At WWU, Washington Supreme Court hears oral arguments and discusses anti-diversity measures
The Washington State Supreme Court spent two days at Western Washington University as part of its Traveling Court program, drawing attendees from the Bellingham community and beyond.
The program started in 1985 and seeks to improve community awareness of — and engagement with — the court by bringing oral arguments to accessible spaces like colleges and high schools about three times a year.
“We sit on the bench and we’re so removed from individuals that sometimes people don’t feel that this is their court,” Justice Justice G. Helen Whitener told The Herald.
Whitener, who chairs the Traveling Court Committee, said that when the court hears oral arguments in Olympia, attendees usually only include those involved in the case or people with specific interest in it. That means that sometimes, people are left with misconceptions about what the court actually does.
With the Traveling Court, community members have the chance to witness the process in person themselves. At WWU, the court heard oral arguments for two cases: State v. Thompson, which deals with the subpoena of medical records; and State v. Abrams, which questions whether certain criminal charges can be vacated while someone is incarcerated.
Whitener and her eight fellow justices also all shared their backgrounds, experiences and roles with the community as part of a Q&A on Wednesday, the day before oral arguments. The event was moderated by WWU Associate Professor Ceci Lopez, who is the director of the Center for Law, Diversity & Justice at the Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies.
“For students, it’s amazing to witness how the process that they are reading about inside the classroom, in textbooks (and) casebooks happens in real life,” Lopez told The Herald.
During the Q&A, Lopez asked the justices questions about how the Supreme Court functions, how it differs from the U.S. Supreme Court and what people should look for when voting for a justice.
She also asked how the Washington State Supreme Court — which has been recognized for the diversity of its members — is handling federal anti-diversity measures. Multiple justices said that they will continue to do their jobs regardless of national rhetoric.
“It’s very important to have the young ones see themselves represented in the profession, whether it’s as an attorney or a judge,” Whitener said. “Let them understand that it’s powerful and you don’t have to be on the sidelines.”
She said she hopes people can see themselves reflected in the diversity of the justices, and that it inspires them.
Sabina Gupta, a WWU junior in Fairhaven College with a concentration in law, diversity and justice, told The Herald that hearing the justices share their stories and the diversity of their backgrounds “was so encouraging, especially now with all the things that are happening in the world.”
Gupta said she wants to be a lawyer, and seeing the Supreme Court in person was both intimidating and inspiring.
Justice Salvador A. Mungia, the newest addition to the court, said he loved the opportunity to interact with students. He said many approached him with questions about law school or other aspects of his job.
Mungia explained that when he was starting out, he didn’t personally know any lawyers. He said it felt good to be able to help others and provide the guidance that he never had. He also enjoyed the chance to show other community members what the court really does.
“It’s not an easy task, and it’s one that we take seriously,” Mugia told The Herald.
Mungia plans to co-chair the Traveling Court Committee with Whitener going forward, and said he hopes that together they can expand their visits to all parts of the state.
“Going out into the community and meeting the students is what we’re supposed to be doing,” Whitener said. “That should be our extrajudicial responsibility, not just sitting in a courtroom.”
Editor’s note (Feb. 24): A previous version of this article included an incorrect spelling for Sabina Gupta’s name.
This story was originally published February 21, 2025 at 12:23 PM.