Browsed by
Tag: Washington Supreme Court

Washington Supreme Court 1962
Exploring court records in the Washington State Archives

Exploring court records in the Washington State Archives

Not Judge Judy’s court? Then which court is it? Since there are many uses for court records, a large number of Archives users come in to access them for genealogical study, book research, school lesson planning, legal exploration, and still more purposes. Finding court records can be a daunting task. Knowing the jurisdiction in which a case was heard is the most important information. The next information a person needs is the cause, case, or file number in hand. Cases…

Read More Read More

Secretary of State Vic Meyers inspects the safe
55 years and still unsolved: Washington’s Great Petition Robbery

55 years and still unsolved: Washington’s Great Petition Robbery

In the lower level of the Legislative Building 55 years ago this week, a theft was discovered that made front-page newspaper headlines, resulted in no arrests, and shocked political leaders. The Great Petition Robbery, a heist of thousands of signature sheets bearing petition signatures for an anti-gambling ballot initiative, didn’t stop the initiative but did hasten the end of the long political career of Secretary of State Vic Meyers, a bandleader and former five-term lieutenant governor. The story unfolded over…

Read More Read More

Supreme Court allows I-1366 to stay on fall ballot

Supreme Court allows I-1366 to stay on fall ballot

  The state Supreme Court has ruled unanimously that Initiative 1366 can remain on this fall’s statewide ballot. The court said an opinion outlining the court’s reasoning would come later, but it wrote that the group suing to keep I-1366 off the ballot has “not made the clear showing necessary for injunctive relief.” Secretary of State Kim Wyman, the state’s chief elections officer, was sued by challengers who wanted her to pull the measure off the ballot. Wyman said no…

Read More Read More

Time to vote on September Archives Treasures

Time to vote on September Archives Treasures

Our State Archives has millions and millions of documents, records, photos and other interesting stuff. Every month this year we’re highlighting some of those rare or cool items in a blog series called “Archives Treasures.” We just finished spotlighting three items for September, so now it’s your turn to get into the act. We need you to go to our online poll and vote on your favorite Archives treasure for this month. The three choices are: 1) An 1862 letter…

Read More Read More

Court: 2012 elections will use Redistricting Commission maps

Court: 2012 elections will use Redistricting Commission maps

The Washington Supreme Court has unanimously authorized use of the new Redistricting Commission boundaries to run the 2012 elections, even as a citizen challenge to the commission’s work proceeds. Secretary of State Sam Reed said he was pleased — and relieved — to get the ruling: “This is very good news. Our 2012 elections season is barreling down on us, with Filing Week beginning May 14 and Top 2 Primary ballots going in the mail in July. The counties are…

Read More Read More

Grrrrl Power: Washington women rock

Grrrrl Power: Washington women rock

Barbara Madsen has been installed as chief justice of the Washington Supreme Court, placing her at the pinnacle of the state’s judicial branch.  It’s part of a remarkable story of women trailblazers in state politics and government. Madsen, who has served on the highest court since 1992, succeeds Gerry Alexander, the longest-serving chief in state history. Madsen, in brief comments at installation ceremonies at the Temple of Justice on Monday, highlighted the contributions of women and minorities in the state…

Read More Read More