The Washington Supreme Court and the State Constitution: A 2010 Assessment

The Washington State Supreme Court plays an important role, often affecting the lives of Washington's citizens in profound and intimate ways.  The Washington Supreme Court and the State Constitution: A 2010 Assessment examines the court's record in three specific areas in which it must pay particular attention to the state constitution and the limits it imposes upon state and local government.  These three areas are property rights (particularly in relation to the power of eminent domain), the Washington Constitution's Privileges or Immunities Clause, and individual liberties.  In examining the Court's jurisprudence in these three areas, the paper addresses the extent to which the Washington Supreme Court has applied precedent, the text and original meaning of the Washington Constitution, and provisions of the Federal Constitution.