Washington Supreme Court justices to answer questions, hear cases during WWU visit
On February 19-20, 2025, justices from the Washington Supreme Court will visit Western Washington University (WWU) to foster community engagement and promote understanding of the judicial process. The visit includes a public Q&A panel, moderated by Associate Professor Ceci Lopez, on February 19, followed by oral arguments for two appellate cases on February 20. The first case, State v. Thompson, questions whether a victim's estate can intervene in an appeal regarding a murder conviction. The second case, State v.
Abrams, explores the legal conditions under which an incarcerated individual may seek to vacate previous convictions following the completion of their sentence. Open to the public, these events reflect the Court's ongoing commitment to transparency and accessibility in the legal system, which has included community visits since 1985. Livestreaming of the oral arguments will allow those unable to attend in person to follow the proceedings. This initiative is an opportunity for the public to gain insights into the Supreme Court’s functions while engaging directly with the justices. For further inquiries, contact details for the Administrative Office of the Courts and WWU representatives are provided.