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Advocacy


Published on Oct 08, 2021

Join AWC for the latest installation of our municipal courts webinar series

Contact: Sharon Swanson, Jacob Ewing

AWC and the Administrative Office of the Courts are partnering for a third and final webinar in our municipal court series.

Over the past two years, municipal courts have seen their day-to-day operations significantly impacted by a pandemic and a recent state supreme court ruling. While cities are working to carefully chart their path forward in this challenging time, one thing is clear: the traditional role of municipal courts in Washington is changing.

In early 2021, the State Supreme Court ruled on State v. Blake, essentially decriminalizing the possession of a controlled substance in Washington. In response to the ruling, the Legislature passed SB 5476 to create new standards for prosecuting drug cases. Unfortunately, the Administrative Office of the Courts was provided limited funding to help enhance therapeutic courts at the municipal and district levels.

In 2020, COVID-19 brought about swift and progressive change to court operations throughout the pandemic. While some impacts were negative, like delayed court cases, other impacts allowed for greater access to Washington’s court systems, such as the practice of video court appearances. As the country starts to slowly move beyond the pandemic, courts will need to consider what changes and practices will endure beyond the pandemic.

The purpose of the webinar is for city staff and elected officials to:

  • Recognize the impacts of the Blake decision on cities and their courts;
  • Understand the impact of COVID on municipal courts; and
  • Learn of the benefit of therapeutic courts in municipalities.

This event is for mayors, councilmembers, city managers/administrators, city attorneys, and county officials. Register today!

  • Advocacy
  • Public safety & criminal justice

 

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