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Courts

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Alternative Dispute Resolution (3)
Court Forms (2)
Court Procedures (2)
Directory of Washington State Courts (1)
Judicial Independence and Selection (3)
Jury Duty (3)
Legal Assistance (1)
Small Claims Courts (7)
Terminology (1)
United States Courts (5)
Washington State Courts (10)

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Resource Description:	Questions answered by the resource:
Rules for Courts of Limited Jurisdiction: Service and Filing http://www.courts.wa.gov/rules/display.cfm?group=c Source: Washington Courts Washington State Court rules page covering service and filing in courts of limited jurisdiction. full description	How do I serve someone with a small claims complaint? How do I file a small claims complaint? How is service to be completed? What is the law on service of process? How do I file a complaint in a court of limited jurisdiction?
Court Directory: County-City Reference List http://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/?fa=court_dir.c Source: Washington Courts A statewide court directory that lists the county in which each Washington State city is located. Includes contact information for every county and city. full description	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? Where can I find probation office information and telephone numbers for my county and city?
Legal Assistance http://www.courts.wa.gov/selfhelp/index.cfm?fa=sel Source: Washington Courts Information on legal aid resources for people with low to moderate income. Provides links to the Washington State Bar Association 's Access to Justice web pages and to information on Family Law resources. Legal assistance can come in the form of attorneys who may represent people in court as well as courthouse facilitators who can help with court procedures and forms but cannot provide any legal advice. full description	Where can I get free legal advice? Who can help me with my family law issues? Is there legal help for people who have low incomes? Are there attorneys who offer services on a sliding scale fee to people who have low incomes? Where can I get a free attorney? How do I qualify for free legal services? Where can I locate a courthouse facilitator? Can a courthouse facilitator help me with my family court forms free of charge? Who can help me with my legal problems if I have a moderate income?
Court Directory http://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=co Source: Washington Courts Official State of Washington Court Directory, including the Supreme Court; Court of Appeals; Superior, Juvenile, District & Municipal Courts (by county); Superior, Juvenile, District & Municipal Courts (by city); and Master Index by Person Name. Links to other directories including the Administrative Office Of The Courts, Washington Tribal Courts, Courthouse Facilitators, Dispute Resolution Centers, Certified Professional Guardians, and Certified Court Interpreter Directory. Information on locating courts including County/City Reference List, Filing Venue for Actions Against Counties, and Judicial Districts Reference List. full description	How can I locate a specific court house? Where can I find the contact information, telephone number and address of a court house? Where can I find contact information for judges and court personnel? Where can I find contact information for court employees?
Neighborhood Dispute & Mediation http://www.mrsc.org/subjects/legal/mediate.aspx Source: Municipal Research & Services Center of Washington Provides an overview of neighborhood dispute or mediation centers, a link a list of dispute resolution centers in Washington state, and links to local government dispute/mediation programs in Bellevue, Clark County, Lynnwood, Mercer Island, Port Townsend, and Vancouver. Also, provides additional information about dispute resolution and mediation. full description	How do I resolve a dispute with my neighbor? How do my neighbor and I mediate our dispute? How do my neighbor and I solve our fight? How do I solve a disagreement with my neighbor? How do I get mediation services for my dispute? What is alternative dispute resolution? What is a neighborhood dispute or mediation center?
Understanding the Federal Courts -- Jury Service http://www.uscourts.gov/understand02/content_6_3.h Source: United States Courts Explains the two types of juries used in federal cases as well as how the jury selection process works. Also gives a list of qualifications to be a federal juror as well as exemptions from federal jury service. full description	Are juries used in federal cases? How is a jury picked? How many members are on a jury? Do I have to serve jury duty? How can I get out of jury duty? How did I get picked for jury duty? What is the importance of a jury?
Resolving Consumer Disputes http://www.atg.wa.gov/consumer/resolve.shtml Source: Washington State Office of the Attorney General Describes different venues for resolving Complaints and steps consumers should take in order to enforce their rights. Options covered include small claims court, hiring an attorney, contacting the company involved, settlement, arbitration, and use of third parties such as the Better Business Bureau. full description	Who can I complain to about a business? How do I file a claim in Small Claims Court? What are my alternatives for resolving my dispute with a business? How can I get my money back or pursue other remedies for a defective product, poor services, or other consumer problem?
Alternatives to Court http://www.wsba.org/media/publications/pamphlets/a Source: Washington State Bar Association Describes the use of mediation and arbitration to resolve legal disputes in Washington. Covers what arbitration and mediation are, how they work, how they are different, and how to find an organization that can mediate or arbitrate. Includes a brief description of Washington's requirement that certain disputes filed in court be arbitrated. full description	What is mediation? What is arbitration? How do I find or choose a mediator or arbitrator? I don't want to have to file a claim in a court. What other options do I have for resolving my dispute? When is arbitration mandatory in Washington?
