Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Washington

Automatic New (Chief) Civil Judge?

Received a letter from Clerks Office stating a change of ''regular'' judge to Chief Civil Judge. Both parties did not request change of judge, so why the change of judge right before the trial? It seems strange. If a new judge is taking over, is it a good thing or bad thing for my case?


Asked on 12/06/08, 12:38 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Thuong-Tri Nguyen Thuong-Tri Legal Services, PLLC

Re: Automatic New (Chief) Civil Judge?

The courts frequently re-balance the judges' workloads. The judges may take turns serving hearing different types of cases. Changes in assignment is not all that unusual.

The courts do not need the parties' permission to re-assign which judge will hear the case.

The change in judges may be good, bad, or indifferent for you. The judges have individual and different interpretations of the law. Because the law is so elastic, interpretations that may seem contradictory may still be supported by the law.

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Answered on 12/06/08, 2:02 pm


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