A. The Committee's ratings will be specific to
the Court of Appeals or the Washington Supreme Court based upon the
request of the candidate. A
candidate may request ratings for both the Court of Appeals and the
Washington Supreme Court. A rating will be effective for two
years.
B. When a person previously rated by the
Committee seeks re-rating for the same position, the Committee shall use
its discretion in determining if further evaluation is necessary to make
a subsequent rating.
|
Candidate |
Position Sought
|
Effective Date |
Committee Rating |
| Justice Charles Johnson |
Supreme Court
Justice |
04/22/2008 |
Well Qualified |
| Justice Debra
Stevens |
Supreme Court
Justice |
04/22/2008 |
Well Qualified |
| Justice Mary Fairhurst |
Supreme Court
Justice |
04/22/2008 |
Qualified |
| Michael Bond |
Supreme Court
Justice |
04/22/2008 |
Not Qualified |
| Judge Ann Schindler |
Court of Appeals
Judge |
04/22/2008 |
Exceptionally Well
Qualified |
| Judge J. Robert Leach |
Court of Appeals
Judge |
04/22/2008 |
Exceptionally Well
Qualified |
| Judge Kevin Korsmo |
Court of Appeals
Judge |
04/22/2008 |
Exceptionally Well
Qualified |
| Judge Robin Hunt |
Court of Appeals
Judge |
04/22/2008 |
Exceptionally Well
Qualified |
| Tim Ford |
Court of Appeals
Judge |
04/22/2008 |
Not Qualified |
|
|
|
|
| Mary Kay Becker |
Supreme Court Justice |
08/16/2007 |
Exceptionally Well Qualified |
| Hugh D. Spitzer |
Supreme Court Justice |
08/16/2007 |
Exceptionally Well Qualified |
| Mary Yu |
Supreme Court Justice |
08/16/2007 |
Exceptionally Well Qualified |
| Patricia Clark |
Supreme Court Justice |
08/16/2007 |
Qualified |
| Bradley A. Maxa |
Supreme Court Justice |
08/16/2007 |
Qualified |
| Charlie Wiggins |
Supreme Court Justice |
08/16/2007 |
Qualified |
| James M. Thomas |
Supreme Court Justice |
08/16/2007 |
Not Qualified |
CRITERIA FOR RATING CANDIDATES
A. No Rating. A Candidate shall be given no
rating:
1. If insufficient information is available for
Committee evaluation at the time the candidate is being considered
for rating, or
2. If the candidate has not made timely
application for a rating, including timely submission of materials
requested by the Committee, or
3. If the candidate served as a member of the
WAPA Evaluation Committee prior to seeking appointment or election for
an open position after the WAPA Evaluation Committee has begun rating
other candidates for that open position.
B. Unqualified. A candidate shall be
rated unqualified if he or she fails to meet the criteria for a
"qualified" rating.
C. Qualified. Candidate must possess the
following attributes:
1. Candidate meets the constitutional or
statutory requirements for the office.
2. Candidate has a reputation for integrity,
good character, courtesy, common sense, and respect for all persons.
3. Candidate demonstrates respect for the law,
for the judicial process, and for the dignity of the court.
4. Candidate is fair and has a reputation for
fairness and freedom from bias against any group or class of citizens.
5. Candidate possesses the ability to make
difficult decisions under stress.
6. Candidate has good legal ability and good
writing skills.
7. Candidate has the temperament and courtroom
practice appropriate to the judicial position for which the candidate
is being considered.
8. Candidate has the ability to communicate
clearly and effectively with attorneys, litigants, and other
participants in the courtroom.
9. Candidate had the ability to command respect
from the attorneys, litigants, and other participants in the
courtroom, and has the energy and capacity for hard work.
D. Well Qualified. Candidate shall meet
the criteria for "qualified" and must have the following:
1. Candidate has demonstrated respect for the
rights of crime victims and the constitutional powers of coordinate
branches of government.
2. Candidate either has judicial experience or
experience as a neutral decision-maker or a demonstrated commitment to
serving in the role of neutral decision-maker.
E. Exceptionally Well Qualified.
Candidate shall meet the criteria for "qualified" and for "well
qualified" and must have the following:
1. Excellent legal ability and writing skills,
which may be evidenced by excellent legal analysis and an excellent
ability to deal with legal problems, by proven legal scholarship and
writing, or by a reputation for excellence in legal work and practice.
2. Candidate has demonstrated exceptional
litigation, judicial or administrative experience. Candidate
also has a reputation for outstanding personal and professional
integrity, personal and professional independence, personal courage,
and an excellent ability to make difficult decisions in demanding
situations.
3. Candidate shall have demonstrated some or all
of the following:
a. Significant public service.
b. Potential for leadership on the bench.
c. An interest in and commitment to working
with other judges and court administrators to improve the
administration of justice.
F. For Candidates seeking evaluation for the
Supreme Court, the Committee shall consider the requirements set
forth above, plus the unique qualities necessary to sit on the
highest court in the State.
