MOUNT VERNON, Wash. — Skagit Valley College will host the Washington State Court of Appeals, Division I oral argument hearings on Tuesday, April 21, at the Whidbey Island Campus in Oak Harbor.
The traveling court event provides students, faculty and community members the opportunity to observe real-world legal proceedings, including courtroom procedures and appellate arguments, while gaining a deeper understanding of the judicial system.
Division I of the Court of Appeals has partnered with Skagit Valley College to host traveling court events at the Mount Vernon campus for the past four years. This year marks the first time oral arguments will be heard at the Whidbey Island Campus.
“We are grateful for the deepening partnership with Skagit Valley College as we work together to promote transparency in government, confidence in the judiciary and civics education,” said Chief Judge Cecily C. Hazelrigg. “As an alum of both Oak Harbor High School and Skagit Valley College, it is especially meaningful to bring the Court of Appeals to the Island and to have the opportunity to connect with the communities we serve.”
The hearings will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Oak Hall at the Whidbey Island Campus, located at 1900 SE Pioneer Way in Oak Harbor. The proceedings are open to the public and will be livestreamed and recorded by TVW. A livestream viewing will also be available on the Mount Vernon Campus in the Multipurpose Room of the Cardinal Knutzen Center.
A panel of judges from Division I will hear oral arguments in three cases:
- State of Washington v. Joshua K. Resor
- Whidbey Environmental Action Network v. City of Oak Harbor
- City of Granite Falls v. Heather Buchholz
Each argument will last approximately 20 minutes. Briefs and filings for these cases are available through the Washington State Courts website.
Following the hearings, attendees are invited to participate in a question-and-answer session with the judges from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. An additional Q&A session with SVC students will take place from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
A panel discussion on the separation of powers will be held from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in Oak Hall. The panel will feature representatives from the judicial, legislative and executive branches, including Judge Bill A. Bowman, State Rep. Darya Farivar and First Assistant Attorney General Maureen Johnston. The discussion will be facilitated by SVC professor and State Rep. Dave Paul.
The day will conclude with a reception from 4 to 6 p.m.
Division I of the Court of Appeals, located in Seattle, serves the northwest region of Washington, including King, Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, San Juan and Island counties.
For more information about the April 21 hearings or the Court of Appeals, contact Division I Clerk Lea Ennis at Lea.Ennis@courts.wa.gov. For campus maps and directions, visit skagit.edu/locations.
Media Contact Info
Marisa Pierce, Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications
360.416.7957
marisa.pierce@skagit.edu