Clallam County hearing on honoring Justice Susan Owens exposes deep local division; commissioners opt for further consultation

Clallam County commissioners on March 10 heard more than two hours of sharply divided public testimony about a proposal to honor the late Justice Susan Owens at the county courthouse, then agreed to pursue further consultation with the proposing group rather than immediately rename the entire building.

Supporters, including local lawyers and members of Washington Women Lawyers, argued Owens’ statewide work and local roots warranted visible recognition at the county seat. Karen Unger, a former law partner and close friend, told commissioners the memorial would be paid for with donations and would not use county funds: "There is no county money involved here," she said, asking the board to consider a plaque, a bench or a dedicated judicial hall that could educate the public about Owens’ life and decisions.

Many residents and several speakers opposed renaming the main courthouse. A resident who spoke early in the hearing said, "This is our courthouse. It should remain our courthouse," arguing the facility serves all 78,000 residents and should not bear an individual’s name. Others raised concerns about possible costs and confusion if multiple courtrooms or buildings in the county bore the same honoree’s name.

County staff and commissioners framed several practical constraints. Staff noted the county’s property and historic-preservation status does not legally bar a dedication, but commissioners said renaming the entire building is rare and could cause public confusion about where to find county services. The board also noted the City of Forks had already designated a courtroom there in Owens’ honor, removing that option from the county’s list of clear choices.

Commissioner Ozias said he appreciated public input and favored recognition that would inspire future leaders: "I would support" identifying an internal space or a plaque that provides biographical context and examples of Owens’ work, he said. Another commissioner echoed the sentiment but emphasized reliance on donated funds and careful wording.

The board’s next steps: staff will follow up with Washington Women Lawyers to clarify the amount of fundraising already committed, preferred location and proposed verbiage. Once those details are confirmed, the commissioners said they would consider a resolution to dedicate a specific space, such as an interior judicial hall or an informational plaque that highlights Owens’ biography and selected opinions.

The public hearing record included a range of arguments linking Owens’ written opinions to county land-use decisions and other local policies; some speakers recommended any memorial include explanatory information about her notable rulings. Commissioners asked staff to ensure proposed text and placement avoid confusion with the city courthouse in Forks and to confirm that any installation would be funded by donations and private fundraising rather than county general funds.

The board closed the hearing after the public comments and did not vote to rename the courthouse. A staff follow-up meeting with the proponents will precede any formal dedication or resolution.