For nearly 50 years, the U.S. has celebrated Law Day every May—a tradition first established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1958 and officially designated by Congress in 1961. While Seattle Municipal Court (SMC) does not formally observe Law Day on May 1, the court hosts its own annual celebration later in the month, offering students and families… [ Keep reading ]
This post is the second in a 12-part series called “From the Archives” which explores different themes in the court’s history—highlighting how the work, the people, and the spaces have evolved over time. Click here to read part one. What the Work Looked Like Before digital case systems, court operations at Seattle… [ Keep reading ]
This post is the first in a 12-part series called “From the Archives” which explores different themes in the court’s history—highlighting how the work, the people, and the spaces have evolved over time. Historical Context The Seattle Municipal Court has been part of the City of Seattle’s civic infrastructure for well over… [ Keep reading ]
Fatoumata Diallo and Halima Mohamed recently wrapped up a monthslong job shadowing opportunity with Seattle Municipal Court (SMC) employees. They were participants in Legal Pathways at UW-Tacoma, a new initiative funded by the Washington State Legislature, that aims to help students interested in pursuing legal careers. Fatoumata recently sat down… [ Keep reading ]
On Oct. 22, 2025, the Seattle Municipal Court welcomed Washington State lawmakers to the courthouse for the annual “You’ve Been Served” event, an initiative designed to strengthen relationships between the judicial and legislative branches of government.
Red and blue lights blur through the cracked windshield. The car sits skewed at an angle, the hood steaming faintly. The teen driver’s hands grip the wheel, knuckles pale, heartbeat thudding in their throat. A faint smell of burnt rubber fills the air. It happened so fast—just a second of… [ Keep reading ]
On Sept.15, 2025, Seattle Municipal Court (SMC) Presiding Anita Crawford-Willis issued an order on criminal motion regarding Delta 9 THC testing and analysis, having determined this issue to be of citywide significance per Seattle Municipal Court Local Rule, SMCLR 8.2.4. Per the order, an en banc panel of SMC Judges Damon… [ Keep reading ]
Last Friday, about 100 people in need of Seattle or King County services stopped by Seattle Municipal Court (SMC)’s Community Resource Day at the Rainier Community Center in Columbia City. SMC staff were on hand to help attendees set up payment plans for Seattle traffic tickets, as well as address… [ Keep reading ]
Seattle Municipal Court (SMC), along with dozens of social service providers, are hosting a Community Resource Day from 10 AM to 3 PM on Friday, Sept. 12, at the Rainier Community Center, 4600 38th Ave. S., Seattle. Those who attend the event can get help with addressing SMC warrants and setting up… [ Keep reading ]
Seattle Municipal Court (SMC) Public Services has received numerous reports from constituents who have received phishing texts and/or robocalls relating to outstanding Seattle tickets and hearings. SMC does not use robocalls and does not use text messaging to provide notice of outstanding tickets. To verify if you have a ticket… [ Keep reading ]
