford Willis presided over a swearing-in ceremony at the Washington State Supreme Court for municipal judges from across the state, highlighting that municipal courts handled more than 1,000,000 filings in 2024 and make up roughly 64% of Washington’s case filings.
Chief Justice Deborah Stevens presided over a ceremonial swearing-in at the Washington State Supreme Court for municipal judges from across Washington, introducing the justices on the bench and asking attendees to welcome incoming Justice-to-be Colleen Melodie.
The ceremony underscored the volume of work performed in municipal courts. "Municipal courts are the busiest courts in our state," Stevens said, noting that, according to data provided by AOC, municipal courts oversaw more than 1,000,000 case filings in 2024 and accounted for about 64% of the state's total filings.
The remarks framed municipal judges as the front line of everyday justice: "They handle the highest volume of cases, very serious matters involving domestic defense, DUI, misdemeanors of a variety of sorts," Stevens added, describing municipal courts as where "most people experience justice." She thanked AOC staff members Stephanie Oiler, Nicole Gray and Lauren Gilmore for organizing the event and acknowledged AOC leadership including state court administrator Don Marie Rubio and chief legal counsel Scott Alff.
Judge Crawford Willis, president of the District and Municipal Court Judges Association, addressed the judges and their families, urging members to prioritize well-being and to support one another in service. "Your decision and dedication of upholding the law, remaining impartial, and applying fairness in every decision is a testament to the power of public service," Willis said, calling municipal judges the face of the judicial system for many Washingtonians.
Chief Justice Stevens then administered the oath of office. Judges stood (including judges joining remotely by Zoom) and repeated the oath pledging to support the U.S. and Washington constitutions and to faithfully discharge the duties of municipal court judges. One judge named in the record, Janet Williams, recited the oath and identified her municipal court in the oath text.
After the oaths, Stevens invited the new and renewed judges, the justices, and Judge Willis to pose for group photographs at the bench and requested an additional photo on the front steps of the Temple of Justice for the court’s historical collection. With no further business, the formal portion of the session was adjourned.
The ceremony highlighted the statewide scope of municipal court work and the continuing collaboration between the Supreme Court, municipal judges, and AOC staff. The court scheduled photo opportunities and individual oath signings to follow the formal session.