What to do about a License Suspension Notice from Child Support Enforcement http://www.lawhelp.org/documents/1487713809.pdf?st Source: Northwest Justice Project Information regarding the Division of Child Support?s ability to suspend a license for non-payment of child support. full description	What is a notice of suspension? What can I do to have my license reinstated?
Revised Code of Washington - Title 10 http://www.leg.wa.gov/rcw/index.cfm?fuseaction=tit Source: Washington State Legislature Link to RCW Title 10 regarding Criminal Procedure in Washington. full description	What is a deferred prosecution? What are the rules for criminal appeals? What do I do if someone is harassing me? How do I file an antiharassment order? What happens at a preliminary hearing? How does bail work? Can I get my misdemeanor reduced? What does it mean to compromise a misdemeanor? What is a grand jury? What does a grand jury do? What are the processes and requirements for warrants and arrests? Do the police always have to have a warrant? What is an arraignment? What happens at an arraignment? What if I've been formerly acquitted or convicted? What are the rules regarding witnesses? What are the rules regarding introduction and use of evidence? What are the rules regarding criminal appeals? How do Washington courts treat the criminally insane? What is a search and seizure? What are the rules regarding searches and seizures? How do I get my reward? What is the Washington State Criminal Records Privacy Act? What is Washington's policy on Capital Punishment? How does Washington handle Capital Punishment cases? What is Washington's policy regarding domestic violence? Does Washington provide legal services for low-income individuals?
Washington Family Court -- RCW 26.12 http://www.leg.wa.gov/RCW/index.cfm?fuseaction=cha Source: Washington State Legislature Links to Washington statutes regarding family court, including laws regarding jurisdiction, the appointment of guardian ad litems, appointment of judges and commissioners, where and when courts may be convened, and priority for proceedings involving children. full description	What court will hear my family law case? Where can I find the Washington Laws about family courts? Where do I find Washington Laws about the appointment of a guardian ad litem or special investigator? Where do family court judges and commissioners get there legal authority?
Judges in the Classroom Lesson Plan -- Supreme Justice Video Lessons -- General Information http://www.courts.wa.gov/education/lessons/?fa=edu Source: Washington Courts These lesson plans accompany the Supreme Justice video, which describes the workings of the Washington State Supreme Court by following a case from initial appeal to the filing of a decision. A link is included to an order form for the video. Elementary School lesson plans are on the topics What Is A Court? and Making An Appeal. Middle School lesson plans are on the topics The Courts: Interpreting the Law Re Weapons and The Courts: Interpreting the Law Re Safe Employment. High School lesson plans are on the topics Claim Your Jurisdiction Game: Getting Ready for Moot Court and Courts: Interpreting the Law on Safe Employment. full description	Where can I find Judges in the Classroom lesson plans? Where can I find lesson plans for the Supreme Justice video? Where can I find lesson plans about the Washington State Supreme Court?
Judges in the Classroom http://www.courts.wa.gov/education/?fa=education.g Source: Washington Courts General information about the Washington Courts' Judges in the Classroom program, in which judges visit K-12 classrooms to teach law related education (LRE). Also includes an explanation of LRE and its benefits for students, and information on how teachers can participate in the Judges in the Classroom program. full description	Where can I find information for teachers about the Judges in the Classroom program? Where can I find information about law related education? Who can I contact if I would like a judge to visit my classroom? Where can I find information and educational resources for school aged children? Where can I find educational resources about Washington State Courts, Law or Civics for my classroom?
Washington State Courthouse Tour http://www.courts.wa.gov/education/courthouse/?fa= Source: Washington Courts A visual tour of county courthouses in Washington State. All illustrations are hand drawn in black and white by Richard Hashagen. Each image is a current representation of what the courthouse looks like. full description	Where can I find pictures or images of the county courthouses in Washington State?
Understanding the Federal Courts -- Civil Cases http://www.uscourts.gov/understand02/content_6_1.h Source: United States Courts Explains what a civil case is and the process that a civil case goes through at the federal level. full description	What is a civil case? What processes are involved in civil cases? What is the difference between a civil case and a criminal case? What courts can a civil case be filed in?
