WA-COURTS

In re Recall of Lauser - Washington Supreme Court Opinion

The Washington Supreme Court reversed a lower court's decision to approve a recall petition against Stevenson City Councilmember Lucy Lauser. The court found the recall charge for alleged indecent exposure to be neither factually nor legally sufficient, reversing the certification for ballot synopsis.

Beard v. Everett Clinic, PLLC - Medical Malpractice Jury Instruction

The Washington Supreme Court issued an opinion in Beard v. Everett Clinic, PLLC, addressing a trial court's decision to provide a specific jury instruction in a medical malpractice case. The court held that sufficient evidence justified the 'exercise of judgment' jury instruction.

In re Disciplinary Proceeding Against Monro - Attorney Discipline

The Washington Supreme Court has issued an opinion in the disciplinary proceeding against attorney Stephen Kenneth Monro. The court imposed the recommended sanction of disbarment for multiple instances of serious misconduct, including converting client funds and making false statements.

Anderson v. Grant County - Washington Supreme Court Opinion

The Washington Supreme Court issued an opinion in Anderson v. Grant County, reversing the Court of Appeals. The court held that statutory defenses under the 1986 tort reform act may be raised by a county jail in a wrongful death suit related to an inmate's death from ingested drugs. The case is remanded for further proceedings.

Washington Supreme Court Opinion on Recall of Emily Clouse

The Washington Supreme Court affirmed a trial court's decision to dismiss a recall petition against Thurston County Commissioner Emily Clouse. The petition alleged recallable offenses related to hiring an individual with whom she had a personal relationship and accepting money and gifts. The court found the charges were not factually or legally sufficient.

State of Washington v. Daniel Elijah Lybbert - Insanity Defense Release

The Washington Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court's decision to grant unconditional release to Daniel Lybbert, who was found not guilty by reason of insanity in 2009. The State appealed, arguing the court misapplied RCW 10.77.595(3) regarding the timeline for holding release hearings.

State of Washington v. Victor James Mathis - Criminal Appeal

The Washington Court of Appeals issued a non-precedential opinion in the case of State of Washington v. Victor James Mathis. The court affirmed the conviction for second degree assault, witness tampering, and violating a no-contact order, finding sufficient evidence and upholding the trial court's rulings.

State v. Jarrett - Vehicular Homicide Conviction Appeal

The Washington Court of Appeals affirmed a vehicular homicide conviction for Dawson Richard Jarrett. The court found no reversible error in the trial court's handling of public trial rights, evidence admission, ineffective assistance of counsel claims, prosecutorial misconduct allegations, or resentencing motions.

Marriage case of Justin Smith and Melanie Smith

The Washington Court of Appeals affirmed a commissioner's ruling in a marriage dissolution case. The court upheld sanctions, including a $1,000 civil penalty, against Justin Smith for filing a contempt motion without a reasonable basis and for resisting a motion to compel passport documentation for their child.

Cache Valley Electric Co. v. Dep't of Labor & Industries - Safety Violations

The Washington Court of Appeals reviewed penalties assessed by the Department of Labor and Industries against Cache Valley Electric Company for safety violations. The court affirmed one penalty for using a chainsaw near an exposed power line and reversed another concerning expired protective blankets.