November 19, 2021 via zoom

6.25 CLE Hours approved - 1.0 hour of ethics

Our CLE will begin with a summary of historical times of great social upheavals in Washington State. The speakers will focus on particular topics from various perspectives to discuss challenges to justice and the Rule of Law during these times. Some of our most stressful times include the 1918 pandemic, WWI, the Great Depression, Wobbly wars, WWII, Washington’s connection to the Nuremberg trials, Internment of the Japanese, 1960s civil rights protests, Vietnam War, Fish Wars, 2020 pandemic and civil rights protests. Sometimes justice prevailed, sometimes it did not. With this historical perspective, how do we prepare for the inevitable challenges to come?

Dealing with a crisis during these times takes all three branches of government: the executive branch to act quickly with special powers; the legislature to pass laws needed to address the crisis and respond; and finally, the judiciary to solve disputes and find the path to justice.

Agenda

8:50 – 9:00 am

Welcome
Rob Mead, President and Celeste Stokes, President-Elect

9:00 – 9:15 am

History of Washington Justice
Leonard Garfield, Executive Director, Museum of History and Industry

Our CLE will begin with a summary/timeline of historical times of great social upheavals in Washington State. The speakers will focus on particular topics from various perspectives to discuss challenges to justice and the Rule of Law during these times. Some of our most stressful times include the 1918 pandemic, WWI, the Great Depression, Wobbly wars, WWII, Washington’s connection to the Nuremberg trials, Internment of the Japanese, 1960s civil rights protests, Vietnam War, Fish Wars, 2020 pandemic and civil rights protests. Sometimes justice prevailed, sometimes it did not. How did each chapter of our history effect the subsequent chapters.

 

9:15 – 11:00 am

Administration of Justice by the Judiciary
Panel – Justice Alexander (retired), Justice Charles Wiggins (retired) and Justice Montoya-Lewis, Washington State Supreme Court

The judicial role/reaction/response during times of historical pandemics and other societal upheavals compared to the present pandemic. Applying the Rule of Law in emergencies. How far have courts gone? How far should the courts go? Limiting courts to the appropriate role. Politicization of the judiciary during such times.

11:00 – 11:10 am

Break

11:10 am – 12:10 pm

Civility  (1 hour ethics credit)
Justice Helen Whitener

Civility in the law. How has it been affected during times of social upheaval?

12:10 -1:00 pm

Lunch break

1:00 – 1:50 pm

The Role of the Press during times of social upheaval
Bruce Johnson, Davis Wright Tremaine

The importance of the press to keeping the public informed about the crisis and response of the branches of government. When has the press done a good job and when has the press contributed to the social chaos. Address the interaction of the press with the branches of government and the effect on the rule of law and administration of justice.

1:50 – 2:45 pm

The Mechanics of Justice
Panel –  Ian Birk, Keller Rohrback and Judges Dean Lum and Rogers, King County Superior Court

How does justice prevail? The mechanics and types of lawsuits brought to force or maintain the rule of law. How does the judiciary adapt to the changing times to assure justice when the law as it stands does not? Making those hard decisions in the face of contentious politics. Keeping records for posterity.

2:45 – 3:00 pm

Break

3:00 – 3:50 pm

Administration of Justice by the Legislative and Executive Branches
Ralph Munro, Secretary of State, State of Washington (retired).

The legislative role/reaction/response during times of historical pandemics and other societal upheavals compared to the present pandemic. Addressing legislative needs/actions including budgets during such times.

3:50 – 4;30 pm

Prospective look at preparing for the inevitable, socially stressful times to come
Bob Ferguson, Attorney General or Noah Purcell, Solicitor General, Office of the Attorney General

What have we learned that should be applied to dealing with social upheaval going forward? What laws/rule/plan can be implemented now to be ready for the future? What are reasonable strategies to plan for the inevitable future upheavals? How do we assure justice? How the three branches of government must work toward maintaining the Rule of Law and assuring justice.

The fee is $250, which includes seminar materials,  and a one year membership in the Washington Courts Historical Society.

No refunds after November 19, 2021.  Registration ends November 19, 2021.