Court Forms/Process: Small Claims Court http://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/link.cfm?208 Source: Northwest Justice Project General information page describing the Small Claims Court process, purpose, and what a person going to Small Claims Court should expect. full description	What is small claims court? What kind of claim can I bring in small claims court? What is the top dollar value I can sue for in Small Claims Court? What is the purpose of small claims court? What is a demand letter? What if the small claims defendant is out of state? How do I file a small claims action? How do I serve the defendant is a small claims action? What if I am sued in small claims court? How do I prepare for a small claims trial? How do I collect a small claims judgment?
RCW 4.28: Commencement of Actions http://search.leg.wa.gov/wslrcw/RCW%20%20%204%20%2 Source: Washington State Legislature RCW title that covers the commencement of a civil action including how service of process is to be completed. full description	How do I serve someone with a small claims complaint? How is service to be completed? What is the law on service of process?
RCW 12.40: Small Claims http://search.leg.wa.gov/wslrcw/RCW%20%2012%20%20T Source: Washington State Legislature RCW title that covers small claims actions. full description	What is the law on small claims actions? What will happen in a small claims action?
Washington State Dispute Resolution Centers http://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/?fa=court_dir.d Source: Washington Courts This provides general information about dispute resolution, and a list of Dispute Resolution Centers in Washington state. full description	What is dispute resolution? Where can I go to get help with a dispute? What types of disputes do Dispute Resolution Centers work on? Who can participate in dispute resolution? Where can I find a Dispute Resolution Center?
A Guide to Terms Used in Washington Courts http://www.courts.wa.gov/newsinfo/resources/?fa=ne Source: Washington Courts Glossary of terms used in Washington State courts. full description	Where can I find definitions for terms used in court? What does ___________ mean?
How to Subpoena Witnesses and Documents http://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/link.cfm?247 Source: Northwest Justice Project Basic instructions and courts forms on how to subpoena a witness (make him/her show up) or documents, if you are preparing for a hearing or a trial. full description	How do I use a subpoena? How do I make sure a witness shows up for my hearing or trial? How do I get the forms signed and the subpoena issued? How do I serve the subpoena once the clerk has issued it? Does it cost money to subpoena a witness or documents? What about witnesses who live further away? How long does the witness have to stay? What if the witness doesn�t obey the subpoena?
An Introduction to Washington Small Claims Court http://www.courts.wa.gov/newsinfo/resources/?fa=ne Source: Washington Courts An Overview of Washington's Small Claims Court. Topics covered include who can sue and be sued in Small Claims Court, how to file a claim, how to prepare and participate in a small claims trial, how to collect money awarded in Small Claims Court, and how to appeal a small claims decision. Includes links to Washington state laws and court rules for Small Claims Court. full description	What is Small Claims Court? Who can I sue in Small Claims Court? What types of claims are heard in Small Claims Courts? How much does it cost to sue in Small Claims Court? How do I sue in Small Claims Court? How do I start a Small Claims lawsuit? How do I prepare for the trial? What happens at the trial? What if the person I am suing does not appear for trial? How do I serve the notice on the person I am suing? Can I still settle a case after I sue in Small Claims Court? What do I do if I settle after suing in Small Claims Court? How do I prepare for and proceed in trial in Small Claims Court? How do I get the money I was awarded in Small Claims Court? Can I appeal a decision in Small Claims Court? How can I appeal a decision in Small Claims Court? I am involved in a dispute with a business. How can I resolve this dispute? I want to sue a business but can't afford to hire an attorney or can't find an attorney. What can I do? I'd like to sue a business, but the claim is very small. Is it worth going to court over?
Creating a Just Society -- The Judicial Independence Project http://www.lwv.org/join/judicial/ Source: League of Women Voters This website defines what judicial independence and explains why it is important. full description	What is judicial independence? Where does judicial independence originate from? Why does judicial independence matter?
Why Judicial Independence Matters http://www.justiceatstake.org/contentViewer.asp?br Source: Justice at Stake Campaign This website begins with a straightforward definition of what judicial independence means as well as giving a brief history of where the idea of judicial independence comes from. It also offers four additional sources to obtain additional information about judicial independence. full description	What is judicial independence? Where does judicial independence originate from? Why does judicial independence matter?
The History and Evolution of Judicial Independence http://www.abanet.org/govaffairs/judiciary/rhistor Source: American Bar Association This is a wonderful website for anyone who wants to know more about judicial independence. It cites the actual language of the Constitution that provides for judicial independence as well as explaining what it means. full description	What is judicial independence? Where does judicial independence originate from? Why does judicial independence matter? Which articles in the Constitution provide the basis for judicial independence? Whose idea was it to have a system based on judicial independence?
