Although no longer the newest judge on the Thurston County Superior Court bench, I am still new to my role as a judicial officer. I remain excited about the opportunities (some may say challenges) at the court, especially during these tough budget times. As I was told by others, despite the almost daily public interaction, serving as a judicial officer feels quite isolated. We are lucky to be in a legal community of caring, professional attorneys, and I enjoy seeing members of the bar outside of the courtroom. Those discussions are always unrelated to cases, of course. I appreciate the opportunity to tell you about some things going on in Superior Court.
In March, I began presiding over the DUI/Drug Court. The program is one of several treatment courts (also called therapeutic courts) in Thurston County. The others are Family Dependency Treatment Court and Juvenile Drug Court at Family and Juvenile Court and Mental Health Court and Veterans’ Court at District Court. Each of these very different programs provides opportunities for individuals whose activities consume court and other public resources to turn their lives around. Although not all participants make it through the entire program, most learn valuable lessons about themselves, and their involvement in the courts is decreased. Because I know many of you would want evidence to support this statement, here are a few numbers. Out of those who are eligible for Drug Court, 72% of those who decline Drug Court commit another felony within 5 years, while only 11% of those who graduate from Drug Court commit another felony within 5 years. For misdemeanors, the difference between graduates and those who decline is 21% vs. 66%. But Drug Court makes a difference even when participants do not complete the program; 34 % of those who enter Drug Court but are terminated from the program commit a felony within 5 years, and 44% of them commit a misdemeanor within 5 years. If you have not yet had an opportunity to observe one of the treatment courts in action, please take the opportunity to watch or attend a graduation ceremony. The stories of lives changed at a DUI/Drug Court graduation ceremony will inspire you.
Each year, the Superior Court Board of Judges takes a look at our Local Rules. Some of you may know that the Washington State Bar Association Local Rules Task Force, co-chaired by Justice Charles Johnson, made
recommendations a couple of years ago intended to decrease the number and complexity of Superior Court Local Rules, and make them more uniform and user-friendly. Last year, the Thurston County Superior Court Local Rules were modified, and this year a much smaller number of changes are planned. Proposed changes to the Family and Juvenile Court Local Rules are aimed at meeting the goal of simplification. The Local Rules are always made available for comment prior to adoption. If you would like to be involved in the process or have a question, please contact Staff Attorney Rebekah Zinn at 754-4359. I have to mention here that I am proud to report that no current rule, procedure, or department/judge preference indicates that bench copies of pleadings be copied on paper of a certain color.
The Board of Judges regularly addresses issues regarding the court’s services, and each year (at least) makes decisions regarding the Superior Court budget. If issues like Local Rules, the law library, and court services are of interest to you, I invite you to provide ideas or any other feedback.