Over the past two years, municipal courts have seen their day-to-day operations impacted by a pandemic and a recent state supreme court ruling. And while cities are working to carefully plan their path forward, 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 creating new standards
for how drug cases will be prosecuted moving forward. Additionally, 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 changes to how courts operated throughout the pandemic. While some impacts were negative, like delayed court cases, other impacts, like video court appearances, allowed for greater access to Washington’s
court systems. As the country starts to slowly move beyond the pandemic, courts will need to consider what changes and practices will endure beyond the pandemic.
- Recognize the impacts of the Blake decision on cities and their courts
- Understand the impact of COVID on municipal courts
- Learn of the benefit of therapeutic courts in municipalities
This webinar is for mayors, councilmembers, city managers/administrators, city attorneys, and county officials.
Recorded: November 2021
View PowerPoint
Speakers
Cheryl Selby, Mayor, Olympia
Michelle Gehlsen, Judge, King County District Court
Scott Ahlf, Judge, Olympia Municipal Court
This is Part 3 of a three-part webinar series. Watch all three!
City elected officials earn 1 credit toward the Certificate of Municipal Leadership in the effective local leadership competency area. Click here to let us know you’ve completed the training.