Temple of Justice

Learn more about Washington Courts Historical Society and its mission.  Some background information from their website is provided below, followed by a list of the Historical Society’s recent presentations, with complete video/audio coverage courtesy of TVW.

Click any title in the list, starting with “In the Beginning (The Territorial Court),” to watch the presentation.

[NOTE: The Temple of Justice Project is not affiliated with the Historical Society, but we do work with members of the organization and share common goals with respect to the history and work of the Washington State Supreme Court.]

Mission and Vision

The Washington Courts Historical Society is a membership organization whose purpose is to promote a greater public understanding of the significance of the law and legal institutions in our State’s history. It accomplishes this through the collection, preservation, and dissemination of written and oral history, significant artifacts, memorabilia and information related to the court and the legal profession of the State of Washington.

This vision will be shaped, developed and accomplished within the context of the Society’s significant values. These activities include: the sharing of knowledge about the Washington State constitution; the promotion of pride in the legal profession and in the legal process; the enhancing of the public’s impression of the legal profession; the promotion of an appreciation of the institutions and contributions of the legal system; and the preservation of history.

Founding/History

The original idea to form an organization to preserve Washington State’s legal history came from Supreme Court Justices Gerry Alexander and Philip Talmadge. With the support of then Chief Justice Barbara Durham, a committee was formed to begin planning. The goal of this group was to preserve the rich historical heritage of all levels of the Washington Court System as well as of the Bar Association. The committee’s vision was to make the Washington Courts Historical Society’s purpose and focus statewide.

The Washington Courts Historical Society’s CLE program for 2009, “Through The Years—Important Washington Cases and Their Enduring Significance,” was held on November 20, 2009 at the Temple of Justice.  Complete video/audio coverage was provided by TVW.

All the presentations are listed on the Historical Society page, under the WCHS 2009 category.

Click any title in the list, starting with “In the Beginning (The Territorial Court),” to watch the presentation.

Washington Supreme Court Chief Justice Gerry Alexander discusses Washington’s Territorial Court (1853-1889).

Mr. Charles Wiggins, Esq., discusses State v. Smith.

Mr. Geoff Crooks, Esq., retired Court Commissioner, Washington Supreme Court, discusses Culliton v. Chase.

Chief Justice Gerry Alexander discusses Parrish v. West Coast Hotel Co.

Ms. Catherine Smith, Esq., discusses Creasman v. Boyle and related cases.

Mr. Robert Henry, Esq., discusses Thorndike v. Hesperian Orchards, Inc., Washington’s most cited case.

Mr. Charles B. Roe, Esq., discusses Wilbour v. Gallagher.

Mr. Egil Krogh, Senior Fellow on Leadership, Ethics, and Integrity, Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress discusses lessons learned during his time in the Nixon administration.

Justice Debra Stephens discusses Darrin v. Gould.