Three branches of government are established in the state constitution. The power to make law is reserved to the people through the initiative and referendum powers, but otherwise the legislative power is vested in the legislature. Forty nine legislative districts, each of approximately equal population, are served by on senator and two representatives. The legislature meets annually, for 105 days in the odd numbered years and 60 days in the even numbered years.
The executive power of the state is vested in the governor and seven other state-wide elected officials. The lieutenant governor presides over the senate and serves in the governor's absence. The secretary of state maintains the official records of the state, supervises elections and maintains the registrations of business entities. The attorney general is responsible for the legal affairs of the state. The state treasurer manages the funds of the state. The state auditor monitor the use of public funds. The commissioner of public lands is the steward of state lands, parks and forest trust lands. The insurance commissioner is tasked with regulating the business of insurance.
The judicial power is vested in the supreme court and the court of appeals. The supreme court consists of nine justices sit in the Temple of Justice in Olympia. They sit as a panel to hear cases, some filed directly with them, but most being appealed from a lower court. The court of appeals is constituted in three divisions: Division I in Seattle, 10 judges; Division II in Tacoma, 7 judges; and Division III in Spokane, five judges. Three judges sit on each case. The right to appeal from a decision of a trial court is the right to appeal to the court of appeals in most cases. The trial courts--superior, district and municipal--are discussed under Local Law and Government.
The state web site Access Washington is the portal to all state government. However, the legislature, each of the state-wide elected officials, and each of the courts have individual web sites. The Resources below link you to the portals for each branch.
The constitution may be found in the Resource list under State Law.
Where can I find pictures or images of the county courthouses in Washington State?
A visual tour of county courthouses in Washington State. All illustrations are hand drawn in black and white by Richard Hashagen. Each image is a current representation of what the courthouse looks like.
Who can be a certified court interpreter?
How can I become a certified court interpreter?
When are the exam dates for interpreter certification?
What continuing education courses are available for certified court interpreters?
What are the employment opportunities for certified court interpreters?
Information on how to become a certified court interpreter in Washington State. Includes Common Questions (Exam Dates, Certified Court Interpreter Directory, Continuing Education Requirements, Approved continuing Education Courses, Application Instructions for Court Interpreter) and information on Continuing Education Credit.
Who can become a certified guardian?
Where can I go to get professional training and development to become a certified professional guardian?
What is a certified professional guardian?
Who needs a certified professional guardian?
Where can I continue my education as a certified professional guardian?
What agencies employ certified professional guardians?
Explanation of the court's programs for certifying professional guardians for adults who have been deemed legally incapacitated. Provides certification, contact, employment and educational resources and information.
What cases are heard at Superior Court?
What court will I go to about my felony?
Who can I appeal my traffic offense matter to?
Who can I appeal my misdemeanor to?
Which courts hear juvenile matters?
Overview of Washington state's Superior Courts.
What is the State Supreme Court?
Where is the State Supreme Court located?
What are the costs and filing fees of submitting a motion to the State Supreme Court?
How can I contact the State Supreme Court?
An overview of the procedures and processes of the State Supreme Court including Meet the Clerk's Office, Frequently Asked Questions, Telephone Numbers, Filing By Fax and Email Policy, How to Find Us and Where to Park, Capital Case Appointment Application, List of Attorneys Qualified for Appointment in Death Penalty Cases, and Blank Trial Judge Report.
Where can I find information about jury duty or jury service?
Who serves on a jury in Washington state?
How can I serve on a jury?
What is expected of jurors in Washington state?
How long will I serve on the jury?
What types of cases may I hear?
What should I wear in court?
Answers to frequently asked questions about jury duty/service in Washington state.
Where can I find information about the Washington State Supreme Court?
Where can I find a history of the Washington State Supreme Court?
What is the difference between the state and federal supreme court systems?
How does the Washington State Supreme Court function?
Who serves on the Washington State Supreme Court?
How long can someone serve on the Washington State Supreme Court?
Who appoints the Supreme Court justices?
How many justices serve on the Supreme Court?
General information about the functions of the state Supreme Court. A brief overview of the history of the Washington State Supreme Court and what year it was founded. Explains how justices are appointed to serve.
How are judges selected?
How long of a term do judges serve?
Which judges are elected?
Which judges are appointed?
How often are judges elected?
How is a judge appointed?
Who appoints judges?
How many terms is a judge allowed to serve?
This website allows you to click on any of the 50 states and find out how judges are selected in that state. It also provides information such as term lengths.
Where can I search for Washington state government information?
Where can I search for government-related information on Washington state?
General search page for Washington state government.
This is the official state of Washington web portal, with access to all parts of state government.
