The Courts of the Washington Territory: 1853- 1889
The Courts of the Washington Territory: 1853- 1889 by Gerry L. Alexander, Chief Justice of the Washington State Supreme Court (retired) Prior to 1846, our nation’s claim to the geographical area that later became the Washington Territory was very much in dispute. Before 2003 fades into the past, Washingtonians should take a moment to note that it has been 150 years since the territory of Washington was created by act of Congress. […]
Second Editions of Common Law
Second Editions of the Common Law: Bracton, Coke and Blackstone The Washington State Law Library has a large collection of British legal treatises, statutes, and case reporters published between the 1500s and the 1970s. Although we no longer actively collect English law due to cost, the collection is a treasure trove for those studying English […]
What has the WCHS been up to?
News from the Washington Courts Historical Society The Washington Courts Historical Society (WCHS) was founded by Justice Gerry Alexander and Justice Philip Talmadge, to promote a greater public understanding of the significance of the courts in Washington State history. We have been actively working on several projects over the past couple of years as part […]
Courthouse – Dayton, Washington
Columbia County Courthouse – Dayton, Washington The Columbia County Courthouse in Dayton is Washington’s oldest. Completed in 1886 and put into use in 1887, the building is only a few years younger than the county, which was carved from Walla Walla County in 1885, and a few years older than the state, which was admitted […]
Book Review –
Book Review – “A Fighting Life” A moving tribute to the extraordinary life of a man who is best defined through a lifetime of service to the cause of equality, Jim Kershner’s book “A Fighting Life” details the humble beginning of twice-orphaned Carl Maxey. Carl Maxey’s life was deeply influenced by the abrupt end of […]
Important Forms
gavel order 2019 forms