This is the official web site of the Washington State Legislature. You may find and contact your legislators, follow bills in the legislative process, look up state law.
You are here
Washington State Government and Courts
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.
Resource Links
This is the official site of Washington courts. The supreme court, appellate courts and trial courts may all be accessed from this site. Court rules, boards and commissions and a variety of reports may also be located through this site.
Where can I find city and county court information?
Who can I contact for court information in my city or county?
Where can I find juvenile court information? Where can I find my court clerk's telephone number?
Where can I find the contact information, address and telephone numbers of the municipal court in my city?
A statewide court directory that lists the county in which each Washington State city is located. Includes contact information for every county and city.
How can I locate a specific court house?
Where can I find the contact information, telephone number and address of a court house?
Where can I find contact information for judges and court personnel?
Where can I find contact information for court employees?
Official State of Washington Court Directory, including the Supreme Court; Court of Appeals; Superior, Juvenile, District & Municipal Courts (by county); Superior, Juvenile, District & Municipal Courts (by city); and Master Index by Person Name. Links to other directories including the Administrative Office Of The Courts, Washington Tribal Courts, Courthouse Facilitators, Dispute Resolution Centers, Certified Professional Guardians, and Certified Court Interpreter Directory. Information on locating courts including County/City Reference List, Filing Venue for Actions Against Counties, and Judicial Districts Reference List.
Which court hears traffic offenses?
Which court is traffic court?
Where is traffic court?
Which court hears misdemeanor matters?
What court will I got to about my felony?
Who can I appeal my traffic matter to?
Who can I appeal my misdemeanor to?
Who can I appeal my felony conviction to?
Which court hears juvenile matters?
What courts in Washington take appeals?
Overview of the Washington state Courts.