This post is part five of the “From the Archives” blog series, a 12-part series exploring how the Seattle Municipal Court’s (SMC) work, people and spaces have evolved over time. This post looks at how SMC’s community and therapeutic courts have evolved over time, shaped by trial and error, deep collaboration,… [ Keep reading ]
On July 21, 2026, the en banc panel of Seattle Municipal Court (SMC) Judges Catherine McDowall, Andrea Chin and Damon Shadid issued their ruling on the Delta-9 THC cases. The defendants in these consolidated cases moved to suppress all Delta-9 THC results by the Washington State Tox Lab under Frye… [ 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.
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 ]
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 ]
For many people, the notion of coming to court or being involved in the judicial system is anxiety-inducing—especially for defendants. Seattle Municipal Court (SMC) has a resource available to help individuals who are going or have been through the court—its Community Resource Center, a service hub located in the courthouse… [ Keep reading ]
For nearly 50 years, the U.S. has celebrated Law Day every May. President Dwight D. Eisenhower established the first Law Day on May 1,1958, and Congress officially designed May 1 as Law Day in 1961. Seattle Municipal Court, while not officially recognizing Law Day on May 1, hosted a special… [ Keep reading ]
