Supreme Court - Justice Position #03

The duty of the Washington State Supreme Court is to uphold our constitution and to protect our rights and freedoms. Public policy is the province of the political branches and not the courts. In the last two decades, direct appointment of judges by the governor rather than election of judges by the people has become a longstanding tradition. Our State Constitution mandated the election of judges because direct appointment leads to ideological and political decisions. Appointments were reserved for vacancies. Judge Stevens was elected and not appointed. His election will bring common sense and balance to the Supreme Court. After High School, Judge Stevens joined the Navy. After his enlistment, he used his veteran’s benefits to attend the University of Washington where he met his wife Pam. After graduating, he worked as a Federal Civil Rights Investigator for the Fair Housing Enforcement Center Seattle fighting racial, ethnic, and religious discrimination. He then went to the UW School of Law. Judge Stevens and his wife live in Shelton close to six of their nine grandchildren. As a lawyer and judge he has tried more than two hundred jury trials. His supporters include tribes, judges, public defenders, prosecutors, attorneys, and law enforcement.

Judge Hawk fought in the courtroom for those who could not afford a lawyer. She handled trials and appeals, and defended Washingtonians against the federal government. She is the first attorney with the ACLU of Washington to become a judge. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and Governor Bob Ferguson endorse Judge Hawk. Judge Hawk is a trusted, experienced legal leader. Senators Murray and Cantwell appointed her to their federal judge selection committee. The American Bar Association selected her to observe Guantanamo Bay military hearings, and later chose her to assist families at the border torn apart by Trump-era immigration policies. Judge Hawk has presided over hundreds of criminal, civil, and family law cases, as well as appeals from lower courts. She has never had a trial overturned for legal error. She follows the law. More than 100 current and retired judges and justices from across Washington endorse Judge Hawk. Judge Hawk will bring a strong, independent voice. Endorsed by the National Women’s Political Caucus, local and county Democratic organizations, and the State Labor Council, she understands the concerns of women and working families and will bring that perspective to the Court. Judge Hawk will protect our rights and the rule of law.