Washington § 35.20.175 - Judicial officers — Disqualification.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 35.20.175 — Judicial officers — Disqualification., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 35.20.175. Judicial officers — Disqualification.

(1) A municipal court judicial officer shall not preside in any of the following cases:
(a) In an action to which the judicial officer is a party, or in which the judicial officer is directly interested, or in which the judicial officer has been an attorney for a party.
(b) When the judicial officer or one of the parties believes that the parties cannot have an impartial trial or hearing before the judicial officer. The judicial officer shall disqualify himself or herself under the provisions of this section if, before any discretionary ruling has been made, a party files an affidavit that the party cannot have a fair and impartial trial or hearing by reason of the interest or prejudice of the judicial officer. The following are not considered discretionary rulings: (i) The arrangement of the calendar; (ii) the setting of an action, motion, or proceeding for hearing or trial; (iii) the arraignment of the accused; or (iv) the fixing of bail and initially setting conditions of release. Only one change of judicial officer is allowed each party in an action or proceeding.
(2) When a judicial officer is disqualified under this section, the case shall be heard before another judicial officer of the municipality.
(3) For the purposes of this section, "judicial officer" means a judge, judge pro tempore, or court commissioner.
[ 2008 c 227 s 10.]

Notes

Effective date—Subheadings not law—2008 c 227: See notes following RCW 3.50.003.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 35.20.175

What does Revised Code of Washington § 35.20.175 cover?

Section 35.20.175 ("Judicial officers — Disqualification.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 35.20.175?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 35.20.175" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

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Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

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