Washington courts rarely discipline guardians ad litem accused of misconduct in custody cases
Minimal oversight of court investigators makes it difficult for parents to challenge flawed reports without risking damage to their cases
Criminal Justice
‘We have lots of work for you guys’ — emails show coordination between deputies in Idaho’s Kootenai County and immigration officials
Cooperation with federal authorities tests bounds of law and policy, stirs fear in immigrant communities
WA families are using ‘Joel’s Law’ for involuntary commitments more than ever. Is it working?
Joel’s Law petitions increased by 266% since 2020 statewide
‘It’s an uphill battle’: Decades-long effort to unify Washington’s court system again falls short
While the state’s nonunified court system allows flexibility at the local level, research shows the patchwork of approaches often results in inequities and ‘justice by geography’
Washington bill aiming to address racial disparities in traffic stops dies in committee
Proposal would have limited when police can stop drivers for non-moving violations
Snoqualmie woman charged with cyber harassment in ongoing battle over unsolved rape case
Charges stem from vulgar emails sent to Snoqualmie police chief and mayor
‘Fear and uncertainty:’ Advocates, immigrants on edge following flurry of contradictory orders
Attorneys for unaccompanied minors ordered to stop work without explanation, followed by sudden reversal
Oregon bill takes aim at ‘epidemic of violence’ around missing and murdered Indigenous people
Proposal would provide resources, form partnerships and improve data collection among agencies
Washington bill aims to give judges more guidance in high-conflict custody cases
Supporters say it will help prevent dangerous parents from getting custody. Opponents fear it will do the opposite
Suicides highlight apathy, lack of accountability at Idaho’s Canyon County jail
InvestigateWest review finds deputies violated policies that could have saved detainees
Most WA sheriffs say they will follow state’s ‘sanctuary’ law — with a few exceptions
InvestigateWest and Cascade PBS surveyed 39 counties’ chief law officers on how they plan to balance conflicting state and federal laws
Proposed Washington law aims to address racial disparities in traffic stops
Bill would limit when police can stop motorists for traffic violations
WA bill that would reduce sentences for inmates with juvenile felonies moves through Legislature
Opponents say it would re-traumatize victims and burden the courts