The Superior Court has general jurisdiction. Cases not specifically assigned by law to another court are heard by the Superior Court, including felony criminal cases, civil cases, domestic relations (divorce) cases, probate cases (administration of wills), juvenile, paternity, guardianship and adoption cases. Mental illness determinations are also made by the Superior Court.

There are Superior Court judges serving the 39 counties in Washington. There is one Superior Court serving each county, although some smaller counties have been combined to form 30 judicial districts. Superior Court judges must be attorneys admitted to practice law in Washington. The Juvenile Court, a division of the Superior Court, deals with the problems of youth under 18 years of age. The Superior Court also serves as an appellate court hearing appeals from District and Municipal Courts and certain state and local administrative agencies.

Spokane County has twelve Superior Court judges elected to four-year terms. In addition to certain special assignments, Spokane County Superior Court judges hear and decide cases assigned to them by the Presiding Judge. The Presiding Judge is elected by the other Superior Court judges to serve for one year. The Presiding Judge assigns cases to the trial departments, acts as spokesperson for the court, directs the court administrator in implementing administrative and general court policy, and presides over guilty plea and sentencing hearings.

Each judge has a bailiff who manages the judge’s caseload, maintains order in the courtroom, supervises jurors, and coordinates courtroom activities. Each judge has a court reporter or video recording system to make a word-for-word record of court proceedings. If a particular case is appealed, this record is typed for reference on appeal. A courtroom clerk assigned to each court keeps a journal of the proceedings and processes exhibits.

Six court commissioners are appointed by the Superior Court judges. Spokane County’s court commissioners have some of the same powers and duties of the judges, and sit as judges pro tempore if all parties agree to have their case heard by a commissioner.

The court commissioners are assigned certain ex parte, family law, juvenile and mental illness proceedings. The court commissioners do not hear criminal cases or jury trials.

The elected Clerk of the Superior Court is responsible for the maintenance and security of the official court files, processing all papers filed and exhibits, such as documents, weapons, pictures, etc. This office collects fines, fees, restitution, child support and spousal maintenance (alimony), keeps track of those payments for the court and furnishes courtroom clerks.

In addition to providing general administrative support to the court, the Superior Court Administrator’s Office helps implement court policies and procedures, manages the jury system, schedules cases, and prepares and administers the court budget.

District and Municipal Courts process about 85% of the cases filed in the state, including the large volume of traffic cases, criminal misdemeanors, "small claims," and civil cases involving less than $50,000.

The objective of the Spokane County District Court is the efficient and legal processing of all infraction, misdemeanor, felony, civil and small claims cases appropriately coming before the Court, and the collection and distribution of fine, fee, forfeiture, assessment, bond and restitution moneys paid into the Court. The goal of the Court is to provide timely justice for all. This includes fair and impartial hearings, protection of all rights, and adequate access to anyone with business before the Court.

Last Modified On: 8/22/2006