Local governments and courts are provided for in the state constitution. Article XI provides for county, city and town governments. Article IV provides for local courts.
Counties pre-dated statehood. Article XI of the state constitution governs the creation and modification of counties. However, the legislature provides the governance structure and authority of counties by statute. Title 36 RCW is the primary statutory authority for counties.
Cities and towns may be incorporated pursuant to Article XI of the state constitution. Their powers are also controlled by statute. Title 35 RCW and Title 35A RCW are the primary statutory authority for cities and towns.
Special districts are creatures of statute and have the powers prescribed by the legislature.
The superior court is the trial court of general jurisdiction. It is created in Article IV of the state constitution. Each county has a superior court. The number of judges and other matters are prescribed by statute. Title 2 RCW is the primary statutory authority relating to superior courts. Procedural matters are governed by court rules adopted by the Supreme Court and by local court rule.
Two types of limited jurisdiction courts have been established pursuant to the state constitution as well. District courts operate at the county level. Muicipal courts operate at the city level. They are governed by Title 3 RCW and court rules.
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.
This is the text of the Washington State Constitution. Local government provisions are contained in Article XI. Local court provisions are in Article IV.
This is the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), the official codified version of Washington law. Superior Courts are in Title 2, District and Municipal Courts are in Title 3, Counties are in Title 36, Cities and Towns are in Titles 35 and 35A, and special districts are in a variety of titles.
This site provides a listing of the official codes for cities, counties and certain special districts.
This site provides information about the nature of special purpose districts in Washington.
By: editor1
Last Updated: December 19, 2011 - 5:22pm
