For courthouse protection

A courthouse, epicenter for administering justice, should be a sanctuary from violence. As prosecutors, social workers and court staff understand viscerally, however, courthouses are routine backdrops for the belligerent and the deranged. Sanctuary from evil is a goal, not a promise.

In March 2012, a man stabbed a Grays Harbor County Superior Court Judge in Montesano and shot and stabbed a Sheriff’s Deputy. Last month, a suspect clocked a detective in a Kent Courthouse because the detective demanded he stop intimidating witnesses. The assailant said he didn’t realize that his victim was a plainclothes detective (read: he knew his punishment would be harsher for slugging a cop.)

Acts of courtroom violence have quadrupled since the 1970s, according to the Center for Judicial and Executive Security. This decade is already a record breaker, with 50 documented incidents of violence in 2010 and 67 in 2011.

Raw emotions flow from custody and divorce hearings, the kind of discord that kindles violence. In criminal cases, there are victims, witnesses, families of the accused, rival gang members, an intersection of unfriendlies.

In response to swelling courtroom violence, the Washington Legislature in 2011 passed House Bill 1794, a law that ratchets up penalties from a misdemeanor to a felony for those charged with assaulting a judicial officer or other employee performing his or her official duties. The law, adopted unanimously in both chambers, built upon a previous measure that upped penalties for assaulting prison guards and law enforcement officers. The next step is self-evident, ensuring that all citizens are extended equal justice and protection when they enter a courthouse.

Request legislation from Washington’s new Attorney General, Bob Ferguson, will accomplish just that.

Senate Bill 5484 and House Bill 1653 will boost the penalty for misdemeanor assault in and around a courthouse to a felony, regardless of the victim. It also makes committing a felony around a courthouse an aggravating factor for a judge to weigh during sentencing. Rep. Luis Moscoso, a Democrat, and Rep. Mike Hope, a Republican, are House co-sponsors from the Snohomish County delegation.

“All citizens should feel safe and have equal protections when they access our courts — victims and defendants, witnesses and jurors alike,” Ferguson said. “I’m joining lawmakers from both parties to request increased penalties for violence in and around our judicial buildings.”

For years, all victims of courthouse crime were equal, but some victims were more equal than others. That will change in 2013, if lawmakers act.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, April 3

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

King County Executive Dow Constantine and Senator Maria Cantwell walk through the Lynnwood Center Station to board the 12:30 pm train during the Lynnwood 1 Line extension opening celebrations on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Transit board, new CEO have much to deliver

Sound Transit’s board hired one of its own as chief. The stakes for success are high for all involved.

Comment: Voters trumped cash in Wisconsin; keep it that way

Elon Musk’s $20 million to back a candidate failed. Strengthen laws to prevent campaigning by bribery.

Comment: Drug companies need to speak up about RFK Jr.’s FDA

With recent moves, companies are waking up to the fact that things are bad and could get worse.

Journalism support bill: Make tech companies pay share

My wife worked for The Herald for over 20 years. At that… Continue reading

Donate to food banks and lobby Congress to protect SNAP

With increasing numbers of hungry people, food banks are struggling to meet… Continue reading

Elon Musk’s DOGE work, contracts in conflict

In February Elon Musk’s company, Space-X, was awarded a contract with a… Continue reading

Everett mayor Cassie Franklin delivers her State of the City address on Friday, March 28 in Everett, Washington. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Editorial: The state of Everett amid the state of play

In her state of the city speech, Mayor Cassie Franklin makes the case for optimism amid dark clouds.

Genna Martin / The Herald
Piles of wires, motherboards and other electronic parts fill boxes at E-Waste Recycling Center, Thursday. 
Photo taken 1204014
Editorial: Right to repair win for consumers, shops, climate

Legislation now in the Senate would make it easier and cheaper to fix smartphones and other devices.

The WA Cares law is designed to give individuals access to a lifetime benefit amount that, should they need it, they can use on a wide range of long-term services and supports. (Washington State Department of Social and Health Services)
Editorial: Changes to WA Cares will honor voters’ confidence

State lawmakers are considering changes to improve the benefit’s access and long-term stability.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Wednesday, April 2

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Welch: Latest state tax proposals threaten jobs and economy

Using fear of budget cuts, state lawmakers are taking the easy route with damaging tax increases.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.