WSR 14-13-027

RULES OF COURT

[June 6, 2014]

The Washington State Bar Association having recommended the adoption of the proposed amendments to RAP 16.11, and the Court having considered the amendments and comments submitted thereto, and having determined that the proposed amendments will aid in the prompt and orderly administration of justice;

Now, therefore, it is hereby

(a) That the amendment as shown below are [is] adopted.

(b) That the amendment will be published in the Washington Reports and will become effective September 1, 2014.

DATED at Olympia, Washington this 6th day of June, 2014.

(a) Generally. The Chief Judge will consider the petition promptly after the time has expired to file petitioner's reply brief. The Chief Judge determines at the initial consideration if the petition will be retained by the appellate court for determination on the merits or transferred to a superior court for determination on the merits or for a reference hearing. For the purpose of rules in this Title 16, "Chief Judge" includes "Acting Chief Judge."

(b) Determination by Appellate Court. The Chief Judge determines at the initial consideration of the petition the steps necessary to properly decide on the merits the issues raised by the petition. If, after consideration of the response and any reply, the Chief Judge determines that the issues presented are frivolous, the Chief Judge will dismiss the petition. If the petition is not frivolous and can be determined solely on the record, the Chief Judge will refer the petition to a panel of judges for determination on the merits. If the petition cannot be determined solely on the record, the Chief Judge will transfer the petition to a superior court for a determination on the merits or for a reference hearing. The Chief Judge may enter other orders necessary to obtain a prompt determination of the petition on the merits.

(c) Oral Argument. Decisions of the Chief Judge will be made without oral argument. If a petition is to be decided on the merits by a panel of judges, the appellate court clerk will set the petition for consideration by the panel of judges, with or without oral argument. If oral argument is directed, the clerk will notify the parties of the date set for oral argument.