Port Angeles, WA: Court of Appeals Judges Hear Local Cases

by Lois Perry, Citizen Review Online

10/25/02

Port Angeles, WA - Chief Judge J. Robin Hunt, Christine Quinn-Brintnall, and David Armstrong listened to arguments on seven Olympic Peninsula cases, before approximately 30 observers. “We do this occasionally to make it easier on those in the community so they will not have to travel so far,” said Judge Hunt. The court usually meets in Tacoma. District 2 includes the Olympic Peninsula, but does not include the Bellingham or Seattle corridors. Local cases were heard at Peninsula College Little Theatre, October 16th, by thethree judges of Division 2, Washington Court of Appeals

The local cases were: State of Washington v. Harvey James Jr., Michael D. Ousley, Garith Clark, Charles H. Robinson, Jesse T. Mills, Phillip Ray Boling, and Cecil M. Dudgeon. Charges of narcotics, assault, first degree child molestation, second degree child rape, and indecent liberties were some of the arguments by the State v. the defendants.

Some of the arguments of the defendant were: mistrial, violation of due process rights, double-jeopardy, wrongful search, and a decision based on hearsay.

Several cases were heard in the morning with questions posed to the attorneys by the judges. At the end of the four hour morning session, questions were asked by some members of the audience. After the lunch break, two more cases were argued and then questions again were posed by the audience. The questions were not allowed about existing cases but about the process of the judges and how they prepare their final decisions. “What happens as a result of today,” asked an audience member. “Each case is assigned to one of us who writes the opinion,” stated Judge Hunt. When two agree in format and reason of opinion, another judge will make an opinion. Some opinions are unpublished. About 90 days it will be available on the internet at www.courts.wa.gov. It sets precedent when it is published and becomes case law.

The hearings continued until 2:30 and the judges entertained more questions until approximately 3 P.M.

Judge Hunt stated that she was approached by the Sheriff [Joe Hawe] at the forum she attended in Sequim, who asked if local cases could be heard in Sequim. She is hoping that arrangements for the event will be made by the first of the year.