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**Law**

Stories about law and politics in the Pacific Northwest, with many from KNKX’s Law and Justice reporter, Paula Wissel.

Latest Episodes:

Law enforcement needs 'culture change,' says King Co. Council chair Feb 26, 2021

Show notes

This is part two of a conversation KNKX had with Claudia Balducci, chair of the King County Council. Listen to part one , which focuses on housing and homelessness. In November, voters approved a change to the King County charter. The sheriff would be appointed, not elected. Under the change, the county executive will appoint the sheriff, and the King County Council will confirm the appointment.

For state's first Native American justice, a diverse Supreme Court is 'just the beginning' Jan 15, 2021

Show notes

More than a century ago, a Yakama Nation fisherman named Alec Towessnute was stopped while fishing near Prosser, and prosecuted for using a gaff hook, a traditional fishing method. He cited his treaty rights, and the county court dismissed the charges. But the state Supreme Court, in 1916, reinstated them, ignoring the treaty and using racist, demeaning language.

Washington's new chief justice vows to 'follow through' and eradicate bias in the justice system Jan 12, 2021

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The state Supreme Court has a new leader. Chief Justice Steven González was sworn in Monday as the court began its new term in Olympia. González, who is Latino, becomes the first chief justice of color in state history. He’s also the first Jewish chief justice.

Professor: Transparency will be key as four regional police agencies get new leaders Aug 27, 2020

Show notes

Four of the region’s largest police agencies will see big changes in the near future.

Washington's chief justice on the law, her career, and how to disagree Jan 13, 2020

Show notes

Debra Stephens became chief justice of the Supreme Court of Washington — the state’s highest court — on Jan. 6. She’s been on the court since 2008, and is currently the only sitting justice from Eastern Washington. We visited Chief Justice Stephens to talk about the law, being chief justice, and more. We aired this conversation during a special broadcast on Jan. 13, 2020, from the Temple of Justice, as part of our KNKX Connects reporting project.

Hate Crimes Training Helps Local Officials Understand Affected Communities Nov 13, 2018

Show notes

With increasing news of public displays of white supremacy around the country, local law enforcement and elected officials recently took a deep dive into the state's hate crime statute.

How A New Supreme Court Justice May Affect Cases Filed By Washington’s Attorney General Jul 02, 2018

Show notes

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson has been particularly aggressive in filing lawsuits against the Trump administration, but the prospect of a new justice on the U.S. Supreme Court has implications for what happens to those cases, according to one local law professor.

Janus Decision Has Implications For Private-Sector Unions In Washington Jun 29, 2018

Show notes

Washington state has the third-highest rate of union membership in the country, after New York and Hawaii. Even though the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Janus v. AFSCME Council 31 only applies to workers in the public sector, private-sector unions here said they face implications as well.

Washington, Other States To Sue Trump Administration Over Family Separation Jun 21, 2018

Show notes

Washington is leading a coalition of states planning to sue the Trump administration over its policy of separating children from parents who are detained while crossing illegally or seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Woman Banned From Childcare For Decades-Old Conviction Sues To Get Job Back May 25, 2018

Show notes

Christal Fields thought she had finally shaken the decades-old conviction that had complicated much of her life. When she was banned from working in childcare two years ago, it was plain that wasn't the case.

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