Work of the Courts http://www.lectlaw.com/files/jud01.htm Source: Lectric Law Library This website, which appears to be run by a private individual, provides a basic beginner's guide to the court system. full description	What is a civil case? What is a criminal case? What is jurisdiction? What does the court do to resolve a dispute that comes before it? What the various ways that a case may be resolved? How many court systems does the United States have? What is a common law court?
Brief History of the Washington State Supreme Court http://www.courts.wa.gov/education/index.cfm?fa=ed Source: Washington Courts General information about the functions of the state Supreme Court. A brief overview of the history of the Washington State Supreme Court and what year it was founded. Explains how justices are appointed to serve. full description	Where can I find information about the Washington State Supreme Court? Where can I find a history of the Washington State Supreme Court? What is the difference between the state and federal supreme court systems? How does the Washington State Supreme Court function? Who serves on the Washington State Supreme Court? How long can someone serve on the Washington State Supreme Court? Who appoints the Supreme Court justices? How many justices serve on the Supreme Court?
GR 28: Jury Service Postponement, Excusal, and Disqualification http://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/?fa=court_rul Source: Washington Courts The court rule regarding who can be excused from jury service and under what conditions jury service can be postponed. full description	Where can I find information about jury service? Where can I find laws related to jury duty? How can I postpone my jury duty? How can I be excused from jury duty?
A Juror's Guide http://www.courts.wa.gov/newsinfo/resources/?fa=ne Source: Washington Courts Answers to frequently asked questions about jury duty/service in Washington State. full description	Where can I find information about jury duty or jury service? Who serves on a jury in Washington state? How can I serve on a jury? What is expected of jurors in Washington state? How long will I serve on the jury? What types of cases may I hear? What should I wear in court?
General Information http://www.courts.wa.gov/forms/?fa=forms.geninfo Source: Washington Courts Offers general information about court forms. There is a link to the general rules regarding court forms and an example model of a court form. Also, there are downloadable instructions regarding court forms. full description	What is a court form? Where can I find court forms? Where can I find forms to download? How do I complete a form online? Where can I find the rules and requirements for completing a court form?
Summary of Changes to Forms http://www.courts.wa.gov/forms/?fa=forms.summary Source: Washington Courts Summary of changes made to court forms from 1997 to 2003. Includes Domestic Relations forms, Domestic Violence forms, Antiharassment forms, Misdemeanor Judgment and Sentencing forms, and Guilty Plea forms. full description	Where can I find the changes made to court forms? Have there been changes made to my court form?
Understanding the Federal Courts -- Criminal Cases http://www.uscourts.gov/understand02/content_6_2.h Source: United States Courts This website explains criminal proceedings at the federal level and differentiates between civil and criminal cases. full description	What is a criminal case? What processes are involved in criminal cases? What is the difference between a civil case and a criminal case?
Understanding the Federal Courts -- The Appeals Process http://www.uscourts.gov/understand02/content_6_5.h Source: United States Courts This website offers a short yet comprehensive description of the federal appellate process. full description	What is appellate review? Who can file an appeal? Can I appeal my case? How do I appeal my case? What court do appeal my case to?
Washington Small Claims Court http://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/link.cfm?208 Source: Northwest Justice Project Comprehensive description of the use of the Small Claims Court to resolve disputes. Topics covered include: what kinds of claims can be heard in Small Claims Court; how to resolve disputes before going to court; the right to an interpreter; where to file a claim; whether a party out of state may be sued; how to file a claim and notify the other party of the claim; what to do when served with a Notice of Small Claims by another party; how to prepare for and participate in a trial; what happens if one party does not show up at the trial; how to collect money awarded by the Small Claims Court; whether and how a judgment in Small Claims Court can be appealed; and how to get more information and advice about Small Claims Court. Includes a sample demand letter people can use to try to resolve a dispute directly with the other party and links to statutes and a few forms that may be helpful to people involved in small claims. Information is available in Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and Laotian. full description	I am involved in a dispute with a business. How can I resolve this dispute? I want to sue a business but can't afford to hire an attorney or can't find an attorney. What can I do? I'd like to sue a business, but the claim is very small. Is it worth going to court over? What types of claims can be heard in Small Claims Court? What should I do before I file a claim in Small Claims Court? How can I persuade another party to resolve a dispute without going to court? How do I sue in Small Claims Court? How do I serve a Notice of Small Claims on another party? What do I do if I have been served with a Notice of Small Claims? What will happen at a trial in Small Claims Court? How do I prepare for, call witnesses, and introduce documents at trial in Small Claims Court? How do I collect the money I was awarded in Small Claims Court? Can I appeal a decision in Small Claims Court?

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Courts

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